Affable, welcoming and the embodiment of noble bearing and selfless attitude so esteemed by the Empire, it is not hard to see what makes Liem Simau so popular. Add in his prodigious gift for Rahmian martial magic and his astronomical rise through the ranks of the Royal Guard is of no surprise to anyone.
Still, the Rahmian man remains humble, if not a little self-critical. He will be the first to bring out his middling Academy grades in strategy & logistics, or how he floundered during his class’s commencement speech, or his increasingly strained friendship with fellow golden boy Hanseol Ai-Min.
For most, these are the complaints of a tiny mouse, dwarfed by the extraordinary things Liem has achieved in his short life. To Liem, they are the beginnings of a confession.
1. A letter from the coach
A letter penned in black ink on standard parchment (if not a little crinkled) came attached with Liem’s MVP trophy, Age 9-10 bracket for jianzi (think volleyball + shuttlecock ).
To the venerable Colonel Simau and his wife Core Lieutenant Lee,
It was an honor to have the opportunity to coach Liem this year. In all the years I’ve been coaching for the Imperial Youth League, he is, by far, one of the most gifted player I’ve come across. It is not everyday you get to describe a nine-year-old as “graceful”.
I’m proud to award the MVP trophy to Liem and I sincerely hope he continues to play jianzi in his freetime. While I mourn the Championship player Liem no doubt could have become, I have no doubts that he’ll become something greater following in your footsteps.
May the legacy of the Simau family continue to prosper,
Coach Sepak
2. A letter from the headmaster
A passlebox and parchment marked with the seal of Ara Coeli’s most prestigious academy for martial prowess and magengineering. It is signed by Headmaster Learu.
To the venerable Colonel Simau and his wife Core Lieutenant Lee,
I extend this letter on behalf of The Ara Coeli Royal Academy of Martial and Magengineering Arts. It is not everyday that the son of such well respected members of the Royal Guard passes through our walls and, as such, I thought it necessary to notify you of your son's performance.
Regrettably, your son, Liem Simau, is underperforming in several of his courses, listed below.
Security & Intelligence 2 (Advanced Studies)
Disposition of An Army (Advanced Studies)
History of the Northern Plains
It brings me absolutely no pleasure watching such a talented young man struggle. Given his outstanding performance in his martial and magengineering curriculum, I feel I must defer to you and your son to decide whether or not to continue with the advanced studies placement. We, at the academy, have many resources at our disposal, both regular and discrete, that we will happily provide to Liem, whatever your judgement may be.
May the legacy of the Simau family continue to prosper,
Headmaster Learu
3. A letter from the General
A passelbox and parchment sealed with the official insignia of the Royal Guards 3rd Division. Written on expensive parchment, the handwriting is as careful as the words chosen.
To the venerable Colonel Simau,
It pleases me to hear from such a respected member of the Royal Guard. Your tenure with the 7th Division remains legendary amongst even the rank-and-file of the 3rd Division, and that hardly includes the tremendous work done by your wife whom I’ve personally looked to for inspiration since I was a teenager.
At your suggestion, I requested an interview and martial demonstration with your young Liem. Several senior members of the 3rd Division were eager to recruit him into our ranks following one of the most spectacular displays of magical utilization I’ve seen to date. Extraordinary as he is in this regard, I believe he still has much to learn staying in the 7th Division.
Our work here at the 3rd tests officers in ways unimaginable by the 7th. It is the reason we are so selective. While my personal position is to allow Liem to gain more standard experience under command of General Haian, I understand officially this is no longer my decision to make.
Liem is a bright flame amongst his peers in Ara Coeli. As with some flames, it is sometimes better for them to burn longer than brighter.
May the legacy of the Simau family continue to prosper,
