Existence in Paradoxical Changes

Chapter Seven: The Replicas, Revelations, and Road

A light fog clung to the air as Jared walked the rugged path that led away from the castle, flanked by Anne and Jeanne, the rising sun casting a gentle glow on the landscape. The promise of adventure fluttered in the air, and he could sense the anticipation pooling within him like an unspent charge awaiting release. Beside him, Jeanne's vibrant energy seemed to radiate, contrasting beautifully with Anne's more serene presence.

"So, esteemed sir," Anne began, her voice light with curiosity, "what other marvels do you have hidden away in that contraption of yours?" She glanced at the slightly misshapen bag slung over Jared's shoulder, where he was cradling the "Build your own AI Girlfriend."

"Uh, well..." Jared hesitated, feeling a bit sheepish. He pulled out the futuristic "Build your own AI Girlfriend" model with reluctance, cringing internally at how much it resembled a toy. The sleek machine had a non-stick molding clay aesthetic about it, as if it were just waiting to be crafted into the ideal version of someone.

Jeanne squinted at the object, hands on her hips, a grin teasing the corners of her mouth. "What sorcery is this? Are you building your own little army with clay now?" She smirked, a playful light dancing in her eyes, undermining the grandeur of the AI he held.

"Well, sort of," Jared replied, a sheepish smile creeping to his face. "It's not an army. More like... A replica of you, Jeanne."

"You think you can capture my valor and beauty with that? Show me!"

"Nonsense!" Jared exclaimed, gazing ahead down the dirt path. "This machine might start a bigger ripple than we think. It could help reshape perceptions of women like you in history, showcasing that a woman can do everything a man can."

"Women like you?" Jeanne furrowed her brow, irritated yet intrigued. "You better clarify what you mean! Just because I wield a sword doesn't mean that I'm made of stone! We can be bold and beautiful, can't we? Society often expects us to be delicate, but we do what we must to survive!"

Anne chimed in, "Exactly! Strength doesn't preclude femininity. We should redefine how others see us, and you, Jeanne, embody that perfectly."

"Hold your horses there, Junior Sister," Jared retorted, instantly reminded of the dramatic flair of Xianxia novels. "I'm not some sort of divine sculptor. It's more mechanical than artistic."

With a sigh—and a hint of mischief—he pressed a few buttons, and the machine sprang to life. Bright colors flickered through the circuitry as it whirred and clicked, molding the clay into what could only be described as a curious mock-up of Jeanne, her armor and all.

"Amazing! Am I as glorious as I thought I was?" Jeanne exclaimed, hands on her hips, striking a pose as if the replica was the epitome of perfection.

"Almost charming, but I must say, the spirit behind that clay is missing the boldness of the original," Jared quipped, grinning.

Anne watched it all, her laughter bubbling like a gentle stream. "If you're not careful, Jeanne will get a big head," she teased.

"Big head? You dare to question the Messenger of the Lord's wisdom?" Jeanne shot back, the banter racing between them like a swift wind. "I hope your clay model can fight, for I would not be tame even in a crafted likeness!"

"Just you wait! All your valor will shine through! It's about time you head into the castle!" Jared declared dramatically, the moment feeling surreal yet oddly exhilarating.

Jared turned solemn for a moment, the implications dawning on him. "Actually, I need to send this 'Jeanne' to the men in Compiègne. If they think your sword breaking was just a replica, it'll change the narrative of history as the texts write it."