After checking with the guild receptionist for directions, I'm currently on my way to the closest tavern. I decided to leave my katana and pack at the inn, and I've just brought my dagger, coin purse, and the book on Azura's geography and history. I figure I'll read some while I wait for my food.
When I arrive outside the tavern, I can already hear raucous laughter from inside. Looks like they're busy. I open the door and step inside – it's well-lit. A bar runs along the back wall, protecting the entrance to another room that I assume is the kitchen. Everywhere else there are tables and chairs of varying sizes scattered about, with no apparent order.
The scene is quite chaotic – most tables are filled, and several people are dancing around between the tables cheering with their drinks. Not really my vibe, but I'm hungry.
The small table in a secluded corner near the entrance, which would have been my first choice, is occupied by two people in hooded cloaks. A man and woman, judging by their frames. However, there is a table near them that's empty, it's just closer to the door and a large, loud group. Oh well, beggars can't be choosers.
I walk over to the bar and place my order, then tell them where I'll be sitting. I order a steak with boiled potatoes and carrots. Far from a culinary masterpiece, but that's the trade off in a world like this, so I'm not upset. Since I don't really like alcohol, and magic makes clean drinking water easy to acquire in this world, I just stick with water for my meal. I take my mug of water and get seated at my table.
I glance around, and I seem to be relatively inconspicuous. Good, I have something I want to try. I flow my magic out from my hand over the water in my mug, and I imagine my magic slowing the water molecules to drop the temperature. I continue doing this at a casual pace until I see the first signs of ice in the mug.
I release the spell and take a sip of the water. So refreshingly cold! I think I'm really starting to get the hang of learning spells and manipulating my magic.
Satisfied with the first cold drink I've had since arriving here, I pull out my book and begin to read about the lands and history of Azura.
Apparently, Elmesia is situated just inside the northern edge of a country-sized forest, called the Delmura Forest. The direction I traveled on my little magic boot camp was south, deeper into the forest.
Elmesia was the first of several planned settlement attempts within the Delmura Forest by a neighboring human country. They wanted to expand further and cultivate the land of the forest and harvest its resources. However, it turns out that not one but two of Azura's four Elder Dragons reside in the forest, along with several powerful Greater Spirits and the fey.
These beings that inhabit the forest were originally tolerant of the new settlement of Elmesia at the outskirt of the forest. When they learned of the country's plans to expand further into the forest, however, a fey representative was sent to dissuade them.
The fey's warnings were ultimately ignored, and a subjugation army was sent into the forest by the nation that founded Elmesia. Enraged, the Elder Dragon of earth wiped out the entire army single-handedly. Realizing they couldn't use Elmesia as a foothold to tame the forest, nor easily develop it further, the nation withdrew its soldiers from the forest and abandoned Elmesia.
Around 300 years ago, shortly after this incident, the small settlement of Elmesia began to attract humans from the founding nation that had grown tired of its tyrannical rule, as well as demi-humans and other sentient species that sought the forest's protection from human countries.
Over time, Elmesia developed into a thriving city, a council was formed, and Elmesia declared itself as a city-state free from the governance of any other country. For unknown reasons, this was not contested by its founding country at the time.
Around 100 years ago, with the steady influx of adventurers to Elmesia attracted by the forest, the guild established a location in Elmesia that solidified the city's economic influence.
Northeast of Elmesia is the human country and global superpower responsible for its founding – the Ralzen Empire. Two more human countries of smaller size and military power are on the eastern border of the Empire – the Freden and Balzuth kingdoms, with Balzuth being the more southern country that also borders the Delmura Forest.
Northwest of Elmesia, bordering the Empire, is the demi-human country. This country is not a monolith, but a collection of territories controlled by different demi-human races. West of the demi-human countries is a harsh mountain range with several active volcanoes, called Gelrod's Pass. The only sentient race that lives there is the dwarves, who exist in small, scattered villages throughout the mountains.
Further west, to the end of the main continent, is the mysterious Elven Kingdom. It is notoriously resistant to relations with other races, especially humans, and my book doesn't elaborate on it much.
Fortunately for me, all countries on the main continent seem to share a single currency. I'm excited that my counterfei…I mean, err, public services, will be useful in so many places.
Last, but not least, is the minor continent of Azura, closest to the western coast of the Elven Kingdom. It is a harsh and barren wasteland home primarily to demon villages, but also to the Elder Dragon of fire and some of its dragonkin.
There are also two polar ice continents on Azura, but no sentient races reside there. However, the elusive Elder Dragon of ice is rumored to roam the northern polar continent.
After almost an hour of reading, my food is brought to my table. Now, I'm enjoying the pretty mediocre meal in peace while I people watch. Honestly, this was the first full meal I've had since arriving on this planet. Obviously, after nearly 20 hours I am quite hungry, so despite the quality I'm really enjoying the food.
As I'm glancing around the room, I see the two hooded travelers from before talking with the waitress near their corner table. The small one, I think a woman, sets a huge coin purse on the table – I can't see anything but gold inside it. Are they, like, begging someone to rob them?
I look around nervously on their behalf, but nobody is looking their way. The smaller of the two travelers pulls a gold coin out and hands it to the waitress. They waitress seems to resist for a bit about the obviously excessive coin, but ultimately relents. The traveler then slides the coin purse off the table and…drops it on the floor!? Again, are they nuts?
I snap by head forward in surprise and look to where the coins fell on the floor. Or rather, where they should have fallen on the floor. I keep scrutinizing the area and can find no trace of it. What in the black magic shenanigans happened to it?
I suppose it could have been an invisibility spell, which I've been wanting to experiment with. That wouldn't keep it from spilling out and making noise though. Hmm…could it be one of those nifty dark class item box spells I heard about from Azazel? I thought those were supposed to be extremely rare.
I've wanted to experiment with using that kind of spell, but I don't understand the fundamental mechanism. Earth has no science that I know regarding how to generate that kind of phenomenon. So, I need someone to explain to me how it works, a good incantation, or both.
Naturally, between the drug lord level cash, potential rare dark magic, and shady attire, I'm very interested in meeting these two.
As I continue watching them, they finish their meal and gather their things to leave the tavern. Seeing this, and being thoroughly intrigued, I quickly walk over to the waitress by the bar and pay my tab with exact coin. Then, I return to my table to collect my things. As I do, I see the larger of the two cloaked travelers talking with a table of about five adventurers.
One of the adventurers is rather burly, and he seems quite drunk as well. He makes a dismissive gesture to the cloaked travelers towards the tavern door, and after a moment the two travelers exit the tavern. The burly adventurer chugs the rest of his drink, then hollers at his comrades to follow him and exits the tavern after the cloaked figures. That can't be good.
I wait a few extra moments, then quickly slip out the door of the tavern. It's quieter outside, and I can hear several voices around the side of the building. I quietly edge my way towards them so I that I can hear better.
As I get closer, I can see the burly man from before. He and his group are standing at the entrance to an alley. They are talking into the alley, presumably to the two cloaked travelers from before.
"Yeh got a lot of nerve suggesting something like that! Tell me h-how yeh gonna make it worth our while?" (burly adventurer)
Oh yeah, clearly plastered.
"All we've asked is for you to do exactly what adventurer's come here to do – take us into the forest in search of a creature. We can pay you in gold, half up front even. Just name your price." (male traveler)
"Pfffftt…yeah, except yeh want to spend weeks or even months in that godforsaken place! Yerrr also furgetten the best part, yeh don't just want to find any creature. Yerr lookin' for an Elder Dragon. That'll cost extra yeh know?" (burly adventurer)
Well, even I think he has a point. Hunting an Elder Dragon is probably suicide from what I've heard. He's kind of being a douche, though. I don't feel great about the direction this is headed.
"As I said, please name your price." (male traveler)
"Oh yeah? Hmm…well then, I think yer been awful quiet there, sweetheart. I like that hair uh yers. I'll tell yer what, if yeh let me and my friends share you tonight, and yer toss in a bag a gold for us showing yeh such a gerd time, we'll take yer to the forest. Whatcha say?" (burly adventurer)
He shifts his focus to the female traveler as he says this. He wears a smile that even makes me feel dirty, but it elicits a round of laughs and whistles from his friends.
"I'd gut you and feed you your own entrails before I let a filthy pig like you touch me." (female traveler)
Damnnnn. This is about to go south hella fast, and they are really outnumbered. I better do something quick. I can't afford to be implicated, though.
I was hoping to practice this under better circumstances later, but I guess I need to try it now. I hold my hand up in front of me to gauge if it's working, then I will my magic to form a thin barrier around my body.
I close my eyes and imagine the inside of the barrier shifting the light reflecting off my body out of the visible spectrum. Then I imagine the outside detecting the light passing through it and replicating the light emission out the opposite side of the barrier.
I feel my magic start to 'writhe' around on my skin, and I open my eyes – my hand isn't visible. Looking down at my body, there is still a faint shimmer, but I must focus to see it. It looks like it only partly worked.
Even though it's not perfect, the cover of darkness should take care of the rest. I can still make sound normally, so it's not a full concealment spell, but I can work on that later as well. I'll just have to mind my footsteps and make do.
At this point, the burly man has processed the female traveler's insult and is not happy about it.
"Hey wud yewd say to me!? I guess wer' gon' teach yeh some manners lil' lady, but don't worry we'll keep yer face pretty for later, m'kay? Err' one, yeh can kill the guy, but just beat the lady enough to shut her up." (burly adventurer)
Gross. A round of cheers follow his declaration, and they start to walk further into the alley. Yup, time to move.
I spring toward the big guy first while I apply max body enhancement on top of my invisibility spell, and I close the gap in a second. I take a flat palm and slam it into his gut, just above the belly button area. He crumples around my hand with a hard yelp, then goes limp and drops. Without hesitating, I move to his two friends past him and take both out together with one palm to the gut each.
At this point, the last two in the party have caught on and are staring at their friends in bewilderment, scanning for an attacker. I lunge across the alleyway and 'push' them both in the chest. They're launched into the alley wall and knocked unconscious against the stone.
I quickly cast a healing spell on each of them in case they got a serious head injury. Concussions are no joke.
I cast a glance at the two travelers, and they have their weapons drawn and are scanning the area near me. It looks like they're just guessing and can't see me. Nice, time to wrap this up and lay the foundation to get something I want.
I sprint back towards the door to the tavern, drop my spells, and fling open the tavern door loudly. Then turn around like I just left the tavern.
"Hey what's going on out there?" (Mizuki)
I mean, look…I get that it's sloppy, and it's more than a little juvenile, but I'm improvising here.
I lightly jog with heavily audible footsteps towards the alley and stop when I round the corner. I survey the scene, as though shocked by what I'm seeing. I direct my gaze at the two travelers, who still have their weapons drawn but are now staring at me.
"You two want to explain this to me?" (Mizuki)
I put on my most alarmed voice, demanding an explanation while I look around at the bodies.
"These men attacked us when a business negotiation didn't go their way, and you can see how that turned out for them. Rest assured, none of them are dead. I promise that we only drew our weapons in self-defense." (male traveler)
Wow, I'm impressed. Literally every word of that is true, but it conveniently doesn't mention the most suspicious sounding part – the invisible third-party attacker. Instead, it makes it sound like an open and shut case of self-defense. This guy is quick on his feet.
As if to illustrate their good intentions, he sheathes his short sword. Glancing at his companion, she then sheathes her small dagger. He gestures with his hands as if to say he's not armed anymore.
"Well, that's certainly been known to happen. Given the numbers difference, it would make sense to protect yourself. However, I must make some effort to confirm this. It helps that these guys aren't permanently injured." (Mizuki)
As I say this, I make a show of going around and inspecting the adventurers to make sure they're okay. They're all breathing at least. I wouldn't lose much sleep if the burly guy had brain damage, though. Well, more brain damage than he started with, at least.
"Of course. What would that involve, exactly? After this stressful event, we'd like to turn in for the night, as I'm sure you can understand." (male traveler)
His voice is even and calculated, but I get the impression that if I ask too much they might misbehave.
"Hmm…well I suppose we can try and not get you involved directly, but I need to let the guild know where these guys are so they can check on them and get their side of the story later. How about you follow me to the guild and wait outside while I let them know the situation. On the way, you can tell me about this business deal that went wrong." (Mizuki)
The man glances at the female traveler and she gives a slight nod. Interesting. He's doing all the talking, but is she in charge?
"Certainly, please lead the way." (male traveler)
They both make their way over to me, keeping their cloaks on fully. As the woman gets closer, I can see part of her face clearly for the first time. She seems to be young, about my age, and has long silver hair. The man appears to be early 30s. I can't tell much else under these conditions.
As we walk back to the guild, I pretend to question them about the fouled negotiation, though I already surmised most of it. The man does all the talking again.
According to him, they wanted to hire some adventurers to help them traverse the forest in search of a monster, but the party didn't feel they were offered enough. When their counterproposal was rejected, they got violent. Another technical truth.
As he finishes explaining, we arrive at the guild.
"Ah, I see, well I'm sorry to hear that you were unable to recruit a suitable party. Oh, we're here. Please wait here for me. It'd put my mind at ease, and I might be able to help you both when I get back." (Mizuki)
The man looks mildly surprised. That's good enough for me, so I head inside alone. I let the bunny girl at reception, Melena, know that I saw some adventurer's unconscious by the tavern. I pretend like I don't know whether it was from passing out drunk, violence, or both.
I'm pretty confident that the two travelers aren't going to raise any suspicion by reporting this on their own, given how shady they acted. The only reason I reported it at all is to have an excuse to build a rapport with them, and to cover my ass in case I was seen nearby.
I walk back outside the guild and look around. Surprisingly, they are still waiting for me, but they've moved off to the side. I walk over to greet them.
"Interesting, I wasn't sure that you'd wait for me." (Mizuki)
The man eyes me suspiciously while answering.
"You mentioned that you might be able to help us. What did you mean by that?" (male traveler)
He practically admitted that he'd have left if I hadn't teased them with information – as I suspected.
"Well, you mentioned that you were asking those adventurers to accompany you into the forest. I happen to be an adventurer as well, as you may have guessed, so I can offer my services." (Mizuki)
For once, the lady speaks up.
"We don't need your help. The forest is dangerous, and you look barely old enough to be an adventurer. We approached that party because they were all at least B-rank. You'd just get in the way." (female traveler)
That's an interesting comment. Rudeness aside, aren't we the same age? Also, B-rank, really? Sounds like I should try ranking up soon. Those guys were cake.
"My, my. How direct, I appreciate that. Allow me to return the favor. You obviously don't have the best track record when discerning the usefulness of your associates. After all, according to what you told me you managed to take out that entire B-rank party by yourselves with virtually no trouble at all. How would they have been of any help to you?" (Mizuki)
The lady, obviously angered, begins stammering. The man makes an abrupt noise that sounds vaguely like snickering. Before she can respond, he speaks.
"Now, Ilina, remember what I've told you about your temper. This young man was simply offering to help us, and you were condescending to him in return." (male traveler)
Ah, so her name is Ilina?
"Klaus! What were you thinking giving my name to someone like him!? We can't trust him!" (Ilina)
Annnd, his name is Klaus. Got it, thanks.
"Ilina, need I remind you that you just gave him MY name as well? Plus, I don't think there's any harm. It was the least I could do after you were so rude to him." (Klaus)
Ilina is fuming at this point, but she's finally quiet at least.
"Well as funny is this dynamic is to watch, I think it's about time we made some progress in this discussion. In the interest of fairness, my name is Mizuki. Now, Ilina, why don't we dispense with your rude assumptions, and instead you tell me exactly what would qualify an adventurer to accompany you?" (Mizuki)
"They need to be strong enough to help us." (Ilina)
What a predictable answer, and she calls me a child?
"Oh? How might one prove that to you?" (Mizuki)
She gives, hands down, the most obnoxious smirk I've ever seen.
"I've got an idea. If you can disarm Klaus, that'll prove that you're worthy. If you end up dead, though, don't complain." (Ilina)
I glance at Klaus, and he nods begrudgingly. Man, this girl really needs to be brought down a peg. I would have let it slide until that last part. Does she just, like, not value my life at all?
"Very well. However, you seem the type to be a sore loser. To ensure that you don't interfere, I'll ask that you stand over there if you don't mind." (Mizuki)
I gesture over my shoulder in a direction away from Klaus. She snorts and starts walking past me. What an idiot.
I immediately activate max body enhancement, then slide my dagger out in one smooth motion as I step toward her. Klaus sees my intention and tries to pull his weapon, but he's not fast enough. Before either can react appropriately, I step behind Ilina, putting her between Klaus and me, and hold my dagger to her throat.
"Agh!? Hey, what are you doing!? Klaus, help me!" (Ilina)
"Klaus, if you move, I'll slit her throat. However, if you drop your weapon, I'll let her go." (Mizuki)
Obviously, I'm not deranged, so I'm bluffing about the throat slitting. However, this seems to be the easiest way to accomplish my goal without showing my hand in an all-out match with Klaus. I hope I've judged him correctly.
"Why would he do that, you moron!? Klaus, kill him!" (Ilina)
Klaus doesn't move. His hand is on his blade, and he's eyeing me carefully. He seems like he's trying to decide something.
"There are a few reasons that I know he'll do it. First, he defers to you constantly despite being more experienced, and you are pretty entitled. So, I can only assume you're nobility that he's charged with protecting. He won't risk your life." (Mizuki)
I also think the suspicious amount of gold coin is another thing that screamed 'wealthy family', but I won't bring that up. I don't want them knowing that I've been watching them that long.
I feel Ilina go stiff at my comment, and Klaus tightens his grip on his sword. Neither speaks.
"Second, the minute he drops his blade, I'll have disarmed him in accordance with our wager. At that point, I'll release you, you'll be obligated to hire me, and as your ally I'll no longer be a threat." (Mizuki)
A confused silence settles over the area.
"W-What?" (Ilina)
Klaus draws his sword and raises it, then…drops it. The blade hits the ground with a clang, and he sighs deeply, then smiles at me with amusement.
Thank goodness. I was getting a little worried about how he'd react – trying to kill me would have been reasonable. I didn't realize I had such a gambling habit.
I drop my spells, then release Ilina and push her over to Klaus in one smooth motion. He looks amused.
"Fufufufu…you had me going for a minute there, Mizuki! You were so scary suddenly – I didn't see it coming at all! I guess that makes you the winner of Ilina's wager." (Klaus)
Ilina is standing behind Klaus and glaring at me like she wants me to catch fire.
"Klaus don't be absurd…he put a knife to my throat! Besides, he cheated! We have no obligation to hire someone so dishonorable!" (Ilina)
"Honestly, I think you need my help. The monsters in the forest will just kill you, and they're not going to care about whether you think it was done honorably. You didn't put any stipulations on the wager other than disarming him, and then you walked unarmed and alone right into the reach of someone you insisted was incapable and untrustworthy. Dropping your guard like you're entitled to living is stupid." (Mizuki)
Ilina is seething, but satisfyingly silent. I sheathe my dagger to calm the situation. Klaus picks up his sword and does the same.
"Now then, Mizuki. What would you say to you, me, and Ilina heading somewhere a bit more comfortable to chat?" (Klaus)
I nod my agreement, then I follow Klaus and Ilina through the streets of Elmesia. The streets are relatively empty this time of night, and the lighting gives a surreal vibe that matches my strange choice in company.
I pretend like I don't notice Ilina's occasional dirty looks in my direction, or her repeated muttering of the word 'bastard'. Quite the sailor's mouth for a young noble lady there, Ilina. Klaus, by contrast, has swapped into a more jovial attitude and is enthusiastically describing his favorite restaurants in the city.
We arrive in front of a very snazzy looking inn. It's way outside my budget, I'm sure. I follow them inside and they stop at the reception counter to talk to the staff.
Looking around, the place seems almost distastefully expensive. There's gold and silver everywhere in the decorations and construction. Yup, I'm definitely too poor for this.
I see Ilina set her coin purse on the counter, then she hands the receptionist a gold coin.
"Please extend our stay in the room for two more nights." (Ilina)
It's ten silver per night for a room here!? That's almost thirty times the price of where I'm staying.
I really hate rich people. Or maybe it's just Ilina?
The receptionist nods with a smile and takes the coin.
Ilina pulls the coin purse back down below the counter line, then holds it out to the side. However, she freezes when she sees me looking at her, then moves the coin purse to her waist and begins clumsily trying to attach it. Maybe she's not used to doing it?
That whole display makes me more convinced that she has an item box skill. Why would she be trying to hide it, though? I remember that dark affinities are basically anything that's rare or unique. Maybe there's a negative stigma around dark spell users?
Now that we're in a better lit place, I can see Klaus's facial features under his cloak hood. He's got dark brown hair and brown eyes, and a face that has a warm, welcoming expression.
Ilina is still not looking at me directly and is buried in her cloak, so it's hard to see her features, but I can confirm that her hair is strikingly silver. Come to think of it…I don't remember hearing about humans with silver hair existing on Azura. Though, I don't remember anybody emphasizing otherwise. It must be rare, at least, but it might not be unheard of.
Their business at reception settled, Klaus looks at me and nods to follow him. After, Klaus leans over and whispers something to Ilina that I can't hear. She seems shocked by it and looks back up at him questioningly. He nods back at her as if insisting on something, then her face goes stiff and she nods back, acknowledging it. Right after, she cuts me another dirty look, but this time it's mixed with a bit of…apprehension?
We head upstairs to their room at the inn, and they head inside ahead of me. I walk in behind them and take in the surroundings. The room is probably five times as large as mine and has a table with chairs and two beds. There's even another room with a bathtub in the back. So excessive.
I turn around to close the door behind me while Klaus activates the magic lighting in the room. I turn back and walk over to the table and chairs in the room's center…then I freeze. Klaus and Ilina have removed their cloaks, and I can see them clearly for the first time.
Klaus has a lean, muscular frame, and overall gives off the appearance of a soldier in his early 30s. He's wearing a full sleeve white tunic and black trousers, and he has his short sword hanging at his left hip.
Ilina is…quite frankly, the most beautiful person I've ever seen. She's slightly tall for a woman, with olive skin and a toned but curvy figure more appropriate for modeling than brawling outside taverns. Her long silver hair is now on full display around her shoulders, and I can clearly see her eyes…they're grey and piercing.
She's wearing a sleeveless black shirt that hugs her figure, a utility belt with a large dagger hanging off the right hip, and black pants that are slightly looser than the shirt. Honestly, I'm almost glad her personality is so venomous, because it's the only reason I'll be able to talk to her normally from here on.
However, none of this is what tripped me up. Instead, it's the set of pointy ears they're both sporting. As I eye them over in surprise, Klaus is smiling warmly at me with a somewhat aloof air about him, but his eyes are focused and calculating.
Ilina has her typical expression of being annoyed by my presence, but she also can't seem to meet my gaze and is showing a hint of fear. Taking in their elf-like appearance, I involuntarily let out a squeak of surprise.
Before I can recover from it, and still not meeting my gaze, Ilina makes her feelings known.
"Tch…what, never seen an elf before, idiot? Quit staring at me like that…it's like you're undressing me with your eyes. Klaus, I told you that we can't trust this miserable human. There isn't a single decent one on this planet. All they do is look down on and mistreat other races, and you know as well as anyone what they'd do to us given the chance. What if he decides to sell us out to someone in the slave trade?" (Ilina)
Woah, that's rough – does she really think I'd try to enslave them for profit? Responding faster than I can, Klaus lets out a deep sigh and addresses her.
"Ilina, I can count on my fingers the number of humans you've directly interacted with in your life, so maybe we can hold off with you condemning their whole species for now. I don't deny your other points, but keep in mind that if Mizuki judged all elves based on your behavior tonight I'm sure it'd be much worse than our people deserve. All of that aside…what makes you so sure that Mizuki is human? Look at his eyes." (Klaus)
Oh boy, this again. Ilina shoots a confused look at Klaus, then directs her attention towards me. After a few seconds, as if noticing for the first time, her eyes widen in surprise and her mouth parts slightly with shock. Not good…time to redirect this conversation.
I look Ilina straight in the eyes and respond.
"Ilina, allow me to answer your questions. First, you are correct that I have never seen an elf before. As a result, I reacted in a potentially offensive manner, and for that I truly apologize." (Mizuki)
I do a quick apologetic bow to her while maintaining eye contact, and she looks stunned. Good, I'm throwing her off. Let's press that advantage.
"Second, I admit that I was initially shocked by how beautiful you are. As a result, I think my gaze lingered on you longer than it should have, and for that I'm also sincerely sorry. However, I promise that I wasn't thinking anything untoward…your personality is a suitable deterrent." (Mizuki)
I smile warmly at her for the first time as I say this. At that, her surprise doubles and she is clearly flustered. A little bit of red can be seen in her cheeks as well. Nice, time to move on before she realizes I insulted her at the end there.
"Finally, and I want to really emphasize this, I find slavery to be a detestable practice, and I'd appreciate it if you don't accuse me otherwise. I'd go so far as to say that, with no questions asked, if I saw anyone trying to force you two into slavery like you implied, I'd kill them if necessary to stop it." (Mizuki)
I drop my earlier smile and direct the most intense expression I can manage at her, not breaking eye contact. With her earlier embarrassment seemingly forgotten, she just nods meekly in response.
"Klaus, I appreciate that you want to give me the benefit of the doubt. I promise you that I harbor no ill will towards elves or any other sentient races. I think everyone's lives have equal value, and I try to judge them as individuals. If Ilina can contain her disgust towards me, I'm happy to discuss this job of yours." (Mizuki)
Klaus is trying desperately not to laugh at my exchange with Ilina, who looks like she's finally regaining her composure. After a moment, he walks over and sits in a chair at the table, then gestures toward an empty chair at the opposite side. I accept his invitation and take a seat, and Ilina follows suit shortly after.
"Okay then, well said, Mizuki. I notice you dodged my question about you being non-human, but I suppose that's not my place to pry. Honestly, Ilina probably considers it a plus if you aren't human. So, let's discuss the job, what you might be able to contribute, and what you'd want as a reward." (Klaus)
"That's fine, but first there are a few things we should clarify up front." (Mizuki)
Klaus looks surprised by my interruption.
"Oh? Like?" (Klaus)
"First, I want to know who you two are. Based on how you're behaving, and your attitude about the dangers of being an elf in this area of the world, it's safe to say I'll be adopting an unknown amount of risk from this job based purely on who are. I think I have the right to assess that risk for myself." (Mizuki)
Klaus looks like he's about to object, but strangely enough, Ilina responds for him. Her earlier attitude of disgust has been replaced by a little bit more dignified air.
"My name is Ilina Ophelle, Second Princess of the Elven Kingdom, and Klaus here is my most trusted guardian. Naturally, I'm a high elf and member of the royal family, and Klaus is a member of the royal guard. My being here is not, strictly speaking, something my people approved or are even aware of. If our presence here were discovered, the Elven Kingdom could become involved and force me to return. I suspect that you'd be presumed a threat to me and dealt with." (Ilina)
Klaus and I both look at her in surprise. What the hell brought on her being so cooperative suddenly?
Anyway…a princess, huh? Honestly, I know I should be more in awe or whatever, but it's just hard to take something like royalty too seriously since I came from a democratic nation on Earth. Unless I'm asked to do otherwise, I don't plan on changing my behavior. It is curious, though – being the brat she is, why hasn't she tried to correct how I address her?
"Thanks, Ilina, I appreciate your candor. Err…I do have a book that could probably tell me this, but do you mind telling me the difference between a high elf and regular elf? I have no idea." (Mizuki)
Klaus answers first.
"It's mainly lifespan, magical ability, and position within Elven society. Regular elves live for about a thousand years and have magical abilities similar to humans. High elves live for about ten thousand years, have significantly greater magic power, and are almost exclusively part of the royal family." (Klaus)
Wow, that is a crazy lifespan. So…in that case…Ilina who looks like she's 18 is probably 2,000-3,000 years old, and Klaus who looks early 30s is only 300-400 years old!? Why does she behave like such a child then?
"Wait, so that makes Ilina over 2,000 and you're only like 350?" (Mizuki)
Ilina's face turns bright red, and Klaus begins shaking uncontrollably trying to suppress laughter. Did I do my math wrong? At this point, Klaus loses his internal struggle and begins laughing hysterically.
"Fufufufufu…oh my, Ilina, you should have seen your face! Oh, sorry Mizuki, you may have misunderstood how elves age. Elves grow and develop pretty much like humans until they reach maturity, but our ageing thereafter is significantly slower. In reality, I'm 294 and Ilina is only 32. She's practically a toddler in the eyes of high elves." (Klaus)
Ahh, that makes more sense…toddler is the perfect description for her attitude. I look at Ilina, who seems deeply embarrassed. I almost feel sorry for the poor girl. Almost. Since she copped to their identities, though, I'll help her out by moving this along.
I pretend to clear my throat and speak up.
"Ehem…on to the second thing. This is regarding the reward for the job. I already know what I want, and it's not money. Also, it's non-negotiable. Unfortunately, I can't tell you what it is before the job is completed and you're ready to pay it. I know you may find that unsettling, but let me assure you – it's not illegal, expensive, or immoral, and I know for a fact that you can provide it. Also, Ilina, before you ask – no, it's not sexual either." (Mizuki)
Klaus looks shocked by this. He thinks it over for a second and then responds.
"That's…a little difficult to accept. Especially when we don't know for sure if you can even help us, despite you winning our little wager earlier. Can we at least hear why you won't tell us about your demands up front? That seems like a pretty normal thing to expect." (Klaus)
Yeah, I can't argue there. What I want is to learn her item box spell. I can't tell them that yet because they'd get suspicious of me already knowing about her abilities, and I might lose their trust. I'll try a half truth, like Klaus.
"Sure. To ask for this would reveal something quite important about myself that would disadvantage me greatly. So, I don't want to do it until we're parting ways, since our trust is somewhat tenuous. After all, I'm sure there are things about yourselves you don't want to reveal to me for the same reason." (Mizuki)
I stare right at Ilina as I say the last part. Klaus looks troubled, but he stays silent. I guess that's a confirmation.
"If it helps, then I will also stipulate that you are welcome to refuse my reward after the job is done. This would be with the additional condition of ten gold coins being paid to me. Half now, and half after completion. That's just a matter of principal…I don't have much interest in your money." (Mizuki)
Klaus remains stoic, but then I see him sigh softly and a trace of disappointment is evident on his face. Ah, so it's going to be a 'no' to my offer then. That's a real shame.
"I accept your terms. Also, I'd like to apologize for suggesting you were a pervert earlier. I don't think you're going to ask me for anything sexual. I do hope you'll forget that I implied otherwise." (Ilina)
I stare at Ilina in shock. I think I detect a hint of…guilt…in her expression. Who are you and what have you done with Ilina!? Klaus is downright bewildered by her response as well, but for different reasons it seems.
"Ilina! Someone in your position cannot be making promises like this, when you don't even know what you're offering. What if he asked for entry into the Elven Kingdom, or citizenship!? Such requests may seem reasonable to him since you're a member of the royal family, but you know differently!" (Klaus)
All traces of her childish demeanor evaporate, and her expression doesn't waver under Klaus's glare. Why the sudden mood shift? This isn't like her at all. Then again, I barely know her, so maybe this is what she's normally like? I find that hard to believe.
"If we decided he was worth hiring for the job, and he actually asked for that, then I'd consider trying to accommodate it." (Ilina)
"You can't be ser…!?" (Klaus)
Ilina cuts him off.
"Furthermore, he even stipulated that I could refuse outright if I thought it was unreasonable, even though he'd have already taken on risk to help us. I think he was willing to shoulder the same amount of uncertainty as he asked us to, so I'll allow it. Regardless, I know I'm young, and I respect your opinion, Klaus, but don't forget that my decision is final." (Ilina)
Jeez…scary. This is the first time I've seen her act so…not immature? Klaus is clearly concerned about this turn in the conversation, but he falls silent at the last remark.
"Now, Mizuki, tell us any final concerns of yours so we can get on with everything." (Ilina)
Fair enough, I kind of like adult Ilina.
"Sure, the final thing is that, before we go any further with specifics of how I'd be involved, I want to hear what the goal of this job is…from Ilina. Ilina, I ask that you be honest…it's obvious Klaus has been telling me half-truths on that subject until now." (Mizuki)
Following my accusation, Klaus seems surprised, then suspicious. Oddly enough, Ilina doesn't seem fazed.
"That's simple. The goal is to locate, and safely escort us to, the Elder Dragon of earth, Nedonera." (Iliza)
I make a show of feigning surprise at this 'revelation'.
Now, how should I play this? Honestly, that doesn't scare me that much. If all I need to do is get them there, it should be fine. I think I could already defeat just about anything in that forest except for the Elder Dragons, and I fully intend to train more before accepting such a job.
The Greater Spirits and maybe some powerful fey could also be trouble for me, but Azazel mentioned that they're a lot weaker than Elder Dragons. Also, historical records in my book suggested that they're not antagonistic against other races, even humans, unless provoked.
"Alright, that's acceptable. You two seem like you need to talk privately, and I'd say we've all been given quite a lot to think about, so I suggest that we end this meeting for now. I have things to take care of tomorrow, but I'll rent a room here after that. How does meeting here again at sunset tomorrow sound? That will give you time to think about whether you want me to join your party for the job, what I'd be doing, how many other people you want to bring, and whatever else, now that you know me a little better." (Mizuki)
Ilina looks confused, but then her expression returns to normal.
"Okay, yes, let's do that. Err…but, do you need us to reserve you a room? It's relatively expensive here." (Ilina)
As she says this, she kind of eyes me up and down, expressing skepticism. Damn, is she saying I dress like I'm poor? Guess she's back to normal.
I direct a subtle smirk her way. I hope it agitates the hell out of her.
"No, that won't be a problem. Alright then, if there's nothing else, I'll be going. See you tomorrow!" (Mizuki)
I nod to both of them, and then get up from the table and head to the door. I exit their room and start walking down the hall towards the stairs that lead to the inn's lobby. I make my footsteps noticeable at first, then lighten them as I reach the stairs.
This is the part I've most been waiting for – the first time they've been alone for more than a few minutes since I saved them outside the tavern. If possible, I'd like to know what they think of that situation, and of the discussion we just finished.
I focus deeply and activate my invisibility spell. Looking at my hand and body, it seems I've managed to improve it from the first time. Even in this better lit environment, I can see no trace of my presence.
I take off my boots and walk quietly in my socks back to their door and try to listen in.
"…like he's gone. Now we can finally discuss…" (Klaus)
Ilina cuts him off.
"Wait…quiet." (Ilina)
What's that about? I'm pretty sure I didn't make any noise. I hear a faint rustling, then the door suddenly opens next to me. I barely avoid making a sound in surprise. I hold my breath as Ilina pokes her head out the door and looks around suspiciously.
She seems to be focusing hard on the air around her. Our eyes meet for a second without incident, then she ducks back inside and closes the door. I exhale slowly. I'm in a cold sweat.
"What was that about?" (Klaus)
"I needed to be sure there were no prying ears." (Ilina)
Well, she's pegged me there.
"If you say so. Well, we have a couple of things we need to discuss. How about we start with Mizuki – what did you think of him? I couldn't help but notice you blushing when he called you beautiful…he is your age after all, and a decent looking young man." (Klaus)
Klaus says the last part with a teasing tone, and then starts chuckling. Ilina responds flatly, though, and sounds troubled.
"I hate to admit it, but that definitely caught me off guard. It seemed to come out of nowhere. Also, stop teasing me, this is serious. As for what I thought of him…honestly, not much at first. I just thought he was a dumb human scumbag with no redeeming qualities. Now though…he's kind of hard to read. I don't think I understand him." (Ilina)
Yikes, that middle part is harsh. Though, it's not really a surprise to me either.
"Oh? I thought he was direct about everything. He didn't bat an eye at any of our questions, and he certainly didn't mince words with you. Even after finding out that you were royalty, he talked to you with no reservations." (Klaus)
I can here Ilina laugh lightly at the last part.
"Hahaha…that's true, but you know how I feel about my royal status. It was nice being talked to like a regular person, even if he did lack tact." (Ilina)
I'm the one who lacks tact!?
"However, while I agree that he spoke directly and earnestly…it also felt orchestrated. Not like he was faking it, but more like we only ever asked the questions that he wanted. The whole meeting honestly gave the impression of him testing us." (Ilina)
"Hmm…I'm not really sure what you mean, but I'll take your word for it, I guess. He's clever enough…that little stunt of his during the wager even caught me off guard. Still, I feel like you might be overthinking his behavior." (Klaus)
"Hmm…perhaps. We may find out eventually." (Ilina)
"Okay, so, bottom line – do you think he's worth hiring?" (Klaus)
"Yes, at all costs." (Ilina)
"Woah, really, what makes you so adamant? Honestly, I'm not so sure we can trust him, or that he'll even be of any help." (Klaus)
Yeah, I'm curious about that, too.
"Trust is probably the wrong word. I wouldn't say I trust him, he's too much of an unknown for that. I still have no idea what he really wants. I'm not just talking about his mysterious reward, either. One of the reasons I want to bring him along is that, for some reason, I get the feeling that he'll end up in the forest with us one way or another. I'd rather keep him close enough to know his movements." (Ilina)
Well, there's some truth to that. One way or another, I plan to learn her item box spell. The whole point of all this effort is to have her willingly teach it to me – my unnamed reward. If that weren't an option, I might shadow them until I could figure out how it works. I don't really want to resort to violence or threatening with people who haven't done the same to me.
"Okay, so what are the other reasons you want to bring him along?" (Klaus)
"Well, one is that I'm convinced he means us no harm. We don't have to worry about him betraying us in that way." (Ilina)
Klaus chuckles in response.
"Oh, his response to you accusing him of selling us as slaves, huh? Fufufufu…I didn't realize it scored him so many points with you. Funny that you feel that way over some words after he went so far as to put a knife to your throat." (Klaus)
"Well, I don't think he had any intention of harming me then, in retrospect. Even if you'd tried to kill him, I don't think he was going to hurt me. Given how you reacted afterward, I'm sure you came to the same conclusion. Also, yes, the way he looked when he mentioned that he'd kill someone if they tried enslaving us…I'm convinced that he meant it. However, that's not the only reason I think he won't harm us." (Ilina)
I'm surprised she knows that I wouldn't have killed her, but I wasn't exactly trying to hide my intentions either.
"Do tell, what's the other thing that makes you sure he won't turn on us?" (Klaus)
Ilina pauses for a minute, as if thinking something over, then sighs deeply.
"Ah, that's related to the third reason I want to offer him the job. I think Mizuki might be the one who came to our aid outside the tavern. If I'm right, he's more than capable enough to join us." (Ilina)
Eh…what!?
"What!?" (Klaus)
Looks like he and I are on the same page. Why does she think that? Did I slip up somewhere?
"Ilina, why do you think that? I'm sure he's no weakling, but who or whatever intervened tonight was on another level. They were able to turn themselves invisible, and they took out five B-rank adventurers in under three seconds. Someone that can use two different spell classes at that level simultaneously is a monster beyond comparison, and they could have disarmed me easily without resorting to the tactics that he did to win our wager." (Klaus)
Alright, Klaus, I admit I went a little overboard, and I agree that I got some serious cheat skills when I came here. Still, calling me a monster is just rude.
"I'm just saying I suspect him. That's why I went to check outside our door after he left. Him being the invisible man would explain other things from tonight, too, like why I haven't seen him be afraid once. Not when he saw all those bodies by the tavern then willingly walked alone with us, not when I had you challenge him, not when I told you to kill him, not when he mentioned killing slavers, and not even when he heard that we wanted to find an Elder Dragon." (Ilina)
I have vastly underestimated this girl…she's perceptive.
"No, you saw how surprised his face was when you mentioned the Elder Dragon!" (Klaus)
Bingo, I'll take my Oscar now, thank you.
"Surprised, maybe, but not scared. He agreed way too quickly afterward, with no follow up questions, so he might have been faking the surprise. If he were the invisible man, I bet he heard our conversation with those repulsive adventurers. In that case, he knew the answers to almost every question he asked, and my feeling of being tested makes sense. As for what he was testing, why he went through all this effort to hide his strength, what he hopes to gain out of this job, or pretty much anything else about him, I'm at a loss." (Ilina)
She sounds quite disappointed by the last statement, but I can't blame her. Uncertainty bothers me, too. One thing is for sure though, I need to be a lot more careful around her.
Klaus lets out a deep sigh, taking in her conjecture.
"Alright, so we've decided we'll be taking Mizuki into our party for the job. Who else should we bring then? More importantly, will you be telling Mizuki about the reason for this job?" (Klaus)
"Personally, I don't think we should bring anyone else. I trust Mizuki as far as our safety is concerned, and if I'm right about him, then any other reinforcements would be pointless if not an outright risk. They might upset forest dwellers in their stupidity, or even turn on us if they found out who we are. Mizuki already knows all that, so we can sleep soundly. As for telling him our motivations…I've yet to decide."
Well, I'm a little interested in why they want to hunt an Elder Dragon, but I can live without knowing. If they want to harm it, they'll end up dead and it won't matter. If they just want to talk, I'm sure I'll find out the reason eventually.
At this point, I decide that I've gathered enough info for now. Anymore and I'd be like a peeping tom. They've given me a lot to think about, so I depart the inn via stealth mode and return to my room at the guild.
Once there, I spend about an hour making more coins. This time, I manage to finish without collapsing. After, I have a nice satisfying sleep.