As I promised, Ilina and I make our way to the couch, then sit sideways on it to face one another. Klaus and Alto are making small talk at the table while enjoying tea, but it's obvious that they're dying to know what we talk about.
I cast a silencing spell around the couch. Then, I meet Ilina's gaze with a smile and address her.
"Alright, Ilina, ask away." (Mizuki)
Ilina pauses a moment, seeming to collect herself, then she asks her first question.
"Are you really Lady Nedonera's servant?" (Ilina)
"Fufufu…no, definitely not. I hope you'll forgive me for that ruse. Now that you know, I'm looking forward to just calling her Nina all the time like I usually do. If I'd known how annoying that would be to remember, I might've forgone it." (Mizuki)
I try to infuse some humor into my answers to keep her from feeling so on edge, but it doesn't seem to help that much. She nods seriously, then continues.
"What is the real nature of your relationship with her?" (Ilina)
"Ah…well, I mean it's probably best described as something between friends and lovers. It's definitely not platonic, but we're not a married couple either." (Mizuki)
Ilina's face turns light red, and she has trouble meeting my gaze for a moment, but then continues.
"Oh…uhm…sorry, I guess I mean more like, which one of you is stronger and how do you know each other?" (Ilina)
"Ah, I see. No worries. Well, I met her the day after I met you. I didn't want to spend months in the forest for your job, so I went looking for her myself and found her. After some initial disagreements, we hit it off. We formed a contract that lets us sense one another's emotions and location and communicate telepathically. As for which of us is stronger, it's me." (Mizuki)
She seems to take all that in with a surprised and slightly troubled face, but she doesn't stop.
"The Elder Dragons are unrivaled powers, Mizuki. If you're serious…just how strong are you, really?" (Ilina)
"Hmm…I don't think I really know. That's the truth, I'm not trying to be furtive. According to Nina, none of the Elder Dragons would survive a direct altercation with me. I think if I really put my mind to it, I might be able to singlehandedly wipe out life on the planet. However, I'm not going to do that." (Mizuki)
Hearing that, Ilina goes completely pale, and she looks like she's going to be sick. After taking a few moments to recover, she presses on.
"What are you? There's no way you're human." (Ilina)
I can't help but smile and chuckle at that one.
"Fufufu…yes, I promise that I'm human. Very disappointing for you, I know. You can't write us all off anymore." (Mizuki)
My jokes are still not landing with Ilina, and she seems conflicted.
"I'm not calling you a liar, but I have a hard time believing that's true. Why are your eyes that strange color, and why are you so strong? There has never been any human I'm aware of that even comes close to the level of power you're describing." (Ilina)
"Ahh…well that I can somewhat answer. You see…I wasn't born on Azura. I was brought here from another planet with Azazel's help. In my homeland, this eye color isn't that rare. My magic power is the result of developing on a different world as well." (Mizuki)
Ilina's mouth is fully hanging open at this point, and she's staring at me like I should admit that I'm joking any minute. I hold her gaze patiently until she's in a state of acceptance.
"Why did you help Klaus and I that first night?" (Ilina)
"Really? Don't you know that one? You were in trouble, and obviously the victim of that disgusting adventurer. Plain and simple." (Mizuki)
At this, Ilina manages to smile, then it turns into a chuckle as she responds.
"Fufufu…you know, it's funny. I'm realizing how little I knew about you, but how well I already knew what kind of person you are. It's like a cosmic joke about how no number of absurd revelations about you should matter if I'm sure of who you are at your core." (Ilina)
I smile warmly and wait for her to continue.
"Okay, these are more curiosities, to break up the tension. What kind of spells can you actually use?" (Ilina)
"Every kind, as far as I know. I can even create entirely new spells." (Mizuki)
Ilina lets out an exasperated sigh and smiles at me.
"That's so unfair, really! Okay, what were you doing with Miss…err, Nina's scale when you said you were testing it on me for magic interference?" (Ilina)
"Ahh…yeah, another ruse. Sorry about that. The scale was irrelevant. I have an ability that lets me track people or things even in another country, so long as I can touch the thing or person first. I was holding your hand to learn the signature for a high elf, so I could track you later." (Mizuki)
"Yeah, that sounds more truthful. Regarding things that you lied to me about, I remember when Klaus mentioned your eyes that first night, you started saying a lot of things that seemed to throw us off. Was that a tactic?" (Ilina)
She somewhat averts her gaze, and I can see some color in her cheeks as she asks the question. Oh ho, is it about that? I'm totally going to have to tease her a little.
"I hate how clever you are most of the time, you know that right? To answer your question, it was both. I wanted to fluster or distract you two. At the same time…if you're asking me if it was a lie that I thought you were the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen, then no, I meant it. Fufufu…are you going to blush this time when I say it, too?" (Mizuki)
Ilina's face goes deep red at being called out.
"M-Mizuki don't act like I'm the weird one here! You don't just say that kind of stuff to people like it's nothing and expect them not to get embarrassed! So, did you also mean it when you said that my personality is so horrible you could never see me romantically?" (Ilina)
Shit, she was listening.
"Ahh…so, you heard that, huh? Well, yeah, I meant that, too. No sense in lying. Could you blame me though, looking back?" (Mizuki)
Ilina sighs, and there's a regretful look on her face. She shakes her head.
"No, not really. I'm sorry for how I treated you initially. I hope you'll forgive me." (Ilina)
"I already forgave you. For what it's worth, I may have meant it at the time, but it's also true that I don't feel that way anymore. I now think your personality is quite likeable." (Mizuki)
Hearing that, she seems relieved, and she smiles at me more genuinely.
"I'm glad to hear it. So, what made you want to put yourself out here like this tonight?" (Ilina)
"That's simple, I wanted us to be friends, with real trust between us. I was tired of how tedious our little verbal sparring matches were getting. You're much too good at them, you know? I'd like it if I could just be painfully direct with you, and you with me. That would make my life easier. So, what do you say?" (Mizuki)
Ilina looks surprised, then amused, then a little embarrassed.
"Oh, so you think I'm clever, do you?" (Ilina)
I roll my eyes at her and smirk.
"Oh yes, extremely clever. So, tonight, and at your direct prompting, I've called you smart, beautiful, and personable. Tell me, how long do you plan to shamelessly fish for compliments? Or are you just dodging my question." (Mizuki)
Instead of getting flustered like I expected, she shrugs and smiles.
"I wasn't trying to dodge the question. I say sure, let's be friends. I'm just trying to understand better." (Ilina)
Now it's my turn to look confused. Ilina seems like she's curious.
"Uhm…understand what exactly?" (Mizuki)
"Well, if you think I'm beautiful, have a great personality, and am clever, and you want to be my friend, how could you not have any romantic feelings for me?" (Ilina)
Ilina's holding my gaze with a level of composure uncharacteristic of her. Her expression is one of amusement and curiosity, but she also shows a trace of embarrassment. Is she trying to make fun of me right now? I'm kind of impressed.
"Oh, a reasonable question. I guess that I do have romantic feelings for you, but I'm just not pursuing them. Perhaps that's a better way of putting it?" (Mizuki)
Ilina's eyes go wide in surprise, and I see slight color in her cheeks again.
"Mizuki, did you just confess your feelings to me like it was nothing!?" (Ilina)
"Well…yes, and no? If you're asking if that was a love confession, then no. If you are asking if they were my feelings, they were true, and I said them to you, then yes. I'm confused why you're so surprised? Isn't enjoying someone's company and appearance the definition of romantic feelings?" (Mizuki)
She's now shaking her head at me in disbelief. She also looks conflicted.
"Mizuki, how do you expect us to have a normal friendship after saying such a thing!?" (Ilina)
"Well, the same way I expect Nina not to fly into a jealous rage, even though she knows that I find you attractive. I'm not going to pursue a romantic relationship, and you have no romantic feelings for me. Ergo, neither of us wants anything more than a friendship. So, why should we not be friends?" (Mizuki)
The mention of Nina comes as a shock to Ilina, and she looks bewildered.
"Wait, is that why Nina has been so aggressive towards me!? I just thought she didn't like elves or other women or something!" (Ilina)
"Yup, that's pretty much it. She thinks you're 'too familiar' with me and are harboring romantic feelings. Speaking of which, could you do me a favor and explain to her that's not the case? I'd really appreciate it if we can all get along. We've made so much progress here tonight, and her paranoia will make our relationship difficult." (Mizuki)
Ilina looks troubled, but she's a little embarrassed as well. Eventually, she responds softly, without her previously frantic tone.
"Mizuki, me talking to Nina about you isn't going to fix her paranoia, because…I'm not sure if she's wrong." (Ilina)
Oh, you have got to be shitting me. Nina is avoiding my gaze, and she's blushing slightly.
"You're one fickle elf, Ilina. What the hell do you mean!? You're not sure if you have romantic feelings for me? An hour ago, you didn't even trust me!" (Mizuki)
Any embarrassment on Ilina's face vanishes, and it's replaced with pure annoyance. She responds with her voice slightly raised.
"Fickle!? What, so you are allowed to develop feelings for me on the same time frame, but I'm not? I'll remind you, between the two of us, I'm the one not already romantically involved with someone else, so I can feel however I want! The last one that should be annoyed here is you, Mizuki!" (Ilina)
Oof…the truth hurts the worst. I give Ilina an apologetic smile, and I direct a placating gesture her way. Her eyes narrow at me as I respond.
"Okay, you're totally right. That's my bad. We can't help how we feel, after all, what matters are our decisions. So, just tell Nina you wouldn't ever pursue a romantic relationship with me. I mean your people would never accept it, Nina's already in my life and isn't going anywhere, and I'll only live like a hundredth of your lifespan, so you have several good reasons!" (Mizuki)
Her eyes seem to become sad at the mention of my lifespan. Had she really not considered that? She nods solemnly.
"That's all true…but it might not matter, either. Sure, we'll never be a couple, and there's no way you'd be the only person I'm ever romantically involved with. However, if I really am interested in you that way, ignoring it would cause me regret later. I'm not sure I care if Nina is with you – it'd be hypocritical of me to monopolize the romance in your short life while knowing it won't be the same for me." (Ilina)
That's a lot to take in.
Ilina's face is a mix of embarrassment, nervousness, and curiosity. She's obviously having a hard time with this conversation.
"Even if that's how you feel, and polyamory is more common here, I can't see Nina being okay with it. I may joke about her, but she's important to me, and I'd never pursue a romantic relationship with you at her expense." (Mizuki)
Ilina nods and continues, looking somewhat dejected.
"That's fair enough, and I could accept that. Like I said, I'm not even sure of how I feel yet. All I'm saying is that I can't go telling Nina that I'd never pursue anything between us. Her concerns aren't completely unfounded." (Ilina)
Ilina's words hold a certain finality to them, like we both know exactly where the other stands now. I agree with that sentiment. I'm not sure there's anything more to be said. Ilina needs to decide how she feels, and I need to process how to navigate this in the future. In that case…
"Alright, it sounds like there are still too many things we both need to figure out before we'll know what our dynamic will be like going forward. I won't ask you to have a heart-to-heart with Nina, that's fair. In the meantime, shall we just agree that we're friends and proceed from there?" (Mizuki)
I give her a warm smile, and she nods lightly. After a moment, she smiles back at me happily.
"Yes, that much I can be sure about. We're at least friends, and I'll trust you going forward." (Ilina)
After that, a pleasant silence settles over our area for few minutes as we both process the unexpected turn in the conversation. Ilina is the first to break it, and she addresses me with a forcibly playful tone.
"Well, now that the lighthearted stuff is out of the way, I had one more serious question." (Ilina)
Oh? I raise my eyebrows at her curiously, but she just meets my gaze with concern in her eyes.
"Go for it." (Mizuki)
"I asked Nina for help with defending my country, but especially knowing what you are now, I'd like your help as well. Honestly, I can tell that she'll go if you do, but I don't know about the other way around. So, where do you currently stand on giving me a decision? Which way are you leaning, and why? If you are truly uncertain about what to do, then what things are weighing on your mind?" (Ilina)
Well, it's clear she wants some serious insight, and she can't imagine why I wouldn't want to help her. Especially if we're friends.
"If I told you that I'd been in this world less than a month when you first asked me that, would that clarify my reservations?" (Mizuki)
Ilina's eyes shoot open in surprise, but then she thinks about it and seems to come to a realization.
"So, it's that you feel like you have no right to get involved, or that you just don't know anything about this world?" (Ilina)
"I'm not so neutral as to avoid influencing this world on principle. It's mainly my lack of information holding me back. What are the demons planning, and why? Do they want your land, your extermination, or are you just in the way of another goal? Is it greed, or is it desperation? Are they seeking aid or compromise and the armed forces are just insurance, or are they resolved for war? How would the elves respond to the answers to these questions?" (Mizuki)
Ilina seems to be mulling over my words solemnly, so I continue.
"Honestly, even if I found out that they intend to come and take over part of the Elven Kingdom, even at the cost of your lives, I'm not sure that's all the information I need to take a side. For example, what if they can no longer survive on the minor continent, and this is their last option? If that were the case, and the elves weren't willing to compromise when the demons were, I don't see the elves as the clearly moral side. I wouldn't feel justified in helping you wipe out the invading demons." (Mizuki)
Ilina appears conflicted, I think between understanding my points on some level, and a fierce loyalty to her people.
"Can you imagine a scenario where answers to these questions make you think that the right choice is to join the demon's side of the war? Or are you basically deciding between protecting us and noninterference?" (Ilina)
Hmm…that's an insightful question.
"I might help the demons by trying to eliminate their reason for war. For example, if the reason was a food shortage, I might lend agricultural aid. In the extreme, if the reason was the elven government abducting and/or experimenting on demon children, I might execute your country's implicated leaders and liberate the children. Still, based on what I know, nothing would make me join an all-out war against the elven people." (Mizuki)
Ilina is shaken by my example of executing elven leaders. She appears contemplative for a few minutes, then looks at me like she's resolved about something.
"Then…can I ask a favor? It's also somewhat of a promise." (Ilina)
Oh? I direct a look of curiosity at her, and I nod my agreement.
"Come to the Elven Kingdom as my guest and let me use my influence to help you find the answers to your questions. If you ultimately think you couldn't aid us in a war unless we tried some other action first, then I'll help you pursue those alternatives. I'll do my best to make you feel like we'd be the correct side of the war to join if it came to it. Based on what I know about you and my people, I think this could only benefit us." (Ilina)
I'm sure the shock shows on my face. Honestly, I'm interested, but I should confirm the worst-case with her.
"So, as a royal, are you that certain the Elven Kingdom hasn't earned the wrath of the demons? Or are you resolved to accept my actions even if that's the case?" (Mizuki)
Ilina fixes me with a look of complete resolve.
"It's both. If elves have really done to demons something as terrible as what humans did to Alto and the other elves, and that's the reason for this impending threat, then I'll even assist you in punishing the responsible parties."
I look at her for a while after her statement. I see nothing but sincerity in her expression. So be it. I smile at her, and I nod my agreement.
"Okay then, I accept. I'm really honored, so allow me to make a similar promise. I won't act like a tyrant, and I won't abuse my friend's trust. I will collect as much information as I can without causing problems for you. Then, I will tell you what I'd like to do before acting. If you disagree with it, I will listen to your concerns, and we will come to a compromise. Finally, if elves are blameless victims, I'll stop the demons myself." (Mizuki)
That seems to bring Ilina no small amount of relief. Good, I hoped it would. To my surprise, she leans over on the couch and hugs me tightly.
"Thanks, Mizuki, I'm glad that we're going to be friends." (Ilina)
She pulls away from the hug and smiles at me warmly. I smile back for a moment, then respond.
"Me, too, Ilina. So, I'd rather you not go sharing all my secrets with people. I'm not threatening you, just telling you what I'd appreciate. I trust you to inform Klaus as needed, but make sure he keeps it confidential. With that out of the way, can we consider our super-secret confessional session finished?" (Mizuki)
Ilina's rolls her eyes at my flippant characterization of this otherwise touching moment, but she nods her agreement.
"Yeah, I'm sure Klaus and Alto ran out of things to discuss already." (Ilina)
I break the silencing spell and we stand up from the couch, then we return to the table where Alto and Klaus are. Seeing our approach, their eyes go wide with anticipation. Klaus is the first to cave to his curiosity.
"So, Ilina, what happened? Is he actually some kind of monster? Are we going to be at war with him? Did you confess your feelings to each other and decide to become lovers instead?" (Klaus)
I'm expecting Ilina to get worked up again by Klaus's teasing, or to become outright violent, but instead she directs him an annoyed gaze and responds evenly. Alto looks shocked that Klaus would say something like that to Ilina.
"No, he's human. No, we've decided to become friends and trust one another. Finally, maybe you should learn how to talk to women and get a wife instead of trying to live vicariously through me." (Ilina)
Alto, in very likeable fashion, chuckles with an amused look on her face. Klaus is looking at Ilina like he just heard his baby swear for the first time. I share Alto's feelings on the exchange and interject.
"Ooooh, sick burn there, bestie!" (Mizuki)
I look over at Ilina with a smirk, and I hold out my hand for a high five. Ilina looks between me and my hand repeatedly with a puzzled expression. Oh…right.
"Ah, sorry, where I'm from it's a way of congratulating one another between friends. You use your palm to slap my palm." (Mizuki)
She gives me an amused expression with a smirk that says, 'I hope you know that's stupid'. However, to my surprise, she gives me the high five anyway. I direct a pleased expression at her, and she smiles and shrugs, like 'I was feeling generous'.
Klaus is shaking his head in exasperation, looking between the two of us in disbelief.
"I don't know what happened to you two, but somehow I like this less than the way things were before. It feels unnatural." (Klaus)
Surprisingly, Alto speaks up first.
"Fufufu…I believe Klaus is just upset that Mizuki will be helping Princess Ilina make fun of him now, instead of the other way around." (Alto)
Damn…what a savage. I almost can't believe the shift in her personality. She was so serious when we first met. However, towards the end of our time in the forest earlier, and especially after I brought her here to Ilina, she's really relaxed.
Klaus changes the subject quickly with a very unconvincing cough.
"Ehem…so, jokes aside, what did you two discuss? It was quite a long time, you know." (Klaus)
Ilina answers first.
"Well, I've decided that it will stay mostly between us. Like I said, Mizuki and I are going to trust each other now, so you have no reason to know any secrets he told me. However, aside from us being friends, there is one other subject of the conversation that you should be aware of. Alto may be interested as well." (Ilina)
Klaus and Alto raise their eyebrows expectantly, but they remain silent. Seeing this, Ilina continues.
"I will be bringing Mizuki and Lady Nedonera to the Elven Kingdom as my guests. Together we'll be investigating the reasons for the demons' recent activities, and they're going to help me resolve any issues." (Ilina)
Klaus lets out a squeak of pure shock, and he seems like he's about to start launching objections at Ilina. However, she fixes him with a terrifying glare, and he falls silent with his head hung in despair.
Alto's reaction is more unexpected. She looks shocked at first, then becomes very serious and addresses Ilina.
"Princess, so the rumors of a potential invasion by the demons are true?" (Alto)
Ilina nods confirmatively to Alto, and Alto furrows her brow. Then, she turns to me.
"Mizuki, why did you agree to go to the Elven Kingdom? Please, be honest with me." (Alto)
Alto watches me with apprehension.
"Don't worry, my promise for honesty with you is still in effect. The truth is, I need to know more about the demons' plans and motivations, and about the elves, before I decide what role we will play in this impending conflict. This was Ilina's solution to my hesitation in answering her request for aid." (Mizuki)
Alto nods worriedly.
"In that case, would you please let me join you and Lady Nedonera on your travels from now on, including to the Elven Kingdom?" (Alto)
All of us look at Alto in surprise. I wear a concerned expression as I respond.
"Alto, can I ask why? If you're worried about me doing something, just tell me now so I can make you a promise that would put you at ease. You don't have to prolong going home to babysit me. I'd never intentionally harm an innocent person of any race. Even if they're mean to me, I won't hold it against your whole race. I won't let Nina do it either." (Mizuki)
Alto smiles like I said something funny, then shakes her head. Klaus looks confused, then interjects before Alto can speak, though.
"Mizuki, who the hell is 'Nina', and why are you handing out favors to everyone except me tonight?" (Klaus)
Oh…I slipped up. Fortunately, we all ignore him, and Alto responds to my question.
"No, honestly, while you and Princess Ilina were chatting, I've been wondering if you and Lady Nedonera would let me join you. I don't have anything I'm in a hurry to return to in the Elven Kingdom. With my friends dead, I think it's a good time to see new places and new faces." (Alto)
Alto pauses for a moment, seemingly saddened. Before I can respond, she continues.
"More importantly, I've gathered from Klaus that we're only free right now because you happened to learn of us, and you insisted that we be freed immediately. The difficulty of the task and the races involved don't seem like they mattered to you. Honestly, I want to help you better the world like that." (Alto)
Damn…that's downright tear-jerking. I'm not that altruistic, though, she is giving me way too much credit.
"Alto, in all honesty I think you're overestimating my character. I don't spend all my time doing stuff like that, it was just a coincidence that I found out." (Mizuki)
Alto shrugs.
"So what? If you let me join you, and I or someone else brought another situation like that to your attention, would you help them?" (Alto)
Alto stares at me expectantly, but like someone waiting on a specific answer to prove a point. I guess I see where she's going with that.
"Yes, it's likely. However, traveling with us won't be filled with constant charity, and it'd be just the three of us most of the time. You might be lonely." (Mizuki)
Alto chuckles at my retort, then smirks while responding to it.
"Fufufu…if you're human, I will be alive long after you're dead. I might regret not taking this chance to help you improve the world. If I don't like traveling with you, I can always leave. As for being lonely, you claimed we were friends. Plus, I doubt it'll be just us three for long…call it a hunch." (Alto)
She makes some good points. Also, despite her looks she's probably lived a whole human lifespan already, so maybe I should stop assuming I know what she wants better than she does.
"Alright, I'll talk it over with Nina, but unless she's very opposed to it, you can join us. Don't come complaining to me if we're not as good of company as you think, though! Moving on…it seemed like you specifically wanted to join us for the Elven Kingdom visit. What was that about?" (Mizuki)
Alto seems excited that her request was accepted. Hearing about the elven country trip, she nods in agreement.
"You're correct. I think it would really be a loss for my people if your visit is a disaster. I'm hoping that having me with you will make them give you a chance, and that I will remind you that not all elves hate you. I know how much animosity you'll face, and I want to offer you as much goodwill as I can. I think that's best for everyone." (Alto)
Well…I guess she'd know better than I would. I can't say that having a friendly elf with me in a country of human-hating elves is a bad thing. I give her an appreciative smile, and nod agreeably.
"Thanks, Alto, I appreciate it. Also, I'm sorry for giving you the third degree about joining Nina and I. Truthfully, I think I felt like it was my responsibility to protect you until you had your normal life back. I bet I ended up treating you like a little sibling without realizing it, and I'm sorry. I promise, I'll try to be more respectful of your decisions in the future." (Mizuki)
Alto seems to find this amusing as well.
"Fufufu…yes, you did, but it was very sweet that you were so worried about me, and I'm not offended. I appreciate that you'll be taking my statements at face value going forward." (Alto)
Good, seems like things with Alto are settled. I turn towards Ilina – it's time to wrap this night up.
"Ilina, I'm going to head back to the others soon. I need to take whatever food you guys can spare for Alto and the others. As for you, I can leave you here, you can camp with them in the Delmura Forest, or you can stay in Elmesia at that nice inn. What would you prefer?" (Mizuki)
Ilina appears to contemplate the question for a moment, then answers with a smile.
"Please take us to the forest, and Klaus and I can look after the kids. You and Nina have done plenty, so we can at least give you the night off." (Ilina)
I nod at her in agreement and smile. Klaus walks off without further instruction to start collecting food and supplies for the others, and I hear him muttering the name 'Nina' in confusion.
"Thanks, Ilina. I think they'd trust you a lot more than me, as well. We'll arrange it so that you're safe in the forest without us. Alright! Alto, Klaus, Ilina, please gather around!" (Mizuki)
In preparation for the transport, Ilina walks forward to grab me like last time, but Alto hurriedly jumps in front of her and wraps me in a tight hug from the front. What's her deal?
I look down at her puzzled, and she looks back with…fear!? Oh…shit…right, Nina threatened to hurt Ilina if she did anything too 'familiar'. I guess showing up with her wrapped around me like that would qualify for Nina.
[Nice save, Alto, I appreciate it.] (Mizuki)
I feel Alto nod against my chest. So reliable, I'm glad she'll be joining us already. Ilina wraps her arms around Alto from the side, and Klaus wraps an arm around my shoulder from the other side while carrying the supplies. Then, I teleport us back to Nina's clearing.
[Nina, I'm here!] (Mizuki)
I sense a rush of excitement through our connection, and I see Nina emerge from one of the huts with a smile on her face. Looking around, it seems like all the freed slaves are in the huts and mostly asleep, and the bonfire intensity has lowered.
[Mizuki! What took so long!?] (Nina)
As she approaches, everyone is letting go of me and stepping away to look around. Nina takes note of Ilina, then her smile disappears, and I sense irritation.
"Oh…what are you doing here, elf?" (Nina)
Ilina looks unexpectedly calm around Nina for once. She puts on a polite smile and responds to Nina evenly.
"Good to see you…Nina. I came back with Mizuki so that I could look after the elves and children, and because I wanted to thank you properly. I've told him that Klaus and I will stay here and look after everyone, so that you and Mizuki can go have the night alone. He can explain everything to you later." (Ilina)
Woah…that was bold. I sense immense shock from Nina, then suspicion.
"Fufufu…Mizuki, is that true?" (Nina)
She looks at me expectantly, and I nod my confirmation. She looks conflicted for a minute, then seems like she remembers something, and I feel a rush of excitement from her. She looks at Ilina indifferently.
"Hmm…we will gratefully accept your help with this, Ilina. Mizuki, let's go!" (Nina)
Jeez, what got into her?
"Hold on a minute, Nina, we still need to set up some protection for everyone here. I also need to talk to Alto." (Mizuki)
Nina rolls her eyes impatiently, but she nods her acknowledgement.
Alto and Ilina have made their way to the huts and are slowly interacting with the elves that are still awake. To say the other elves are excited is a huge understatement. I give them space to enjoy their reunion.
Alto notices me, and she walks over with a smile. When she gets close, I give her an update.
"Hey, Alto. Nina and I will leave soon. However, we'll come back first thing in the morning and arrange for more food, water, and whatever else you guys need. Then, we'll return the wolf-kin to their tribe. I'm guessing we'll probably need you to accompany us to diffuse the situation, so they don't attack the human with their stolen children." (Mizuki)
Alto nods her agreement, and she gives me a look of pity. Cool, now on to that last thing.
I look around the clearing to get a sense of its size, then will my magic to spill out and form a cage-like dome over the entire clearing. When the shape and size feel correct, and I imagine more of my magic pouring into the frame of the cage dome, and then taking on the property of repelling any matter. I stop when it feels like I can't force any more magic into the structure. Time to test it.
"Hey, Klaus! Come help me with something!" (Mizuki)
Klaus looks over from the huts, like 'who me?', then jogs over.
"What's up, Mizuki? Need something?" (Klaus)
He's looking at me, confused. I guess I haven't really asked him for anything lately, I've mostly interacted with Ilina.
"Yeah, try crossing the clearing's edge and heading into the forest. Try and leave by any means necessary, like your life depended on it. Nina made a barrier to protect you guys while we're gone, and I want you to test it." (Mizuki)
Klaus smiles eagerly, and he takes off towards the forest with a nod. After a minute, I see him slow down near the edge and feel out in front of him with his sword. After a minute, he starts swinging it at empty space, and it looks like it keeps bouncing back at him.
Eventually, he jogs back over, breathing heavily, and gives me an approving nod. Perfect. I will a thought communication to Alto and Ilina to let them know we're leaving.
[Alto, Ilina, we're leaving now! I'll see you both in the morning!] (Mizuki)
They both look at me in surprise, especially Ilina who is new to the experience, but they both wave goodbye from afar. I'm all set now.
[Nina, we can go.] (Mizuki)
Nina appears at my side, and she wraps her arms around me with a smile. I chuckle at her enthusiasm, then teleport us back to our inn room.
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
Nina insisted on another bath together as soon as we got back, which is where we find ourselves currently. She also has questions.
"Mizuki, you were gone with those elves a long time. What happened, and why did that elf use my nickname?" (Nina)
Ahh…shit, I'll need to come clean about that. I might owe Nina an apology.
"Well, long story short I agreed to answer all Ilina's questions honestly. So, now she knows most of the stuff about me that I was hiding. We've agreed to be friends and have some mutual trust in the future. Also, she invited us to the Elven Kingdom to help us decide about aiding them against the demons." (Mizuki)
Nina's eyes go wide in surprise.
"Mizuki, I'm not thrilled about the other stuff either, but you told her everything about you!? Do you trust her that much now!?" (Nina)
Nina is appalled, and I sense the beginnings of…apprehension?
"I didn't fully trust her, but I was tired of our tedious interactions. Her and Klaus seem like they could be good friends to us, and I wanted to earn their trust the only way I knew how. However, yes, now I trust her with that information about me. I don't think she'll abuse it." (Mizuki)
I sense more apprehension from Nina, mixed with surprise.
"Mizuki, I'm the only one you've shared that much with until now. Did anything else…happen…between you two tonight?" (Nina)
"Uhm…about that. Turns out you might have been right about her having romantic feelings for me, she admitted as much herself. So, I'm sorry for acting like you were just paranoid." (Mizuki)
I sense immense fear, then anger, from Nina.
"Mizuki, what!? Did…"
I interrupt her to clarify.
"Nina, please relax. Like I've told you before, that's not going to affect you and me. When she mentioned her feelings, I told her how important you were to me. I made it clear that her and I were friends, you and I were romantically involved, and I'd never betray you. She accepted it." (Mizuki)
I sense shock from Nina, and her mouth is slightly open. There is a moment of internal conflict evident on her face and in her emotions, but then I sense relief and happiness. Looking at her…was she really that worried that Ilina would get between us?
She smiles at me gratefully, and I press on with my reassurances.
"Haven't I always told you that was the case? Another person can't change our relationship by force…you'll come first for me. I'm sorry if anything I did made you doubt that." (Mizuki)
Nina shakes her head, and I can see her eyes getting a little misty. Are you kidding me!? I've never seen that much vulnerability from Nina!
"No, Mizuki, I get it. I'm sorry. I thought you trusting her with your secrets meant that her and I were the same, and that you didn't consider our relationship special, but now I understand that's not true." (Nina)
She's looking at me with a weird expression, and before I can interrogate it, she continues.
"There is actually something that I want. I was going to use the favor you promised me tonight to ask for it." (Nina)
Favor? Ahh, right…from chilling out during our jailbreak and just keeping guard.
She's looking at me with an expression of suppressed hopefulness. I nod at her with raised eyebrows, like 'go on, I'm listening'. She looks conflicted for a minute, like she's not sure if or how to express what she wants. Then, she seems to make up her mind.
Nina climbs from the bath and wraps a towel around herself, then begins walking across the room. Confused, I exit the bath as well and dry off, then make my way over to her.
I move to get changed, but she grabs my wrist abruptly and pulls me over to her, then presses our lips together.
After a few seconds, she pushes against me, and I stumble backward onto the bed. Before I can recover, Nina quickly follows me onto the bed, so that she's leaning over me.
Looking up at her, her face is flushed.
"Mizuki, this is what I want…" (Nina)
She looks at me expectantly, waiting for my answer.
After a few moments, I nod my agreement.