It's the morning of our trip to the Elven Kingdom, about half an hour before sunrise. Nina is sleeping peacefully on my chest. Turns out, she was looking forward to flying me in her dragon form. So, she was disappointed to hear that I took Ilina on a joyride all the way to Avalon, and that I snagged some teleportation sites for us that made her flying unnecessary.
Fortunately, her and Zara did an orc hunting job yesterday at the guild and had a really good time, so she wasn't too mad at me. Still, I was forced to make it up to her. She seemed to forget about why she was mad after that, and quickly fell asleep on me like this.
I told Ilina and Alto to collect everyone and meet at our room shortly after sunrise, and that I would teleport us all to our first stop from here. So, Nina still has a little bit of time to sleep in.
No sooner do I think this, than she begins to stir from her sleep. After a minute, she blinks groggily and focuses her eyes on me. When she comes to her senses, she directs a blissful smile at me.
"Fufufu…good morning, Nina, did you sleep well?" (Mizuki)
"Hmm…yes, I think I did. I was quite active yesterday, so that helped." (Nina)
"I know, I wasn't expecting you to like Zara's company so much. I'm glad you two are getting along." (Mizuki)
"Yes, I've started to appreciate creatures, even weaker ones, for their company more since we met. It's made my life more fun. My favorite times are still with you, though." (Nina)
As she says the last part, she slides forward and kisses me briefly, then pulls away. With a deep sigh and a smile, she slides out of the bed and starts getting dressed. I watch her for a while, then I follow suit.
Sometime later, I hear a knock on the door and welcome in all the elves and Zara. Once they're all inside, I shut the door and address them.
"Okay everyone! As Ilina or Alto may have mentioned, there has been a slight change of plans! We will now be taking you directly to the eastern entrance to the Elven Kingdom. There, Ilina will let the guards know about her plans, and then we will take you directly to Avalon. From there, we will probably part ways, and you can find safe passage back to wherever you wish within the Elven Kingdom. Are there any questions?" (Mizuki)
I look out over the elves' faces, and everyone seems to be shaking their heads. Then, one elf steps forward with a polite smile. She has dark black hair, pale skin, and blue eyes, and she's about Nina's height.
"I don't have a question, I just wanted to tell you that we appreciate everything you and Lady Nedonera have done for us. I know some of us weren't very friendly towards you, since you're human, but please know that we feel bad about that now. We hope we can repay your kindness eventually."
Wow…that's very touching. I smile back at her appreciatively.
"I appreciate your kind words, and don't worry, you don't owe me anything. If you just move on with your lives happily, then I'll consider it worth it. Alright! If there are no other questions, then everyone please gather around for transport!" (Mizuki)
Nina and Ilina grab onto me from either side, then the rest of the group squeezes in tightly. I apply a concealment spell, and then teleport us to the eastern entrance of the Elven Kingdom.
When we arrive, I confirm that we're not being watched and drop the concealment spells.
"Alright, Princess Ilina and Lady Nedonera, we'll all follow you. I'll stay at my Lady's side in case she needs anything form me. Everyone else, please stay behind us and don't do anything hostile for any reason." (Mizuki)
[Fufufu…I do love you in this role, Mizuki.] (Nina)
That dragon is way too amused right now. We make our way over to the entrance, and an elven guard notices our approach on the ground level. He calls out to us.
"Halt! You find yourself at the border to the Elven Kingdom. Only elves, demi-humans with special permits, and royal guests are permitted! Please state your business!" (elf guard 1)
Ilina removes the hood of her cloak, and the other elves do the same.
"I am Second Princess of the Elven Kingdom, Ilina Ophelle, and this is my royal guard, Klaus. The elven women with me were rescued from slavers, and they seek only to return home. This woman with me…" (Ilina)
Ilina gestures at Nina.
"…is Lady Nedonera, the Elder Dragon of earth. The other two are her escorts. They are responsible for freeing these elves, and may aid us against the impending demon invasion, so I have invited them here as royal guests. I demand safe passage for myself, the elves, and my guests." (Ilina)
Upon hearing Ilina's name, the guard immediately goes into a kneel. However, he also looks confused by the statement that Nina is a dragon.
"Princess Ilina, we are humbled by your visit to our station! I apologize, we were not aware that you'd be coming. Of course, all the elves in your party are no issue, and a wolf-kin as a royal guest does not require further concern. However, the other two appear human. If the woman were truly an Elder Dragon, th-" (elf guard 1)
Before he can comment further, Nina interjects.
"Very well elven guard, do you require proof?" (Nina)
Without waiting for an answer, Nina walks out away from the group and is enveloped in a ray of blinding light. After, her dragon form in its immense size can be seen towering as high as the wall. She leans her face over to the guard, and then uses thought communication.
[Will this suffice for your proof elf? If not, I could cause a small earthquake.] (Nina)
The guard goes pale and breaks out in a cold sweat. He furiously tries to answer.
"N-N-No, Great Dragon, that won't be necessary! We are deeply humbled by your visit to our country, and we eagerly grant your passage!" (elf guard 1)
[I'm glad to hear it, very well then.] (Nina)
Nina returns to her human form in a flash of light and returns to our group. The guard turns to me curiously.
"Is this one also a dragon disguised as a human? I confess, I was not aware that was possible, so I apologize." (elf guard 1)
I put on my most respectful tone, and I give a polite bow to the guard.
"No, sir. I'm human, but I'm also a loyal servant and advisor to Lady Nedonera. I can assure you, her orders are absolute, and I won't cause any trouble in your country." (Mizuki)
The guard glares at me with barely contained disgust. Jeez…what'd I do to you man?
"Be that as it may, humans are not permitted in the Elven Kingdom. You will have to remain here or turn back, but the rest of your party may enter." (elf guard 1)
Nina speaks out first. As she does, she walks toward the elven guard and fixes him with a stare so menacing that even I feel a little uneasy.
"Is that so? He's responsible for saving every elf here including your princess, he's the one who convinced me to potentially aid you, and he even has your princess's blessing to enter. If you're telling me that your prejudice for an entire race is so absolute that you'd ignore this and deny me my most trusted escort, then I will be returning home immediately. I will not be going anywhere without him, even if I have to leave your people to die by the demons' hands." (Nina)
Needless to say, the guard looks absolutely terrified.
"G-G-Great Dragon, I meant no disrespect, it's just…" (elf guard 1)
Before he can finish, Ilina steps forward to back Nina up.
"Guard, I offered them my protection and safe passage, and I won't have the value of my word denigrated by turning away a member of her escort. More importantly, there is no elven law that says the ban on human travelers extends to royal guests. I'm not asking you to give him passage, I'm ordering you as your Princess, and I won't tolerate any further delays. Is that understood?" (Ilina)
If the guard was thinking about resisting before, the stern lecture from Ilina destroys those thoughts. He starts frantically bowing to Ilina and screaming at the other guards.
"Entry is permitted for all party members! Do not impede their passage! Please be advised, this is a royal status group!" (elf guard 1)
Ilina and Nina make their way back to the group, and Ilina lets out a deep sigh and gives me a strained smile. I send them both thought messages.
[Very impressive you two, remind me never to get on your bad sides. Nina, I thought the sarcasm about the earthquake was a nice touch! Ilina, I promise to be on my best behavior for you, friend.] (Mizuki)
Ilina's smile becomes a bit more genuine, and Nina responds with a thought message.
[Fufufu…that wasn't sarcasm.] (Nina)
That's…not what I was hoping to hear.
We make our way through the gate, which just feels like a formality. A few guards inside the wall glare at me suspiciously, but nobody says anything. After we're through the gate and away from the wall some distance, I speak up.
"Ah, Lady Nedonera, perhaps now is an okay time for you to take us to Avalon?" (Mizuki)
Nina smiles and squeezes in close to my side.
"Everyone, please prepare for travel to Avalon!" (Nina)
The group immediately gets the message and squeezes in close to me. After they're settled, I cast a concealment spell and teleport us to Avalon's outer wall.
When we arrive, I wait until I'm sure we're free from observation, then I drop concealment.
"Lady Nedonera, Princess Ilina, we will follow your lead like last time." (Mizuki)
They both nod and start making their way towards the entrance gate. When we arrive, a similar scenario plays out, just a bit friendlier.
"Hello travelers, welcome to Avalon. Please state your party's bus…Princess Ilina!?" (Avalon guard)
Once the guard recognizes Ilina, his face contorts in shock and excitement.
"Good morning. I'm returning to the royal palace with these elven women, who have been freed from the human countries' slave trade, and these royal guests of mine." (Ilina)
The guard seems very happy to hear this, but he looks surprised when he sees Nina and me. Honestly, that's polite for elves, I'm noticing.
"Oh, Princess Ilina, welcome back from your travels! Good to see you, too, Klaus! We're happy you've returned home! That's unfortunate that these poor girls had to endure that, but I'm happy they are safe and in your care. Err…may I ask why those two seem human? Are they prisoners? Perhaps the slavers responsible for these poor girls' kidnapping?" (Avalon guard)
"Thank you, I'm touched by the warm welcome. This woman is Lady Nedonera, the Elder Dragon of earth from the Delmura Forest, and the other one is her subordinate. She's here as my guest to discuss offering us aid in the event of a demon invasion. As you may know, we recently learned of Veyron's potential involvement, so her help is critical. I'd appreciate you treating them with the same respect you'd show me." (Ilina)
The guard's eyes go wide in surprise, and he glances at Nina. Nina seems to interpret that as skepticism on his part.
"Fufufu…I assure you, it's true. Your guard at the eastern border insisted that I show him my dragon form to prove it. I don't recommend demanding that here unless you want a mess, though." (Nina)
Damn…brutal Nina. The guard hurriedly dismisses the suggestion.
"No, no, please don't! Once is quite enough, and you're Princess Ilina's guest. We will not hold you up further. Please enjoy your time in our kingdom, Great Dragon. We're honored to have you and your escorts visiting." (Avalon guard)
With that, the guard steps out of the way, and waves us through. As we pass through the gate, Avalon comes into view. A beautiful, paved road leads endlessly off into the city, and well-kept shops and other buildings line the side of the road. Dozens of elves can be seen moving back and forth across the city with a carefree attitude.
We begin following Ilina through the city, and we appear to be making our way towards the massive white building I saw yesterday. I can't help but be reminded of Princess Peach's castle when I see it. I also notice a marble statue of an elven woman, seemingly built to scale.
"Princess Ilina, may I ask who is depicted in that statue?" (Mizuki)
Ilina glances towards the statue where I'm gesturing, then she nods solemnly.
"That is First Princess Rennalia Ophelle, the first Azura-born elven royal. She died dozens of millennia ago, at a relatively young age – around three thousand years old." (Ilina)
That's strange…from what Ilina has told me, that virtually never happens, even to common elves. Elves' basic needs are almost ubiquitously met, their physiology and healing magic keep them extremely healthy, and violent crime between elves is exceedingly rare. So…
"I'm very sorry to hear that…how did she die?" (Mizuki)
Some of the freed elves with us give me a sidelong glance, like they're annoyed that I asked. Ilina answers hesitantly.
"Elves were the only sentient race on our original planet, so our early ancestors on Azura assumed that humans would be as nonaggressive as elves. Princess Rennalia led the first diplomatic envoy across Gelrod's Pass to contact the human countries Azazel told the first elves about. Unfortunately, humans considered themselves the rightful owners of all land on Azura. Princess Rennalia and her escorts were slaughtered on their diplomatic mission when they refused to swear fealty to a human ruler." (Ilina)
Shit…that explains some of their long-standing hate towards humans. To elven royalty, a dozen millennia is barely more than a lifespan, so I bet her murder doesn't even seem that long ago to them.
"That's…tragic…I'm sorry. Your people's feelings towards humans makes more sense now. How did the Elven Kingdom respond to such an egregious act of violence? I'm not aware of any prior wars between elves and humans." (Mizuki)
"Elves had settled on Azura only a few short millennia earlier, and we reproduce much less quickly than humans. So, the elves' numbers were small, and the development of this kingdom still limited. Since humans had yet to discover their exact location, and they had the protection of Gelrod's Pass, early elves thought it best not to retaliate. Instead, Princess Rennalia was mourned in isolation and that statue was erected." (Ilina)
That makes sense…from what Ilina told me yesterday, elves still fear an all-out war with humans due to their excessive numbers.
Our group falls into a morbid silence as we continue through the streets of Avalon.
Over the course of our walk to the palace, Nina and I get several surprised, fearful, or hateful looks. By contrast, Ilina is a point of interest for her people – several elves come running up to say high and give their respects. From what I can see, she's extremely popular.
"Princess Ilina, you seem to be quite beloved by your people." (Mizuki)
Ilina smiles back at me, embarrassed, but Alto responds for her.
"Oh yes, she's very loved. She also has a reputation for hating when she's treated like royalty, but that just makes our people love her more. Fufufu…quite the dilemma for her!" (Alto)
Ilina rolls her eyes at Alto and stays silent.
Eventually, we arrive at the palace in the center of the city, and I annoyedly notice even more guards. There are two of them, both young, friendly looking elven men.
"Oh, Klaus, you're back man!" (palace guard 1)
"Yeah, look, it's Princess Ilina, too!" (palace guard 2)
"Hello, Ren and Tor, it's good to see you. Could one of you please let my mother know that I've returned from my travels, and that I've brought guests. I'm sure she'll want to question me soon." (Ilina)
"Ohhh, yeah, I bet you're in for it, Princess! I'll let the Queen know you've arrived, and you can follow me inside. Tor, I'll be back in a bit." (Ren)
We follow Ren inside, and he looks at me curiously.
"So, are you human? You at least look human. I've never actually met one of you before, but I bet you had a real rough time coming through this country. Did anyone try to kill you?" (Ren)
I can't help but like Ren. I give him a friendly smile.
"Fufufu…yes, I am. Fortunately, nobody has tried to kill me yet. I'm hoping you aren't the first, because you look capable. Also, you've been the nicest to me so far, so it would be a little depressing if you tried to kill me after such a good start." (Mizuki)
Ren looks surprised, then laughs heartily.
"Hahahaha…you're funny, man! No, you don't have to worry about me. Klaus isn't even trying to keep an eye on you right now, which tells me everything that I need to know. Alright, we're here! Just wait, and I'll notify them." (Ren)
We've arrived at a large domed room with several seats around it. On the other side, there is a long ornate hallway leading up to two massive doors. Guards are positioned in front of them. I'm guessing that's the throne room, and this is a waiting area.
Ren takes off down the hallway and seems to converse with the guards for a minute. Then, one of them slips through the doors, and Ren heads back to us.
"Alright, I've let them know you're here! They should be out to get you soon. I made sure to warn them that there was at least one person who looked human, so some of the less friendly royal guards aren't surprised into stabbing you. Best of luck!" (Ren)
With that, he takes off back the way we came, presumably to his post.
"Fufufu…Klaus, I quite like your friend there. Any chance the rest of my elven interactions will be that relaxing?" (Mizuki)
Klaus's usual joking demeanor is replaced by a solemn expression, and he shakes his head.
"No. Sorry, Mizuki. Just hang in there, okay?" (Klaus)
Well, that was so frank that I can't help but smile at it. Ilina is glancing back at me nervously.
[Don't worry, Ilina, even if they try to stab me or someone else, I'll make sure nobody gets hurt. For this first time, at least, I won't even retaliate until you've had a chance to intervene. I promise.] (Mizuki)
Ilina's eyes go wide in surprise, then she smiles at me gratefully. At that moment, we hear a bustle of activity from the long hallway. A guard quickly makes his way towards us.
"You've been granted an audience with Her Royal Highness, Queen Elira Ophelle! Please follow me at once!" (guard)
He gives Nina and me somewhat dirty looks, then turns quickly and walks towards the throne room doors. We all quickly follow, and the other guards open the doors to what I assume is the throne room.
As we pass through, we enter a large rectangular room lined with white stone pillars on either side of a long red carpet. Very cliché for a throne room. At the end of the room is a raised platform with a white stone throne atop it.
Sitting on the throne is a beautiful silver haired woman who seems early 30s. She's wearing a flowing grey dress, and a calculating smile. No doubt, this is the Queen.
I learned from Ilina yesterday when chatting on our flight that high elves don't ever look past late thirties while they're healthy. At the very end of their lifespan, they'll rapidly age and die in the span of a few years – it sounds like a horror movie to me. Regardless, that means this woman could be up to ten millennia old for all I know.
As we approach, I send a quick thought message to Nina.
[Nina, I think since you're like a ruler of the forest, you shouldn't need to bow deeply like the rest of us. A respectful nod towards the Queen should do for you.] (Mizuki)
[Fufufu…very well. I don't think they know who I am yet, so be prepared to explain away the tension.] (Nina)
Yeah, that's a good idea. At this point, the guard escorting us stops, and we along with him. Then, he walks forward more, in front of the Queen, and turns to address us.
"You stand in the presence of Her Royal Highness, Queen Elira Ophelle, you may show your respect!" (guard)
I glance at Klaus, who goes into a kneel, so I follow suit. Ilina and the rest of the elves, along with Zara thankfully, give deep curtsy-looking praise. Nina just bows her head slightly towards the Queen for a moment. Seeing this, Ilina quickly speaks as she'd doing her curtsy.
"My Queen, I'm glad you're in good health. I have returned from my travels, with guests I wished you to meet. This…" (Ilina)
Before Ilina can finish her sentence, the guard that escorted us cuts in.
"Human woman, how dare you show such disrespect to our Queen! Guards, grab her and the other human and throw them in cells for their disrespect!" (guard)
Shit. The guards start to move towards us, but I quickly stand up and speak out.
"Your Highness, allow me to introduce the woman I serve, Lady Nedonera, the Elder Dragon of earth!" (Mizuki)
I make sure to give a quick bow and check the guards. They've frozen in place for now, and they are looking back at the other guard who gave the order. They're all in shock. Good, I have a few seconds.
"I apologize for any perceived slight, but it was our understanding that rulers between countries do not typically greet one another with such subservient displays. As a ruler of the Delmura Forest, I'm sure my Lady could not be expected to do so either." (Mizuki)
Ilina frantically tries to support me.
"My Queen, what he says is true! As I was about to explain, Lady Nedonera took human form for our convenience to be here today. She is one of the guests that I've brought from my travels!" (Ilina)
The Queen stares at us neutrally for a moment.
"Klaus, is all this true?" (Queen Elira)
"Yes, My Queen, every word!" (Klaus)
"Very well. Everyone except for my personal guard, the King, and these visitors may leave immediately." (Queen Elira)
There is some hesitation, but all the guards quickly file out of the throne room the way that we came in – impressive obedience. I see two guards behind the throne remaining, and one 30s-looking elven man watching with a kind smile in my direction. He's standing to the right of the Queen's throne, in a manner that seems like an advisor to me. I guess that's the King.
After all the guards are gone, the Queen speaks with exhaustion in her voice.
"Great Dragon, I appreciate you not making a mess of all the guards over that outburst, and I'm thankful that your subordinate was quick to address the situation. Ilina, it's obvious that you were trying to avoid that by explaining yourself, but that hothead cut you off. Please continue your explanation, and you can drop your formalities with me now that they're gone. Everyone else can rise." (Queen Elira)
The Queen looks incredibly annoyed, and she seems very direct. I kind of like her, actually, but she seems very different from Ilina. We all get up from our positions of respect.
"Of course, Mother, thank you. As I said, this is Lady Nedonera. The rest of these elves were kidnapped into the humans' slave trade while in the demi-human country. The human that serves under Lady Nedonera, called Mizuki, rescued them all and brought them to me. I invited Lady Nedonera here as my guest to discuss the possibility of her aid with the demon and Veyron crisis." (Ilina)
"Hmm…I see. Can I assume, then, that you forced Klaus to sneak you out of the country and go looking for the Elder Dragon, and that all this transpired in human territory? In other words, you have not been roaming our own country as I was led to believe?" (Queen Elira)
I glance at Ilina, who's sweating bullets.
"Y-Y-Yes, Mother, I am deeply sorry for that. I thought only of helping our people against the impending crisis." (Ilina)
The Queen sighs deeply.
"Yes, yes, I'm sure. I also know you're smart enough to see how incredibly stupid and rebellious that was. However, I'm smart enough to know that what you've managed to do is nothing short of miraculous for our country. So, I'll let you off with a long lecture to be performed later, my sweet daughter." (Queen Elira)
Ilina breathes a huge sigh of relief.
"Now, Great Dragon, I noticed that my daughter said the 'possibility' of your aid. Would you please enlighten me what she meant?" (Queen Elira)
"Ilina meant it as it sounds, Queen Elira – I haven't decided for certain if I should interfere. From here forward I'd ask that my most trusted advisor, Mizuki, be consulted for all related matters. Be assured, anything that comes out of his mouth is a direct expression of my wishes, without exception." (Nina)
Elira raises her eyebrows in a rare moment of shock, then fixes her gaze on me in bewilderment.
"Very well, Mizuki. I confess more than a little curiosity about the human who serves the same Elder Dragon that wiped out a human army, but I suppose that can wait. Could you explain to me what your Lady's help is conditional upon." (Queen Elira)
"Of course, Your Highness. Elder Dragons have a policy of non-interference with the major races that populate Azura. However, Veyron's presence is anomalous, so she'd like me to investigate before she interferes. Why do the demons wish to invade? What do the elves intend to do in response? If there was a diplomatic solution, how would both sides respond to it? Finally, why is Veyron involved? Princess Ilina offered her cooperation in answering these questions to expedite my Lady's decision." (Mizuki)
The Queen looks thoughtful.
"Hmm…I suppose those are reasonable questions, and I'd quite like them answered myself. Very well, we can offer our assistance in that regard if it means that an Elder Dragon might lend us her aid. Since Ilina so freely offered her cooperation, and brought you here without notice, we can make catering to all your requests her headache. How's that, daughter?" (Queen Elira)
"I'd be honored, Mother, thank you." (Ilina)
Elira smirks at her daughter's response.
"Oh yes, I'm sure. Now, my young elves that were freed from slavery, please exit the way you came and tell the guards that they are to arrange safe transport and food for you to return home! I'm sure you are eager to see your loved ones, and I won't keep you any longer. Your Queen is glad that you're safe!" (Elira)
The elves all curtsy and give their verbal thanks before filing out of the throne room. Only Alto remains, and Elira seems to notice.
"I see one of you remained, is there a problem young one?" (Elira)
"No, My Queen, I've just joined the party of Lady Nedonera and wish to accompany them during their time here. We have already discussed it and they've approved." (Alto)
Elira's eyes go wide in surprise, again.
"Really? Even though there's a human in their party, like the ones who tried to enslave you?" (Elira)
Alto nods agreeably, and her voice remains firm.
"Especially so, my Queen. Mizuki is the one who I wished to work beside. I have a deep amount of respect for him." (Alto)
Elira's eyes narrow at me.
"Is that so? Very well, if that's your decision, then I see no issue. Now, Dargo dear, could you show our guests to their rooms? Ilina, later this evening we should catch up about your journey outside the country." (Elira)
Ilina and King Dargo both nod towards the Queen. Ilina looks like she's going to be sick.
"Of course, Mother." (Ilina)
"Great. Oh, and if Lady Nedonera doesn't mind…please bring Mizuki with you when you come to see me, daughter." (Elira)
Elira gives me a gaze so full of curiosity that it makes my skin crawl. Glancing at Ilina, she looks quite surprised as well. I'm sure this won't be good for me. Surely Nina will object, though?
"Fufufu…as long as he's back before midnight, that's fine." (Nina)
Guess not. Elira flashes me a cunning smile.
"Wonderful, I look forward to chatting with you, Mizuki." (Elira)
With that, the Queen waves her hand and goes to exit the throne room through a side door. Her two guards follow her, but Dargo stays behind.
"Well then, please follow me." (Dargo)
We follow Dargo through the side door and down a series of hallways. After a few minutes, Dargo stops in front of a dead-end hallway with six doors along it.
"These are all rooms for royal guests, so please use them as you like. There are no other royal guests in the palace right now." (Dargo)
I bow slightly to him on behalf of everyone else.
"Thank you for escorting us King Dargo, we greatly appreciate yours and Her Highness's hospitality." (Mizuki)
Dargo gives me a warm smile and a light head nod, and he chuckles slightly.
"Fufufu…it's no problem. Are you nervous about later? I confess that I didn't expect Queen Elira to take such an interest in you. However, it's also true that I've never seen a human garner such respect from an elf, wolf-kin, and Elder Dragon." (Dargo)
Dargo's words don't seem like he's suspicious of me, but his eyes are watching me carefully after his statement. I'd describe it more as intense curiosity.
"No, Her Highness seems quite reasonable, and I'm equally curious about her. As for myself, your misunderstandings flatter me. Alto, the elf, may respect me, but as you can imagine I did not save her without Lady Nedonera. Zara, the wolf-kin, is a subordinate of my Lady, like myself. However, it's true that Lady Nedonera values me beyond my worth, that statement I won't contend." (Mizuki)
At my retort, Dargo's eyes only narrow with more excitement.
"Well, there is no doubting that young Zara has the utmost respect for you. In fact, I couldn't help but notice that her focus remained almost entirely on you throughout your audience with the Queen. Almost like she viewed everyone else's actions as inconsequential compared to yours. Moreover, she didn't even bat an eye when the guards were about to descend on you. What do you make of all that, Mizuki?" (Dargo)
Well, I guess I should have expected this much from the Queen's advisor. He's too clever to take lightly, no doubt about it. I'll need to be careful around him.
"I find it hard to believe that I'm worthy of such admiration. If Zara's behavior is as you say, I'm sure she just sees it as the command structure within Lady Nedonera's ranks. Perhaps she trusts me to fulfill my Lady's wishes, and she offers her resolve to me by proxy. As for why she'd not fear the royal guards, I don't believe it is in the wolf-kin's nature to flinch from danger, and especially so when an Elder Dragon is on her side." (Mizuki)
Dargo nods agreeably.
"Hmm…perhaps so. In any event, I'll depart for now and allow you to get settled. Thank you for indulging my curiosity. I'm sure I'll be present this evening when Queen Elira speaks with you and Ilina, so I look forward to chatting again. Great Dragon, please feel free to solicit me if you require anything. Farewell for now everyone." (Dargo)
Dargo gives a polite head nod to everyone in our party, then promptly turns and walks away down the hallway.
I take the opportunity to do a quick magic sense around this part of the palace. Thankfully, after sensing so many people's power levels, I've gotten pretty good at converting the 'feeling' from my magic sense into the guild's numeric power level.
Dargo is maybe a 2 – average by adventurer standards. I also sense three enormous signatures elsewhere, all of which are high elves. Two that are high 3's, and third that is a low 4 – almost five times more magic than the other two. I'm guessing the Queen and First Princess, and then Ilina. There are also several guards that range from mid 2's to low 3's. So, nobody we really need to worry about. Nina is a about a 7, and who even knows what I am.
Feeling a little more secure, I turn back to the others. I cast a silencing spell since we're still in the hallways.
"Well, I think that went well, all things considered!" (Mizuki)
"Fufufu…the King is quite a clever elf. I'm guessing you like him, Mizuki?" (Nina)
"Oh yes, he's quite interesting, but he could be troublesome. I don't really sense any prejudice from him, so even if he ends up being antagonistic towards us, I'm sure it will be for a relatively agreeable reason. Overall, I find him quite admirable." (Mizuki)
Alto smiles wryly at me.
"As usual, you've made a good estimation of him, Mizuki. Ilina's wit and empathetic nature are no surprise to those that know her father, King Dargo." (Alto)
Zara is looking rather frustrated, and she speaks up at this point.
"Mizuki, I'm sorry that my behavior seemed to give that man so much information. He truly saw right through me. This is not something I'm used to worrying about, and I have a lot to learn. I'll try to not give so much away in the future." (Zara)
"That's okay, Zara, the important thing is that you're already aware of it and see the value in learning from the experience. That alone is impressive to me. As for Dargo, I don't think he completely dismissed the observation, but he seemed to consider my explanation plausible enough that it significantly dimmed his curiosity. We'll both just be more careful in the future." (Mizuki)
Zara seems to feel a little better as she nods her agreement, but it's clear that she's being hard on herself. I should help take her mind off it.
"You know, Zara, we'll probably be in this palace quite some time without too much for you to do. Ilina's personal guard, Klaus, is quite skilled in the use of a short sword. Perhaps if you asked nicely, he'd agree to train you. He could accept your request under the guise of helping cater to Lady Nedonera, and of gauging the strength of non-elven strangers in the palace." (Mizuki)
Zara's eyes light up with excitement at the suggestion, and Alto chuckles again.
"Mizuki, do you have any special offers to placate me with?" (Alto)
"Naturally, Alto. I was hoping that as my fellow academic, and expert on elven culture, you'd accompany me as much as possible during my research here. I'm sure they have a royal library that's truly magnificent, and you'd probably get to spend a lot of time there with almost unrestricted access. Does that interest you?" (Mizuki)
Alto responds like she's annoyed, but she can't hide that sparkle in her eye.
"Tch…you're truly a troublesome human, Mizuki. Very well, though. If you need me, then I don't mind babysitting you." (Alto)
Nina decides that it's her turn, and her amusement is washing over me in waves as she speaks with a smirk.
"Hmm…and what of your 'Lady', Mizuki, whom you live to serve diligently? What shall you do for me?" (Nina)
"Well, I promise to return to your side by sunset and be solely at your service after that. I also figured that we'd take a trip together to the minor continent at some point for covert surveillance on Veyron and the demon situation." (Mizuki)
"Fufufu…how romantic. Your Lady approves." (Nina)
I fight the urge to roll my eyes. She's enjoying her character way too much. Instead, I nod appreciatively at her.
"Alright, let's all get settled then! Zara and Alto, feel free to room together or separately, whatever suits you. I think it's unlikely that you two would be targeted while we're here. I will take a room separate from Lady Nedonera to keep up appearances, but I will covertly move to her room at night so that neither of us is without protection." (Mizuki)
Everyone nods their agreement, and we depart to our respective rooms to settle.
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
"He's quite interesting. Perhaps elves have underestimated humans even more than I've previously warned." (Dargo)
King Dargo of the Elven Kingdom mutters this to himself, following his brief chat with Mizuki. He'd first questioned some of the royal guards who'd met Mizuki, and he was now on his way to meet with the Queen, his beloved Elira.
His most important job, as he sees it, is to gather information and advise her on the matters of the kingdom. They have a relationship with a solid foundation of trust, and his loyalty to her is absolute. So, she often leaves important matters to him covertly, and values his opinion.
Their close relationship is why, earlier when the Queen invited Mizuki to join her private reunion with Ilina later, then delegated to Dargo something as trivial as chaperoning them, he knew immediately what his beloved wanted. She had flagged Mizuki and perhaps others in the Elder Dragon's party as people of interest, and she wished for him to gather more information on them.
He knows that this was not necessarily because she considers Mizuki a threat, just that certain aspects of her interactions with them likely fell outside her expectations. She generally dislikes surprises.
Of course, both her and Dargo understand Nedonera herself to be immensely dangerous, and that an Elder Dragon cannot be defeated by the forces within Avalon. However, this would only concern them if she was hostile, which seems unlikely without serious provocation.
Dargo approaches a door far back in the palace, and he nods to two guards in front of it. Seeing him, they bow their heads deeply and open the door for him.
Dargo walks through the door and is greeted by the sight of two women in a conference room, appearing early 20s and early 30s, with the same silver hair and eyes. His beloved Elira, the Queen, and the First Princess, Alara.
He smiles at them both and bows his head reverently. Elira looks annoyed by his greeting.
"Tch…Dargo dear, how many times have I told you to quit being so formal with me when it's just family. You're my lover, not my servant." (Elira)
"Fufufu…I'm both, my dear Elira. Just as you are both my queen and my beloved. Princess Alara, I hope you're well." (Dargo)
Alara looks back at Dargo like even his well wishes are beneath her, but she nods acknowledgement to him neutrally. Though Dargo is the King, the elves' matriarchal society puts Alara, the next in line for the throne, above him in such socializations.
Dargo is an elf of barely over 500 years, while Alara is a high elf of nearly 2,000 years. Both pale in comparison to the Queen, a ruler of over 7,000 years, but Alara still views Dargo as a child, and it shows in such exchanges.
"Dargo, is it true that little Ilina brought a filthy human into our palace as a royal guest?" (Alara)
In truth, Dargo does not have a high opinion of Alara. He views her as an elitist, with little empathy for others. As her comment suggests, she hates humans, and she also looks down on Ilina. This is in part because of Ilina's youth, but also because they are only half-sisters.
Alara sees Ilina as a somewhat separated member of royalty, who is less deserving of her status. This prejudice is fueled by Alara's knowledge that Ilina has no combat spell affinities, despite immense magic power.
"It is true that a human was among the escorts of her invited guest, Lady Nedonera the Elder Dragon. However, I'd advise against making such prejudiced remarks around Lady Nedonera, who seems quite fond of him. For that matter, the other members of her escort, a wolf-kin girl and an elf, seem to hold him in exceptionally high regard as well. I'm sure that insulting him would antagonize every one of them, except perhaps Mizuki himself." (Dargo)
"Tch…well I'm sure the Elder Dragon is just fond of her little pet. As for the others, the wolf-kin aren't exactly known for their intelligence. I admit that an elf having any affinity towards him is surprising, but I'm sure she's young and hasn't yet realized what despicable creatures the humans are. I'd feel better if we'd turned him away, thrown him in a cell, or something else." (Alara)
Dargo takes note of Alara's flippant suggestion about getting rid of Mizuki from the palace. Angering Lady Nedonera could cause problems for his beloved and their country, to say the least.
"On the contrary, the elf in question was recently taken as a slave by humans before being freed several days ago, and she didn't meet Mizuki until after that experience. I think her admiration is genuine. As for Lady Nedonera, I agree that it's hard to imagine an Elder Dragon truly respecting other races, but I think that her appreciation of him exceeds that of a pet. She insisted that all matters regarding their visit go through Mizuki, and to consider his words a direct reflection of her will." (Dargo)
Alara's eyes go wide in surprise at Dargo's rebuttal, and she balks at the implication. Before she can respond, however, Elira interjects.
"Dargo dear, what was your personal assessment of Mizuki when you chaperoned them to their rooms?" (Elira)
"Quite frankly, I like him. I sensed that he suspected me of information gathering from them, yet he answered my questions directly, without hesitation or concern. The only thing I found odd was how adamant he was about denying his virtues – he's friendly, clever, and reasonable. Most importantly, I'd guess that he doesn't have a shred of prejudice against non-humans." (Dargo)
Elira's eyes light up with curiosity, but Alara interjects.
"Fufufu…how clever could a human be, Dargo. I think you may be too easily impressed by finally finding one with some semblance of intelligence." (Alara)
Dargo shrugs.
"Well, it may be fair to say that I'm unconsciously exaggerating his qualities, because of how surprising they are for a human. However, I can tell you that, when I say he's clever, I'm not speaking relatively. If you told me that my life depended on not letting him outwit me…I'd be nervous." (Dargo)
"My goodness…you'd really go that far dear!?" (Elira)
The Queen's voice has a rare shrillness to it. She has the highest respect for Dargo's intelligence and ability to gauge people, so such an appraisal by him surprises her. Dargo simply nods with a sheepish smile on his face in response.
"Well, well…I'll be very interested to see him tonight then, and to hear Ilina's thoughts on him. Alara, I'll ask you to keep your animosity towards humans from souring your interactions with Mizuki this evening, if you join us. Whatever you may think of him, he's still the liaison of an Elder Dragon. Setting aside that we couldn't possibly drive Veyron away without her help, if you were to anger her…we couldn't stop her from destroying all of Avalon." (Elira)
Alara makes an incredibly displeased expression, but she nods obediently.
"For what it's worth, I don't think Mizuki would let something like that happen, based on what I've seen and heard from Klaus and other palace guards. If it was purely verbal insults towards him in private, he'd probably ignore it. Even if Lady Nedonera heard about it, I suspect that he'd try to convince her not to retaliate. However, I think that this makes your warning to Alara even more appropriate." (Dargo)
This comment causes some surprise to flash across Alara's face, but it's also mixed with a trace of fear.
"Dargo, you are truly convinced that this human has sway over the actions of an Elder Dragon?" (Alara)
"Yes, I think it's possible." (Dargo)
In response, Alara's brow furrows in thought, and she goes silent. Her expression is that of someone receiving news that troubles them deeply. After a few minutes, she seems to make up her mind about something, and returns a polite smile to Dargo.
"Well then, it's of paramount importance that we avoid this human conveying a negative verdict about us to Lady Nedonera." (Alara)
Though her words sound cooperative, Alara's statement floods Dargo with a sense of unease.