"Ahh…that feels nice." (Mizuki)
I can't help but voice my feelings as I slip into the bath at our room back in Elmesia. After we parted ways with Dargo, Nina was quite intent to spend the next hour in her royal guest room together.
Since I'm meeting the Queen again tonight, I figured that I should clean up, but my guest room had no bath. So, I left Nina napping and came back here.
I think that when I get back to Avalon, I'll collect Alto and visit Ilina. Maybe we can locate the royal palace library and start some reading.
Eventually, I climb out of the bath and head to the wardrobe in the room. I've recently picked up a few nicer clothes, remembering how Ilina thought I looked too poor to stay here.
My standard white tunic and brown trousers probably wouldn't fly for tonight with the Queen. Instead, I now have several silk short-sleeved shirts and leather pants. They're comfortable enough for everyday wear, but nice enough that I don't look like a peasant.
I don my nice clothes, and I put all my weapons and other clothes in my item box. Then, I teleport back to my room in Avalon.
I walk over to Alto's room and knock. After a moment, Zara answers the door with a look of surprise. They decided to room together after all, I guess.
"Mizuki? What is it?" (Zara)
"Nothing urgent, I promise. I was going to see if Alto wanted to accompany me to the palace library." (Mizuki)
As I say this, I hear scuffling inside the room and a wide-eyed Alto comes running up behind Zara.
"You mean it, Mizuki!? Right now?" (Alto)
"Fufufufu…yes, Alto. My policy of never lying to you is permanently in effect. Also, Zara, we were going to try finding Ilina first, so you could come with us and try asking Klaus about sword training, if you want?" (Mizuki)
Zara nods vigorously. Then, we all take off together.
I use magic sense to locate Ilina's obnoxious power level, and I start navigating us to her through the hallways. After a few minutes, we arrive at a door with Klaus standing outside it. Seeing us approach, he waves and smiles nervously.
"Hi, Mizuki, should I be concerned or happy to see you?" (Klaus)
"Probably both…you've heard of nervous excitement, right? Anyways, we wanted to investigate some things, so we came to Ilina as Her Highness suggested." (Mizuki)
Klaus nods and knocks on the door behind him. After a moment, Ilina emerges in a dark grey dress like her mother's from earlier. Common royal attire, maybe?
"Hello, Mizuki, is there something I can do for you?" (Ilina)
Ilina addresses me politely, with raised eyebrows. Oh, right…we're doing the barely acquaintances schtick. I can at least have some fun with it.
I give her a deep bow.
"Good afternoon, Princess Ilina, it is good to see you again. You honor me with your courteous inquiry. As it happens, we had a couple of requests on behalf of Lady Nedonera, if we could trouble you for such assistance?" (Mizuki)
As I rise from my bow, I can see Ilina glaring at me with an annoyed expression, and Klaus is trying desperately to suppress his laughter. I hear Alto faintly chuckling next to me as well.
[Hey now, don't get mad at me! You said to pretend we weren't friends! How else would you expect me to treat you, wise and beautiful Second Princess Ilina Ophelle of the Elven Kingdom?] (Mizuki)
Ilina's face looks even more annoyed after my thought message, then conflicted, and then she closes her eyes and sighs deeply.
"Of course, what requests would you make of me, Mizuki? Also, I give you permission to refer to me as Ilina when it's just gatherings like this." (Ilina)
"Well, the first request was about whether there was a palace library that we could use? I'd like to do some research on the histories of the demons and the elves. Regarding my address of you, Princess Ilina, I'm not so sure I am worthy of such familiarity. Sir Klaus, do you think me dropping the princess's honorifics would be appropriate, given my station?" (Mizuki)
Klaus stares straight forward as he responds, with his face reddening from the strain of trying not to laugh.
"Nay, Sir Mizuki, it would not be appropriate. I believe you've chosen the correct course of action on this matter." (Klaus)
Ilina chooses to ignore us.
"That should be fine – I can take you there shortly. What was the other request?" (Ilina)
"Well, Zara here was hoping to learn better short sword technique from an actual sword master. Bringing knowledge about weapon use into the wolf-kin and other demi-human tribes is important to her. We were wondering if Klaus would be available for something like that?" (Mizuki)
Klaus gets all serious now.
"Oh, sorry Mizuki, but I-" (Klaus)
Ilina cuts him off.
"I think that's a wonderful idea! Why, just a few moments ago I was ruminating on how Klaus should be somewhere else entirely. Klaus, I order you to comply with their request. I'll get another guard to take over your duties while you're away." (Ilina)
Klaus nods dejectedly. Somehow, I doubt he regrets teasing her though.
"Wonderful, we gratefully accept your assistance with this matter, Princess Ilina. Please lead the way, we'll be in your care." (Mizuki)
I swear that I hear Ilina mutter a not very princess-like word under her breath at me, but then she smiles and gestures for us to follow her. So, I guess I imagined it.
After several minutes, we come to a large set of double doors that are already pushed open. Inside, three stories worth of books can be seen lining every wall, with spiral staircases leading up to the higher floors. A large reading table is situated on the first floor. It's an impressive library.
"Here you go. You're welcome to read whatever you'd like, even if it's not demonic or elven history. Just make sure not to take any books from the room, and to return them where you found them. If you need anything else, you can find me in my room. Klaus, Zara, let's get you two sorted out next." (Ilina)
With that, the three of them exit the library, leaving Alto and me alone to our studies. Alto's buzzing with excitement.
"Alto, you're welcome to go read about spells or magic theory if you'd rather, and I can do the historical research." (Mizuki)
Alto shoots me a puzzled look.
"Why would I want to do that? I think it'd be a poor use of time. What I learned yesterday…it changed my entire outlook on magic. I could never go back to just memorizing spells. Speaking of which, what was this test of mine that you mentioned supposed to be?" (Alto)
Ohhh…yeahhh…I forgot about that. It was going to be heating the air for us while Nina flew, but that's shot.
"Uhm…when our travel plans changed, I actually forgot all about that. However, we can try an analogous test now. It's a bit warm in here, so try mildly cooling down the air in the library." (Mizuki)
"Tch…figures, you're not taking teaching me seriously are you!? Also, I was able to do that during my training yesterday, but I don't think that doing it in here is advisable." (Alto)
"No, I swear that I quite enjoy my magic experimentation with you! Regardless, why would it be an issue for you to cast that spell in here?" (Mizuki)
Alto shakes her head in exasperation.
"Because altering the temperature of things directly, instead of indirectly with fire or ice, is a dark class spell. Since I'm an elemental class, me casting such a spell in here would be…" (Alto)
Before Alto can finish her thought, an amused voice rings out behind us.
"Impossible. It would be impossible, human. Fufufu…it's a good thing this elf was kind enough to join you. It seems that humans' grasp on magic theory is as tenuous as ever." (…)
Alto and I both turn in surprise to see a 20s-looking silver-haired elf behind us holding a couple of books. She's wearing a smirk, and she is glaring at me.
Behind her is a serious-looking elf of about Klaus's age and build, carrying a set of long daggers at his waist, but I get the sense he's way less agreeable. Yeah, if I had to guess…
"You honor us with your presence, First Princess Alara. I apologize for having my ignorance about magic theory on such full display, though I hope you won't extrapolate it to other humans. I'm somewhat of an especially unremarkable person in that regard, you see. I also agree that Alto spoils me with her company and scholarship." (Mizuki)
I bow deeply to cement the point, and I see Alto curtsy next to me. She looks very concerned.
"Oh my, well at least you're self-aware and own up to your shortcomings. Perhaps Dargo's praise of you wasn't entirely misplaced. In that case, would you like me to explain some basic magic concepts to you while I'm here? I would not normally spoil a human like that, but I've been instructed to play nice since Lady Nedonera is inexplicably fond of you." (Alara)
Wow…she's a real piece of work. Nothing compared to Dio, but way more condescending than Ilina when we first met. I flash her my most apologetic smile.
"Again, I'm humbled Princess, but I couldn't possibly impose on you. I'm sure you have much more important things to do with your time. Furthermore, I fear that your wisdom about magic would be wasted on me. I was just going to research elf and demon histories, as part of my job to serve Lady Nedonera." (Mizuki)
As I mention her 'wisdom' being wasted on me, I pull out my guild card to show her. She looks at it puzzled for a minute, then her eyes widen in surprise. She begins laughing at me.
"Hahahaha…oh my, that's truly pitiable! Fufufu…to have no magic talent at all…at least your ignorance on magic theory makes more sense now. I suppose that it would do you no good to learn. Well, in that case I'll leave you to your miserable existence. Please do read up on our histories so you can be of some use to your Lady. I already struggle to imagine what she prizes you for." (Alara)
"Of course, it is as you say, I should work hard to be of use to my Lady. Thank you for your sage advice, and we both wish you good health, Princess Alara." (Mizuki)
I give another bow to this cesspool of prejudice, and she walks off shaking her head with a smile. After a few more minutes, she exchanges some books and departs with another smirk in my direction. Alto and I are alone once again.
"Well, it seems your intuition about not casting such a spell here was spot-on, Alto! I appreciate your continuing caution." (Mizuki)
Alto shakes her head at me in bewilderment.
"Mizuki, with me knowing what you are…I just can't believe it. How were you so nice to her just now? It was like watching a puppy getting kicked and enjoying it. Except, the puppy could actually destroy the world." (Alto)
"Fufufu…her? I know someone that makes her look downright pleasant. Plus, I kind of get a kick out of playing the village idiot, and she was a good stage partner for it. Anyway, I take it she scares you? You seemed awfully nervous about her showing up." (Mizuki)
Alto nods solemnly.
"Her prejudice against other races she considers inferior, especially humans, is well known. She's also a dark class with a lightning spell affinity, which makes her a formidable combatant. When it comes to potential acts of aggression towards you, she is my prime concern." (Alto)
Oh?
"You really think she'd escalate to trying to harm me? Even knowing Lady Nedonera's attachment to me?" (Mizuki)
"I can't rule it out. It would depend on how she sees your relationship. She thinks all humans inherently want to bring harm to elves. If she thought that you had some kind of sway over Lady Nedonera's decisions, even as a subordinate, she would probably assume that you're an indirect threat to elves just because you're human." (Alto)
"Well…good to know. Thank you, Alto, I'll keep that in mind, I promise. Now, let's hit the books!" (Mizuki)
After that, Alto and I turn our attention to combing the library for a couple of hours. Ultimately, the only relevant information we find is that elves were one of the earliest non-human races to come to Azura, and allegedly settled the land that is now the Elven Kingdom when no other sentient races inhabited it.
By contrast, the demons were the last sentient race to come to Azura, and they settled in the minor continent because it was pretty much the last unsettled area that was habitable. I found no official history of altercations between the two races, or any other apparent motivator for the invasion.
After our research, Alto and I head back to our rooms, and I relax on my bed for a while. Glancing to the window in my room, I notice that the sun is beginning to set. Just as I'm thinking that my meeting with the royal family is due soon, I hear a knock on my door.
"Mizuki, it's Princess Ilina. At my queen's request, I've come to escort you to our gathering." (Ilina)
Well then…I guess it's time. I think about what new drama this meeting will bring, and I smile broadly.
I walk with Ilina through the palace hallways, while Klaus follows behind us silently, and I notice how nervous she is. I doubt her nerves can be helped, but I'll try.
[If that glum face of yours is from worrying about me or my behavior…don't. I remember the promise I made to you very clearly. Plus, I already met your older sister a couple of hours ago. She's a real piece of work, by the way, but even Alto was surprised by how nice I was to her. So, don't worry!] (Mizuki)
Ilina looks surprised by my message, and she nods appreciatively. However, her mood doesn't improve much.
We arrive in front of a set of double doors with two royal guards, and they open it to reveal a very cozy conference room. There are couches with something like coffee tables between them, and the smell of herbal tea hits my nose.
Inside the room are Elira, Alara, Dargo, the Queen's two bodyguards from our first audience, a maid, Alara's dagger defender from the library, and now us. The rest are already seated on the couches drinking tea, and they look our way curiously as we arrive. Dargo is the first to stand, with a smile on his face.
"Ilina, sweetheart, it's good to finally see you outside of that stuffy throne room. Please, come and tell us all about your travels! Mizuki, thank you for joining us. Would you like some tea?" (Dargo)
"It's good to see you, too, Father, I hope you've been well." (Ilina)
"Of course, King Dargo, I am humbled by the invitation. Thank you as well, Queen Elira, for extending it. If it's not an imposition, some tea sounds delightful." (Mizuki)
Ilina and I make our way to empty spots on the couch next to one another and take a seat, and Klaus takes up a position along the wall with the other guards. The young maid comes and pours me a cup of tea.
"I appreciate it, Miss, I'm sorry for troubling you with the extra work." (Mizuki)
I give a light nod to the maid as thanks. She seems surprised, but she continues her work without further reaction. Honestly, I'm sure she doesn't like humans either, but I always thought it was important to be kind to servers back on Earth.
Elira and Alara look surprised by my comment as well, but Dargo just wears a vaguely smug smile for some reason.
"Well, daughter, now that you're here, please tell us about your trip! We can discuss you flaunting our border security later when Mizuki isn't around to suffer my lecture. For now, let's hear about everything outside of our country." (Elira)
Ilina nods nervously as she meets everyone's expectant gazes.
"Ehem…well, over the course of a few months, Klaus and I made our way to the independent city of Elmesia, just inside the Delmura Forest's border. We began a search for adventurers to help us venture into the forest to find Lady Nedonera and plead for her help, but after a week we still hadn't found willing escorts. Around that time, we met Mizuki outside a tavern and he offered his help in locating Lady Nedonera." (Ilina)
"Wait…what was Mizuki doing in Elmesia? Also, why would he offer to help you find his master?" (Elira)
"I'm registered with the guild and frequent there to keep tabs on the city for Lady Nedonera. I overheard about their search for my Lady from another adventuring group, so I offered my help. I wanted to learn for my Lady why they sought her. Eventually, taking them to her was the only way to learn that." (Mizuki)
Dargo and Elira nod appreciatively for the clarification, then Ilina continues.
"After that, Mizuki took us to Lady Nedonera, and I made our plea for aid. I gave her some details of the impending demon invasion, and she said that she would need time to think about her decision. After that, we planned for them to find me again when they'd made their decision, and I went to Cedonia to investigate the rumors of elf slaves." (Ilina)
Ilina pauses for a moment to gauge everyone's reactions, but nobody has any questions, so she continues.
"Not long after we arrived in Cedonia and began to investigate the elven slave rumors, Mizuki and Lady Nedonera also showed up. He sought information from me, hoping to free them, but I'd learned very little about where they were being kept. So, he and Lady Nedonera located and freed the elves on their own, then got back in touch with me when they were safe." (Ilina)
Everyone's eyes go wide in surprise, and Elira asks a question first.
"Mizuki…that's quite the feat. How did you manage to locate and free the elves when Ilina failed to even locate them?" (Elira)
"I am sure Princess Ilina would have done so with time. Naturally, we only managed it because Lady Nedonera assisted us when I pleaded for her to. Elder Dragons are even more capable than I think the world at large realizes." (Mizuki)
Ilina, looking nervous about my least truthful outburst yet, quickly continues her story before questions can be asked.
"After their efforts to free the elven slaves, I once again asked about their decision to aid us. When they were still hesitant, I asked them to elaborate. That's when it became apparent that they would need to know more about the circumstances surrounding the war. Feeling that they'd earned some trust from the elves, I invited them here as guests to answer their questions. I thought it the best way to secure their aid." (Ilina)
Everyone seems to be taking in the information of Ilina's journey, and Alara narrows her eyes at me and speaks first.
"You're telling me that an Elder Dragon went all the way to a human country and freed some elven slaves she'd never met, just because her servant asked?" (Alara)
I shrug and give her a bewildered expression.
"I won't pretend to understand why my Lady indulges any concerns of mine, I'm just happy to serve such a generous master." (Mizuki)
"Wait, Mizuki and Ilina, I'm a little confused by the timeline here. Ilina said it took a few months to arrive in Elmesia, but she's been gone less than four months in total. How could that be?" (Dargo)
Yeah, no surprise that he's the one to notice that. I nod at him approvingly.
"Your deduction is correct, King Dargo, my Lady can travel quite quickly when she wishes. In her dragon form, she can fly from Elmesia to Cedonia in under an hour! Carrying a few people is not difficult for her either. She also has ways of avoiding detection when she flies, so as not to alarm cities below." (Mizuki)
"That's absurd! Why would an Elder Dragon act as a carriage for elves and servants!? Do you mean to tell me she did this simply because you asked as well!?" (Alara)
Alara interjects shrilly. Not good, based on what Alto thinks of her. I can't have her thinking that Nina just caters to my whims.
I shake my head.
"No, Princess Alara, of course I'd never make such a request of my Lady. You see, she was just impatient to move on with her plans, and she didn't want to wait for us to spend months traveling. I was in no position to refuse, you understand." (Mizuki)
That seems to calm Alara some, but she still appears flustered. At this point, Elira eyes me curiously and poses a question.
"I hope you won't mind me asking, Mizuki, but Elder Dragons are known to be rather apathetic about weaker races. That applies to pretty much all of us. Even if you're just a servant, am I correct in assuming that you must be quite formidable for her to treasure you so much?" (Elira)
I shake my head, but before I can answer, Alara starts laughing hysterically.
"Hahahaha…no, Mother, you're mistaken. This worthless human has no magic abilities at all, I saw it myself on his guild card. An Elder Dragon finding him useful is truly inexplicable." (Alara)
Elira is quick to react.
"Alara, silence! Mizuki…I offer you my sincerest apologies on behalf of the royal family for Alara's rude comments." (Elira)
Elira and Dargo stare at me tensely. It's clear that they're deeply frustrated by Alara's behavior and concerned about how I'll react. Glancing at Ilina, she's staring at me fearfully and appears to be in a cold sweat. I give them all a broad reassuring smile, and I make a placating gesture.
"Please don't worry, Your Highness, I'm not offended. After all, Princess Alara was so kind as to offer me her time and considerable wisdom to teach me magic earlier. I'm just regretful that I lacked the talent to accept her kind gesture." (Mizuki)
To say they looked shocked by my reaction would be an understatement, and I'm desperately trying to hide my amusement over it. Dargo recovers first.
"You're too kind, Mizuki. Still…I find it hard to believe as well. Do you truly have no magic affinities?" (Dargo)
I nod reassuringly.
"It's as Princess Alara said, King Dargo. When I took my assessment at the guild, the crystal test that determines magic class glowed white and then went dark without a second color. I'm sure the elves' knowledge on such magic theory far exceeds my own, so is there another interpretation of this test result?" (Mizuki)
Dargo shakes his head apologetically.
"No, I'm sorry for implying otherwise. That clearly means that you cannot use magic .Every elven scholar knows this as a fact, so rest assured. We apologize even more vehemently for Princess Alara's outburst." (Dargo)
Seemingly attempting to change the subject to something less incendiary, Queen Elira speaks up.
"Well, Mizuki, between tolerating Alara's unbecoming attitude and advocating for your master to release those poor elves from slavery, we are deeply grateful to you. I suppose I can assume that you're a friend to the elven race?" (Elira)
I feel Ilina go tense next to me, and I know why…she knows what my answer will be. It's one of my few rules. I don't claim to be a friend if I'm not. It cheapens my actual friendships.
Queen Elira is smiling at me warmly, and Dargo seems relieved.
"No, Your Highness, that wouldn't be an accurate assumption." (Mizuki)
The room becomes deathly quiet, and the Queen's eyes have begun studying me carefully. Alara is glaring at me with palpable malintent. Dargo just looks genuinely confused – he speaks first.
"Uhm…Mizuki, I don't quite understand. Do you mind elaborating?" (Dargo)
"Of course. I do not discriminate between races, nor do I assume that any classification of people is a monolith. I judge people at the individual level only, and I take being someone's friend quite seriously. Consequently, while I'm certainly not antagonistic towards a whole race, I could never say that I am indiscriminately friends with an entire spectrum of people just because they share the same race." (Mizuki)
Dargo thinks this over for a moment, and he seems to slowly decide that it's not that surprising following my explanation. However, Queen Elira seems to have trouble accepting my answer.
"Mizuki, I'm not quite satisfied with that being the case. If you truly held no affinity towards elves, why did you go through so much trouble to save those elven slaves? More importantly, why would you be so excessively gracious about Alara's obvious prejudice towards you?" (Elira)
Oh ho, I guess we're not mincing words now, huh? All in all, I really do like the Queen. Alara seems angered by her mother's description of her, but she stays silent.
"That's simple, Queen Elira. I saw to it that the elves were freed because they were innocent, and those despicable people had no right to treat them like that. As for Princess Alara, any excessive deference was because she's the sister of Princess Ilina, who has earned my deepest respect." (Mizuki)
This seemingly enrages Alara. I can see embarrassment and anxiety on Ilina's face beside me as well.
"You worthless human…you have the nerve to act like the only reason I'm owed your deference is because that talentless excuse for a sister earned it for me!? Between that and your comment about not being a friend to elves…I was right, you are a problem." (Alara)
I bow my head apologetically to Alara. Elira and Dargo are both expressing conflicting emotions, and they appear too stunned to speak. Klaus is staring at me fearfully, and his hand is white knuckling his sword.
"I'm sorry that you see me that way, Princess Alara, but I disagree that your sister is talentless. I feel quite the opposite, in fact. Regardless, Queen Elira, King Dargo, it seems that my poor social tact has angered Princess Alara, and for that you have my deepest apologies. I think it'd be best if I retired to Lady Nedonera's service now, before I sour your family reunion any further. Please feel free to call for me in the morning if you wish to speak again, though." (Mizuki)
I rise from the couch, with Alara still glaring at me, and I move to exit the room. Dargo recovers and rises quickly as well.
"Of course, Mizuki, I think that's very polite of you. Allow me to escort you back to your room." (Dargo)
Dargo hurriedly follows me out of the room and into the hallway. After we're away from the guards, he speaks.
"Mizuki…I really am quite sorry for how you were treated in there, and I want you to know that neither I nor my Queen blame you for the breakdown in civility. I sincerely hope that this will not deteriorate the relationship between the royal family as a whole and Lady Nedonera's party?" (Dargo)
I smile at him reassuringly and shake my head.
"As I said, I won't judge a group based on one individual or vice versa. You've done nothing but condemn Princess Alara's behavior, so I see no reason to even bother my Lady with the specifics of tonight's meeting." (Mizuki)
This makes King Dargo sigh with relief, and he nods at me appreciatively. That last comment by Alara, though…I should go ahead and cover my bases just in case she's as rash as Alto thinks.
"However…" (Mizuki)
Dargo's eyes widen as he looks at me expectantly.
"If Princess Alara were to direct more concerning actions towards one of us, and those actions were not proportionately condemned by the royal family, then you'd be effectively complicit in her actions. So, for the sake of our relationship, I hope that doesn't happen. I doubt that you'd be willing to seriously reprimand the First Princess of your country." (Mizuki)
Dargo nods confidently.
"I can assure you that she will have no such opportunity. Going forward, she will be excluded from interacting with you during your diplomatic visit here. I am sure my Queen will agree with me that this is for the best." (Dargo)
I smile at him reassuringly and nod my agreement.
"Then I'm sure that we have nothing to worry about, and this will soon just be something in the past." (Mizuki)
Dargo nods appreciatively and we continue walking. As we do, I send a thought message to Nina.
[Nina, I think we may have another Kent situation. So, I'll need to stay in my room alone tonight.] (Mizuki)
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
Before going to bed in my royal guest room, I place a silencing spell over the entire room. I also apply a max body enhancement in case it will hang around while I sleep. Finally, I create a magic barrier around my bed, like the one I used to protect the elves at Nina's nest.
However, I give this barrier the property of forcefully attracting, rather than repelling, matter that contacts it. This way, an intruder will be unable to penetrate it, but they will also be stuck until I wake up.
After laying my traps and preemptively filling them with as much magic as I can, I go to sleep without a worry.
Sometime later in the night, I'm awoken by the sound of grunting. I sit up in bed a little dazed, then remember my situation and immediately reapply max body enhancement and the room-wide silencing spell.
Looking around for the source of the noise, I see a man stuck in an uncomfortable position to the side of my bed. He's dressed in all black, wearing a mask, struggling to move, and has a dagger in his hand pointed towards me. As far as I can tell, both of his hands are stuck against the barrier.
"So, who sent you to kill me?" (Mizuki)
I address him calmly, and he seems to notice that I'm awake for the first time. Seeing this, he starts struggling more furiously. He doesn't respond to me, which is disappointing.
I teleport behind him, bypassing my own trap barrier, and grab the back of his head and cock it towards me.
"If you don't want to die right now, I suggest that you start talking." (Mizuki)
When I say this, he looks briefly conflicted, then starts screaming for help at the top of his lungs. So, then, that's how you're going to play it?
I grab his mask, and I pull it off from behind so I can talk to him face-to-face for interrogation. Seeing his face…I freeze.
"You have got to be kidding me, dude." (Mizuki)
It's Princess Alara's personal member of the royal guard.
"Man, with all due respect, your Princess Alara is an idiot. Who sends their single most recognizable connection to assassinate someone with all the circumstantial evidence already pointing towards them? Your country is in truly terrible hands next generation." (Mizuki)
"Shut your mouth you filthy human, I don't know what you're talking about." (assassin)
"Dude you can save your breath. I've already decided to kill you, and there is a spell in effect that silences your screams. If you have any last words, please tell them to me now and I promise to pass them on if I can. I hope you can understand my position. You came for my life, so you've forfeited your own." (Mizuki)
He starts screaming again, which is pretty disappointing. Why do these guys never take me up on my offers of final courtesies?
"Tch…suit yourself, man. Sorry about this." (Mizuki)
With that, I deactivate the trap barrier and teleport us both to Nina's clearing, then toss him onto the ground. I quickly pin him with a gravity spell.
"GAAHHHHHH!" (assassin)
"Sorry, man, it gets harder to hold back my own strength as I get more proficient with magic. I'll make this quick." (Mizuki)
I pull my dagger and step behind him, then stab into the back of his neck in one clean motion. After a moment, he goes still.
I grab his dagger and clean my own thoroughly on his clothes, then I disintegrate his body and equipment into oxygen.
I sheathe my dagger, look up at the night sky, and sigh deeply. This is becoming an execution ground of sorts.
I teleport back to my room at the palace, then use magic sense to search for Ilina. I have a promise to keep to her, even if it's inconvenient. I locate her, and I can see only one other magic signature close by. I'm guessing that's Klaus.
I apply full concealment, then teleport to where I remember her room being. When I arrive, I see Klaus sleeping against the wall outside her room. I walk over to him, and I expand my silencing spell to surround both of us as I shake his shoulder to wake him. He begins to stir, then looks around in confusion.
"Hey, Klaus, it's Mizuki. I'm sorry to do this to you, but I'm going to need to speak to Ilina now. It can't wait, and I promise you that she will be livid if you refuse. I made it so nobody can hear us talk, so feel free to speak if you have anything to say." (Mizuki)
Klaus jumps in surprise initially, then looks conflicted.
"Mizuki, man, that's a big ask. I know I couldn't stop you, but it's still my job, you know? Is this about that fiasco with Alara yesterday?" (Klaus)
"Klaus…is that something you'd really want to be in the loop on? Think hard." (Mizuki)
He seems to take my advice, then hangs his head dejectedly and waves at me to go on in. I oblige, and once I shut the door behind me in the room, I drop my invisibility spell and expand my silencing spell around Ilina and myself.
She's sleeping peacefully in her bed. I walk over and tap on her shoulder to wake her. After a moment, she stirs, and her eyes go wide.
"Ahhh!" (Ilina)
"Ilina, it's Mizuki, could you please stop your screaming. Also, nobody can hear it, I put a silencing spell over us." (Mizuki)
I respond flatly to her offensive screaming.
"Mizuki!? What the hell are you doing here!?" (Ilina)
Woah ho! Quite the potty mouth there, Princess.
"I'm keeping my promise to you, naturally." (Mizuki)
Ilina's tone suddenly becomes serious.
"What happened?" (Ilina)
"Well, wouldn't you know it, your sweet big sister tried to have me killed tonight." (Mizuki)
She's silent for a few moments.
"Can you really be sure that it was her?" (Ilina)
Seriously!?
"Ilina…yes. I'm going to ignore that incredibly offensive attempt at you trying to protect the would-be killer of your alleged friend, even though you know she's guilty. She was stupid enough to send her own personal bodyguard the very same night of that earlier altercation." (Mizuki)
Ilina sighs deeply.
"I'm sorry…you're right, she's an idiot. What did you do with him?" (Ilina)
Her tone implies she already knows the answer.
"He'd dead, obviously. I completely disintegrated his body. I know I promised to consult you before doing anything, but spur of the moment assassins isn't a reasonable thing for you to expect me to put on hold and consult you about." (Mizuki)
"I agree, I don't blame you. So, then, I take it that you're here because…" (Ilina)
Ilina looks at me apprehensively.
"You guessed it…your sister. I'm here for us to agree on appropriate justice for a cold-blooded murderer, or attempted murderer anyway. Now, you tell me, if one elven noble tried to kill another in the Elven Kingdom, what would your laws dictate?" (Mizuki)
I can hear Ilina's breath catch in her throat, and her voice start to break as she speaks.
"I-If the murder was successful, s-she'd be executed. If it was unsuccessful, she'd at least be stripped of everything she owned and imprisoned for life." (Ilina)
"Yeah, I thought as much. Personally, I don't distinguish guilt based on competency, so the fairest thing is that she dies in my opinion." (Mizuki)
"Mizuki…please…if you're really my friend…" (Ilina)
She sounds like she's about to cry. That's a low blow to ask for that at this point, Ilina. I sigh deeply and sit on her bed, then lean over and hug her.
"Relax, Ilina, I promise that I'm your friend. Do you remember what I said that we'd do in this situation?" (Mizuki)
Not letting go of me, she responds.
"You said we'd discuss it until we reach a compromise, right?" (Ilina)
"Exactly. You've heard my idea of fairness. So, tell me yours. I'd ask that you be honest with me instead of trying to haggle by starting at a less severe point. If you were the ruler of this kingdom, the decision entirely in your hands, the people totally supporting your decision…what would you do?" (Mizuki)
She's silent for several moments, then breaks away from our hug and responds.
"Truthfully, I don't know. I guess the best solution that comes to mind would be to strip her of her royal status and banish her from the palace. I know that's not fair, I do. I know that it's elitist preferential treatment for her, but that's my answer. So…how are we going to compromise between those extremes in a way we can enforce?" (Ilina)
"Fufufu…how about I do my dear friend a favor and just yield to her preferences this time. I kind of have a soft spot for you like that, after all. She'll be stripped of her royal status, and I'll even let her become a noble if you want. You'll ascend to the throne after your mother, and everyone will be better for it." (Mizuki)
Ilina stares at me like I'm even dumber than Alara.
"That's…Mizuki…I'm touched, honestly, but even that's not going to happen. My mother would never agree to it." (Ilina)
I give Ilina a smirk.
"Oh yes, she will. What's more, if your sister is as stupid as I believe her to be, she's going to agree to it as well." (Mizuki)
Ilina is stunned silent, but eventually responds with a skeptical tone.
"How do you possibly plan to manage that?" (Ilina)
"Hmm…I think you should just trust me to handle it. In return, I promise you that one of three outcomes will occur. One, your sister voluntarily submits to the terms. Two, your sister avoids the terms, she dies, and your family won't retaliate. Three, your sister avoids the terms, she kills me, and Nina will fight off Veyron for you and not retaliate. Those are in decreasing likelihood, by the way. Are those outcomes acceptable to you?" (Mizuki)
"I don't want her to die, Mizuki, and I want you dead even less, believe it or not. I'd prefer option one, but if you can promise me that the other two are only small chances, I'll trust you." (Ilina)
I smile at her in the dark.
"I think option one is by far the most likely outcome, but you'll be happy to know that it's entirely up to you whether that's the option that happens. I trust you to play your part when the time comes." (Mizuki)
Ilina narrows her eyes at me nervously.
"That sounds ominous, but if you mean all of that, then fine. What do you need me to do?" (Ilina)
"Nothing at all. Go back to sleep, and everything will become extremely clear to you soon. Until then, just pretend like I never visited you." (Mizuki)
Ilina sighs deeply, but she nods her agreement.
"Goodnight, Ilina. I won't let you down." (Mizuki)
Without giving Ilina time to reply, I teleport back to Nina's room in the palace and climb into bed. Nina wakes and rolls over to greet me.
"Mmm…did your trap catch anything?" (Nina)
"Oh, yes, big time. I suspect that we have a very exciting day in store for us tomorrow." (Mizuki)
"Fufufu…I look forward to it." (Nina)
I smile at the thought of my plan, and I fall asleep contently not long after that.