I am awoken the next morning by a knocking sound. From what I can tell, someone is knocking on my guest room door. Light is streaming into the room, and it appears to be shortly after sunrise.
I quickly grab my clothes and teleport inside my own room from Nina's, then respond.
"Yes, may I help you?" (Mizuki)
"Ah, Mizuki, it's Dargo, I was wondering if you'd join the Queen and me for breakfast, along with Princess Ilina. We'd like to smooth over last night's unfortunate incident, and then start discussions about how we can help you come to a decision about aiding us." (Dargo)
"Of course! Please give me a few moments to get ready, then I'll be right out." (Mizuki)
I quickly get dressed, and make sure to place the assassin's dagger into the sheathe instead of my normal one. After, I meet Dargo outside my room, and he walks us back to the same conference room as before.
Inside, I see the Queen and Ilina, and their respective royal guards. Klaus is looking at me nervously, so I smile at him. This appears to stress him further. I give a deep bow to Elira.
"Your Highness, I appreciate you graciously inviting me back after last night's unfortunate events." (Mizuki)
I move forward to a spot on the couch next to Ilina, and the same maid as last night pours me tea and sets a scone in front of me. I thank her once again and she seems surprised, but this time I catch the hint of a smile as she finishes her duties.
"Mizuki, please do not feel the need to apologize. You were quite courteous to us, given Alara's behavior. Dargo informed me of what you said last night after leaving the room, and that you graciously didn't bother Lady Nedonera with it. I assure you that we have no intention of letting Alara's behavior bother you or Lady Nedonera anymore. We won't tolerate further transgressions on her part." (Elira)
I smile at them both appreciatively.
"I am deeply humbled by your reassurances, Your Highness. If it is as you say, this would put our minds greatly at ease. I assume that I have both your and King Dargo's words on those points?" (Mizuki)
Elira and Dargo nod enthusiastically.
"Of course, Mizuki, you have my word. Can we consider this matter settled then?" (Dargo)
That's perfect. Now, if I was an entitled princess who couldn't find my bodyguard after sending him to do something shady, I'd be looking for him everywhere this morning. I wonder how long I'll have to wait for her to show up here.
"Certainly, that's all I needed to hear! What would you like to discuss first, King Dargo?" (Mizuki)
Dargo looks relieved.
"Wonderful. First, we were wondering if y-" (Dargo)
Dargo's statement is cut off by a commotion outside, and a menacing voice resounds as the conference room doors are shoved open.
"Move, you fool! I said get out of my way!"
I suppress a vicious smile. There's no way that I'm this lucky, right? I barely even had to wait.
Alara comes bursting into the conference room hurriedly.
"Mother, have you seen Bayron this mor-" (Alara)
Alara stops abruptly as she makes eye contact with me. I smirk to send her over the edge, and she practically squeals.
"Human!? How are y-" (Alara)
Alara seems to realize what she's saying and stops her statement.
You're shitting me…was she really about to ask how I was alive? Out loud? Oh, this is gold.
"Alara! You were explicitly forbidden fr-" (Dargo)
Dargo is furious, but I cut him off.
"King Dargo, that's quite all right, I don't mind. Princess Alara, you honor me with your presence again so soon. Please, continue what you were about to ask me. How am I...what?" (Mizuki)
Alara stares at me menacingly, but she remains silent. Dargo and Elira look confused and a little nervous.
"Is it possible that you're looking for that faithful bodyguard of yours? I'm guessing him name is Bayron?" (Mizuki)
The Queen interjects at this point, and she's starting to look nervous.
"That's correct, Mizuki. What is this about? Do you know something?" (Elira)
"As a matter of fact, I do, Your Highness. You see, I had an assassin visit me in my room last night and try to kill me. Unfortunately for him, Lady Nedonera is quite protective, and he touched a barrier that instantly disintegrated him. I suppose that man must have been Bayron, sent to kill me at Princess Alara's behest. When you came in, you were going to ask how I'm still alive, right?" (Mizuki)
The Queen's and King's faces go pale, and they turn to face Alara. The Queen speaks with menace dripping from her voice.
"Alara?" (Elira)
To her credit, Alara is a pretty good actress, and she recovers from the accusation quickly.
"Tch…mother, are you really going to go entirely off the word of some human? We don't know that Bayron was this alleged assassin – I'm sure there are others that despise this human. Don't you find it a little convenient that all evidence of such a crime is unable to be recovered due to this mysterious form of death? Maybe this human is trying to frame me with this story because I recognized what a threat he is yesterday." (Alara)
The Queen turns back to me with a bit of doubt on her face.
"Mizuki, I'm sorry to ask, but Alara's correct. Do you have any evidence that Bayron was involved with such a crime?" (Elira)
Oh ho! This is more fun than I thought, those are very good points! Fortunately, I gave Alara more credit than she gave me, and I've come prepared. I smile and nod at them both, then pull out my dagger and set it on the table between us.
"As it happens, when my assailant tried to stab me and touched the barrier, he dropped this. Now, I'm betting that a royal guard like Bayron has a pretty distinctive weapon, right? Is this it?" (Mizuki)
Dargo's face goes pale, and he looks at the Queen. She's staring at Alara in exasperation. Alara is fuming, and in disbelief, but she stays silent.
"King Dargo, there's no need to answer. I can tell from your face that I'm correct. If you'd like to deny it, I could let my Lady know about the situation and she has ways of tracing weapon ownership magically. Shall we do that?" (Mizuki)
That's a flat lie, of course, but as far as they're concerned an Elder Dragon is practically a god. For all they know, it's true.
"No…that won't be necessary. I can confirm that this is Bayron's weapon. Mizuki, I certainly hope you know that we had nothing to do with this. We condemn these actions, and she will be dealt with." (Dargo)
"Of course, you'll recall that I said I only judge people as individuals. If you deal with this matter in a way that is fair, I have no reason to assume that you were complicit. So, regarding fairness, and your commitments to it that I received just a few minutes ago...what do you think is a proportionate response to my attempted murder? What would your laws dictate if one noble elf attempted to kill another noble elf?" (Mizuki)
Alara makes herself heard again.
"Impudent little human, how dare you talk like you have the same rights as an elven noble!" (Alara)
"SILENCE, ALARA! If you move or speak again, I will silence you myself by force." (Elira)
Alara's eyes go wide in shock, but she shuts up. Elira sighs deeply and hangs her head. I feel bad for her…this was no fault of hers.
"Mizuki, this has obviously gotten out of hand, and you can quit worrying about formality and just be direct with us. Obviously, I think you know that if this were a normal situation like you describe, Alara would live a torturous existence the rest of her days, if not be killed for such a crime. Unfortunately, that's not going to happen. She's the heir to the throne and the Queen's oldest daughter. Please…while what you propose may honestly be fair, we ask that you make a more agreeable suggestion." (Dargo)
Alara is smirking at me, comfortable in her safety. We'll see about that.
"Very well, directness it is. I have a very agreeable alternative. Remove Alara from the royal family and grant her a nobility to live out her days peacefully elsewhere in the country. Make Ilina the heir to the throne instead. You can use the excuse of her having saved several elven slaves and recruited an Elder Dragon to save your country. Personally, I think she's a much better candidate for Queen, and I'd have trouble trusting anyone that insists that Alara is fit to be ruling a country." (Mizuki)
Elira and Dargo are gaping at me in shock, but Dargo recovers quickly and shakes his head.
"Unfortunately, while that's also reasonable, if not generous, of you, we can't accept that either. I'm sorry." (Dargo)
Not surprising, based on what I've learned so far. If their reservation is what I think, then it's almost time.
[Ilina, I hope you're ready, because the decision will be in your hands soon.] (Mizuki)
I feel Ilina go tense next to me, but I don't have time for that. I narrow my eyes at Dargo in fake exasperation.
"May I have an explanation of why you can't accept it?" (Mizuki)
[Nina, it's your time to shine, please make your way to me quickly. Enter calmly, though.] (Mizuki)
Elira and Dargo look at one another, conflicted, but Alara can't keep her mouth shut.
"Stupid human…Ilina is weak. We can't have a pathetic Queen who can't even defend herself. Our nobles and our people would never accept such a thing." (Alara)
Before Elira or Dargo can do anything to Alara for her outburst, I respond.
"Very well, then how about we make a wager – a non-lethal combat match between you and Ilina. If Ilina wins, she proves she's strong enough to be Queen and you step down to nobility. If you win, I will submit to a deathmatch with you. If I'm killed in our deathmatch, Lady Nedonera would promise to not retaliate, and to help you with Veyron without further delay. So, what do you say?" (Mizuki)
Alara lets out a bloodthirsty smile, but Dargo and Elira squeak in surprise.
"I accept, and I look forward to killing you painfully for your insolence." (Alara)
"Wait, Mizuki, I'm sorry but we can't support this! I don't believe for a moment that Lady Nedonera would agree to this! Furthermore…Ilina fighting Alara like this…truthfully, it'd be pointless. She stands no chance." (Dargo)
"No, I'd like to do it." (Ilina)
Everyone turns to Ilina in bewilderment, and Alara cackles with excitement at the proclamation. However, Ilina just stares forward with a fiercely determined look.
"Ilina…" (Dargo)
"No, Father, I'm serious. I insist, actually." (Ilina)
Elira directs a rare smile at Ilina, seemingly proud of her in some strange way. After, Elira sighs deeply.
"I'd allow such a match between these two, Mizuki. However, I still agree about Lady Nedonera. We won't accept an eventuality where you die, knowing how she is likely to react. Perhaps we could agree to the same wager without your deathmatch, but instead with you and Lady Nedonera forgiving Alara's transgression without further incident." (Elira)
"No, I refuse. I won't waste my time in a pointless battle with Ilina unless I know I can kill that human if I win." (Alara)
That's right, Alara, just keep making it easier for me.
At this point, Nina calmly walks into the conference room with a charming smile, and everyone turns to her in surprise.
"Mizuki, dear, you asked me to come, yes? What do you need?" (Nina)
Dargo and Elira look between us in confusion. I stand up and give a deep bow to Nina.
[Alright, Nina, get ready to listen to my plea and grant my request. Make sure they believe that you'll grant it, though.] (Mizuki)
"My Lady, to be brief, I have proposed a wager with the royal family. If I lose the wager, I have agreed to a deathmatch with Princess Alara. If I were to be killed in this deathmatch, the wager would demand that you not retaliate, and that you handle Veyron for the elves. I believe winning this wager is the best route to your goals, and I beg that you agree to these terms." (Mizuki)
[Fufufufufu…Mizuki, that's mean even for you. You're letting that elf think she has any chance of surviving.] (Nina)
Nina looks like she's thinking it over, and Queen Elira has gone pale. She looks like she wants to protest, but Nina cuts off her opportunity.
"Very well, I trust Mizuki to be clever enough to win the wager. If he does not, and is slain in the following deathmatch, I will honor his final wishes to aid you against Veyron and not retaliate for his death." (Nina)
Elira and Dargo seem stunned at first, but then they look at each other seriously. After a moment, Elira nods to Dargo, and Dargo turns to me.
"Very well, Mizuki, Her Highness will support this wager to its conclusion. Whatever that may be." (Dargo)
As Dargo voices his and the Queen's approval, Alara squeals with delight. However, Dargo stares at me apprehensively, like someone who suspects they've walked into a trap, but doesn't know how to avoid it either.
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
Sometime later, those of us from the conference room are in a secluded outdoor training area at the back of the palace. The two royal guards and Klaus were given a strict lecture on not discussing what they saw, and nobody else was allowed in.
Ilina and Alara are standing in the training grounds about fifteen meters apart, and the rest of us are sitting on benches outside the arena. Queen Elira walks onto the grounds between them and speaks loudly.
"Per the previously proposed wager, to address Mizuki's attempted murder by Princess Alara, I decree that Princesses Alara and Ilina will engage in combat here until the point of incapacitation or surrender. As your Queen, I absolutely forbid lethal force. If Princess Alara prevails, she will earn the right to engage Mizuki in a deathmatch. If Princess Ilina prevails, Alara will be forced into a nobility, and Ilina will become heir apparent to the throne. Is this agreed?" (Elira)
[Fufufu…Mizuki, the poor elf would be much better off losing! Do you really intend to kill her if you end up in a deathmatch?] (Nina)
Nina's question rings clearly in my head.
[Definitely. Her relationship with Ilina earned her leniency the first time she tried to kill me, but that's not going to happen a second time.] (Mizuki)
Elira looks between Alara and Ilina, waiting for their agreement. Alara nods viciously, and Ilina nods as well, the picture of focus. They've both agreed to the match and its terms.
Honestly, I'm a little worried about Ilina, knowing that Alara has a lightning affinity. As soon as Ilina pins Alara with gravity magic, it will be over for sure. Ilina has the element of surprise, but lightning casting is probably fast and accurate. Ilina must either land a decisive blow first or be able to tank lightning until she can get her spell off.
Either way, I don't see this fight lasting long.
"Very well, you may begin when ready!" (Elira)
Alara wastes no time, and she begins muttering an incantation as she walks towards Ilina. Blue lightning begins to crackle around one of her hands as she raises it towards Ilina with a murderous smile.
"Now little sister, try not to die in one hit!" (Alara)
Crap…Ilina couldn't activate her spell quickly enough. I slow time to observe everything better, and I see blue lightning arc off Alara's hand towards Ilina in slow motion. When, it's only a few meters from Ilina, she still hasn't moved.
Is it too fast for her to react? Should I try to place defensive magic on her, just to make sure that she survives? If I did, would it be noticed? I'm deeply conflicted about how to proceed. I glance back towards Ilina, and I...can't see her!?
I quickly scan the room and notice that Ilina is now to the side of Alara, with her fist moving toward Alara's face in a punch. I'm so stunned that I drop the time spell, and the scene plays out in real time.
"GAHHH!" (Alara)
Ilina's relatively weak punch still sends Alara staggering off to the side in surprise, and a huge red mark can be seen on the side of Alara's face. A shocked silence hangs over the room, and I notice everyone's mouths hanging open. I'm no exception.
[Mizuki!? Was that…teleportation!? Did you teach that elf how to teleport!?] (Nina)
As I'm still reeling from the events, Ilina quickly appears at the other side of Alara and punches her again. There's no doubt, that had to be teleportation.
[Yeah, I think it was. I didn't teach it to her though. I just explained how it worked one time, completely in passing, and it seems that she figured the rest out. Her other magic already works similarly, so she wasn't starting from zero.] (Mizuki)
"Impossible…" (Elira)
The Queen is on her feet now, with her eyes not daring to look away from the fight. Alara has seemed to recover from the shock, and she is now trying to blast Ilina with her magic. However, Ilina keeps using short-range teleportation to dance in and out of her range while landing weak punches.
It's not much damage, but Alara's face is already a little swollen and bleeding. More importantly, she's absolutely enraged.
"You worthless little…how dare you hit me like that!? I'm going to teach you your place! Let's see you touch me now!" (Alara)
Alara mutters a chant quickly, and the lightning begins to arc around her entire body like a protective suit. If Ilina tries to punch her again, she'll be the one getting hurt. It's truly a terrifying application of Alara's ability, and she's no doubt formidable. However…
"Fufufufufu…oh that distasteful little elf is in for a thrashing now! Her newfound confidence is going to be shattered in seconds! Mizuki, your schemes always have the most entertaining conclusions!" (Nina)
Hearing Nina's outburst, Dargo snaps his head towards me in confusion, while Elira stays focused on the fight. Nina…why would you say that out loud?
I groan internally.
"Mizuki, I don't understand!? I thought you wanted Ilina to be victorious here!?" (Dargo)
He's giving me a look like I just betrayed him, and he can't believe it. Did he only agree because he thought I had a plan to assure Ilina's victory? That would be quite interesting.
I turn my gaze towards Dargo with a mischievous grin. No need hiding it now that Nina couldn't keep her mouth shut.
"I think you've misunderstood my Lady, King Dargo. Alara is the one who will be receiving the thrashing shortly." (Mizuki)
Just as Dargo's face twists into a puzzled expression, a cry rings out from the arena.
"GAHHHHHHH!"
We all return our attention to the fight to see Ilina standing over Alara, who is being mercilessly forced into the dirt by Ilina's gravity magic, to the point that the ground's compression is visible. However, Ilina doesn't seem to be done, and raises her arm into the air.
As she does, Alara goes flying several meters into the air with a scream, before Ilina reverses her gravity magic and slams her into the ground again. This sends a fresh wave of shouts from Alara.
"GAHHHH! What the hell is this you worthless little rat!?" (Alara)
Seemingly tired of Alara's insults, Ilina's gravity magic increases to the point that even Alara's screams are cut off by the pressure. After a few more moments, Alara appears to go limp, and Ilina releases the spell.
Ilina walks away from an immobile Alara towards us, and she appears to be sweating from the strain.
If I had to guess, that is mostly from the repeated teleportation. She's probably the only person born on this planet with enough magic to use it practically, but the spell is still incredibly draining.
After Ilina leaves the arena, I see a flustered Klaus proceed to Alara's side, and he starts performing healing magic. That's impressive…he can use physical enhancement and healing, then?
[Ilina…that was incredible! You sneaky elf, you didn't tell me that you learned to teleport! If you figured out how based only on my off-hand comment and a couple days of practice, you might be a genius. I'm indescribably proud that we're friends, and I'm glad you were able to pull this off.] (Mizuki)
In response, Ilina only smirks subtly in my direction, then continues towards the Queen.
"My Queen, Princess Alara appears incapable of continuing the match. Have I earned your declaration of victory?" (Ilina)
Elira is gawking at Ilina with a mix of confusion, amazement, pride, and even fear, and Dargo just looks shaken and confused. I don't blame them. Ilina just used two spells, without incantations, that are unprecedented in the history of their planet. On top of that, they were devastatingly effective.
Dargo manages to recover from the shock first.
"Mizuki…what was all that…did you know that would happen?" (Dargo)
I shrug at him, and turn to Elira, who has moved to glaring at me suspiciously.
"There's time for such questions later, Dargo. For now, Queen Elira, I want to hear your answer to the Princess's question. Will you honor our agreement? From this moment forth, is Princess Ilina the heir apparent and Alara nothing more than a disgraced noble?" (Mizuki)
Elira looks conflicted, and I see both frustration and relief in her expression.
"Yes, as Queen my word is final, and it will be exactly as you've just said. I confess, I am deeply unsettled that you seem to have orchestrated the absurdity I witnessed. I will have many questions for you later about the events here today and the role you played in them. However, for the moment I only wish for Ilina to know that I consider her genuinely deserving of the throne, and that I am proud to uphold this agreement." (Elira)
Well, that's touching. Ilina seems to agree, because she looks at Elira with a clear mix of relief and happiness. Then, she turns to me with a pleading look in her eyes, and she…bows!?
"Mizuki, now that I'm the First Princess, I have a favor to ask of you. I think it's best to tell my mother and father the truth. Will you trust me if I say it's okay to do that?" (Ilina)
"Hmm…and by the truth, do you mean everything I've ever told you?" (Mizuki)
Ilina shakes her head quickly. Elira and Dargo are silent, but they are glaring at me suspiciously.
"No, I merely wish for them to know as much as Klaus does. Enough that they understand everything they need for our relationship with Lady Nedonera and yourself going forward. The information that you've entrusted to me otherwise, that is not known outside your party and myself, will never be revealed without consent. You have my word." (Ilina)
I let out a deep sigh and look at the King and Queen. They're staring at me expectantly, with a hint of annoyance.
"Alright, that seems fine to me on a few conditions. Let's grab Zara and Alto, then return to the conference room to talk. Absolutely no guards other than Klaus are allowed, regardless of how much you trust them. Additionally, the King and Queen must swear that they will never repeat anything they learn to anyone outside that room afterward, for any reason. Is that acceptable, Your Highness? All of those terms are non-negotiable if I'm to consent to Princess Ilina's request." (Mizuki)
Elira's eyes narrow at me, and her vibe becomes dangerous.
"That's bold of you to make such demands of a Queen in her own palace. More importantly, you just openly admitted that Ilina and even Klaus have been conspiring with you to withhold important information from their Queen." (Elira)
I meet her gaze calmly for a moment before responding.
"Well, the ones making demands are technically you and Ilina, and I'm just stipulating the conditions under which we'll meet those demands. Second, yes, they have information that you don't, and I'm offering to remedy that. If you'd rather interrogate them for that information, without our consent, you're welcome to try. However, I'm confident that neither of them would divulge that information. If you managed to force them…we'd consider it a hostile action. Just so I'm clear." (Mizuki)
I see the first flash of anger directed at me in the gaze Queen Elira. She turns to Nina with a questioning expression following my statement, but Nina just nods her agreement with a smile. Elira seems ready to say something else, but to my surprise, Dargo interjects.
"My Queen, I humbly advise that we agree to Mizuki's terms for a private discussion, and we do so without further delay. I have a suspicion that, after that, we'll be glad we didn't choose another course of action." (Dargo)
Elira's face contorts in surprise, and she turns on Dargo with a hint of shrillness in her voice. He looks nervous and apologetic, but also resolved.
"Dargo, dear, you can't be serious!? He demanded that the Queen, King, and First Princess of the Elven Kingdom meet with the entire escort of an Elder Dragon alone, without protection. Furthermore, he admitted that he conspired to have our Princess and a member of our royal guard lie to their Queen. He even threatened us if we tried to interrogate them about that conspiracy! How can we let that slide!?" (Elira)
Ilina takes the opportunity to clear her throat and interject.
"Ehem, my Queen, there are no number of elven guards that could keep Lady Nedonera from killing us if she wanted. As for lying to you…I admit it, and I was conflicted. However, Mizuki is also correct that I won't divulge anything without his consent, nor would Klaus. We believe it's for the best." (Ilina)
Elira turns to her daughter with confusion, and she seems to struggle to respond. Before she can, Ilina continues.
"As for how you could let something like that slide…I'd remind you that Alara tried to murder Mizuki, and you flatly refused to even punish her appropriately. The only reason this outcome has occurred is because Mizuki graciously offered Alara an option where she could kill him, secure Lady Nedonera's help, and be absolved of any wrongdoing all at once, just for the price of tormenting me in a duel. Even having lost, she'll live comfortably as a noble. In exchange, we can overlook lies of omission that didn't harm us." (Ilina)
Elira keeps looking between myself, Ilina, and Dargo with an exasperated expression. Eventually, she hangs her head dejectedly and lets out a heavy sigh. After a moment, she returns her gaze to me, collected once again.
"Very well, Mizuki, let's do as you suggest. This better be worth it, though, because my life has been a pain since you showed up. My patience is at its very end." (Elira)
"Well…I don't know about worth it, but I can promise that you won't be bored, Queen Elira." (Mizuki)
Elira does not seem to find this consolation reassuring.