We're back in the conference room, and Klaus has prepared tea for everyone as the only indirect participant. We picked up Alto and Zara, and I explained the situation to them on the way by thought communication.
Alto was shocked by the change in the royal succession, and by Ilina learning teleportation, but just stared at me for a minute before shaking her head in what could have been exasperation or amazement. Zara was pretty much unperturbed but seemed interested in being around for the discussion.
Alara is still unconscious, and she's being held in another room under house arrest until later. She should be fine, thanks to Klaus's healing.
"Well, I'm sure we will get into more serious questions shortly, but for the time being I'm dying to know something. Ilina, what happened in that match? When did you learn those spells? I've never heard of anything like either one. Both were truly terrifying. What's more, you seemed to forgo an incantation." (Dargo)
Dargo starts the conversation, and he is staring at Ilina in utter amazement. Elira seems more composed, but she's still curious.
"Well, Father, I learned them when Klaus and I were in Elmesia, before we returned here." (Ilina)
"What!? Are you telling me the humans have knowledge of magic such as this!? Where did you learn it in Elmesia?" (Dargo)
Nina and Alto both chuckle, and Dargo looks at them in confusion.
"Ehem…err, it was actually Mizuki that taught me those spells." (Ilina)
Now the royals stare at me in surprise.
"U-Uhm…I don't understand. Mizuki has no magic affinity himself. Why would he be aware of such formidable spells? Did you lie about your abilities, and are proficient with dark class spells, Mizuki?" (Dargo)
I smile and shake my head.
"I was truthful about my test results. However, it's also true that I can use dark magic. Before you ask how that's possible, I'll tell you. I don't know a gentler way to say this, but the elven scholars' understanding of magic is tenuous at best. A prime example of this is my negative test result, and yet…" (Mizuki)
I suddenly teleport to the other side of the room. When everyone looks at me in shock, I conjure a fireball in my palm and begin walking back towards the couch. I extinguish it as I sit down, then I pull out my dagger and cut my hand where everyone can see. After that, I heal it in front of them.
I look up, and the King and Queen have gone pale and slack jawed. I smile at them politely and continue.
"As you can see, I can actually use any class of magic that I want. Yet, I received a negative test result." (Mizuki)
"Fufufufufu…oh dear, Mizuki, they're too scared to speak. You're truly mischievous, you could have at least warned them!" (Nina)
Nina is cackling maniacally at this point, but Dargo seems to gather enough composure to speak.
"Mizuki, I won't deny that is incredible, but I don't think it's fair to criticize our understanding of magic. There are only a couple examples of dual-class magicians being subjected to that test in all of history, and never an all-class mage such as yourself. We couldn't be expected to know for sure how such a result would look. Our understanding was just incomplete." (Dargo)
I shake my head at him again.
"No, sorry, but I stand by that assessment. Your entire concept of magic classes, classes determining your spells, magic spells being unique phenomena, and incantations producing spells…it's all wrong to the core. Allow me to show you. Alto here is a so-called elemental-class mage. Alto, could you please demonstrate with a basic fireball, making sure to use the incantation?" (Mizuki)
Alto nods and summons a fireball with the typical incantation, then dispels it.
"Great, now make one the way that I showed you, without an incantation. Make it the same color and intensity for simplicity." (Mizuki)
Alto complies again, and glowing red ball of hot air emerges above her palm, slightly different from a fireball spell. Dargo's and Elira's eyes narrow curiously, but they aren't shocked yet.
"Fantastic, Alto! Now, if you'd be so kind…drop the temperature in the room a bit for us." (Mizuki)
Alto smiles broadly, then closes her eyes and seems to focus. After a moment, the temperature drops until it's quite chilly, then heats until it's uncomfortable. Eventually it returns to normal.
"Hahahah…Alto, you show-off! You went both ways just to get the point across, didn't you? Just what I'd expect from my favorite co-researcher!" (Mizuki)
I'm beaming with pride at Alto, and she smirks back at me with her typical confidence.
"Fufufu…yes, I don't know why you never listen, Mizuki. I've told you repeatedly how talented I am. Also, I'm your only co-researcher, so please find better ways to praise me for historic accomplishments like this in the future." (Alto)
I turn back to the King and Queen. Elira's mouth is hanging open, and Dargo's head is in his hands like he's having an existential crisis. They're reacting like cavemen who were just told the planet is round.
"As you can see, an elemental class mage was able to use something you considered a dark class spell, all without an incantation." (Mizuki)
"Mizuki…this…changes everything…how do you…" (Dargo)
Before Dargo can string together a comprehensible sentence, Elira interjects.
"Great Dragon, we finally understand why you value Mizuki so much. I appreciate you allowing him to share this information with us. Can I assume that Mizuki's talent to share these strange spells with other people is why you also allow him to have other people serve you alongside him?" (Elira)
Following the Queen's statement, hysterical laughter erupts from the couch to my side. Surprisingly, it isn't Nina, it's Zara. I've never even seen her more than chuckle, much less laugh to this extent.
I sigh deeply.
"Now, Zara, I don't think it's fair to laugh at them. Please remember that they are rulers of a country, and no matter how amused you are, you can't let your behavior be misconstrued as mocking them." (Mizuki)
"Fufufufu…yes, Zara, you need to learn to show more restraint before mocking people." (Nina)
Ohhh, that's rich coming from Nina, the disaster dragon of discourtesy. Zara somehow manages to sober herself up and nod apologetically at me.
"King Dargo and Queen Elira, I apologize. It's just that your unawareness of what's going on, even now, it baffles me. Your impression that Mizuki is Lady Nedonera's servant is wrong. Mizuki is our leader, and even the Elder Dragon shows him deference." (Zara)
Elira and Dargo give me alarmed looks, then direct their gazes at Nina questioningly. Elira's voice rings out, nearly squealing it's so shrill.
"Great Dragon, is what the wolf-kin says true!? You really serve a human!?" (Elira)
Nina smirks back and shrugs.
"Fufufufu…serve is not quite right. My situation is more like how Dargo admires and trusts you, to the point that he'd do almost anything you asked. Mizuki's antics are also quite fun to be involved in, and he commonly consults me for them." (Nina)
"Even so, Great Dragon! Regardless of how rare his magic talent is, how much you may admire him, and how non-subordinate your relationship is, I've never heard of Elder Dragons being so deferential to weaker creatures that they'd take orders!" (Elira)
"Queen Elira, you still seem to be misunderstanding. What I tried to explain…" (Zara)
Nina cuts off Zara with a response to Elira.
"You're correct, Queen Elira. Dragons don't take orders from the weak, even if we like them. However, Mizuki is not weaker than me. In fact, he could kill every Elder Dragon on this planet if he wanted." (Nina)
Nina stares at Elira with a wicked smile as she makes her point explicit.
Slowly, the color drains from Elira's face and she looks over at me with a mix of disbelief and fear. Hearing this conversation, Dargo follows suit. I decide that shrugging and smiling is a good response.
"Mother, Father, it's true. You know how much magic power I have, and the teleporting you saw earlier almost drained me completely. Mizuki can teleport all the way from here to Elmesia and back repeatedly without even noticing the magic drain. More importantly, that spell that crushed Alara to the point of blacking out…it must be ten times stronger for Mizuki to even notice that I'm using it on him. If he wanted, he could destroy our entire country." (Ilina)
Elira looks completely terrified now. Jeez…Ilina, you're making me sound like a monster. I should try to get ahead of this.
"Queen Elira, please calm down and reflect on my behavior over the course of my visit so far. After all, I haven't changed. Do my actions seem like that of an unreasonable person that's quick to anger or become violent?" (Mizuki)
Elira seems to be calming herself, but the fear is still evident in her eyes.
"M-Mizuki, you've been treated with prejudice at every step in my country, my own daughter constantly degraded you, and then she even tried to kill you. What's more, I've ignored these slights whenever possible. Your entire race is even banned from my country without exception. How could I not be terrified about your future actions towards the Elven Kingdom?" (Elira)
"Well, let's put aside the fact that I just don't operate that way. Ilina is a close friend, one who knows all my secrets and has my unreserved trust like Alto and Nina. I'd never turn against the Elven Kingdom while she remains in her current position of power. If you need more evidence of this, consider that Alara wasn't justly executed for her crime. That's entirely thanks to Ilina." (Mizuki)
[Sorry, Ilina, I assumed that if you were telling them all this other stuff that our friendship was also fair game.] (Mizuki)
Ilina turns to face me and smiles earnestly, then shakes her head, like 'don't worry'. Elira seems to have transitioned to an expression of relief mixed with confusion.
"Ilina, is your relationship with Mizuki really as familiar as he says? What does he mean that Alara not being executed is thanks to you?" (Elira)
Ilina looks like she's embarrassed and nervous.
"Yes. We're close, and I trust him. Before I invited him to our country, he gave me his word that he would not act on new information without allowing me to influence his decisions. Alara is an example of this. Last night he visited me secretly and told me about her assassination attempt. His inclination was that race and status were irrelevant, and that Alara should be executed for her crime as any other person would. What happened instead…that was our compromise." (Ilina)
Elira's eyes go wide in shock.
"Mizuki…surely you wouldn't have just executed Alara and risked inciting hostilities with our nation?" (Elira)
I shrug, then stare evenly into Elira's incredulous gaze.
"I could have tracked Alara anywhere in the world, instantly teleported to her location while invisible, then silently dropped her out of a window to her death. If it had been last night, you would have suspected Bayron since he disappeared. If it were another night, you'd have assumed suicide. I was a polite, magicless human of no consequence, and I'm certain that no hostility would have been invoked by my actions." (Mizuki)
Elira goes pale again, and I see traces of a cold sweat on her neck. Dargo speaks up.
"So, is that what you wanted to do?" (Dargo)
His face looks solemn, but he doesn't seem afraid. It's almost like he knows the answer to his question but wants it shared. I shake my head.
"No, please don't confuse what I think is fair with what I desire. I think that her dying would have been due justice, but I didn't personally want to kill her. However, I do plenty of things that I don't want to when it's called for, like killing all those humans guarding the elven slaves. What I personally wanted was for my friend Ilina to be happy and still trust me." (Mizuki)
Dargo nods sadly in my direction, and he looks almost empathetic.
"As I suspected, you were being guided by what you felt was an ethical responsibility. Alara's crimes were at least as deserving of execution as those humans guarding the slaves. If you unilaterally chose not to execute her, it'd be like betraying your belief that everyone should be treated equally. You'd be playing favorites with people's lives if you didn't consistently apply that belief. Are those your sentiments?" (Dargo)
"Yes, more or less. I am personally satisfied with how things transpired, versus just killing Alara. Still, it was an unfair mercy stemming from my friendship with Ilina." (Mizuki)
Dargo nods to himself, seeming content that he understands me better.
"Well, I'm quite happy that my daughter has a friend that values her so much. Though, I'm struggling not to be bothered by a young man showing up in her bedroom unannounced at night." (Dargo)
Ilina's eyes go wide, and her face flushes deep red. Honestly, I just find Dargo's protective papa act a little too funny to be flustered.
"Father, would you please not make suggestive comments like that! Mizuki only came that one time, and he came through the front door with Klaus's permission. Nothing like what you're implying happened!" (Ilina)
Elira rejoins the conversation at this point, and her eyes have narrowed at Ilina.
"Ilina, sweetheart, I can't help but notice how you reacted to the implication. You say that you and Mizuki are friends, and it's obvious that's true, but is there anything more?" (Elira)
Ooooh…not here, please. This is, like, the worst time for this conversation. Apparently, Dargo and I are of the same mind, because he spearheads a subject change right after Elira speaks.
"Ehem…well, that's another discussion. Mizuki, between your unconventional personality, your power, and your uncanny grasp on magic, I'm wondering…are you actually human? You look mostly human, other than your green eyes, but the same could be said of Lady Nedonera." (Dargo)
I clamor at the opportunity to avoid Elira's questioning.
"The direct answer is…yes. I promise you, I'm human. There is an explanation for the anomalies you pointed out, but it's one of the specific topics that I'll be restricting discussion around. Not even Zara here is privy to that information. It'd be of no use to you." (Mizuki)
Zara seems only mildly curious about this missing information. Elira seems, thankfully, distracted by my shady answer. She gazes at Ilina intently, trying to gauge her response.
"Ilina, is what he says true? That it's not something that would allow other people to acquire similar power or magic skill, but is just a personal detail?" (Elira)
"Well, I think calling his background a personal detail is a little bit of an understatement. However, it's true that you wouldn't be able to replicate his power even if he told you more about himself." (Ilina)
As Elira mulls that over, Dargo asks another question.
"Mizuki, may I go ahead and ask what the specific topics you'll be refusing to discuss are?" (Dargo)
"Sure. Currently, the only other one I can think of is magic theory. I've told you that some of your theories are flawed, and I showed you some examples of how, but I will go no further. I will not, for example, be instructing elven scholars in the same way as Alto. The knowledge is too dangerous, in my opinion." (Mizuki)
Dargo's and Elira's eyes go wide in shock at this statement, but Alto is the one to speak first.
"Mizuki, are you serious!? Please explain that to me, it seems so unlike you! You love freely sharing knowledge, experimenting, and learning. Why would you deprive others of it?" (Alto)
She's looking at me like I've deceived her, and from her, that stings more than most. I nod at Alto sadly.
"You're right, Alto, and I'm sorry that I didn't think to mention that to you sooner. If you wish to depart from our party, you are welcome to do so and remain my dear friend. You may even teach others what you have learned already. However, unless we are on the same page about this, I can't teach you more than I already have. Of course, I'm open to hearing your opinion on the reasons for my decision, and maybe changing my mind, if you'd like to discuss it?" (Mizuki)
Alto looks less hurt, but still concerned. She nods for me to continue.
"Well, if this were truly about the scholarly principle to share all information freely, then I'd agree. However, I doubt that's truly the case for any of you. After the abilities that I've displayed today, what would your reaction be to me teaching everything I know equally, to all races and countries? Even demons and humans." (Mizuki)
Everyone is silent, even Alto, and it speaks volumes. After several minutes with a thoughtful look on her face, Alto responds with a bitter tone and expression.
"Mizuki…I'm sorry. Once again, I jumped to conclusions, and I ignored my own prejudices. As you implied, I also intended to exclude others that didn't meet my standards. It seems my only disagreement with you was whether elves can be generally trusted. In retrospect, it's incredibly naïve to assume that they can, and elves are just as capable of abusing the knowledge." (Alto)
I shake my head at Alto.
"You don't need to apologize to me, Alto. I have the utmost respect for your willingness to criticize your own preconceptions, and I think you are anything but naïve. Your words have increased my respect for you, not tarnished it. Does this mean that we're on the same page, and my favorite research partner will continue with me on my travels?" (Mizuki)
Alto looks like she's going to tear up, and for once she doesn't deflect with sarcasm.
"Yes, Mizuki, we're on the same page. Please, let's keep on as we have." (Alto)
While Alto is convinced, Elira is not.
"Mizuki…with all due respect to you, I think you're being naïve about the impact your knowledge could have on the world. I've lived over seven millennia. Threats come and go, and the short-lived races always fret about such developments. However, time marches on, and the world finds peace without ever changing as drastically or suddenly as they fear." (Elira)
I laugh in Elira's face, and she looks surprised.
"Hahaha…well with all due respect, Elira, I think you're overestimating the wisdom that your age brings you. It wouldn't matter if you'd lived a hundred millennia in this world…you lack perspective. With the strongest spells you know of, the strongest person in your lifetime could maybe wipe Avalon off the map with preparation. What if I told you that I know a spell, that even Alto could cast, that can wipe half your country off the map in one go?" (Mizuki)
At the start of my lecture, Elira looks tremendously annoyed, but after she hears the last part, her face goes pale. She stares at me for several seconds, waiting to see if I'm bluffing.
I'm not.
My rough estimates tell me that someone like Alto has just enough magic power to overcome the activation energy for nuclear fusion. In other words, she can detonate magic nukes and let nature supply the destructive energy.
"Mizuki…you're not bluffing, are you? You're genuinely certain that such a spell exists?" (Elira)
"Elira, I know for a fact that there's even ways to do that with no magic at all. This can't be fixed by not teaching certain spells, either. I can't teach the basics of magic theory, as I know it, without also providing someone with the tools to stumble across such applications. So, do you still think that my decision is naïve?" (Mizuki)
Elira shakes her head solemnly. Dargo is also wearing a face of begrudging acceptance.
"No, Mizuki. If what you say is true, then it truly might be unprecedented and catastrophic to share your knowledge. I'm sorry that I presumed to lecture you like a child just because you'll only live a few decades." (Elira)
Breaking her long silence, Nina finally speaks up.
"Fufufu…actually, Mizuki will outlive all of you. I forgot to mention that!" (Nina)
Wait…what?
"Nina…what the hell are you talking about?" (Mizuki)
"Nina! You haven't told him yet!?" (Ilina)
Ilina knows about this!?
"One of you better start talking right now, because I don't like two of my friends knowing something about my own life that even I don't know." (Mizuki)
"Mizuki, dear, I'm your lover, not your friend. Please do not group me in with Ilina." (Nina)
"Nina, quit dodging my question. Also, you may be my lover, but you are still my friend. One label doesn't disappear because of the other. Ilina, start talking right now." (Mizuki)
I turn my attention from Nina to glare at Ilina, who has suddenly become very nervous.
"W-Well…according to Nina, it seems that you've stopped ageing for some reason. She thinks you don't have a natural lifespan anymore, so you should even outlive me." (Ilina)
That's…ridiculous...right?
"Nina, your turn. Explain yourself." (Mizuki)
"Fufufu…it is as Ilina says, Mizuki. I didn't notice it until recently, but you exude the same presence unique to ageless beings. It may be because, as part of our contract, you acquired this trait from me. If I had to guess, you'll stop outwardly changing in your mid 20s, and you'll just look that way until something comes along that can kill you." (Nina)
Wow. I mean, I feel like I should be in an existential crisis about this but…I'm pretty excited. Nina will be around as long as I am, so I won't be lonely. If I get tired of life, I can still kill myself – there's no afterlife. I'm seeing no downsides.
I break out into a huge smile.
"Oh, if you're right about that, Nina, then that's awesome. I won't even have to spend it completely alone because you'll live as long as I do! Also, Alto, you hear that, you old lady? We can spend your entire life doing research together and I'll still look like a spring chicken when you croak! Isn't that an ironic twist of fate?" (Mizuki)
I laugh wholeheartedly.
"Mizuki…I want to make a joke about you being sick in the head, but I can't really bring myself to do it." (Alto)
To my shock, Alto leans over and hugs me tightly across the couch.
"I'm so glad that I won't have to live the last 90% of my life without you around." (Alto)
Alto is very obviously tearing up while hugging me.
"Woah, Alto, the tears are ruining your cold and calculating reputation, you know? Other elves might start to think you enjoy my company if you're not careful." (Mizuki)
Alto pulls away and dries her tears. Then gives me a half-hearted smirk.
"You're right, we wouldn't want that." (Alto)
Nina rejoins the conversation at this point.
"Fufufu…yes, Mizuki, I'm so glad you understand! You have no idea the relief that I feel that my mate will survive by my side indefinitely. Why do you think that I stopped fretting over Ilina? I don't mind sharing you with her for a few millennia if we have an indefinite amount of time." (Nina)
That's where her change of heart came from!? At this point, I realize that the King and Queen have been awfully silent, and I glance over to see them staring at me in bewilderment with mouths agape.
"Mizuki!? Did Lady Nedonera just call you her mate!? I heard her say 'lover' earlier, too!" (Dargo)
"Ilina, what is this about you 'sharing' Mizuki, hmm?" (Elira)
Ohhh, shit. I'm in deep. I look at Ilina, my partner in interrogation, and see that she's staring at Nina with a questioning expression. What the hell is that about?
Nina sighs deeply, then seems to nod to Ilina with an annoyed look on her face. After, Ilina smiles with relief, and turns to Elira.
"Mother, about that…I'm interested in…more…with Mizuki. We really are just friends for now, but I don't plan on leaving things like that indefinitely. I know my role as First Princess complicates things, but I'm sure we'll figure something out with time." (Ilina)
"Ilina, that's absolutely out of the question! Leaving aside others' reactions, my approval, or how sudden this seems, what about children!? Due to our lifespans, rulers and their heirs need to be high elves!" (Elira)
"M-Mother! That's…" (Ilina)
Ilina turns a light shade of red and stutters from her shock at the sudden topic change. Nina decides that this is the perfect time to give her opinion.
"Elf Queen, that would not matter. From what I know of a human and high elf mating, there would be a high elf, regular elf, or human offspring produced, not a unique species. Also, since Mizuki is an ageless being now, his children would likely be far longer lived than normal. Even human offspring might live millennia, and high elf offspring might live hundreds of millennia." (Nina)
Elira looks surprised and thoughtful about this information. Ilina is clearly blushing at this point. Dargo is glancing between Nina, Ilina, and I in confusion. Zara and Alto are off to the side quietly taking this all in with way too much amusement for me to forgive them.
"Fufufu…but this is irrelevant. I will be bearing Mizuki's children first. I would definitely never allow Ilina to be impregnated before me." (Nina)
What in the actual shit are you all smoking right now!? After the talk of me knocking up their daughter, which I did not suggest or consent to, Elira and Dargo start staring at Ilina and I like science experiments.
I pretend not to notice and look at Ilina. She's now a deep red and absolutely mortified. Alright, time to make an escape.
I quickly grab Ilina's hand, then teleport us back to my room in Elmesia. Her eyes go wide in shock, but before she can say anything, I apply full concealment and teleport back to the conference room.
The place is in complete disarray, and the King and Queen are frantically questioning Nina about what just happened. I walk over and grab her hand while concealed, and she smiles when she feels it. Then, I teleport us back to the inn room with Ilina.
"Well then, I think we can all agree that was deeply uncomfortable. Nina, did you really have to start talking about me impregnating you two to Ilina's parents? What a poor word choice! Plus, Ilina just got through telling them that we're friends, and her mother was obviously against anything more!" (Mizuki)
"U-Uhm…Mizuki…we should definitely talk about this, but maybe you should smooth things over in there better first? Also, you left Alto and Zara." (Ilina)
"Tch…Alto and Zara were enjoying that sick show – they can suffer some. However, I do think that I should go back and get them. Give me a minute." (Mizuki)
I teleport back to the conference room while invisible, and the King and Queen are just glaring at Zara and Alto, while barking orders at Klaus to find Ilina. I sneak over to Alto and Zara, then teleport them back to the inn room without me.
This causes a spike in Dargo's and Elira's anxiety, and they are fully pressing Klaus at this point. Poor guy…I grab him and teleport us both back to the inn together.
"Well, it looks like that's everybody! You guys feel less awkward now? I know that I do!" (Mizuki)
"Mizuki, man, this is too far! You kidnapped the First Princess of a country in front of the King and Queen! Can't you see that's insane!?" (Klaus)
"Fufufu…Ilina, do you want to go back?" (Mizuki)
"Absolutely not, Mizuki. Don't even try it if you value your life." (Ilina)
I nod towards Klaus with a smile.
"See there! No problem. Actually, her consent makes me a royal escort instead of a kidnapper." (Mizuki)
"Fufufu…you're really only a genius or an idiot, huh, Mizuki? You need to learn a middle ground." (Alto)
"Fufufufufufu…Mizuki, your meetings are so interesting. Talk of impregnating princesses and wiping countries off the map…truly chaotic!" (Zara)
"Zara, nobody is getting impregnated!" (Mizuki)
Klaus goes and sits down in a corner of the room and hangs his head dejectedly. Yeah, sorry dude.
I let out a huge sigh…that meeting went south in an instant.
"Well, I guess I better go smooth things over with them. I'll be back soon, so everybody please play nice." (Mizuki)
I teleport back to the conference room without concealment, and I arrive to find Elira leaning on Dargo and…laughing hysterically!?
"Uhm…hey you two…is this a bad time?" (Mizuki)
Hearing me, they both snap their heads towards me in unison. They stare dumbfounded, then they both start laughing hysterically. Yeah…this is creeping me out big time.
"I just wanted to let you two know that everyone is safe, and I made sure to stick Klaus with Ilina for protection. They're in Elmesia right now, so don't go combing the palace for them. I think we could all agree that this conversation took a deeply uncomfortable turn, and it desperately needed to end. Can I ask what's so funny about this?" (Mizuki)
The two royals pull themselves together.
"Mizuki, you're so clever, and wield so much power and knowledge, but you childishly ran away from our conversation because it was uncomfortable. Honestly, the whole situation is as hysterical as it is unsettling. It's like our daughter befriended some whimsical god. If our new reality is like a bad joke, why not laugh at it?" (Elira)
I let out a deep sigh and move to sit on the couch in front of them.
"Calling that conversation just uncomfortable is absurd, Elira. Your daughter told you about a basic romantic interest, agreed that it was complicated, and even said she didn't want to act on it now. In response, you jump to lecturing her about the race and longevity of her babies…in front of the subject of that romantic interest no less! Ilina was so mortified that she threatened me if I tried to bring her back here right now." (Mizuki)
"Fufufufu…I suppose I might share a very small amount of blame then. Dargo also thinks that I did not approach the situation well." (Elira)
"Mizuki, don't run away again, but is what Lady Nedonera said true? Would an elf and human pairing have children that are one or the other, and not something more unique?" (Dargo)
"Honestly, I have no idea where that came from. She specifically mentioned high elf and human pairings, but I thought all the high elves were your ancestors, Elira. Are you aware of such a thing in your history?" (Mizuki)
Elira shakes her head.
"No, at least not officially. There are one or two historical examples of a high elf who had romantic entanglements disapproved of by the royal family, but I don't know details. It's even possible that a male high elf could have fathered children with a human without anyone knowing. This would be especially true if the children just look like normal elves or humans." (Elira)
Hmm…that's interesting. I wonder what kind of genetic inheritance could produce a phenomenon like that. I think, at the least, elves and humans would have to be a lot more genetically similar than I assumed – they might even differ at only a couple key genes. Azazel mentioned that all complex life in the universe came from one ancestor, and everything else was just divine tweaking. Maybe elves are a slight modification of humans?
I shrug towards Dargo and Elira.
"Then, perhaps that was the case. I'll try to ask Nina about it later." (Mizuki)
"Another thing, Mizuki. Am I picking up on some hesitation in returning my daughter's romantic interests?" (Elira)
Like a dog with a bone, this one.
"That's correct. As Nina made painfully…so painfully…clear earlier, we're already romantically involved." (Mizuki)
"Yes, and I also heard her say that she doesn't mind if that's the case for Ilina, too, correct? Are you saying my daughter is not good enough for you?" (Elira)
What the hell is with this change in attitude!?
"Elira, obviously I'm quite fond of Ilina. However, please do not pretend like you didn't just blow up ten minutes ago at the suggestion of her pursuing something with me. Are you telling me you've had a change of heart? What about your people's reactions to such a thing?" (Mizuki)
Elira waves her hand with a dismissive gesture.
"Fufufu…obviously you would not be King, but I think we could make you a secret concubine if that's really what Ilina wanted. My objection was before knowing that you'll outlive us all, and that your children would be elves with sufficiently long lives! If Ilina was your romantic partner, and especially if you had children together, I'd feel much better about our kingdom's long-term safety." (Elira)
She's actually insane…a secret concubine!? Oh, Dio would have loved to hear that. I glance at Dargo who's looking on quietly.
"Dargo, back me up here! Surely you do not want your daughter involved with a man whose affections are split?" (Mizuki)
Dargo shrugs.
"Honestly, given their stations in our society, it's not my place to dictate the actions of my Queen or First Princess Ilina, despite being my wife and daughter. All that aside, no, I don't mind. If that were what Ilina wanted, and it would make her happy, why wouldn't I support it?" (Dargo)
They're both losing it. I groan internally. I can't believe I'm about to engage in a good-faith debate about me forming a harem and getting Ilina pregnant, but…
"Look, Elira, based on what Nina said, there's a very good chance of human children, too. How would you hide that? Moreover, Ilina would need numerous husbands over her life to hide such pregnancies. Now, obviously I'm not judging, because I'm with Nina. However, are you sure Ilina would even be willing to do that? Maybe she doesn't want two partners at once." (Mizuki)
"Children that were human could be reported as miscarriages and given to you. I hadn't considered that Ilina might not want to be with another man, even to keep up appearances. Hmm…so long as she's producing children, it might be possible for her to avoid taking a husband. People can just assume that it's trivial relationships with a few elven men in the palace. Our people do not mind polyamory, nor the status of the fathers, they just desire that she has an heir at some point." (Elira)
I shake my head at her in disbelief. My mouth must be hanging open, I just know it.
"All that? Your people can accept all that, but can't tolerate the fact that I'm human? Don't get me wrong, I don't want to be King. Also, I'm not sure I want to be with Ilina when I'm already with Nina, regardless of their approval. Still, while I understand your people not wanting a human as their king, can they not even handle a human concubine? That's a troubling prejudice." (Mizuki)
Dargo nods solemnly.
"Yes, Mizuki, that is exactly the case. It's an embarrassment that I hope we'll one day move past. However, it is the reality of now. Personally, I think you'd make an excellent King, but I guess that's not relevant." (Dargo)
"Okay, well it sounds like this is no longer for us to discuss. Ilina, Nina, and I will discuss what we want eventually, and it sounds like either outcome would be fine. Can I get you both to agree to not bring this up again until then?" (Mizuki)
Elira rolls her eyes, while Dargo smiles warmly, but both nod their assent. Wonderful…this was brutal on my nerves. However, it did remind me of a very important thing I should have thought more about.
[Hey, Nina. When you mentioned getting pregnant, is that actually possible? I really shouldn't have assumed it wasn't, because I definitely do not want a kid right now. No offense.] (Mizuki)
[Fufufufu…I only know of one case of it happening – on my home planet long before I was born. The offspring of a human and Elder Dragon is called a dragonid. They are humanoid and unable to take dragon form, but they are only slightly weaker than their dragon parent. The only known one lived about a dozen millennia. In our case, it might be far stronger than me or other Elder Dragons and may be ageless as well.] (Nina)
Crap, so it's not impossible.
[Uhm…Nina, is there any way we can avoid having a kid for now, other than the obvious? Like, at least a decade, ideally.] (Mizuki)
[Fufufufu…if you only want to wait a decade or more, we don't need to do anything. Dragonids are rare because Elder Dragons don't mate with humans, but also because Elder Dragons take a very long time to conceive. Pregnancy after less than thirty years of monogamy is unheard of, and it normally takes several centuries. I wasn't sure we could have children at all with your original lifespan.] (Nina)
Oh god, that's a huge weight off my shoulders. That was so irresponsible in retrospect. I blame America's sex education for that.
"Mizuki, are you okay? You seem to have gone pale." (Dargo)
Oh, right. Dargo and Elira are looking at me with puzzled expressions.
"Ah, yes, I just remembered something important was all. Anyway, since we're all in agreement on the Ilina situation, let's move on to other important topics. We can save the demons for a separate meeting tomorrow since I've taken up enough of your time. Regarding Alara, I'm assuming that changing the line of succession is not something that you can do without a formal process?" (Mizuki)
Elira nods with a troubled look on her face.
"You're correct. Fortunately, Ilina is beloved and considered more suitable for leadership by the people. There are surely reservations about her strength based on prior knowledge, and some of the nobles are the type that believe Alara has a birthright to the throne. We'll need to convene the nobles for a royal announcement and use it to demonstrate Ilina's worthiness and explain Alara's misdeeds." (Elira)
"That's understandable. As an aside, and speaking of formalities, I've just realized that I stopped using your honorifics after you found out the truth about me. I apologize. Using them will be very important for my obscurity when in public settings, but would you two also like me to use them in private as well? I won't be offended, so feel free to be honest." (Mizuki)
I glance between Elira and Dargo as they consider my question. They both seem to smirk in unison before Elira answers.
"No, this is fine in private. We'd only insist on that to avoid someone feeling like we're friendly enough for favors or trust. Obviously, my blood runs cold at the idea of rejecting friendliness with you." (Elira)
I sigh deeply. I don't like hearing how afraid of me people are, but me comforting them might promote expectations that I don't want them to have.
"Very well. Back to the matter of Alara. When would you be holding this royal announcement, and what will you be doing with her in the meantime? Containing her is surely difficult, right? Aside from Ilina, Elira is probably the only elf around that can subdue her from what I sensed." (Mizuki)
"It would take a week or two to assemble everyone, even with urgency. Us mortals have travel limitations, Mizuki. We intend to try and contain her comfortably, but we'll move her to an actual cell if needed. Even then, you're correct that she could be trouble if she got violent. Do you have any suggestions?" (Elira)
"Well, not exactly. I have an offer and a warning. I could temporarily take her magic. You can consider this a standing offer while I'm here." (Mizuki)
They both go pale, and Dargo addresses me in a whisper.
"M-Mizuki…you can take people's magic?" (Dargo)
"Yes, temporarily. I used a variation of this ability to destroy the slave contracts that were on all the elves and wolf-kin." (Mizuki)
"Earlier you mentioned sensing people's magic, too. What did you mean by that?" (Dargo)
"Exactly as I said. Right now, if I wanted, I could tell you the magic power level of any person in this city or even the whole country. It's pretty much like the tests you know of, except that my power readings don't max out at 5. That's how I know that Nina is about a 7, Elira here and Alara are high 3's, Ilina is a low 4, and you are around a 2." (Mizuki)
Dargo is staring at me dumbfounded again. Elira is shaking her head in exasperation, but she seems to have other things on her mind as well.
"That aside, you said an offer and a warning…what is the warning?" (Elira)
She looks at me nervously.
"If Alara escapes, I might be forced to act. If she tries to kill me and we can subdue her without revealing my abilities, then I don't care. If I'm forced to reveal my abilities to her, or if I get so much as an inkling that she has the desire and opportunity to hurt Ilina or a member of my party…she dies, no exceptions. I'd be willing to drain her magic and give you an hour to make arrangements for her execution, but that's it. I consider this a very fair warning, so I hope this doesn't sour things between us." (Mizuki)
Elira looks troubled, but she nods solemnly.
"I understand. It'd be the third time she intended to kill a royal guest unprovoked, or a bloodthirsty attack on the future Queen. Neither would be reasonable for me to overlook." (Elira)
Good, we're on the same page. I nod my agreement. Then, a thought message from Nina interrupts us.
[Mizuki, I thought you were coming right back?] (Nina)
[Ah…yes, sorry. I got distracted chatting with Elira and Dargo. Please tell Ilina that they've sworn to stop discussing her and I in a romantic fashion.] (Mizuki)
There's a brief pause from Nina, and I sense amusement from her.
[Fufufu…she seems shocked that you managed that, and she wants to know what was said. So do I, for that matter.] (Nina)
[You, Ilina, and I will need to meet privately soon and discuss that. The conversation itself was truly absurd. Let me wrap up here and meet you guys back at the inn shortly!] (Mizuki)
[We look forward to it.] (Nina)
Indeed, I can sense her anticipation. I return to my conversation with Elira and Dargo.
"Well, I'd hate to end things on such a threatening note, but I should probably go retrieve everyone. There's also lots of things that I need to do before tomorrow. So, I'll be going now!" (Mizuki)
Elira looks mildly surprised by the swift departure, but nods.
"Mizuki, wait! One more thing!" (Dargo)
"Uhm…sure, what is it?" (Mizuki)
Dargo gives me a sheepish grin.
"Well…I promise this will be the last thing that I say about it, but…regarding Ilina. If you two decide that you're going to be more than friends, I'd very much enjoy seeing a grandchild in my lifetime. I thought for sure that Ilina wouldn't take a romantic partner for another few hundred years at least, so I'd given up such hope. However, if you don't wait too long, it might be possible now!" (Dargo)
I stare at him blankly. To his side, I can see Elira wearing an amused smile as well. Yup…ignoring them both seems best.
Without another word, I teleport back to the inn.