The next couple of days after meeting Kara and Cera passed uneventfully, and before I knew it, the first day of the royal announcement arrived.
It is currently a couple hours after sunrise, and I've just received my wardrobe for the event via delivery to my guest room.
It includes three complete outfits of tops and pants, and one pair of soft leather boots. They all seem to be different variations of military style cotton vests over long-sleeved cotton shirts, and dark-colored cotton trousers. No doubt, they were very expensive.
I put on an outfit with a blue vest, white shirt, and black pants, then I put the other outfits, along with all my weapons and gear, into my item box. Then, I make my way out of my room towards Ilina.
I know that several nobles should have arrived by now, if not all of them, but I haven't seen anyone else entering the other guest rooms near my party. I can only assume that there are other halls with guest rooms, and that the nobles were intentionally placed there to avoid chance encounters with my group and me.
That's…probably a good idea.
I wave to Klaus as I arrive at Ilina's room, and he raises an eyebrow at me and smirks as he looks over my outfit.
"Thinking about joining the royal guard, Mizuki?" (Klaus)
"Do you think they'd take me? Maybe I could become Ilina's new bodyguard so we can quit having these chats." (Mizuki)
Klaus snorts at my dig, but I see the hint of a smile from him.
"Anyway, is Ilina decent? I was hoping to talk with her while we wait for the first meeting with the nobles." (Mizuki)
Klaus nods and knocks softly on the door.
"Princess, you have a dapperly dressed visitor. Shall I send him in?" (Klaus)
Oh, good one Klaus. I hear Ilina's voice from behind the door.
"Fufufu…sure, Klaus, go ahead." (Ilina)
I enter the room and look around for Ilina. I catch sight of her in front of a mirror fixing her hair, and she's wearing one of her signature grey dresses that hugs her figure. It…looks good on her, to say the least. Catching my gaze on her from behind, I see her smirk in the mirror.
She turns around to face me, then wraps her arms around me and kisses me deeply. She pulls away with a smile.
"Hmm…I guess Klaus wasn't entirely joking, you clean up nicely Mizuki. I take it from your ogling of me that I look nice as well?" (Ilina)
"Fufufu…guilty as charged. As I told you the first day we met, you're a very beautiful woman, Ilina. Speaking of our early days together, I see you still like fishing for compliments." (Mizuki)
"Tch…now that we're together like this, I think I'm perfectly entitled to do so. I hope you don't plan on suggesting otherwise." (Ilina)
I prepare to make a sarcastic remark, but Ilina pulls me in for another kiss and I forget about it. After she releases me, she sighs happily and walks over and sits in a chair at the table in her room.
"So, what did you want to talk about?" (Ilina)
I give her a puzzled look.
"Uhm…nothing, actually. I just wanted to see you. We're about to lay the groundwork that decides how people will react to our public romance in your kingdom, so I wanted to come make the most of our time together before things get hectic." (Mizuki)
"Well, that's sweet. I meant what I said before, though, I'm not giving you up if they don't approve. Worst case, we'll just leave my kingdom or go somewhere remote within it, and we'll help the elves discreetly when necessary. I never particularly cared if I was Queen, just whether my people were okay. Is that fine with you?" (Ilina)
"Of course, Ilina. I'll help you however I can, so long as it doesn't harm innocent people." (Mizuki)
Ilina nods appreciatively, and we fall into a comfortable silence. It's interrupted by a thought message from Nina.
[Fufufu…Mizuki, would you be a dear and help me finish putting on my dress? I'm in my guest room. Tell Ilina I said hi before you come here, though, I don't want to just snatch you from her without notice.] (Nina)
[Sure! I'm very excited to see you in it. I'll teleport over in a moment.] (Mizuki)
"Hey, Ilina, Nina just asked to see me. She said to tell you hello, so you don't think she's being rude by summoning me like this." (Mizuki)
"Of course, you should go. I appreciate her making the effort to be polite, so please tell her that. Honestly, she's been way more supportive than I expected." (Ilina)
"Well, I'm glad you guys are getting long so much better these days, so I'll make sure to pass along your thanks! Alright, I'll see you at the meeting soon." (Mizuki)
I give Ilina a smile and wave, and once she smiles back, I teleport to Nina's room. When I arrive, Nina's sitting on her bed patiently with legs crossed, but she stands up to greet me and smiles.
Honestly, my breath catches in my throat a bit seeing her. She's wearing a green dress that matches her eyes perfectly and makes her dark brown hair pop in contrast. Ilina may be the definition of objectively beautiful, but Nina's overall allure is unrivaled by any woman I've ever met.
"Uhm…you said you needed help putting on your dress?" (Mizuki)
It…doesn't look like it. Nina smirks and then slips her dress over her shoulders and lets it drop to the floor in one smooth motion.
"Fufufu…yes, I'm very clumsy. Could you help me put it back on?" (Nina)
I can't help but smile at her shameless behavior. I do as she asks, and when her dress is back in place, she wraps her arms around me and we both grin affectionately.
"Well, if your goal was to make me appreciate how you look in that dress, I thought so even before your little stunt." (Mizuki)
Nina smirks at me.
"Yes, I'm very pleased that you like it." (Nina)
Before we can continue with our back-and-forth routine, a knock resounds at the door to Nina's room.
"Lady Nedonera, it's Cayla. I've come to escort you and your two guests to the meeting room. The Queen, King, and nobles are already present." (Cayla)
I take a deep breath, then meet Nina's gaze.
"Alright, Nina, are you ready for another performance as my beloved Lady and master?" (Mizuki)
"Fufufu…I enjoy all of our schemes, Mizuki. This will be fun." (Nina)
I can't help but smile a little bit at her response. This may be in poor taste, but…I can't deny that's true. Even I'm a little excited.
Alto and I follow Nina, led by Cayla, towards a different part of the palace than the normal conference room. We arrive at a set of double doors protected by Elira's two personal guards, and Cayla guides us into the room.
Inside, there is a large roundtable with eight chairs. Seated at it are Elira and five other elves. Each person has two guests standing behind them towards the room's walls, and Ilina and Dargo are standing behind Elira.
Nina walks into the room and takes a seat in the middle of the three empty chairs, so she's separated from any of the elves, and Alto and I take up positions behind her. Besides Elira, there are two women and two men at the table, all appearing in their 30s, and one young woman who looks about 20. Based on what I heard, the latter must be Cara Egris.
Cara is beautiful, but she has peculiar features for an elf – long, dark red hair, with pale skin and amber eyes. I've never seen another elf that resembles her at all. She's accompanied by two guards, but no apparent heir or spouse, which makes sense given her age. She, like all the others, is staring at Nina and us, and her expression is a mix of confusion and curiosity.
One of the male elves, who seems visibly upset by our arrival, gestures at us rudely while looking at Elira.
"Why the hell are these humans here!? What is the meaning of one of them waltzing in here and sitting at this table like our equal?" (…)
Based on his cranky attitude, and hateful remarks, I can assume that this guy is Jorah of Abel house. He's a generic looking elf with brown hair and eyes, but his face seems almost permanently twisted into a scowl. Before I can assess him further, the other elven man speaks up.
"Jorah, I assume you meant, 'Why the hell are these humans here, my Queen?'. Also, I believe that the lovely lady who has just sat down at the table is not a human, but rather Nedonera the Elder Dragon of earth. So, you might want to watch your tone with her as well. The other one is in fact human to my knowledge, and I believe his name is Mizuki. I suspect that Lady Nedonera is quite fond of him…so tread carefully." (…)
Yeah, based on that cool attitude and spot-on assessment, this must be Darak Zardo. He's got long black hair, and pale blue eyes. He looks like a handsome middle-aged man that works out regularly, and he's wearing a warm smile. However, his eyes are watching us closely…especially me.
Hearing Darak's assessment, Jorah and the other nobles look to Nina in surprise and grow quiet. The exception is an elven woman with silvery hair, who remains calm. I'd guess that she's Tessa Uril, the infamous cousin of Elira, and she must have known about us some other way. That means that the blonde elven woman staring at us warily is Helena Izthil.
Elira takes charge of the confusion.
"Yes, Darak, you're correct on all accounts. This woman is Lady Nedonera, the Elder Dragon of earth, and the two people behind her are Mizuki and Alto. They are all royal guests, and I would like to emphasize that I will not tolerate any disrespect or hostility towards them. In case it needs to be clarified just because he's human, this is equally true for Mizuki." (Elira)
The nobles give Elira a surprised look, and some glance back at us suspiciously, but they don't argue further. Tessa Uril speaks out in a calm voice to break the silence.
"Very well, my Queen. May we ask what Lady Nedonera and her guests are doing here? Similarly, could you explain why the Princess with you is Ilina and not Alara? I'm also personally curious about why an elf is one of your guests, Great Dragon, but I suppose that question can wait." (Tessa Uril)
"Of course, Tessa, thank you for getting us back on topic. The answer to your first two questions is the same. It's because Lady Nedonera and Ilina are directly involved with what I asked you here to discuss. That would be the crisis of a potential war with the demons, which I'm sure you are all aware of. Some of you may also have heard about surveillance reports that Veyron the Elder Dragon was likely to join the demons' side in any conflict." (Elira)
It seems that not everyone was up to speed on this news.
"Veyron!? This is most urgent! Would we not be wiped out by an unrestrained Elder Dragon!? Why is this the first that I'm hearing of this!?" (Jorah Abel)
"Ehem…Jorah, the rest of us likely heard this news through our own information networks. From what I recall, the information was far from definitive, which was why Queen Elira didn't send formal notices. You not hearing is simply a reflection of your own poor information gathering. Moving on…I can assume that Lady Nedonera is here as a potential countermeasure against Veyron, but how is Princess Ilina involved?" (Tessa Uril)
Elira becomes visibly uncomfortable. Jorah Abel stares at Tessa Uril in shock, but he remains silent.
"You're correct, Tessa. Ilina is the one who convinced Lady Nedonera to come to the Elven Kingdom and potentially offer her assistance against Veyron." (Elira)
"My Queen, I believe everyone is aware that Lady Nedonera lives deep in the Delmura Forest on the opposite side of the continent. Perhaps you could start from the beginning and have Ilina explain how Lady Nedonera came to be a guest in our country? From what I've heard, I expect that will be the fastest way to get us all up to speed, with important details intact." (Darak Zardo)
Elira nods dejectedly and signals to Ilina to do as he requested. Yeah, I'm sure she was hoping to avoid discussion of Ilina's escape from the country. Ilina steps forward and gives a light nod to the nobles before beginning.
She proceeds to give an overview of her clandestine trip to Elmesia, chance encounter with me, and proposition to Nina, but she glosses over details that would raise concerns about my abilities or intentions. She ends her initial explanation with how we parted ways in Elmesia with the intention for Lady Nedonera to consider her plea for aid. Everyone is silent for a moment, so Ilina continues.
"A short time later, our paths crossed again in Cedonia within the Ralzen Empire. Lady Nedonera and Mizuki were there investigating rumors that elves had been kidnapped into the slave trade, just as I was. Ultimately, they learned the location of the elven slaves and freed them along with the wolf-kin children being kept there, then they offered to return both to their respective homes. After such a display, I felt that it was appropriate to invite Lady Nedonera here as a royal guest, to help convince her to aid us." (Ilina)
I glance around the room to see surprised faces. Not unexpected, since Ilina just dumped an absurd amount of troubling information on them. I catch one of Darak Zardo's guests staring at me intently.
She's an elf that is about 20 by appearance, with dark black hair, blue eyes, and marble white skin, and her appearance is somewhat familiar. I assume that's his heir, since the other guest looks like a guard.
I meet her gaze, then smile and nod politely to her. Her expression becomes one of brief confusion, but then she smirks like she's amused. Afterward, she returns her attention to the meeting.
Jorah Abel is the first to respond to the influx of information from Ilina.
"I doubt that I'm the only one concerned about our Second Princess running off to dangerous countries alone without our knowledge, but since she is safe and was successful in her mission, we can defer chastising her for now. I agree with Princess Ilina's decision to invite Lady Nedonera here, but that does not excuse the presence of her human pet. Lady Nedonera is certainly entitled to an escort, but it could have been spirits or fey, which wouldn't violate our policy against human travelers in the kingdom." (Jorah Abel)
I feel a surge of irritation from Nina. However, she responds with a calm voice.
"Fufufu…I refused to visit your kingdom if Mizuki, my most trusted subordinate, was not allowed to accompany me. From the beginning, the only reason I even entertained your plea for help was because Mizuki asked me to, and Princess Ilina was aware of this. It's also been brought to my attention that there is no explicit mention in your policies that the ban on human travelers extends to royal guests." (Nina)
Nina's frank defense of my presence catches every noble off guard, even Darak Zardo, and it shows on their faces. Cara Egris recovers first, and she directs an intensely curious look at me again before speaking for the first time.
"Well, Lady Nedonera's assessment is correct – there is technically no policy violation here given Princess Ilina's invitation. I also don't agree that we should be chastising the Princess's actions in traveling to Elmesia. It was quite admirable, and her doing it covertly with Klaus was the wisest choice, though I wish we'd been informed. What I'd rather have answered now is Tessa's earlier question about why there is an elf as your guest, Great Dragon. Could you explain?" (Cara Egris)
"Alto is one of the elves that we freed from the human slavers. She asked to join my party while we were in the Elven Kingdom, and I simply agreed. That's all." (Nina)
Tessa Uril appears confused by Nina's response, and she decides to address Alto directly.
"Alto, was it? Why would you make such a request? While I understand you feeling some gratitude towards Lady Nedonera, I don't think you need to act as her servant for the whole time she's here. Especially when it means working alongside a human, like the ones that abducted you and planned to treat you like cattle." (Tessa Uril)
Alto steps forward and gives a polite curtsy to the nobles before responding with her gaze directed at Tessa Uril. Her expression is fierce, and it concerns me a little. Although, it's Alto, so I can't imagine her saying anything too incendiary.
"Thank you for your concern, Lady Tessa, but I'd appreciate it if you don't imply that Mizuki is anything like the people that abducted me. Furthermore, I should clarify that my loyalty lies with him, not Lady Nedonera, and it derives from admiration, not a sense of debt. Finally, I wouldn't describe myself as a servant, nor is my position so temporary. I intend to continue working with Mizuki, as a member of Lady Nedonera's party, indefinitely." (Alto)
A shocked silence falls over everyone in the room, even Elira and company. I can't blame them, that was uncharacteristically abrasive of Alto. I'm shocked too, and I can feel my face go stiff hearing Alto's response. The one apparent exception is Nina, who is radiating amusement through our connection.
All the nobles and even their guests turn piercing glares at me, and I fight the urge to fidget in my discomfort. Thankfully, Darak Zardo returns his gaze to Nina and speaks up before anyone else can.
"Great Dragon, my own curiosities about Alto's statement aside, what do you think of this? She all but demanded that an elven noble treat your subordinate with more respect. More importantly, she plainly admitted that she has no real loyalty to you, and only to Mizuki." (Darak Zardo)
"Fufufu…I think it's great that Alto is showing some backbone. My presence here was a favor to your people, not the other way around, and her expectation that your nobles remain respectful is quite warranted. Also, I believe that Alto having loyalty towards Mizuki, but not me, is more desirable than the opposite situation. Mizuki is responsible for Alto, and he is completely loyal to me, so Alto isn't rogue." (Nina)
That's…a surprisingly levelheaded assessment from Nina. I'm impressed. Darak is surprised by Nina's response, but he contemplates it for a moment and seems to find the explanation reasonable. Then, Helena Izthil speaks for the first time. Her tone is cold and matter of fact.
"Can the nobles dispense with the idle curiosities and frivolous concerns? No policies have been broken, Mizuki is obviously trusted by everyone important, and I see no evidence that he's been anything but friendly towards our people. Instead, we should discuss Veyron and the demons, or did none of you notice that Lady Nedonera's visit was to decide if she'll assist us? I suggest that you temper your prejudices against the person most likely to convince her to aid us." (Helena Izthil)
Damn…I know that she's not exactly siding with me out of friendliness, but I like her. Someone who makes decisions that objectively…they have my respect whether they like me or not. Hearing her comment, most of the nobles go pale. Elira takes the opportunity to interject.
"Ehem…thank you Helena. That was certainly the case when we invited you all for this meeting, but circumstances have changed now. Within a few days of arriving as our guests, Lady Nedonera and her party were able to assess the situation with the demons independently, and they resolved it on their own. The matter has been settled for us, and there is now no threat to the Elven Kingdom from Veyron or the demons." (Elira)
That revelation causes a round of surprised noises from the nobles, even Darak Zardo and Tessa Uril. I understand, since Elira has been keeping that information tightly under wraps given the looming royal announcement. Helena Izthil is the first to ask a coherent follow up question.
"Great Dragon, do you mind explaining Queen Elira's statement, about the issue being resolved? There's obviously significant information we're missing." (Helena Izthil)
"Fufufufu…I have to say, I quite like you…you're clever and direct – Mizuki's favorite kind of person. Mizuki, dear, that's quite a long story she's asking for. Do you mind explaining it for me?" (Nina)
I bow deeply and step forward, and Helena's eyes turn towards me in anticipation.
"Of course, my Lady. Lady Helena, I believe your biggest misconception was about the demons' motivations and intentions, so allow me to explain that first." (Mizuki)
I recap for them how Nina, Zara, I first surveilled the demons' camp, what we observed, and how Zara had a duel with the leader of the demons, Dez. Then, I explain what Dez told us of the demons' true situation, and the reasons why the elves' initial intelligence reports were misleading. I, of course, leave out any magical actions by me, and subtly imply that I can't use magic.
"So, the demons were never intending to start a war with your people. They were just trying to avoid extinction at the hands of Veyron the only way they knew how." (Mizuki)
The nobles remain quiet for a few moments, digesting that information, then several of them ask me questions in sequence.
"Mizuki, I'm intrigued by your mention of this wolf-kin girl, Zara, who is skilled enough with a sword to beat a demon militant. How did she come to be in Lady Nedonera's service, and what is she like? Such weapon use is unheard of among the wolf-kin." (Cara Egris)
Cara is only staring at me with intense curiosity.
"She was one of the wolf-kin slaves freed by Lady Nedonera along with Alto. She made a similar request to join my Lady's party, which was accepted. As for her sword use, it was something she wished to learn for personal reasons. She's exceptionally open-minded and pragmatic, and she doesn't agree with many wolf-kin ideologies. He skills with the sword were mostly developed in sparring sessions with Princess Ilina's royal guard, Klaus." (Mizuki)
Cara mulls over that information, and Darak takes the opportunity to interject a question while narrowing his eyes at me suspiciously.
"Mizuki, can you truly not use magic? You may not be aware, but one of the elves you freed was my daughter. I received a letter from her stating that a kind human traveling with an Elder Dragon had freed her from imprisonment and a slave contract. Her phrasing made it sound like you, personally, freed her, instead of Lady Nedonera as you stated." (Darak)
I smile politely at him and produce my guild card from a jacket pocket, then hand it to him. He observes it for a moment, then looks up at me in surprise. I see Dargo rolling his eyes in the corner of the room.
"Lord Darak, I cannot speak to your daughter's intended message, but you can plainly see the results of my mandatory magic assessment at the guild. It's true that Lady Nedonera only helped the elves because I pleaded with her, so saying that I freed them could be accurate depending on your perspective." (Mizuki)
Darak nods thoughtfully as he returns my guild card to me.
"Still, I notice that you're an A-rank adventurer, so it's hard to believe that you could achieve such a status as a normal human without any magic aptitude." (Darak)
Clever guy.
"Well, you're partly correct. My loyalty to Lady Nedonera is not purely verbal, and there is also a contractual element that grants me her blessings. All I'm willing to divulge is that my physical abilities are much better than a normal human because of this blessing from her. As evidence of this blessing, you may notice that I share her green eyes, which are not naturally occurring among humans." (Mizuki)
This solicits curious gazes from several nobles, as well as Elira and Dargo who never received an explanation for my eye color. Ilina is just looking at me with surprise. I guess she didn't expect that cover story. Helena Izthil makes another timely interjection.
"You're all getting off topic with frivolous interests, again. Mizuki, could you finish explaining how Veyron was dealt with, who seemed to be the source of the demon crisis?" (Helena Izthil)
I nod to her politely.
"Of course, Lady Helena, that part is simple. My Lady goaded him into a wager, where the winner was determined by single combat between them. She easily defeated Veyron, and her prize was ownership of the minor continent, which Veyron considered his. To prevent him from causing trouble elsewhere, she gifted him his original portion of the continent to continue living on, and she forbade him from trespassing onto the remaining territory so the demons could live there in peace." (Mizuki)
Helena directs surprise and respect towards Nina.
"Great Dragon, that was as clever as it was generous. Why would you give up the continent and leave nothing for yourself after all that effort?" (Helena)
"Fufufufu…crushing the pride of that boastful idiot Veyron was reward enough for me – I never had any interest in the continent. The goading, the wager and its stakes, and the aftermath were entirely Mizuki's idea. He thought it was the best way to resolve the issue." (Nina)
Helena directs her gaze towards me, and her expression turns calculating.
"Did he now…" (Helena)
Before Helena can ask me further questions, Jorah Abel makes his presence known again.
"From what I can tell, this matter with the demons and Veyron has been settled for over a week now. Ergo, the reason for Lady Nedonera's visit has concluded, and us tolerating her human's presence has served its purpose as well. Why are they still here?" (Jorah)
Elira glances at me nervously, presumably wondering if I'll get tired of Jorah like I did Alara. I direct a thought message at her and Ilina.
[Relax, Elira, I'm not going to do anything. If Ilina's as determined as she seems, you'll be my mother-in-law eventually. As you'd hoped, that earns you quite a bit of latitude, even with idiots like this. Please feel free to address the situation how you'd like, and I'll do my best to support it.] (Mizuki)
Elira visibly relaxes, and I catch the hint of a smirk on Ilina's face. Elira lets out a huge sigh.
"Jorah, my patience with you has about expired. If you refuse to use Mizuki's name or blatantly disrespect him one more time, I'll be personally throwing you in a cell before Lady Nedonera has the chance to kill you over it. Consider this a loving gesture from your Queen. Now, to answer your question, they're still here so they can help with the agenda of the royal announcement, including this meeting." (Elira)
Jorah and even Tessa are taken aback by Elira's blatant threatening of a noble. Cara and Darak seem surprised, but also amused, as they glance at Elira. Helena outright chuckles – she's really something else.
"Fufufu…my Queen, thank you. Jorah, are you so stupid as to think you can blatantly antagonize an Elder Dragon without consequences? They don't value the approval of other races, so what do you think is stopping her from murdering you right here in front of us if you anger her? Do you think we have anything of value to offer her? Do you think it'd be remotely possible to punish her? Please, explain why you're so confident." (Helena)
Jorah turns a confused expression to Helena, and he becomes visibly angry.
"Don't be absurd, Helena. Even an Elder Dragon wouldn't dare murder an elven noble right in front of the Queen over something so minor." (Jorah)
Oh…oh, no…he's an idiot. Here I just thought he was hateful and belligerent, but he's truly drinking his own kool-aid. Nina is quick to correct him.
"Fufufufu…stupid elf, is that what you think? Lady Helena is correct, and obviously much smarter than you. If it weren't for Mizuki's tolerant nature protecting you, I would have killed you twice over for your behavior already, then gone about my day carefree." (Nina)
Based on how we met, there's no doubt in my mind she means that. Jorah goes pale and stops talking altogether. Every noble except Helena and Darak goes stiff as well.
"Ehem…my Queen, you mentioned that Lady Nedonera and her party remained in Avalon to help with the royal announcement proceedings. Could you be more specific?" (Darak)
The other nobles turn to Ilina curiously, following Darak's question.
"Of course. We have a separate meeting tomorrow to discuss the subject of the royal announcement, so I won't disclose that yet, but everything else is fine." (Elira)
Elira explains the intention for us to attend all the events for the royal announcement proceedings, and that we will be getting publicly recognized before the reception this evening for resolving the demon crisis. She also mentions that we are implicated in the official announcement, so we will be attending the nobles' second meeting tomorrow.
"Finally, and in recognition for their service to our kingdom, I plan to give Lady Nedonera and every member of her party a royal crest that permits their ongoing travel within our country. Jorah, before you ask, yes, that includes Mizuki." (Elira)
What!? That's news to me as well! Every noble seems equally surprised as me.
"My Queen, I hope you'll reconsider this. Lady Nedonera openly admitted to nearly murdering an elven noble without remorse. Also, while you may feel that Mizuki himself is trustworthy, the precedent of letting a human roam freely in our country with royal approval carries its own dangers." (Tessa)
"I confess that I wanted to murder Jorah over his idiotic behavior, too, and I also would have felt little remorse over it. Lady Nedonera's confession only convinces me of her honesty, not her hostility." (Helena)
There are a few stray chuckles over Helena's comment, but Jorah looks livid. However, he glances at Nina nervously and remains quiet.
"Tessa, what alternative would you suggest? Surely you don't expect me to just give them nothing and deport them after such a considerable service to our country, and a history of only kind actions towards elves. They have no need for money, and I'm assuming that granting them citizenships or land would be even more disagreeable to you." (Elira)
"Regardless of whether they need it, money is an acceptable form of compensation for services, even great ones. Grant them that, then after the royal announcement is over, let them return to their homes peacefully with our thanks." (Tessa)
"Fufufu…I'm not sure what the compensation should be, Tessa, but I can assure you that its usefulness to them is incredibly relevant. If you saved my daughter's life and I offered you a warehouse full of crap, you wouldn't deem it adequate compensation just because I said dung beetles appreciate it. Your rationale with money may be no different to an Elder Dragon." (Helena)
Helena Izthil might rival Alto as the funniest elf I've ever met. Honestly, I'd love to be on good terms with her just for the entertainment value.
Tessa seems much less amused than me, however, and bickering soon breaks out among the nobles. Cara Egris seems to be the only one abstaining, and she's eyeing me curiously. After nearly twenty minutes of debate among the nobles, she finally speaks up.
"Could everyone quit arguing like children, please?" (Cara)
Her sudden admonishment draws surprised gazes from everyone in the room, and Jorah and Tessa look plainly irritated. Cara ignores them, however, and continues.
"Mizuki, since this whole debate is effectively about you, why don't you give us your opinion on how we should handle it?" (Cara)
I'm sure the surprise shows on my face because Cara looks pleased with herself at my response. What angle is she playing?
The other nobles look at me expectantly, and nobody seems to be objecting to hearing my opinion. I groan internally, then step forward with a polite smile and bow.
"Of course, Lady Cara. If the Queen's ruling is insufficient for the nobles, then put it to a vote. After all, surely none of you would disregard the Queen and a majority vote of the other nobles, that'd effectively be a coup. If at least three nobles vote to support the Queen's decision, enact it. If not, then I'm sure Lady Nedonera would allow substitution with an S-rank support letter for my adventuring guild party, and we'll just depart after the royal announcement. I personally have no desire to force my presence where it isn't wanted." (Mizuki)
Cara looks surprised, and she begins studying my face intently. Was she expecting a different answer? Elira seems to go pale, probably because she knows that if I leave their kingdom over this vote, Ilina will come with me and my obligation to them will lessen.
"M-Mizuki, are you sure that's the wisest course…" (Elira)
"Well, I think that's a great idea hu…err, Mizuki! I believe we can all agree that if they're willing to leave with a note that doesn't affect us, that's the safest course of action. Shall we vote now?" (Jorah)
Jorah responds so soon after her that he practically interrupts Elira. I see he found it wise to use my name this time, though, and that's amusing to me.
In response to Jorah's vote call, there is assent from Tessa, but Cara interrupts any further communication on the matter. She is glancing between Elira and me, and she wears an expression that's a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
"Just a moment. Before we vote, I'd like to ask Mizuki some questions. Mizuki, how do you expect this vote to go?" (Cara)
That's…a strange question. Cara continues gazing at me expectantly, and nobody objects to her questions. I guess I've got to respond.
"Hmm…that's difficult to say, Lady Cara. If there were any apparent consequences to voting against the Queen, like angering my Lady, I think you'd vote 3-2 in favor of supporting the Queen's decision. Lady Helena, Lord Darak, and especially yourself seem ambivalent towards me at worst. However, since we've volunteered to leave peacefully, I think you three would only vote to support the Queen's decision due to personal pressures. I don't know you well enough to discern that, so I could see the vote going either way." (Mizuki)
"Even if that's all true, it should be obvious to you that Lady Helena wouldn't let personal reasons affect her vote. So, shouldn't that knowledge alone make a vote against the Queen's decision more likely?" (Cara)
Cara is eyeing me carefully, and I think I'm starting to see where this is going. I sigh before responding.
"Yes, naturally I'd agree with that assessment." (Mizuki)
Cara nods to herself, like she's confirmed something. Everyone else looks puzzled.
"May I ask why you're so confident that Helena, Darak, and especially I have no inclinations against you? We may be polite to you compared to Jorah, but so is Tessa. I'll have you know that I advise against opening the kingdom to human travelers whenever it's discussed." (Cara)
The two other 'ambivalent' nobles nod subtly, as if acknowledging that Cara is expressing the reason for their own confusion.
"Even I would advise against such a policy change. So, that only proves your sound judgement, Lady Cara, not your bias. My confidence is from your decisions and justifications today – they were earnest and rational, which would not be possible if you shared the typical elven bias against humans. Lady Tessa is quite polite, which I respect, but it's also obvious what her true feelings towards me are, and that they are motivated in part by my race. Unlike you three, she is partial to applying human generalizations to me, despite contrary evidence." (Mizuki)
There are several surprised glances around the table, but nobody denies it. Not even Tessa. Cara looks at me thoughtfully.
"Earlier you said there were no apparent consequences to rejecting your access to our country. Are there consequences that we aren't aware of?" (Cara)
Oh…she's a perceptive one. I can't give her the complete truth, though. I shrug before responding.
"Who's to say…I can't know the future. I can tell you that neither Lady Nedonera nor I would hold a grudge over such a decision, though. We have no intention of unprovoked hostility towards the Elven Kingdom, regardless of your votes." (Mizuki)
Cara looks at me skeptically for a moment, then sighs in frustration.
"Somehow, the future feels more known to you than to me right now, but so be it. Great Dragon, if we were to reject the Queen's proposal and your access to our country…what would you do if we asked for your aid with a later crisis?" (Cara)
"Fufufu…if Mizuki were interested in aiding you, then I'd consider it, but I'd reject any monetary compensation up front. I'd only be interested in something that we'd have use for. So, this scenario would not be unfolding again." (Nina)
Cara grimaces and continues.
"Hmm…one final question, Mizuki. I can't help but get the feeling that you couldn't care less about how we vote, and Lady Nedonera is completely deferring to you. If I'm right, that would make Queen Elira's adamant support of this specific reward even more confusing. You said you'd have advised against opening our borders to humans. Tell me, how would you advise this decision in my place, knowing what you do?" (Cara)
Cara looks at me expectantly, but without anticipation, like she's only asking to make a point to the others. She's fun…I kind of like playing this game. I hang my head and chuckle out loud, and it solicits quite a few confused gazes.
"Fufufufu…me answering your rhetorical question won't sway your fellow nobles, Lady Cara. I do hope we get to chat more this evening, though. Your non-rhetorical questions are quite intriguing." (Mizuki)
Cara clicks her tongue and smirks at me in response, but I can tell that she's troubled internally. She turns to face the other nobles again.
"Okay, I'm ready. My advice is that we offer Lady Nedonera and her current party a section of land in the undeveloped western region of the kingdom, and we allow them to live there permanently. This would be in addition to the royal travel crests, the S-rank endorsement, and even monetary compensation if they wanted it. However, I'm sure Mizuki is correct and none of that will be approved, so my official vote is to uphold the Queen's decision." (Cara)
Elira, Darak, and Helena are stunned silent, and Jorah and Tessa let out audible squeals of disbelief. Alto and even Nina are shocked.
[Mizuki!? Is that where the hot spring I like is!?] (Nina)
[Fufufu…yes, I think that's correct. Don't get your hopes up, though, there's no way that's getting approved at this meeting.] (Mizuki)
I sense disappointment from Nina, and I stop myself from laughing. Some of the nobles have recovered enough to start expressing their opinions.
"That's preposterous! Have you lost your mind, Cara!?" (Jorah)
"Youth and inexperience can only excuse so much, Cara. I hope you don't always make decisions for your house so flippantly, or the Egris's may fail to weather the test of time." (Tessa)
Darak is observing Cara curiously, with an amused smile. Helena just looks deep in thought and is the next to speak.
"Cara, I have a lot more respect for your intelligence than Tessa and Jorah, so I don't take that statement lightly. Still…your suggestion seems unnecessarily drastic. May I ask why you'd propose such a thing?" (Helena)
Cara nods solemnly.
"My official justification is that it's for long-term security. It should be obvious to anyone listening that Lady Nedonera would never aid us again without travel access to our country. However, even that is a temporary measure. I suspect that when Mizuki dies in a few short decades, even that would not warrant her aid. If she considered our region of the continent her and Mizuki's home, however, I think she'd be inclined to protect it indefinitely even after he's gone." (Cara)
Even if it's based on flawed information, that's a damn good argument. Helena's brow furrows in thought for a few moments.
"I think that's a reasonable justification, though I'm not sure the risk is worth the reward. Lady Nedonera wouldn't be hostile, and we've never needed her protection before. There is also the people's reaction to think of. However, I have other questions about your response. You said that was your official justification…is there another one?" (Helena)
Cara nervously glances at Nina and me, and she seems to hesitate for a few moments. In that time, Darak interjects with a good-natured chuckle.
"Fufufu…it's bothering you, too, right Cara? All the unexplained behaviors. Why Lady Nedonera and Alto are so deferential to Mizuki, and why he seems less interested in them being here than everyone else. Also, why is Mizuki so nonchalant about everything, even watching two Elder Dragons fight? Your instincts are screaming that rebuking a close relationship with them would cause you regret later, right?" (Darak)
Cara nods solemnly, and this seems to set Jorah off.
"If you're that scared of them, that's even more reason to cut ties!" (Jorah)
"Tch…that's not the issue here, Jorah. I don't think that they are a threat to us. In fact, I'm confident that's not the case. My concern is more like we're exiling the farmers before a food shortage. I think we'd regret not befriending them. However, I can't give you a definite reason for that, as Darak inferred." (Cara)
A brief silence falls over the nobles, and they keep glancing at Nina and me curiously. Eventually, Darak breaks the silence.
"For what it's worth, I agree with you Cara. My instincts are telling me the same thing. However, there's no reason to rush such drastic measures. I suggest that we vote on the royal travel crests as planned, and if necessary, have another meeting at the end of the royal announcement to discuss any further access to our country. I suspect that there are many important things to learn in the coming days. Queen Elira, would you agree with my assessment?" (Darak)
Elira smiles wryly at Darak.
"Yes, I agree that there's no reason to rush offering more than these so-called royal travel crests. Though, I'd approve of Cara's proposal right now if most of you were swayed." (Elira)
Tessa and Jorah raise their eyebrows at Elira's second comment, but Darak continues before they can speak.
"Great! In that case, I vote to grant the royal travel crests. With Cara, that makes two. Are there any other votes to the same effect?" (Darak)
Darak phrases the question openly, but he's just staring at Helena with a smirk. She sighs deeply and directs an annoyed expression at him.
"Tch…you're as smug as ever, old man. You knew my vote the minute I heard that Cara and you reached the same conclusion independently. I also vote to approve the royal travel crests." (Helena)
Jorah's face is like he's watching his house be robbed live on camera, and Tessa looks similarly frustrated. However, Elira has already moved on.
"Wonderful! Then, per your own internal agreement, I'm making my decision final. Lady Nedonera and her party will be granted the royal travel crests this evening during their public recognition before the reception. That resolves all matters related to this meeting, so I'm considering this meeting adjourned. You're welcome to satisfy any other curiosities about Lady Nedonera or her party members by talking with them at the reception." (Elira)
Elira and a few others in the room nod and prepare to leave, but Jorah has a sudden outburst.
"Wait, this is ridiculous! I'd like to make my disapproval abundantly…" (Jorah)
Surprisingly, Tessa is the one to cut him off.
"Quiet, Jorah! Know your place!" (Tessa)
Jorah looks surprised, and tries to protest to her quietly, but she ignores him.
"You're the one who was foolish enough to champion this vote, so you need to accept the outcome. We're not animals, we're elves. We have laws and a Queen, and she has spoken in accordance with them. Her decision is final." (Tessa)
Jorah hangs his head dejectedly and nods his agreement. Tessa is just staring at me intently.
"Besides, there are much bigger concerns that lie in the future, not the past. I suggest you focus your attention on those." (Tessa)
Yeah…she's talking about me for sure. I really don't want another Alara situation on my hands. I sigh deeply.