Later, we all assemble in the roundtable conference room for our final meeting. It's to discuss what, if any, additional rewards and Elven Kingdom access we'll be given. We're the last to arrive, and we take up our normal positions. Zara walks over to the empty space behind Alara and assumes a watchful stance near the wall.
Seeing Zara, everyone looks between her, Alara, and I in surprise. Cara seems the most curious.
"Great Dragon, Mizuki, does one of you mind explaining this?" (Cara)
The other nobles all mumble their assent, along with Elira.
"Certainly. It was our understanding that Lady Alara will need protection as she begins her new role as nobility. Good help is hard to come by, and the undeveloped lands are probably a dangerous place. With my Lady's blessing, Zara offered her services for the near future while Lady Alara establishes herself." (Mizuki)
Looks of surprise abound in the room. Presumably that we'd be willing to send one of our own people to help Alara, and that Alara would want Zara's help. I'm surprised by the first person to comment – Vena Zardo.
"Lady Alara, surely you'd want someone more capable? You were offered the opportunity to hire a royal guard into your service. While I'm sure the wolf-kin girl is useful, she couldn't compare to their protection." (Vena)
Darak seems to be developing a migraine out of nowhere, and he looks at Zara apologetically. Ilina, now Elira's guest, is the one to address Vena.
"Fufufu…she is an adult according to wolf-kin laws, Vena, and her name is Zara. Also, I'd refrain from implying that she's inferior to the elven royal guard. Klaus might take personal offense if he heard such a comment, since Miss Zara here regularly bests him in sword fights." (Ilina)
Vena's eyes go wide in surprise, and she looks back to Zara from Ilina. Zara is smirking, though it's thankfully subtle. Darak sighs deeply.
"Vena, I can see that you still haven't learned your lesson about underestimating Lady Nedonera's subordinates. Don't speak up again unless I tell you to do so – that's an order. Miss Zara, I apologize for my daughter's rude behavior." (Darak)
Zara smiles and gives a polite nod.
"It's no problem, Lord Darak." (Zara)
How graceful of you, Zara. Vena is giving me a bitter look, and when I meet her gaze her jaw clenches. Yeah, she's the type to hold a grudge. Elira takes the opportunity to get everyone back on track.
"Ehem…let's move on to today's discussion. Additional rewards were suggested for Lady Nedonera and her party at our first meeting. I have several that I approve of already. Other nobles may make suggestions as well. All proposed rewards that I approve of will be put to a vote with the nobles, and majority will decide whether the reward is issued. In the event of a tie, I'll decide the appropriate course of action. Is that clear to everyone?" (Elira)
Elira looks around the table sternly, and there's a round of assent. She nods her agreement.
"Very well. As we learned on the first day, Mizuki is registered with the adventuring guild in the independent city of Elmesia. He leads an adventuring party there, and it was proposed to issue him and the members of his party recommendations for S-rank promotion. All in favor?" (Elira)
Alara, Cara, Darak, and Helena raise their hands, then Tessa does as well. What…why!? Jorah shares my surprise.
"Lady Tessa, why would you support our Queen and country raising that human's status to such a degree!?" (Jorah)
Tessa sighs and eyes me bitterly.
"Jorah, try to be rational. Our kingdom doesn't use the adventurer's guild, so an S-rank promotion would only increase Mizuki's demand in other countries. Approving this reward could only serve to reduce the time he spends in our kingdom." (Tessa)
That's clever. It hadn't occurred to me. Elira nods approvingly.
"Approved. Mizuki, see me after this meeting. I will give you the official document endorsing you and whoever your current party members are for S-rank promotion once guild requirements have been met." (Elira)
I nod my acknowledgement, and Elira continues.
"Next there was the proposal of monetary compensation. I believe that three platinum coins divided among Lady Nedonera's party as she sees fit is appropriate. All in favor?" (Elira)
Jorah looks like he's about to protest, but the votes of Cara, Darak, Helena, and Alara cut him off. We really don't need the money.
Before Elira can confirm the vote, I interject.
"Queen Elira, it is my Lady's wish for any such money to instead be distributed to charitable works in the Elven Kingdom. Orphanages, necessary city renovations, or whatever else you see fit, as long as it helps elves in need." (Mizuki)
There's a round of surprised glances towards me, including from Elira.
"Uhm…very well. Great Dragon, I assume that Mizuki speaks with your full authority?" (Elira)
Nina smiles with amusement.
"Fufufu…as always. Money is of little use to me anyway." (Nina)
Elira nods.
"Very well, I'll do as Mizuki suggested then. Finally, there was the proposal for independent land to be granted to Lady Nedonera and her party. I would approve giving them undeveloped land one tenth the size of Alara's territory, to be treated as an independent city-state. All in favor?" (Elira)
Darak, Cara, and Alara raise their hands, but nobody else. A stalemate. Tessa flashes a satisfied smile, while Jorah glares at me with a smug expression. Helena just shrugs apologetically, while Elira sighs deeply.
"Hmm…an even vote…so it's my decision after all. I'm sorry Lady Nedonera, Mizuki, but I can't approve such a drastic action with only half the nobles' support." (Elira)
I just smile at her and gesture placatingly.
"That's no problem, Queen Elira. Alto is an elf, and we have your travel crests, so it's already legal for her to purchase land in any territory, indefinitely host us, and conduct business on our behalf. We have no real need for an independent territory." (Mizuki)
Elira and every other elf in the room is stunned speechless. Tessa is the first to speak.
"Absurd! I'm sure you're mistaken, and that we have policies against a common elf just purchasing property and conducting business on any traveler's behalf as though they were citizens." (Tessa)
Dargo looks a little pale, and he shakes his head.
"Actually, my Queen, Lady Tessa is mistaken. I'm shocked to say that I can think of no policy against what Mizuki described. We've never had any reason to make such policies. Mizuki's assessment of their options via Miss Alto is correct." (Dargo)
Elira looks at Dargo in shock, then back at me. She sighs deeply. Tessa is dubious for a moment, then she begins staring at me angrily.
"Well, I have no obligation to decree new policies just to address that. So, Mizuki's adventuring party will simply receive the S-rank recommendation from me, and that will be all. Are there any further topics for discussion before we settle this matter and properly conclude the royal announcement?" (Elira)
Tessa is now frantic.
"M-My Queen, I request that you consider a new decree to…" (Tessa)
Elira doesn't even wait for her to finish.
"Denied. Anyone else?" (Elira)
Darak stares at me, deep in thought.
"My Queen, I'd like to propose a vote for making Lady Nedonera's party full citizens of the Elven Kingdom." (Darak)
Tessa jumps up out of her chair, as does Jorah, and they both begin shouting at once.
"Have you finally gone senile!?" (Jorah)
"Darak, what is the meaning of this!? That simply won't do!" (Tessa)
Elira, Helena, and Alara are staring at him dumbfounded, but I see Cara smiling in amusement. So, she knows his angle, too, huh?
"I agree with Lady Tessa…we must decline. We appreciate your consideration, though, Lord Darak." (Mizuki)
Everyone except Cara and Darak looks to me in confusion. Tessa is especially bewildered. Cara chuckles.
"Fufufu…Darak, surely you knew they wouldn't fall for that?" (Cara)
Darak sighs deeply and shrugs.
"Well, there was nothing wrong with trying, Cara." (Darak)
Everyone else is still dumbfounded, glancing back and forth between the three of us. Elira seems annoyed at being kept in the dark. Dargo, realizing the situation, steps forward.
"My Queen, Mizuki recognizes the benefits of their existing access to our country. From his perspective, becoming full citizens only serves to make them liable for taxation and increase their obligations to the Elven Kingdom. He likely sees nothing to gain. By contrast, Lord Darak had the same realization, and he probably felt that we could only benefit by offering them citizenship." (Dargo)
Helena finally makes herself heard.
"Fufufu…you three are birds of a feather, aren't you? These talks have been the most fun noble meetings in my lifetime." (Helena)
I smirk at Helena.
"Lady Helena, I'll take that as a compliment." (Mizuki)
Elira rests her head in her hands for a moment, then looks up at me in exasperation.
"Let's consider this meeting and this royal announcement concluded. I hope to not have another one of these for centuries, at minimum. Are there any objections?" (Elira)
Everyone glances around the room in silence. Yup, we're done here. Elira sighs in relief.
"Wonderful, meeting adjourned. Lady Nedonera, your party may stay behind for a moment to collect the recommendation letter. Everyone else except my guests and Alara can depart." (Elira)
The room empties at Elira's direction, then Dargo closes the door behind them. I cast a silencing spell on the room for good measure, then I flash everyone a smile.
"Well, I think we can all agree that went better than expected! Elira, your nobles were interesting. Darak and Cara were especially impressive, and Helena was entertaining. Tessa was troublesome, though, and Jorah was just plain boring. No character depth, you know?" (Mizuki)
Elira rolls her eyes at me and answers sarcastically.
"I'm glad you had so much fun, Mizuki. I hope it's enough to last you the rest of my life, because I never want to put you in a room with them again. The trouble that all your scheming and games caused…I'm really going to make you pay for it with this favor you promised me." (Elira)
Oh…I forgot about that. I grin at her sheepishly.
"Well, that's fair I suppose. Any idea what you want?" (Mizuki)
Elira looks at me like I'm an idiot.
"As far as I know, it's my only explicit favor from you. I don't plan to use a favor from the most powerful being on this planet so rashly. I'd rather save it for something where my country is in crisis." (Elira)
"Fufufu…suit yourself, just thought I'd ask. Speaking of not wasting favors, is there any way you'd be able to arrange for a library as nice as the palace's or the Elven Magic Academy's to be installed in Alara's new family home after it's built? We'd pay for the cost, obviously." (Mizuki)
Elira wears a dumbfounded expression, and stares at me for several moments.
"No…Mizuki…not a chance. It's not even a matter of money or royal clearance, most of the books are just that rare." (Elira)
Damn…it was worth a shot. I sigh deeply.
"That's too bad, but don't worry about it. I'll take care of it then – I was just hoping to avoid using a favor. I had another question. Could you royally sanction Alara hiring a short-term wolf-kin labor force for development of her territory, and one dwarven friend of mine? We don't want funds or travel arrangements – I'll just teleport them directly to her territory. We just need your approval so they're here legally and can work with other elves." (Mizuki)
Elira looks surprised and then conflicted for a few minutes.
"Very well, if you personally guarantee that the wolf-kin won't set foot in the Elven Kingdom outside Alara's territory, I'll quietly sanction whatever numbers you need. Also, I'm shocked you have a dwarf friend willing to come work for you, but maybe I shouldn't be." (Elira)
Sweet. I don't know what's so surprising about my relationship with Percivil, but that's whatever. I'm sure everything about me is weird to elves. I flash her an appreciative smile.
"Thanks, Elira! I'd say I owe you one, but you're obviously keeping count." (Mizuki)
Elira smirks at me.
"Yes, yes I am. So, what will you all be doing now?" (Elira)
"Well, first I thought I'd show Alara the hot spring within her new territory. Then maybe go back to Elmesia and buy a house for my party to live in. While we're there, I should probably check in at the guild to finalize this S-rank promotion. I also need to talk to my dwarven friend. Still, I'll be dropping back by the palace regularly to see Ilina." (Mizuki)
Elira and Dargo go stiff, then glance at Alara. Oh…right…crap. Alara looks at me in bewilderment. Meh, it's probably fine.
"Mizuki, what are you helping Ilina with that you need to return to the palace so regularly?" (Alara)
Alara stares at me in confusion. I'm…at a loss. That was a rare slip up for me, and I realize that it's not my place to unilaterally lie to Alara or reveal the truth. No matter how confident I am that she'll remain quiet.
I direct a thought message to the royals.
[Uhm…guys, I slipped up just now. Alara won't repeat anything. I'm sure of how scared she is, but it's not my place to decide what to tell her on my own. If anyone has an idea for what to tell her, I'll just follow your lead.] (Mizuki)
Elira and Dargo give me annoyed expressions, and they seem to be thinking frantically. Ilina just smiles and walks over to kiss me abruptly. Then, she turns to Alara with an amused smile.
"Does that answer your question, Alara?" (Ilina)
I'm still in shock along with pretty much everyone else except Nina. Alara is just staring at Ilina, like her brain can't fully process what it just saw. Surprisingly, after a few moments, realization dawns on her face and she sighs deeply. She looks troubled but accepting.
"So, you're the reason Mizuki didn't punish me more harshly after I tried to kill him, aren't you? At first, I thought it was because he was worried about inconveniencing Mother or Lady Nedonera, but I've been confused again ever since I learned about his real power. I guess I owe you, Ilina, so the least I can do is remain quiet about this." (Alara)
I love it when my screw ups all work out. Elira and Dargo look surprised, but relieved.
"I appreciate it, Alara. Just so you know, Mizuki has no interest in being our King or anything. We just want to be together." (Ilina)
Alara's face seems to become less troubled after hearing this, and she looks to me expectantly. I nod my agreement, and the relief on her face becomes more obvious.
"Well, that was bold of you Ilina, so why don't I leave you to discuss it alone with Elira and Dargo. Alright, have fun! Everyone else, come close to me for travel!" (Mizuki)
Ilina gives me an expression of betrayal, but it's too late. Everyone closes in on me, and Zara pulls Alara with her, then I teleport us to the hot spring.
When we arrive, Alara stumbles away in bewilderment. I give her a nonchalant smile, then I walk over to the southern face of the mountain and gesture towards it proudly towards the valley below.
"So? What do you think, Alara?" (Mizuki)
Her eyes are sparkling curiously, and I hear her gasp as she walks over to the edge of the mountain where I am.
"Mizuki…it's beautiful." (Alara)
I nod my agreement as I smile. We can feel a light breeze blowing at the mountain's edge, and the sun can be seen low in the sky off to our right. The sunlight gives the waves of grass in the valley below a golden color, and the large lake towards the back of the valley shimmers brilliantly. It's an isolated paradise, surrounded by mountains – perfect for a new city.
"How far are we from Avalon?" (Alara)
Hmm…that's a good question. I use magic sense to look for a cluster of high elves, and I sense one about 700 km eastward.
"Probably 5 days travel by horse. I don't know the terrain between though, so it could even be longer." (Mizuki)
Alara looks at me in shock.
"Mizuki, how are we going to make it desirable for people to come all the way out here just for a hot spring!?" (Alara)
I've been looking forward to this reveal, and it's going to be the most groundbreaking thing I've done since I came to this world. A huge grin spreads across my face.
"I'm going to make you something that, using a normal person's magic power, can transport dozens of people at a time from Avalon to here in half a day or less. It will be so exciting that people might come here just to experience it." (Mizuki)
A bullet train powered by magic. I have an idea to personally lay all the tracks. After that, I just need to work with Percivil to build the railcar. The most important part will be learning how items get enchanted – I need to make items that will imbue my gravity and forcefield-like spells onto the rail car to move it along the track.
Alto nearly loses it upon hearing my claim.
"Mizuki!? Are you going to make a plane!?" (Alto)
Everyone else looks confused, since Alto has been the only one keenly interested in the specific technology of my old world.
"No, Alto, a plane would be too magic intensive for normal people. Furthermore, please remember who our present company is, and avoid those kinds of outbursts." (Mizuki)
Alto seems to snap back to her senses, and she looks around nervously. It's just a nonsensical word to them, so I think it's fine, but this can't become a habit.
[I know you're excited about the idea of flying, but that might not be in the cards given our constraints with Azazel and with normal magic levels. I'll keep thinking on it, though.] (Mizuki)
Alto nods apologetically, and everyone else seems to gather that a 'plane' is something we won't be discussing. Alara is intensely curious.
"Mizuki, that's incredible…can you tell me how this item you want to make works?" (Alara)
"Essentially, we're going to build a small house that moves along the ground on a type of road. The tiny house is going to be enchanted with a series of special spells that control when and how the house moves, and it will be able to go very fast. I can't give you anything more specific than that. I'm also going to make sure the elves won't be able to replicate or study it. It will be my personal gift to you, so I expect you to respect my wishes." (Mizuki)
Alara looks deeply conflicted, but eventually she nods reluctantly. Good.
"Alright! Is everyone ready to head back to the palace? After, I'd like to head back to Elmesia briefly to officialize our S-rank promotion. I suspect we might need your help, Alto, so do you mind coming as well?" (Mizuki)
Everyone nods their agreement. Good, I'm excited to see what Gerard and the guild have been up to in our absence.
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
After I returned everyone to the palace, I retrieved the S-rank paperwork from Elira. Then Nina, Alto, and I gathered all our belongings from our palace guest rooms and returned to our inn room in Elmesia.
I've kept Nina's and my room paid for in case we needed to come here. We change into typical adventuring clothes, and Alto puts on her cloak, then we make our way to the guild.
When we arrive, it's getting close to sunset, and there's a bit of a commotion from the adventurers upon seeing us.
"Woah ho, Mizuki isn't dead yet!? I thought for sure after all this time he'd been killed by a slime or something!"
"Oh man, is that the double-class girl? I missed seeing her around!"
"Look! It's Zara and that blonde girl! Congrats on B-rank!"
As we approach reception, Melanie sees us, and her eyes go wide.
"Mizuki!? Where have you been!? Gerard has been asking about you, and Zara and Alto just said that you were away on business!" (Melanie)
I smile back at her reassuringly.
"Yeah, that sounds correct! We can go meet with Gerard now, if he wants?" (Mizuki)
Melanie nods appreciatively, and I lead us to Gerard's office upstairs. I knock politely.
"Enter!" (Gerard)
We walk into his office and make our way over to the couch in front of his desk. As we do, he looks up at us, and his eyes go wide in surprise. I flash him an amused smile.
"Hey Gerard, I heard you missed me!" (Mizuki)
Gerard narrows his eyes at me, obviously annoyed.
"You little smartass…you just blazed your way to the top of our ranking system through technicalities, then you left without a word! Why did I even bother helping you!? I hope you have a good explanation!" (Gerard)
He definitely missed me, there's no hiding it. I gesture at him placatingly with a relaxed smile.
"Of course, I do! First, though, we are not at the top of your ranking system. We're only A-rank!" (Mizuki)
Nina also tries to console him, in her own way.
"Fufufu…he was busy, obviously." (Nina)
Gerard rolls his eyes and ignores Nina.
"Kid, there aren't even any S-rank adventurers in the guild system right now. It's rare to make it to A-rank, even among the elites here in Elmesia. To get S-rank, you have to do that and then something heroic enough to warrant the ruler of a country endorsing you! Realistically, A-rank is the top of our ranking system." (Gerard)
"Well, that brings us to why I was gone!" (Mizuki)
I pull Elira's endorsement out of my travel pack, then hand it to Gerard. He grabs and inspects it curiously. After reading it a moment, his face contorts in confusion, and he looks back at me incredulously.
"Is this some kind of joke? This is allegedly from the elven queen, and it mentions endorsing you, a human, by name. What do you expect me to do with this?" (Gerard)
"Well, I expect you to promote Nina and I to S-rank. The Elven Kingdom is a country, Queen Elira is the ruler of it, and that's her endorsement. Sounds like all your qualifications have been met!" (Mizuki)
Gerard glares at me.
"Putting aside the fact that it's assumed you'd get the support of a human country's ruler…do you have any way to authenticate this?" (Gerard)
Figures he'd make this hard.
"Well, first, I thought the guild didn't discriminate based on race. I can't think of anything more discriminatory than not accepting another race's ruler as legitimate. Second, that has the royal seal of the Queen. Third, I'm wearing a royal travel crest here that allows me to travel to and from her country freely. Fourth…Alto, do you mind?" (Mizuki)
After showing him my travel crest necklace from Elira, I gesture at Alto. She takes off her cloak hood.
"As you can see, guild master, I'm an elf. I can assure you that my Queen endorsed Mizuki's party. Surely you don't expect a personal meeting with her to verify such a thing?" (Alto)
Gerard glances between us for several minutes, appearing thoughtful. Then he sighs deeply.
"I suppose this is sufficient, Miss Alto, and I was already aware that you are an elf. I appreciate how much you and Zara have helped lately. Mizuki, I'm going to count the elf queen's endorsement, but you should know that this is going to be spread through the guild's system. Elmesia and the human countries will soon know that there is a party with S-rank adventurers that's endorsed by the Elven Kingdom – you'll be due some harassment." (Gerard)
I smile and shrug.
"I'm counting on it." (Mizuki)
Those are my true feelings. I haven't forgotten about the slave trade in the human countries. I'm sure that when news spreads of a human with access to the Elven Kingdom, some unsavory characters will be among the people that approach me. They'll be my point of contact for the industry that I want to burn to the ground.
Gerard shakes his head at me in exasperation, then scribbles something on a form and hands it to me along with my endorsement letter.
"Here, give this to Melanie, and prepare to have your life upended. You and Nina can go straight to S-rank, but Zara and Alto must complete the A-rank certification first. That's at least two A-rank jobs completed, plus a personal combat exam supervised by me." (Gerard)
We all stand and nod to Gerard.
"As always, Gerard, I appreciate your support." (Mizuki)
Gerard gives me an annoyed expression and makes a sarcastic 'mhm' sound, then he gestures dismissively at us. We say our farewells, then make our way back to Melanie at reception.
"Hey, Melanie, I'm going to give you something, and I want you to remain calm. Okay? No outbursts please." (Mizuki)
Melanie instantly becomes nervous, but she nods her acknowledgement. I hand her the endorsement and Gerard's paperwork, and she begins looking it over. Then her eyes go wide in shock.
"Mizuki, that's…" (Melanie)
She cuts off herself off, realizing how loud she was being, then continues more softly.
"Mizuki, this is S-rank promotion paperwork, and it says you were endorsed by the Elven Kingdom's queen. Is that true?" (Melanie)
"Yes, that's true. You understand why I don't want to cause a commotion?" (Mizuki)
Melanie looks to Alto and Nina, who both nod, then she just shakes her head in exasperation. After a moment, she's back to her composed self.
"Of course, though avoiding a commotion may soon be difficult. May I see your guild cards to finalize this?" (Melanie)
Nina and I produce our guild cards and hand them to Melanie. Surprisingly, she disappears behind the reception area, instead of using the normal copier-looking instrument near us. I can hear a low hum from where she disappeared to, and a faint screeching sound. Eventually, she returns to view and speaks softly.
"Here you go, you're all set. I'm the only person I know who has gotten to make those, so thanks." (Melanie)
Melanie hands us our guild cards, but they've changed. Instead of the iron-based metal they were engraved on before, our guild information is now engraved on a golden card. The "S" for our rank is also more prominent than before.
Nina is eyeing hers appreciatively. First that useless marble and now this – she's really the dragon stereotype of being fascinated with shiny bobbles.
"Fufufu…this might be the best thing we got from those elves, Mizuki! You made a very good choice!" (Nina)
I roll my eyes at her, but I'm glad she's happy. Still…these are not subtle. I see why Melanie said that avoiding a commotion might be difficult. A few adventurers were watching with passive curiosity, but they are less passive upon seeing our cards.
"Woah, does anyone know what those gold cards are?"
"I don't know man, but I've never seen that before. Maybe it's related to a private request from a rich person?"
Yeah…that's the sound of a commotion forming.
[Nina, let's put these away for now.] (Mizuki)
Nina makes a sad face but puts her new guild card away, and I do the same. I turn for us to leave, but we're blocked by two angry looking adventurers – dudes in their 20s with average builds and brown hair. One of them looks vaguely familiar.
The other of the two stares between Nina and I in disgust.
"Don't you feel pathetic hiding behind your girl all the time?" (dude 1)
Ah, it's always nice when people offer me free therapy, right? I smirk at him.
"Sometimes, but then I meet people like you, and I feel much better by comparison." (Mizuki)
The first guy who spoke looks surprised, then enraged. Thankfully, my jest seems to amuse Nina enough to keep her from killing them both over insulting me. Alto is just watching closely. The other guy has been staring at me until now, but he interjects.
"Our party leader, Kent, and two of our friends have been missing for a couple of weeks now. You know anything about that?" (dude 2)
Oh, so that's where I recognized him from, he must be one of Kent's goons. If he's asking me something like that directly, he must have had some inkling of what Kent was planning with me. I give the second guy a nonchalant expression and shrug.
"Wow, that's a long time. If you guys are besties and you haven't heard from them, they're probably dead. My condolences." (Mizuki)
Dude two looks at me in shock, but dude one just looks angry.
"So…you admit…" (dude 2)
Ah, not as dumb as he looks.
"Admit what? If an adventurer goes missing for that long and their dear friends don't know anything about it, that's the likely explanation. The forest is a dangerous place, and sometimes you underestimate what you pursue in it. I hope you two learn from their mistakes and be more wary of the things you hunt. At the least, I'd avoid whatever got them killed." (Mizuki)
I direct a neutral glance at dude two, who at this point I'm pretty sure knows about what Kent and his goons tried. He's now staring at me with as much caution as he is rage, with the occasional glance at Nina. Dude one, however, is not so bright as to discern the hidden threat in my words.
Dude one steps forward and grabs me by my shirt, and I sense a surge of murderous intent from Nina.
This is twice now that Kent's group has been a pain, and I'm tired of it, so I grab him by the wrists and flip his hands out before Nina intervenes. Then, I start squeezing until I feel bone crack.
"Gaaahhh!" (dude 1)
As the first guy cries out in pain, the second one's eyes go wide. I see a few other adventurers take notice of the altercation, so I quickly relax my grip while I heal his wrists, and I push dude one away softly. I direct a menacing glare at dude two.
"That's the only warning you'll get. Make sure that's clear to the rest of your party, too." (Mizuki)
Before dude two can say anything, dude one is back to being an idiot. He checks his wrists in confusion, then realizes he's fine. Somehow, he rationalizes this as himself overreacting before, and he directs his hostility at me again.
"You worthless little wannabe, you've got some real nerve putting your hands on me." (dude 1)
As he glares at me angrily, Nina decides she's been silent for long enough.
"Fufufu…you're a stupid one, aren't you? Can you not see that Mizuki just saved your life? I won't let him be so generous to you a second time…" (Nina)
Nina directs a murderous glare at dude one, and dude two seems to catch her drift. He goes pale and grabs his partner by the shoulder. He grits his teeth in anger as he responds, but I can see resignation on his face, too.
"We'll be on our way…I'll be sure to let everyone else know that there's no reason to bother you." (dude 2)
I smile at him politely.
"Yes, please do. Safe travels you two." (Mizuki)
The two reluctantly back away and leave the guild. After a moment, several comments can be heard.
"You see that? I guess Mizuki's a bit stronger than he looks."
"Yeah, I guess he took to training himself since he can't use magic."
"Forget how strong he was, how calm he was kind of gave me the creeps."
"Pfft…it's easy to act tough with that girl Nina behind you."
Well, that's good. It sounds like I earned just enough respect to reduce my harassment here without making them think I'm dangerous.
[Mizuki, can we go now? I'd like to look at my new card some more.] (Nina)
Nina's impatient thought message rings in my head, and I see Alto react, too. I respond so they both can hear.
[Fufufufu…sure. Let's get out of sight, then I'll teleport us back to the palace for the night.] (Mizuki)
Nina and Alto nod, and we exit the guild together. I'm sure this trip to the guild was boring in comparison to what's waiting for us after word of our new status gets around.