"So, what did you think?" (Mizuki)
Nina, Alara, Alto, Zara, Percivil, I, and two other elves are sitting at a roundtable in a large domed shelter, both of which were prepared by Nina. The structure is positioned on the southeastern border of the valley, near Percivil's equipment, and it is serving as a command center for city planning.
My question is directed at the two additional elves. One is Art, a middle-aged elf who runs a large construction company specializing in city development, and Lance, a young elf who's his assistant manager. I'm asking their opinion on the train ride here.
Surprisingly, they are not that bothered by me being human.
"It was…incredible…I've never experienced anything like it. The speed and strange environment were terrifying at first, but to have made a week-long trip in just two hours is exhilarating." (Art)
Art's eyes are sparkling as he speaks. Lance remains silent next to him, but his eyes have a similar shine and he's nodding agreeably. I smile at them both appreciatively.
"I'm glad you both like it, my Lady's skill is truly exceptional." (Mizuki)
Art makes a dismissive gesture.
"There is no need to be modest, Mizuki. Lady Nedonera told us that this…train…was your idea, and that she just provided the spells and power to bring it to life as you envisioned it. With ideas like that, we don't care what race you are – we'll be happy to work with you." (Art)
Oh…did she now? I glance at Nina, and she's grinning shamelessly.
[Fufufu…they were asking me too many questions.] (Nina)
I smile back at Art and Lance and nod.
"Well, I appreciate that. Speaking of working with other races, have the wolf-kin been explained to you? I also have my friend Percivil the dwarf here to assist us with some other special projects like the train." (Mizuki)
"Yes, of course. Percivil, it's nice to meet you. The dwarves smithing skills are legendary, and I've already been shown some of your work in the form of Miss Zara's enchanted sword! Like Mizuki, we're beyond thrilled to have you. The wolf-kin…I'm less certain about. Please don't misunderstand me, I have no issue with their race. I take issue with their inexperience." (Art)
Yeah, Elira warned me. I nod sympathetically.
"That's understandable. However, does your company not periodically hire inexperienced people and train them? That is all we were hoping for with the wolf-kin, an opportunity for them to learn and prove they can be useful to the development of the city." (Mizuki)
"Well, yes, but the scale is quite different. Normally, that may apply to one in ten of our workers. Meanwhile, even if I brought all the workers in my company, there are so many wolf-kin that they'd be eighty percent of the work force. Their less experienced hands would dominate our efforts, and I think the construction would really suffer from it." (Art)
I honestly can't disagree with him. He's being reasonable, and I understand him taking pride in his work.
"I'm sure you take pride in your work and want it done correctly, and that's also a priority for us. My understanding is that you brought a couple of employees skilled in each area relevant to city construction. Would you consider giving each of them forty or so wolf-kin to try training in their specialties? If the wolf-kin's trial work is poor, then we'll exclude it to protect the project quality. I know they will waste time and materials at first, but we'll supply all materials and pay you generous wages by the day in exchange. Would that be okay?" (Mizuki)
Art gives my statement serious thought, but he looks conflicted. Zara takes the opportunity to interject.
"Mister Art, I am Zara, leader of the wolf-kin. I'd be grateful if you considered Mizuki's request. I worry that my people will cease to exist if we do not learn these kinds of skills. I know many of the wolf-kin will fail, but if a few can rise to your standards, it might save my people. All I ask is that you give us a chance, and you can dismiss wolf-kin that don't learn your skills quickly." (Zara)
Art's expression seems to soften at Zara's plea. After another few minutes of contemplation, he sighs deeply and nods. He wears a caring smile.
"In that case, I suppose we can give this a try, Miss Zara. I warn you, though, we won't go easy on your people. We'll train them hard, and if they don't rise to the challenge quickly enough, we'll cut them loose – no second chances. This is a job for us, and we have to consider our reputation." (Art)
Zara nods firmly, and I can see relief on her face.
"I appreciate your consideration Mister Art. Your terms are fair, and I will make sure the wolf-kin know and accept them. Thank you." (Zara)
I look around at the table and nod happily.
"Okay, I appreciate everyone's willingness to work together. Before we move on to construction details, have Art and Lance been made aware of the offer to hire as many skilled elves as they want? We would of course provide free transportation for them and their tools. Lady Alara is quite devoted to making sure that elves have all the job opportunities in her new city that they can." (Mizuki)
Lance, the assistant manager, nods this time and speaks up.
"Yes, we have been made aware. That is part of why I am here. After initial discussions, when Master Art is sure that we'll take the job, I will return to Avalon to secure workers to fit our needs. We also brought minimal equipment, since the train was small, and the visit only a consultation. Do you have a way to transport our equipment with us?" (Lance)
Hmm…now that I can enchant things, I think that would be very easy to do. I nod at Lance.
"Yes, Alto should be able to help with that. We can send her with you." (Mizuki)
Alto gives me a puzzled look.
[I have a couple of gifts for you, Alto, and one of them will do as I implied.] (Mizuki)
Alto's expression becomes one of surprise and excitement. Good, that's taken care of. Lance nodded agreeably at me during this exchange, and now Art interjects.
"On that note, Lance, I fully intend to accept this job now. Please go ahead and depart as discussed. I will remain here to begin city planning with Lady Alara and the rest." (Art)
Lance nods obediently and gives me an expectant gaze.
"Very well. My Lady, Alto, could you please follow me. Lance, we have some things we need to discuss briefly, but then we will return to retrieve you." (Mizuki)
Lance nods his acknowledgement, and I rise from the table. Nina and Alto follow suit, and we exit the makeshift conference room.
When I'm sure nobody is looking, I teleport us back to the mansion so we're alone. Alto wastes no time.
"Mizuki, what are these gifts!?" (Alto)
I smirk at her.
"Fufufu…hold out your hand, whichever one you would want to wear jewelry on." (Mizuki)
Alto looks surprised, but she holds out her hand.
"This better not be a marriage proposal, Mizuki." (Alto)
I roll my eyes.
"No, but I am giving you rings…ones that will teach you two new spells." (Mizuki)
Alto's eyes go wide in shock, and even Nina looks surprised.
"Mizuki…you can do that!?" (Alto)
I nod at her smugly.
"Yes. Now, which two fingers do you want to wear the rings on?" (Mizuki)
Alto is basically wriggling with anticipation, and she points to her ring and middle fingers on her right hand. I nod approvingly, then use my alchemy spell to synthesize one copper band around each finger. After, I use the spell again to change the outer layer of the rings to gold. My wedding band is silver, so I should avoid giving silver rings to the platonic women in my life.
"Okay, now I'm going to imbue one of them with a spell. Hold still." (Mizuki)
Alto nods, and I move behind her and grab the ring on her middle finger. I prime the copper in the ring with the enchanting incantation, then I focus on casting an item box spell a few feet in front of Alto's outstretched hand, making sure to channel it through the copper in the ring. I focus on it having the property that more magic produces a larger item box distortion.
Seeing the item box appear, Alto gasps excitedly. I finish the spell, and step away.
"Alright, Alto, I think you know what that ring on your middle finger is for. Why don't you give it a try?" (Mizuki)
Alto nods excitedly, then focuses with her hand outstretched. After a moment, a basketball-sized item box appears in front of her outstretched hand. Unlike the one I just cast a moment ago, I see no items on this one's surface. Huh…so each item box is tuned to the caster's magic. That's good to know.
"Mizuki…this…is incredible! You didn't just enchant these rings; this is something more…you taught them to cast spells for the wearer!" (Alto)
She's staring at me in amazement initially, but swaps to eyeing her ring appreciatively. I clear my throat to interrupt her.
"Ehem…now, how about I prepare a spell for your other ring?" (Mizuki)
Alto snaps her attention back to me and nods excitedly. I grin at her.
"Good, hold out your hand again." (Mizuki)
Alto extends her hand gleefully, then I hover my finger over the gold band on her ring finger. I prime it as before, then channel a spell through the ring – magic armor, like a second skin over Alto. I focus on it having the property that more magic makes the armor stronger. After I'm done, I step away, and she looks at me in confusion.
"Mizuki…I didn't notice anything. What did you do?" (Alto)
I smirk at her.
"Go ahead and flow magic into it – as much as you can. Then, give me your left hand." (Mizuki)
Alto looks suspicious, but she does as I ask. I smile appreciatively, then take her hand and hold it with her palm facing up. Before she can react, I pull my dagger and stab her in the hand…at least, I try to, but the blade glances off her hand easily.
"Ahhh! Mizuki!?" (Alto)
Alto screams as the blade hits her bare hand, but then her face turns to one of confusion. Presumably, she's wondering why she didn't feel it. After a moment, she looks at me annoyed, but also with curiosity.
"You could have warned me, Mizuki. So, I'm guessing this is body enhancement?" (Alto)
I grin like an idiot and shake my head.
"No, it's something else. Imagine it like an invisible set of armor around your body, and it protects you from more than just physical attacks, it can prevent burns from fire. Also, it can be used on top of any of your other armor, and the effects will be cumulative. Pretty cool, huh? Now I can rest easy knowing that my best friend will be safe." (Mizuki)
Alto starts eyeing the second ring curiously, then gives me a warm smile when I mention knowing that she's safe.
"Thanks, Mizuki. I appreciate both your gifts." (Alto)
I smile back at her warmly as well, and we fall into a comfortable silence. After a moment, I sense immense excitement from Nina. I glance at her, puzzled, and notice that she's staring at me expectantly. I sigh deeply, then direct an amused smile at her.
"Fufufu…alright, give me your wedding band, Nina. What spell do you want it to have?" (Mizuki)
Nina squeals in delight, then hands over her wedding band to me.
"Mizuki, give me the spell that makes pretty balls of light!" (Nina)
I chuckle at her. Hmm…how should I formulate the spell?
I could give the light ball a fixed size, then make it so that more magic means shorter wavelength light. That way, she could make it any color she wants. My blood runs cold when I realize, though – if I set it up that way, and she pours in too much magic power, the thing would just start cranking out deadly radiation. I shudder at the thought.
"Nina, I can only make it one color, and more magic will just increase its size and brightness. So, what color do you want?" (Mizuki)
Nina seems to think very hard on my question, then eventually nods to me confidently.
"Make it green, Mizuki, that is the prettiest color!" (Nina)
I smile at her and nod. I first convert the inside of her wedding band to copper, then I slip it back on her finger. Afterwards, I prepare the spell as I described, so that the light ball is produced in front of her outstretched hand and remains where it's first cast as long as magic is provided to the ring.
"Alright, Nina, you're all set." (Mizuki)
Nina immediately tests out the spell, and squeals in excitement when the green light appears in front of her. Then, she lunges to wrap me in a hug, and she grins happily.
"Thank you Mizuki! I love it!" (Nina)
I smile at her in amusement, then glance at Alto. She's just waiting patiently with a smirk on her face.
"Fufufu…alright you two, let's return to business now. You can play with your new toys later!" (Mizuki)
Alto and Nina both nod seriously, but the way they're staring at their rings…I'm not sure they'll show that much restraint.
The three of us return to the makeshift conference room, and Lance rises when we enter.
"Alright Lance, Alto is ready to accompany you. You two may depart whenever you are ready. Alto, feel free to operate the train as quickly as you feel is safe." (Mizuki)
[Alto, don't forget to take those control plates out of the railcar and put them in your new item box whenever the train is not in use. Under no circumstances can it ever be left operational without one of us around.] (Mizuki)
Alto nods reassuringly, then they depart from the room towards the train. After, I turn my attention back to the rest of the group.
"Okay, I guess it's time to start planning the city construction. Lady Alara, what are your instructions?" (Mizuki)
Alara looks at me in bewilderment.
"Mizuki, I assumed that you and Lady Nedonera had certain wishes about the city's construction. Since you're helping so much, I am willing to defer to you on the matter." (Alara)
I shake my head at her and smile.
"My Lady and I would not do such a thing, Lady Alara. We offered our help in good faith, not expecting something in return. At the end of the day, this city and all its people will be under your care, to be run how you see fit. We are only here to offer you aid as we promised. That said, we are happy to provide suggestions if you want." (Mizuki)
Alara looks at me in surprise, but I see a trace of apprehension. Hmm…wondering if I'm serious, maybe?
[Alara, our only stipulations for the train are that you don't allow any of the items involved to be studied, loaned, or used for other purposes. Keep careful control over them. Otherwise, you can use the train however you want. It's your city, and I want it to be run as you see fit – I truly mean that. Moreover, while we are here, we are subjects under your care, and we will abide by any reasonable laws you set.] (Mizuki)
Alara's expression transitions to one of shock and gratitude. Huh…so, I guess she assumed that I wanted to run the city behind the scenes. I'd certainly like some input, and to live here, but I'm serious about trying not to be a dictator. Alara smiles at me quite genuinely.
"Very well, Mizuki, I would appreciate your suggestions and will consider them accordingly. Do you have any at this stage?" (Alara)
"Certainly. You've heard my suggestion about a cheap fee for anyone to use the train. I also suggest that you prioritize development associated with inns, food, the hot spring, and general infrastructure like streets. Until elves feel like this is a good place to work and live, your city will thrive off tourism. After that, you can develop houses and store buildings to sell and focus on expanding job opportunities. With the interest from its tourism phase, the city can transition into local people and businesses." (Mizuki)
Art's eyes fly open in surprise.
"That's an excellent idea…the speed at which you're trying to create a self-sufficient city requires a unique approach, Lady Alara. Mizuki, do you have other suggestions?" (Art)
"Thanks, Art. Hmm…if you find other large mountain passes at the borders of the valley, I'd recommend leaving enough room around them to build other railways like the one you traveled here on. As Lady Alara pursues agriculture and other endeavors, she may want new railways to expedite resource transportation into the city. It may even be wise to design the city's layout with the train system as a focus – waiting areas around each railway and clear paths between them." (Mizuki)
Art is nodding excitedly. Alara looks somewhat overwhelmed by the expanding plans for her currently nonexistent city.
"Yes, yes, I see! A city that's connected directly to resources and maybe other major cities through these trains is sure to become the center of trade in the kingdom. You just need to make sure the city's infrastructure is set up properly!" (Art)
I nod back appreciatively.
"Yes, Art, that's exactly what I was thinking. Alas, these general ideas are all that I can offer. I'm not particularly qualified to bring them to fruition with the detail that I'm sure is required." (Mizuki)
Art immediately starts shaking his head.
"No, no, that's what I'm here for. I'm already excited about this project. We get to completely build an advanced city that will become nationally relevant in our lifetime. Lady Alara, if this is something that you want, please leave it to me and my team. We would be happy to be a part of your city's birth." (Art)
Now that's a man you want to work with. I can't help but grin at Art in admiration. Art is looking at Alara expectantly. She seems thoughtful for a while, then appears to make up her mind.
"Okay, Art and Mizuki, if you agree that's the path to follow for now, then I'm going to trust you. What are our next steps?" (Alara)
"Well, Lady Alara, we'll leave that up to you and Art! We'll just be here for money, resources, and special projects like the trains. Don't hesitate to reach out, but it's all up to you otherwise. Regarding resources, my Lady should be able to magically produce any kind of earth-based building material that you need, like stone or brick. We can also quickly acquire metal ingots like iron and copper as needed. Regarding special projects, I have ideas for the hot spring that I think people would like." (Mizuki)
Alara and Art nod their acknowledgement. I smile at everyone.
"Okay, wonderful. My Lady, should we leave them alone to plan? I believe you have other matters to take care of today." (Mizuki)
I look at Nina to see her staring off towards her feet distractedly. I glance to where she's looking…and see a green light ball. Damn it, that dragon!
[Nina!] (Mizuki)
Hearing my sudden thought message, Nina sits up abruptly and looks at me in bewilderment. I sigh internally. She hasn't been paying attention to this meeting at all. Maybe from now on, I should give her the opportunity to excuse herself beforehand.
"Fufufu…sorry Mizuki, I was deep in thought about the ideas presented here today. Did you ask me something?" (Nina)
Oh, my ass you were!
"Yes, my Lady, I asked if you'd like to leave Alara, Art, Percivil, and Zara alone to the rest of the city planning for now? I know you have other matters to attend to." (Mizuki)
I sense immense relief from Nina…guess she was pretty bored.
"Oh…yes, good idea! Let's depart." (Nina)
I nod to Nina for show, then we rise and say our farewells to the rest of the group and prepare to leave the room.
[Zara, there's no rush, but come see me when you have some personal time. I have a gift I'd like to give you.] (Mizuki)
I see Zara nod subtly to me, then Nina and I depart from the room. Outside, I wait until nobody is watching and then teleport us back to the mansion. Nina immediately groans loudly.
"Mizuki, that was so boring! You were all just discussing things to do, there wasn't even any scheming!" (Nina)
I nod sympathetically.
"I know, I'm sorry you were bored. From now on, I can make up an excuse for you to skip such meetings, if you want? You could go do something else while they take place, like the hot spring, a guild job, or exploring Alara's territory for interesting things in your dragon form." (Mizuki)
Nina's eyes go wide.
"Truly, Mizuki? Would that be okay with you? I don't want to abandon my mate, but…those suggestions sound far more fun than the meeting we just had." (Nina)
I smile and nod at her affectionately.
"Yes, I wouldn't want my mate to be bored if it's unnecessary. Any time you want to be excused from a meeting like that, you can just ask. If I need you to attend anyway, I'll tell you. Don't think about it as abandoning me – that's what the Dragon Bond is for, right? We're always connected." (Mizuki)
Nina flashes me a dazzling smile that is somewhere between relief and gratitude, then she jumps over and hugs me. She's really cute when she's like this, so I smile and hug her back involuntarily.
"Thank you, Mizuki! You're right, we're always connected." (Nina)
She maintains the affectionate hug in comfortable silence for quite some time, then I remember something.
"Oh, right…Nina, I was supposed to ask you if Ilina and I can have a date together tonight. Would that be fine? Ilina says 'please'." (Mizuki)
Nina pulls away thoughtfully, then smiles and nods at me.
"Yes, that is okay with me. Fufufu…you always come back from her very enthusiastic to see me, so I'm looking forward to you returning tonight. Just remember my rules." (Nina)
I roll my eyes at her, but I nod obediently, nonetheless.
"Understood. So, I never asked…how did your reception in the Elven Kingdom go when you arrived on the train?" (Mizuki)
Nina's eyes light up excitedly.
"The elves were excited to see us, and they were curious about your strange device…err, the train. I had Alto and Alara answer them as much as possible. They seemed skeptical of how fast they were told that it traveled. I cannot blame them, since it can move as fast as me!" (Nina)
Yeah, bullet trains are no joke. Alto is kind of on the high end of the magic power spectrum, but still, 400 kph is absurd. I'm very proud of those results.
"I'm glad they welcomed you warmly. What kinds of questions did they ask about the train, other than what it was and how fast it could go?" (Mizuki)
"Hmm…mainly they wanted to know if they'd be able to ride it, was it safe, when it would be available to use for travel to Alara's territory, how much it would cost, and if there would be normal roads to her territory." (Nina)
Oh, I didn't even consider that they might want normal roads, too. I guess merchants already have horses and carts for private transport, and they won't like being dependent on trains. If we want to attract their business to Alara's city, we'll have to build them a road or give them a good alternative.
Maybe a separate set of cargo railcars, which can be leased for exclusive and dedicated use by them. That's something to ponder.
"Those are fair questions. What answers did Alara give them?" (Mizuki)
Nina looks like she's trying hard to remember.
"I believe Alara said that the train would be the only easy way to travel to her territory for a long time, since roads are slow to be built. She assured them that the train would be open to all elves for an affordable price. She also said they could use it as soon as the hot springs were ready, and she hoped that would be in the next week or two." (Nina)
Wow…so she really did go with my affordable transport idea, huh? I also think her timeline is reasonable. Nice, I was worried for nothing.
"Alright, thanks for answering my questions, Nina. I have something you'll find boring that I want to do before I visit Ilina, so is there anywhere you want me to take you first, or anything you want from me?" (Mizuki)
Nina shakes her head happily.
"No, I will explore the western territory, so have fun with Ilina. Fufufu…make sure to come home with plenty of energy." (Nina)
She winks at me as she says the last part, then walks off towards the mansion exit. I stare at her affectionately as she goes, then shift my focus to coming events. I grin stupidly.
"Fufufu…life is pretty good these days." (Mizuki)
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
The next few days were a time of rapid development for Alara's yet unnamed city. Alto and Lance, the assistant manager of construction efforts, returned with numerous skilled laborers and equipment. The elven workforce totaled around fifty, at the end of the first day. They decided to camp at the construction site, so Nina made temporary shelters for them as well as the wolf-kin.
After Alto and Lance returned from their trip, and under the cover of a large invisibility spell, I made five new passenger-only railcars and attached them to the original railcar with jointed linkers. Then, I modified the main railcar's control plates to accommodate the new setup. The result was an actual train that could carry over 140 passengers. To my surprise, its speed and magic efficiency were not significantly reduced.
With their full elven workforce, Art and his team split the wolf-kin into groups based on construction specialties and began training them on the first day.
After a day of training, less than a hundred of the original wolf-kin were deemed competent enough in construction specialties to retain. The rest were teleported back to their village in secret at nightfall, and given the wages I promised.
While the wolf-kin were being trained, Alara and Art were surveying the valley and finalizing the city layout. They found three other appropriate mountain passes at the north, west, and south borders of the valley that they deemed worthy for train stations – I clearly marked for them where the terminal loops for the railways would go. Based on that, it was decided that the city would have two main streets, connecting the north/south and east/west train stations.
They also decided that these streets would merge with a circular street in the middle of the valley. It would be large enough to encircle numerous city-owned (Alara-owned) buildings, while land lining the streets elsewhere would be allocated to private shops and businesses.
The land away from the streets in the resulting quadrants would be mostly for private housing, with some of the outlying land reserved for city-owned storage warehouses and processing facilities.
In particular, the valley lake is in the southwest quadrant. I suggested establishing a park that runs between the circular street and the lake. The remaining land in that quadrant would be for private housing, with the lakefront land being reserved at a very high price point.
Though it's not high priority, I also suggested that we pre-build neighborhood houses in one of the other quadrants for quick settlement. These suggestions were approved by Alara, and Art seemed to support them as well.
After city layout was established, construction began on the three main streets of the city – they were red brick, a novelty. At the east train station, the street was widened to run along the edge of the railway, and stone waiting benches were preemptively built for future train passengers.
The streets were built similarly beside the other three planned train stations, in anticipation of their construction. At present, these main streets' construction is finished.
At the same time, construction began on the large city-owned inn at the center of the valley, and it's currently about halfway finished. It's planned to be three stories, curved along the inside of the circular street, and facing the east train station. It will have over a hundred rooms, and be affordable with basic accommodations.
In addition, there will be a kitchen and large dining room for guests, and gender-specific public showers. According to Art, these are more sanitary and easier to deal with the water drainage from than public baths. The drawback is that they can't get the water as hot, so showers are lukewarm. I thought it was fine since baths are kind of a luxury in this world anyway.
The final focus of construction over the first few days was the hot spring resort. At my suggestion, it was decided that the southern half of the large hot spring will remain an unaltered natural hot spring for mixed-gender use. The northern half will be reserved for private hot spring experiences.
To accommodate the latter, several wooden walkways that traverse the northern section of the hot spring have been constructed just above water level. Between these walkways, various private jacuzzi were added by placing circular stone 'booths' into the hot spring, such that their tops are barely above the water line. They are approximately four meters in diameter, can seat up to ten people, and there are over a dozen of them in the private section of the hot spring.
At present, we have three main construction efforts underway for the hot spring. First is transportation. Nina created a zig-zagging stone staircase up the side of the mountain for people to reach it on foot, but it's quite a laborious journey. Percivil and I have been brainstorming how to transport people more efficiently up the mountain, but to no avail so far.
Second is constructing small changing rooms right next to the hot springs. These are almost finished, and they haven't been problematic. Finally, there is the 'privacy' feature of the private hot spring booths. I have an idea for this, and Nina and I are currently on our way to the hot springs to test it.
"Mizuki, explain to me what you intend to do again?" (Nina)
I sigh internally. We are standing over one of the booths on the walkway. It's early in the morning, and the workers seem to not have arrived yet for the ongoing changing room construction.
"Sure, but first, why don't we climb into this private hot spring booth here?" (Mizuki)
By the time I even turn around after asking, she's already undressed and climbing into the jacuzzi. I chuckle and then follow suit. Nina gives me a seductive smile as we sink into the water next to one another.
"Fufufu…now explain again before I get other ideas." (Nina)
"Sure. Basically, I want to add an enchanted item to these that makes it so people inside still see everything outside like normal, but people outside can't see inside." (Mizuki)
Nina gives me a skeptical expression.
"Hmm…are you going to try it now?" (Nina)
I nod at her with a confident smile, then I use my alchemy spell to synthesize a small, square copper plate. I gesture to the border of the jacuzzi opposite the walkway we climbed in from.
"Can you make a slot in the stone there that this fits snugly into?" (Mizuki)
Nina nods smugly and does as I ask. I try to slide the plate into the slot on the top of the jacuzzi…it's a perfect fit.
"Perfect, thank you. Now, could you reform the stone so that it covers the edges of this plate? Basically, we don't want people to be able to pull this plate out of the stone." (Mizuki)
"Fufufu…these tasks are too easy for my talents, Mizuki." (Nina)
I suppress the urge to roll my eyes, and Nina complies with my request. I check the plate's security, and I'm satisfied with it. I nod at Nina appreciatively.
"Okay, now for the fun part!" (Mizuki)
I place my hand on the copper plate and prime it for an enchantment, then I channel my magic through the plate into a spell that forms a thin magic dome over the whole jacuzzi.
I will the magic dome to convert any visible spectrum radiation escaping from inside into infrared radiation as it exits the magic dome. I also focus on giving the enchantment the property that magic can be increasingly pre-invested into the spell to make it last longer unsupervised. After, I charge the enchanted item so that it's active.
"Okay, Nina, the privacy spell should be active now!" (Mizuki)
Nina gives me a strange look.
"Uhm…how are we supposed to tell if it's working, Mizuki?" (Nina)
I nod agreeably…I'm sure that would freak customers out if they can't confirm it. Without answering her, I use several spells to synthesize some silicon dioxide, heat it until it has melted, then cool it in a flat rectangular shape. Finally, I alchemize the thin outer layer to aluminum. The result is…a small mirror. I show it to Nina, and she loses it.
"Mizuki! Is this me!? Fufufu…you have quite the sexy lady in your life, hmm?" (Nina)
I smirk at her.
"You're right, I do. By the way, that device is called a mirror, and it lets you observe yourself. So, you've seen what you look like from in here. Now, slowly extend that mirror outside of the jacuzzi and watch how your appearance changes." (Mizuki)
Nina looks at me curiously, but she does as I suggest. Just as the mirror passes outside the threshold of the jacuzzi, its surface turns black. Nina's eyes go wide in shock.
"Mizuki, what happened!?" (Nina)
"Fufufu…that's what we look like from outside the jacuzzi. It appears like a black dome is covering the top of the jacuzzi, hiding us from view." (Mizuki)
Nina keeps moving the mirror in and out of the jacuzzi and watching its surface change. She's obviously thrilled with the experience, but I cut it short.
"Okay Nina, can you position that mirror barely outside the perimeter of the jacuzzi, then seal it inside a stone casing that's fixed to the side of the jacuzzi? I want people to see the surface turn black, so they know the privacy dome is working, but I don't want them to steal the mirrors." (Mizuki)
Nina nods her understanding, then takes a couple of minutes to carefully execute my instructions. After she's done, I inspect her work from multiple angles, and it seems to do the job perfectly. I nod at her approvingly, and she lights up with pride.
"Thanks Nina, you're the best. Alright, now we just have to repeat this process for the rest of the jacuzzi." (Mizuki)
Nina nods her understanding, and we go jacuzzi-hopping, repeating this process, until they all have functional privacy domes. Afterwards, we get dressed and I teleport us back to the mansion. Nina made a zig-zagged staircase up to our mansion, but nobody really uses it.
We arrive in the reception hall, and I call out to the rest of the house.
"Alara, Percivil, are either of you here!?" (Mizuki)
I hear a distorted voice yell back from upstairs.
"Mizuki!? I'm in the conference room!" (Alara)
Nina and I make our way up to the conference room, and we find Alara sitting with Zara on a couch. Alara has some city plans laid out in front of her on the coffee table.
Zara is leaning back on the couch admiring her hand. More accurately, she's staring at the ring I gave her last night – the gift I promised before, a ring that lets her use one spell of her choosing.
She spent quite a lot of time asking me questions before deciding on her spell. The finalists were a fireball, healing, or invisibility spell. I talked her out of healing, since I think I can teach her that one naturally. So, she decided on an invisibility spell ring. I made it gold like the spell rings for Alto and Nina. Now, the only one who doesn't have one is Ilina, so I'll need to remedy that soon.
I return my focus to Alara.
"Hey Alara, I wanted to let you know that Nina and I just finished the jacuzzi setup in the hot springs. Once those changing rooms are finished, the hot springs will be operational. Though, the stairs are still the only access route for normal people." (Mizuki)
Alara and Zara turn around at the sound of my voice. Zara is beaming – she really likes the ring I gave to her. She's now officially the only wolf-kin ever who can use a dark class spell, so I get it. Alara gives me a polite smile and makes a reassuring gesture.
"Thanks, Mizuki. I'm sure you and Percivil will figure something out eventually, but it's fine for now. Elves quite enjoy scenic walks like that, and I don't think most people will skip the hot springs over a little walk up the mountain." (Alara)
I mean…that's a gnarly hike, but if you say so. I move to sit on the couch opposite Alara so we can chat, and Nina sits next to me then lays her head in my lap. Alara raises her eyebrows and smirks, but she says nothing.
"How's the other construction coming?" (Mizuki)
"Hmm…the streets are finished, as are the building foundations in the city center and along the street sides. The inn will be finished by the end of tomorrow, Art thinks, and then we can start furnishing it and stocking its kitchen. The changing rooms near the hot springs will be finished today. After those are done, I think we'll move on to constructing the neighborhood in the southeast quadrant like you suggested." (Alara)
I nod approvingly.
"That's great! So, do you think it's about time to go to Avalon and announce specifics about your city's grand opening? You'll also need to hire at least one person to operate the train, since it can't be Alto forever, as well as some staff for the inn and hot springs." (Mizuki)
Alara nods agreeably, like she's already thought of it. I can't help but smile proudly, she's really taken ownership of these projects in a short time.
"Yes. Since Art doesn't need my input as regularly at this stage, I was going to make the journey today and take care of those things, if possible. Regarding the workers for the trains, do you or Lady Nedonera have any stipulations?" (Alara)
Hmm…I nod apologetically.
"Yes, actually. I wouldn't be surprised if news of the train has spread by now. Most people are probably just curious or jealous, but at least one person might actively try theft or espionage. So, Nina and I would like to personally screen each person you plan to hire before they start working, and periodically thereafter. Since it will only be a couple of people at most for now, that should be doable. Is that okay?" (Mizuki)
Alara seems to think it over for a few minutes, then nods.
"Of course, it's the thing you were most clear about your desire to protect. Also, I have similar concerns, and I know Lady Nedonera can ascertain truth or lie with her spell, so I'd feel more confident in our train workers if you screened them. Thank you." (Alara)
Wow…that was easy.
"Wonderful, thanks! I had a couple of other suggestions, too, which you are welcome to ignore. The first was agriculture – you might want to secure your own food sources sooner than later. We've been importing it from Avalon through the train so far, but that won't work with a large population and one train. Also, you're going to want to recruit merchants to your city to open shops, but they'll be hesitant since their private horses and carts can't come here easily. You'll need an alternative to building them a road if you want them here sooner." (Mizuki)
Alara smiles confidently, with an expression that suggests she's glad I brought that up.
"I agree with both points. For food supply chains, Art informed me of some farmers and ranchers who are interested in purchasing land in the plains between here and Avalon for their businesses. If I only offer them land beside the railway, then it would be easy to purchase their entire product supplies and transport them directly to my city by train. However, I'd need you to create another railcar set that specializes in cargo, not people." (Alara)
I'm sure the shock shows on my face…Alara is thinking even further ahead than I am, and she's exploiting the capitalistic enterprises of other elves brilliantly. I fight the urge to applaud.
"Uhm…that's brilliant, Alara. If all you need is a cargo section on the existing train, then I don't mind making it for you. What about the merchants?" (Mizuki)
Alara seems to beam with pride over the term 'brilliant', but she recovers quickly.
"I intend to tour some prominent business owners around my city and share the development plans they'd be interested in. To appease their concerns about their product transport, I'd like to offer merchants the ability to rent exclusive rights to entire cargo railcars. That way, they can move their products without scheduling concerns…for a premium, of course." (Alara)
Oh my god…she's ruthless and I love it. That's just a more polished idea of what I considered a few days ago, and she reached that conclusion all on her own.
"Alara, I'm really in awe…I think you're going to make a great noble, for whatever it's worth. By the way, when are you going to start construction on your new family home? Where will you put it?" (Mizuki)
Alara looks pleased, but then embarrassed. She seems to struggle to respond.
"Y-You saying that is worth plenty to me, Mizuki! I know I wasn't…kind…at first, but I really value having you around now. Uhm…on that subject…I was thinking that I could build my family home later. There's so much work to be done for the city itself, after all, and…I kind of like…living with you. Is it okay if stay here longer?" (Alara)
Alara is practically blushing when she finishes responding, and she can't meet my gaze. I smile at her warmly anyway.
"As far as I'm concerned, our past is the past, Alara. Now, you're a valued part of my team. You're welcome to stay as long as you want – I enjoy us all living here together." (Mizuki)
Genuine happiness washes over Alara's face, then she looks like she wants to ask me something but hesitates. Eventually, she seems to get over it.
"Mizuki, are you going to stay with me permanently? In my territory, I mean." (Alara)
Hmm…I mean, it depends on what she means. If Ilina and I really do get married, and she remains as the First Princess and then Queen, I imagine I'll have to spend more time in Avalon.
"Well, we plan to keep the house here if you don't mind, and I want to keep aiding you. However, if Ilina and I get married or at least become publicly romantic, and the people still accept her as Queen, then I imagine that I'll be expected to stay around Avalon more with her. Still, I can teleport, you know? There's nothing to stop us from visiting you!" (Mizuki)
Alara's eyes fly open in shock.
"Mizuki, you mean that you don't just plan to keep your romance secret? I thought you didn't want to be King, so why would you insist on publicizing it?" (Alara)
Fair question…I guess we haven't really spoken about this.
"No, we're definitely going to stop hiding it eventually. As for why, it's because Ilina and Nina insist. Ilina doesn't want to spend her entire life hiding her only lover, and Nina wants to make sure that any of Ilina's and my children are recognized as such and accepted in this country." (Mizuki)
Alara is dumbfounded, and she looks like she has so many questions that she can't decide which to ask first. She looks at Nina questioningly, who is still laying leisurely on my lap.
"Fufufu…that is correct. When Mizuki has children with Ilina and I, they should know their relationship to one another and be free to know their homelands as much as they can. Naturally, our children will also be welcome in the Delmura Forest." (Nina)
Alara shakes her head in exasperation. She seems to make her mind up what to ask first.
"Can Ilina and Mizuki even have children!? If so, what strange species would they be? I'm not sure they'll be welcomed here, and they almost certainly wouldn't be accepted as royal heirs! Mizuki, what does Ilina intend to do if the people don't accept your relationship and children?" (Alara)
Alara looks concerned, and Nina and I respond in sequence.
"Oh yes, they can have children. If they had numerous children, most would be elves or high elves, and the rest would be human. They wouldn't make a new species, and they'd be longer-lived than normal, so they can be heirs." (Nina)
"As far as I know, she's just going to give them a little time to get used to my presence, then tell them about us and push for marriage regardless. Though, I will decline being King at all costs. After that, I believe she plans to accept any repercussions from your people. If that means renouncing the throne or leaving the country altogether, she's prepared to accept it. In those cases, you might be reinstated as First Princess and heir to the throne." (Mizuki)
Alara seems to be struggling with the information we've dumped on her. As if trying to avoid confronting it, she asks a different question.
"Great Dragon, you said that such children should know their homelands…does that mean they will also be encouraged to have familiar relationships with the human country Mizuki is from?" (Alara)
As Alara asks, she eyes Nina and me nervously. I can guess what she's really wondering…will these probably stupid-powerful children be roaming around befriending hostile nations? I'm not sure how to explain to her why that won't be happening, but Nina interjects before I can respond.
"Fufufu…no, Mizuki is not from any of the human countries." (Nina)
Nina!? What the hell! Shouldn't you consult me before blabbing things like that!? Alara directs a bewildered gaze at me, and I involuntarily sigh deeply.
"It's true, and that's all you need to know for now Alara. Besides…we have more important things to discuss than my love life and childhood." (Mizuki)
Alara gives me an annoyed and confused look, like 'no way, quit trying to change the subject'. However, I'm not going to give her the chance to stop me from doing so!
"What are you going to name your first city, Alara?" (Mizuki)
To my surprise, that quickly derails Alara's focus, and she becomes flustered.
"U-Uhm…well…what do you think of Alamizu?" (Alara)
That's a terrible name! Where did she even get that from? As I'm pondering over how to tell her, I realize…
"Alara…is that supposed to be our names mashed together?" (Mizuki)
Alara just grins sheepishly in response. I glare at her without cracking a smile.
"Absolutely not, you already took my name for your family name. Quit dragging me into your naming ideas! Plus, Alamizu sounds terrible, so please pick something else." (Mizuki)
Alara gives a pouting expression.
"If you don't like it, then suggest something!" (Alara)
There are at least a dozen better names, and honestly, I don't even care if it's good at this point. It's her territory…I just don't want my name in it.
"Springvale, Eden, Bathe Valley, Westington…any of those would be better, and they're laughably unoriginal." (Mizuki)
Alara perks up during my naming suggestions.
"I don't know about the others, but I quite like the name Eden. That sounds unique to me." (Alara)
Crap…right…there's no story of Eden on this planet. If another Earthling ever found out, I'd be made fun of. Still, it's not my right to overrule Alara if it's not ripping off my name.
I sigh deeply and nod. Alara becomes excited.
"From now on, this is the city of Eden! I, Alara Zuki, declare it to be so, with you all as my witnesses!" (Alara)
Zara gives a disinterested nod, but I sense amusement from Nina.
"Fufufu…a fine name, I approve." (Nina)
I'm sure Dio would enjoy this scene, and that alone makes me groan internally. Good thing I don't have to tell him!
Anyway…Eden, huh? If it's going to be named that, then I suppose I'll have to do my best to make sure it lives up to it.
I crack a wry grin, and the others seems to notice.
"Very well, Alara, let's make Eden a place of wonder for your people. As far as I'm concerned…the trains are just the beginning." (Mizuki)