It's now been about a week since I first placed the railway between Avalon and Alara's new city, Eden, and several days since Alara announced its impending opening to the residents of Avalon. Eden's inn has been fully constructed, furnished, and stocked with food. The hot spring resort is ready for customers, though it's still only accessible by stairs.
The neighborhood in the southeast housing quadrant is unfinished, but the cobblestone streets and roughly twenty percent of the houses are completed – houses closest to the main streets were prioritized for the city opening.
There are about thirty houses that are sized for a small family. They are relatively close to one another in an organized layout, but the neighborhood is not as crowded as an American suburb. I think it's perfect housing for commoner elves looking to move.
Alara has already secured workers for the hot springs and inn, including chefs, all of whom are short-term hires, not employees. However, if they like it, some of them might decide to work here permanently.
The bigger concern is the train operators – I insisted that those be trusted full-time employees. Currently, Alara has two 'promising' candidates, and Nina and I are supposed to meet with them in Avalon today.
Tomorrow is the grand opening of Eden, and the people of Avalon are already aware of it. What's more, news that the strange thing called a train will be taking normal people to Eden tomorrow for five coppers each has already spread outside Avalon.
There's so much demand to be on one of the first train rides that, the day of the announcement, Queen Elira commissioned a paved road and waiting area to be quickly built around the train station outside Avalon's west gate. From what I understand, it should be finished by tonight.
Alara has already come up with a system to fairly allocate seats if needed. The train currently holds 144 passengers, and Alara has about twelve merchants and other business prospects she wants to personally tour around the city.
That leaves 132 commoner passengers to be decided by raffle from the gathering crowd for the first train, and 144 for the second. The train ride is about two hours each way with a magic power level 3 operator, so I think that two round trips per day is the current limit.
Today, Alara, Zara, Alto, Nina, and I are making a trip to Avalon by train to collect all the temporary workers and bring them back for day-before training and orientation. Alto, Nina, and I will be going to interview the two train operator candidates at a local inn – Alara already arranged a conference room there for us. With each passing day, I'm more impressed with how much she's rising to the challenge of managing people and Eden.
At present, we are on the train to Avalon. Alara insisted on operating the train this time instead of Alto, and I didn't see any reason to object. With her extensive magic reserves, we've only traveled a little over an hour and are already within ten minutes of arriving.
Honestly, she could have gone even faster, but I warned her not to – she's exceeding 600 kph, and even with magic, no friction, and gradual turns, that's got to be stressing the railway already. Best not to push our luck.
"This train of yours travels at remarkable speed with Alara operating it Mizuki. Can you imagine how Veyron and Halzar would react to being beaten in a race by this metal snake? Fufufu…I would cherish the horror on their faces forever." (Nina)
Jeez…hell hath no fury like a dragon scorned, I guess. Still…
"Fufufu…I think you're right, Nina, that would be hilarious!" (Mizuki)
Nina and I share a nice laugh at the thought, while the others stare at us like we're deranged for joking like that about Elder Dragons. Soon, we arrive in Avalon.
Alto retrieves the control plates and stores them in her item box. As she does, Alara stares at her ring enviously.
Alara became aware of the rings after Zara's was bestowed, and she was shocked to learn that everyone else in my inner circle had one as well. She hasn't asked for one yet, but I suspect it's coming. I'm thinking I'll grant her request once she proves herself a bit more.
I turn my focus back to the tasks at hand as we all file out of the train.
The stone walkway that Elira commissioned next to the train station has already been finished, and I can see it trailing off in both directions to the north and south gate roads. It looks like how we designed them in Eden – the walkway widens to wrap around part of the railway loop, and stone benches line the area.
There are two city guards stationed nearby, sitting on a couple of stone benches. I'm guessing they're here to make sure that nobody does anything to the railway. As far as I can tell, no elves are trying to cause trouble. None are even hanging around.
However, once the elves notice our arrival, a small crowd begins to form, and they stare at the train. Their excited chattering can be heard as we pass, and several of them wave at us eagerly. I smile back and wave, and while they seem surprised, they don't seem upset. Progress, in my mind.
We arrive at Avalon's south gate, and the guards wave us through immediately – there isn't a guard in this city that doesn't know who we are at this point. Alara is leading the group, but she stops to address us.
"Okay, Zara and I will begin rounding up the workers. Alto, do you mind showing Lady Nedonera and Mizuki to the inn? I'm assuming you know where it is. Mizuki, the candidates were not told who they will be meeting with, or what the meeting will entail, just that it's the last step to get the job. The pay you suggested was advertised." (Alara)
Alto and I nod our acknowledgement.
"Sure, Lady Alara, I don't mind. Mizuki, Nina, follow me. It's not far from here." (Alto)
We all say our farewells, and we agree to meet back at the train station after our respective tasks. Then, Alto leads us to the inn.
When we arrive, Alto speaks to reception to explain our situation, and gestures at Nina a couple times. A young elven man is working the counter, and his eyes go wide in shock during his conversation with Alto.
After, he leads us to a small side room with two couches and a coffee table, while staring at Nina with stars in his eyes. Honestly, I don't blame him – even ignoring her status, she's beautiful.
We all take a seat on the couch, with me in the middle, and the receptionist returns to his post after a final lingering glance at Nina. It looks like we've arrived before the interviewees. Reception is supposed to send the first one in when they arrive and hold the other one until we're done.
If we have time, then I guess I can spend it teasing Nina. I smirk at her.
"Fufufu…you're quite popular with elven men, aren't you Nina?" (Mizuki)
I sense a rush of anticipation from Nina…the hell?
"Oh my, am I going to be treated to jealous Mizuki again? Fufufu…I quite enjoyed it last time!" (Nina)
I was just messing with you, damn dragon! I sigh deeply, but at that point the conference room door opens.
An early 30s-looking elven man walks in, and he's dressed nicely. He looks at us each in turn, gives a polite bow, then walks over to the couch opposite us and takes a seat. When he sees Nina, a look of shock flashes across his face, but he suppresses it and quickly addresses us with a polite smile instead.
"Good morning, my name is Ferrin. I appreciate the opportunity to meet with you today. I confess…I'd heard that you built this so-called train for Lady Alara, Great Dragon, but I never expected a personal meeting with you just to operate the magic item. I'm honored." (Ferrin)
"It is my subordinate here, Mizuki, who your meeting is with. I just happen to be in Avalon with him today. Please direct your questions and answers to him and treat his words as if they were my own." (Nina)
I'm sure that's shocking information, but to Ferrin's credit, he hides any surprise and immediately alters his gaze to focus on me politely. He gives off a very earnest and trustworthy vibe.
"Hello Ferrin, thank you for coming. As my Lady said, my name is Mizuki. I'm sure it's a surprise to you that your last meeting would be with a direct representative of an Elder Dragon. This was merely one of my Lady's conditions to Lady Alara for building the device called a train. Such a magic item is far more advanced than anything in your kingdom, and my Lady wants to make sure her gift is used respectfully. Its operators would be the main access point for abuse, so we asked to approve any new ones personally." (Mizuki)
Ferrin nods agreeably.
"That makes sense. Please feel free to ask me whatever you'd like." (Ferrin)
Good…that's a good start. I nod appreciatively to him.
"Very well then, thank you. Before we begin, I believe in being direct in an interview. I won't ask you unfair or invasive questions or judge your answers unfairly. In return, I expect honest answers. If your answers are dishonest, we will not hire you. My first question is…what do you know about the train and the job?" (Mizuki)
"I understand. I was told that the job is to operate the train between Avalon and Eden, and that the pay would be one silver per one-way trip. The requirements for the job are the willingness to make 80 to 160 trips per month, and a magic power level above 2 ½. All I know about the train is that it is made of a strange metal nobody has ever seen, it uses strange magic that nobody knows, and it moves so fast that it could cross the whole country in half a day. Truly mysterious." (Ferrin)
Hmm…that's interesting that they'd have enough information to know that – his speed estimate is reasonable. Maybe one of our people mentioned it, which is fine. A quick magic sense tells me he has a power level of almost 3, that's perfect. I nod at him appreciatively.
"That's all correct, and the number of trips you make would be flexible – you just have to provide notice for time off and meet the minimum trips per month. My next question is…why do you want this job? There are no impolite or incorrect answers." (Mizuki)
"I'm alteration class…a rarity that usually attracts one to the guard or construction work. I'm not the soldier type, though, and I'm not very good with any skilled labor techniques. This job pays far better than any other job that I'm qualified for. Plus, I do think the train is really cool." (Ferrin)
Good pay and sweet toys…I've got no problem with that.
[Mizuki…I sense deceit from him.] (Nina)
Wait, really? He's definitely alteration class, so maybe he's not as enthusiastic about the train as he says, or he's just being modest about his skilled labor qualifications. This would still pay more anyway. Those aren't really lies in my book, just politeness. Still, Nina brought it up on her own, so…I better be sure.
I smile at Ferrin and nod approvingly.
"I take no issue with doing a job because the pay is good – that's what jobs are for. Now, this is probably the most important question. It is one of my Lady's highest priorities that the trains are only used as-is to transport elves and cargo. So, if you were a train operator, what would it take for someone to convince you to break this policy and let them study the train or otherwise exploit it?" (Mizuki)
Ferrin shakes his head earnestly.
"I would never do that; it would be a betrayal of the trust you put in me." (Ferrin)
Damn it, Ferrin…I really had high hopes for you. Call me cynical, but everyone has a breaking point where they'd betray something or someone – especially if it's just a job. If he says otherwise, he's lying or naïve.
[That is a lie, Mizuki.] (Nina)
I sigh deeply…liar it is.
[Thanks, Nina, you're the best.] (Mizuki)
Hmm…so is this an 'I'm nervous and don't want to blow the interview' lie, or something worse? If he's just nervous, that's not great he lied, but it might not be an issue. If he lied because he already is planning to abuse his position as train operator…that's problematic.
How to tell between the two, though…
"That's good to hear Ferrin. Have you ever worked for a criminal group or organization, or willingly done business with them? Like I said, I'm direct about my questions." (Mizuki)
Ferrin looks genuinely confused.
"Uhm…no, never anything like that." (Ferrin)
[That is true.] (Nina)
I breathe a sigh of relief. So, that leaves him just lying out of nerves, or working for a non-criminal entity. I nod appreciatively to him again. I think I know the last question I need to make my assessment.
"Good, good. Okay, well you are probably aware that the train will begin operation tomorrow, so we'd like to hire people full-time as soon as possible. Do you have another job right now?" (Mizuki)
If he says 'no', and is lying, it's almost certain that he's been sent here to exploit that train in some way. If it's any other outcome, he could still be relatively innocuous.
Ferrin seems to relax at the less confrontational question. He smiles warmly…and shakes his head.
"No, I don't have another job right now. I can start as soon as tomorrow if you'd like." (Ferrin)
[I sense deceit.] (Nina)
Ferrin and I both gaze at each other with polite smiles, but…this is over. The only thing left to do now is find out as much as I can about who sent him. I clap my hands excitedly and give Ferrin a big smile.
"Wonderful, Ferrin! I don't think there's any doubt now…we were right about you." (Mizuki)
Ferrin gives a relieved smile, but before he can say anything, I continue.
"So, which noble are you working for, and what do they want with the train?" (Mizuki)
I don't know that it's a noble, but he's likely to at least answer the question if I phrase it that way, and then I'll know. If it's not a noble, it's probably a merchant.
Hearing my response, I see shock, fear, and then confusion flash across his face in quick succession. He maintains a genuinely puzzled look as he responds.
"Mizuki, I'm confused…I don't work for a noble. I wouldn't need this job if I did." (Ferrin)
[Lies.] (Nina)
"Ahh, thank you, Ferrin. I wasn't yet sure if it was a noble or a merchant that sent you, you see. So, it was a noble after all. That's surprising…" (Mizuki)
I pause for a moment to look at Ferrin, and his face is calm, but he's watching me carefully.
"Hmm…a few days wouldn't be enough time for news of the train to reach nobles in their territories and let them order this, so you'd have to be part of a local semi-independent information network. That eliminates Jorah; I hear his network is lacking. Cara and Darak likely told their local people not to antagonize my Lady or me. So, Helena or Tessa, huh? I can't rule Helena out, but this is more Tessa's style." (Mizuki)
I stare at Ferrin, and he's subtly nervous. I also see him glancing at Nina occasionally. He chooses to remain silent for several minutes. I sigh deeply.
"Fine. I'll see one of them again eventually, and I can just ask them then. So, I'll find out who sent you regardless. Now, naturally, you won't be getting this job, so you're free to go. Please make sure they send in the other candidate when you leave." (Mizuki)
Ferrin gives me a dumbfounded look for several moments, then rises and leaves towards the door. He seems skeptical, and he doesn't take his eyes off us.
Does he think we'd kill him or something? That screams of it being Tessa.
After he leaves, I groan out loud.
"Jeez…the very first candidate we get from Alara is a mole, huh? That doesn't bode well. Which noble do you think it was?" (Mizuki)
I direct the question and my gaze at Alto.
"I agree that Lady Tessa is the most likely noble to be involved, but Lady Helena is also plausible. I wouldn't act on the assumption that it's one over the other." (Alto)
Fair enough. Helena is just crafty and bold enough to try something like this purely for information gathering purposes. Besides, the nobles were never explicitly told to not meddle with the train by us. I nod at Alto approvingly for her assessment.
It's several minutes before the conference room door opens again. When it does, a frantic voice can be heard as they enter the room and hurriedly close the door behind them.
"I'm so very sorry that I'm late! I have a young son, and it was harder to find someone to watch him for me than I thought! Please forgive me!"
A late-20s looking elven woman with dark brown hair comes rushing over from the door and sits on the couch, combining it with an apologetic bow. When she raises her head to look at us, she looks confused for a moment, then her face goes pale. I think I know why.
"Kara!? What are you doing here?" (Mizuki)
Kara…the woman whose son I saved from being run over in the street, and then left with enough money to not work for several decades. What the hell is she doing here? Kara directs a surprised look at me.
"M-Me!? M-Mizuki, Great Dragon, what are you two doing here?" (Kara)
"I'm conducting interviews for the job. My Lady made the train, and it's very important to her that the people operating it are reliable." (Mizuki)
Before either of us can say more, Alto interjects.
"Mizuki, did you say Kara!? Is this the woman you told me about?" (Alto)
Alto is glancing between Kara and me frantically. Oh, right. I nod at her in acknowledgement. Alto's eyes snap back to Kara.
"Miss Kara, my name is Alto. Mizuki tells me that I may have known your husband. I…was one of the elves kidnapped from the wolf-kin village. I'm sorry to ask, but…do you mind telling me his name?" (Alto)
Kara's eyes go wide, and then her mood seems to dampen. She nods meekly. Uhm…Alto…I really don't think this is appropriate for an interview.
"His name was Vero…" (Kara)
Alto's eyes become troubled, and I see her fists clench on her knees. Great…now everyone is sad.
"Varo…I didn't know him well, but I did meet him. He was quiet, but he was extremely kind, and the most devoted to helping the wolf-kin children. He was tireless about it, right…until the end. I'm…very sorry for your loss, Miss Kara." (Alto)
At this point, I can see tears welling up in Kara's eyes, and they slowly start to roll down her cheeks and drip onto her dress. Damn it, Alto!
"Ehem…Alto, maybe this is not something that Kara wished to discuss at a job interview. Kara, if you would like to take some time, or reschedule the interview entirely, we can accommodate that. I promise that it won't be held against you during hiring considerations." (Mizuki)
Alto goes pale at my words, and she looks at me guilt stricken.
[It's okay, Alto, it's done now. I know your heart was in the right place.] (Mizuki)
Alto falls silent. Kara quickly wipes the tears from her eyes and shakes her head at my offer. After a moment, she gives me a sad smile.
"No, that's okay, I'd like to do this now if possible. Thank you for your kindness, though, Mizuki. Miss Alto, I appreciate your kind words about my husband as well. Mizuki, you can start the interview now, please." (Kara)
I nod and try to take on a professional smile. Someone has to set appropriate boundaries here.
"Of course. Miss Kara, why do you want, and feel that you are qualified for, this job?" (Mizuki)
Kara becomes visibly flustered by the question.
"Well, I feel qualified because I can do at least 80 trips per month, and I have a magic power level that's a little over three. I wasn't aware of anything else being necessary. As for why I want it…it sounded like I could operate the train for only half a day if I needed to and make forty times what I did working a long day as a waitress. It sounds almost too good to be true – I'd get to spend time with Cera and save for his future." (Kara)
She's that powerful!? A quick magic sense tells me…yeah, she is, and she's elemental class. Why was she a waitress?
Kara seems embarrassed when describing why she wants the job. I…don't really think she desperately needs the money, but I can understand that it was far from a lifelong supply I gave her. Plus, she might have other reasons to save. That's reasonable…but…
"There's nothing wrong with wanting a job for practical benefits, Kara. I am concerned though…it's true that we'd be okay with you doing only one roundtrip in a day, which would probably take around five hours. However, your punctuality would be important, and Cera couldn't accompany you on the train alone while you're operating it. Would that be a problem? You were late to the interview, after all." (Mizuki)
Kara grimaces, and Alto is staring at me like I'm a monster. Those are fair questions, though.
"Yes…I imagined as much. Originally a neighbor was going to watch Cera today, but they cancelled, and I had to scramble and pay quite a bit of money to entice someone to watch him instead. Perhaps I should have done that from the start, but I'm still trying to save money long-term so he can get an education or start a business. If this job pays so well though, I could always afford such a person to watch him, and I'd be on time." (Kara)
[She is telling you the truth, Mizuki. She believes her words.] (Nina)
Nina approves, huh? In that case, it really does sound like bad luck. I'm not entirely sure about babysitting reliability, though.
Elves almost never have their partners die while they still have young kids – it's a peaceful and healthy country. Also, one or both elven parents almost always take time off work to raise the kid. In other words, professional babysitters are probably nonexistent.
"Kara, it seems that your reliability is very dependent on always having someone available to watch Cera. Even if money is not a limiter, are you sure that you can guarantee that? I don't know how many people in Avalon have that as a full-time job, but I assume that it's virtually none. If you moved to Eden, we could ensure such accommodations given the job's importance, but Cera told me you just bought a house here. I'm sorry, but we can't ensure such help in Avalon." (Mizuki)
Kara looks bitter, but then surprised.
"Mizuki, you would make it someone's entire job just to watch Cera while I worked? Truly?" (Kara)
"Uhm…yes, but not in Avalon. As I said, we can only promise that in Eden, so it's not really of much help." (Mizuki)
Kara seems thoughtful.
"Mizuki…do you think that I could afford a place for Cera and I to live in Eden? Also, how long would it take for us to have a house built? I don't mind having us stay at an inn for a little while – I heard there will be one already." (Kara)
I'm…confused.
"Kara…uhm…I'm not sure about the answers to your questions. There are affordable houses already built, but I have no clue if you'd like them. Truthfully, if you were willing to move and take this job, I'd give or build you a house of your choosing with high priority as a job perk. I thought you'd want to stay in the house you just bought, though? Would you really upend your lives for a job and city you may not even like?" (Mizuki)
Kara looks shocked, then a little sad. She shakes her head and gives me a polite smile.
"Mizuki, I think I know what you're asking – can I really leave the house that my husband and I just bought? My husband never saw the house we're in now because I bought it after he left…as a surprise. I was so excited to show it to him, and I spent all that time thinking about living together in it. Now…his absence from it is just a constant reminder of what I lost. Truthfully, I've wanted to move and start over somewhere new with Cera since you gave us the money." (Kara)
That is, like, the saddest shit I've heard since I came to this world. I glance at Alto, and I see tears welling up in her eyes. She'd eat me alive if I don't try to help them. Even Nina is looking at me expectantly. I honestly don't know if they'd be happy in Eden, though. There's barely anything there right now, and there definitely aren't any people.
"Well, in that case the only thing you'd need to do is decide if Eden is actually somewhere you want to live. I'd make sure your house and Cera's caretaker are covered. In the meantime, let's finish the interview though, okay?" (Mizuki)
I see a focused expression overtake her face, and Kara nods her acknowledgement.
"It's of paramount importance to my Lady that the train she built is only used as-is to transport elves and cargo – she forbids any exploitation or attempts to study it. So, my only question for you is…as an operator of the train, what would it take for someone to convince you to violate that policy and let them abuse your role as operator?" (Mizuki)
Kara's eyes go wide in surprise, and she looks conflicted for several minutes. Then, she sighs dejectedly and looks at me sadly.
"I see why you are paying so much for the job, Mizuki. I wouldn't do it for money or anything else, but if I thought that Cera or I would get hurt, I would betray your policy without hesitation. I'm sorry to say that I might not be who you're looking for." (Kara)
[She meant every word, Mizuki. You should trust her, I think.] (Nina)
Kara seems somewhat bitter, but I can't stop grinning. That's exactly the kind of answer I want from train operators, and Nina endorsing her is just icing on the cake.
Kara sees my expression and becomes puzzled, so I just shake my head at her.
"On the contrary, Kara, I think you're the perfect person for the job. That would be the right decision. In that case, you tell us as soon as you can, and we will make sure that you and Cera are safe, and those people are punished severely. I promise you…there's not a place on this planet that my Lady couldn't track someone down and deal with them." (Mizuki)
"Fufufu…Mizuki speaks the truth!" (Nina)
Kara gives a dumbfounded look and glances between us for several moments.
"So, you're saying…" (Kara)
I nod at her and smile.
"That's right, the job is yours if you want it, Kara – assuming you would move to Eden. As for whether you'd want to, how about we find out? Go collect Cera and some light travel supplies and meet us at the train in an hour. We'll take you both back to Eden with us as our guests and show you the whole city. It's not much to look at right now, so we'll also show you all the remaining construction plans. We'll even let you see how the train is operated on the way back. Then, decide for yourself." (Mizuki)
Kara's face lights up, and she looks like she's about to cry. Instead, she just hurriedly stands up from the couch and gives a deep bow.
"Thank you so much, Mizuki. You as well, Great Dragon. I won't let you down! I'll go get ready immediately!" (Kara)
Without another word, Kara scrambles out of the room with a huge smile and an honest to god spring in her step. It really tugs at my heartstrings. Now…about that babysitter.
"Hey Alto…it may take a while to find a reliable caretaker…" (Mizuki)
I don't even finish my question before Alto cuts me off.
"Let me watch over Cera while Kara works, until we find someone trustworthy to replace me." (Alto)
She's staring at me intently, and it's clearly not a request. I smile at her and nod approvingly.
"I'm sure he'll be in good hands, Alto, and his father would appreciate it." (Mizuki)
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
A couple hours later, we are all on the train back to Eden, including the other workers that Alara hired. Alara spent some time earlier showing Kara how to operate the train and emphasizing the importance of the control plates and always keeping them under watch. After, Kara was allowed to operate the train for our return trip.
Kara was very frightened of the train's speed at first, but after twenty minutes of Cera screaming 'faster mom' from the back, and Alara assuring her that the train was safe to go that fast, we got up to the same cruising speed as Alto normally uses.
Satisfied that Kara is fine, Alara joins me in the passenger section. The workers are in other railcars, and Cera is with Alto towards the back of this one, so we can speak freely.
"Mizuki, I'm glad you agreed to hire one of them. Honestly, I was scared that you'd reject them both. Her especially, being a single mother with a young child. Apparently, you know each other, though, which was the only reason I ignored that detail. I figured that, at worst, we could use her to cover missing shifts, so long as you trusted her." (Alara)
Ah, so Alara did learn about us through her earlier interview process. It seems she didn't mention our involvement to Kara, though.
"Yes, we're acquainted. That helped a little bit, but she still had some work to do to convince me. I was also worried about her being a single mother and balancing that with a job that requires punctuality. However, we worked out an agreement. I promised to ensure a full-time caretaker for her son while she works, but only if they both moved to a house in Eden permanently. Are you okay with them living there?" (Mizuki)
Alara looks surprised.
"Just like that? You already convinced someone to move to my city? I don't mind at all, especially if they're going to be working for me as well. Where do they want to live?" (Alara)
"Well, I wouldn't say it's guaranteed. I'm worried the city might not be quite developed or populated enough yet to appeal to them. That's why they're here, to look around, listen to the city's development plans, and decide. I don't know where they'd want to live exactly, but I'm sure you can talk to them about it. Tell them about the normal costs for land, houses, and construction, and I'll cover any expenses if they move here." (Mizuki)
Alara nods her head thoughtfully.
"Understood, and yes, I agree. It's not very appealing until we have shops and people already here from the tourism, at least. That's why I'm prioritizing merchants and business owners tomorrow and touring them around the city personally. Do you have any other suggestions to make this place more appealing?" (Alara)
Oh boy, do I ever. I grin at Alara.
"Definitely. The first is a school. Build a public school in the city-owned center land. Hold classes there for math, reading, writing, and magic…then make them free to every Eden citizen under twenty, and heavily discounted to those under fifty. People would flock here for such an education, even if it's only for their children." (Mizuki)
Alara's eyes go wide in shock.
"Mizuki, free!? That's absurd! Where did you even get such an idea!?" (Alara)
I sigh deeply, and I cast a silencing spell around us.
"Alara, what's your most burning question about me at the moment?" (Mizuki)
Alara looks deeply confused by the sudden topic change.
"Uhm…I guess why a human is so monstrously strong, why Lady Nedonera said you weren't from a human country, or why your behaviors and ideas are so strange. I'm assuming that at least two of those are related. What does this have to do with your school idea?" (Alara)
I nod patiently.
"That's right, all three are related in fact. Would you like me to answer them now? You'd never be allowed to repeat what you hear to anyone. Not a single word, under any circumstances, or I would react very poorly. If you still want to know, I've already cast a spell that lets us talk without being overheard." (Mizuki)
Alara's eyes go wide, but she doesn't even hesitate to respond. She's burning with curiosity.
"You have my word, Mizuki, I'd never even consider betraying your trust. Please…I'm dying to know the answers to those questions." (Alara)
"Fufufu…very well. The answer is that I'm not from your planet, Alara. I was born and raised on another world far away from Azura. To make a long story short, my people are fundamentally different than the people here. It's why I'm so strong, it's why I have no attachment to the human countries here, and it's why I may seem so strange." (Mizuki)
Alara stares at me in amazement for several minutes without saying a word. Then she smiles.
"That's incredible…hard to believe even, but I don't doubt you're telling the truth. Why did you come here? How did you? What were your people and planet like? I have so many more questions now." (Alara)
I smile apologetically.
"I can't answer those, but here's what I can tell you. My people were far more advanced than yours, Alara. In fact, we could make trains better than this one, fly fast enough to circle the whole world in a day, make weapons that destroyed small countries, and even travel between planets. Most commoners in my homeland new as much reading, writing, and math at Cera's age as your teachers and scholars." (Mizuki)
Alara stares at me with her mouth gaping open, and she is obviously skeptical. I just stare back at her patiently. Eventually, she stares off into the distance for several minutes. When she looks back at me, she seems troubled.
"To think…something like that is possible. This conversation has really hurt my pride as an elf, Mizuki. So, this idea that children get a free education…this was something your people did?" (Alara)
"Yes, in fact, they insisted on it. All children were required to start school at around age four, where they spent six hours per day, five days per week, and 7 months per year, until they were eighteen. The schools even served meals and had recreation, and it allowed both of their parents to have jobs. Some people, like me, even went to school for several more years after the mandatory schooling." (Mizuki)
"Mizuki…that's…there was really that much for your people to teach their children? No…I guess that makes sense, based on what you said before. This immense knowledge from your people…can you share it with mine?" (Alara)
I shake my head sadly.
"I can't share most of my world's knowledge with you or your people. Partly because I obviously don't know it all, and partly because of other reasons that I can't explain to you. I can provide things for your people to use, like this train, or I can use my own knowledge to help your people directly. However, I can't teach them like you want. All I can tell you is…that's ultimately for their own good." (Mizuki)
Alara nods bitterly.
"Okay, I understand…as much as I can, I guess. You said most of your world's knowledge, right? What can you teach us?" (Alara)
"Math, for one. I can teach you as much math as you want, but I'm not sure how useful it would be to you." (Mizuki)
Alara seems to be in better spirits now, and she is nodding thoughtfully.
"In that case, I will give your school suggestion some thought if you'd impart this advanced math knowledge onto us. That way, at least we can advertise it as a unique resource – not mentioning its origin, of course. It might make the school novel enough to be profitable." (Alara)
I smile back at her warmly.
"I think that's a great idea, Alara. I'm more impressed with you as a leader every day." (Mizuki)
Alara's eyes fly open, and she becomes visibly embarrassed. After a moment, she tries to change the topic.
"Uhm…what other suggestions to attract citizens did you have?" (Alara)
I stifle my laughter.
"Games and recreation. I could recreate at least a dozen novel games from my world that your people would love. Some of them would take Percivil and I a lot of time to make and they'd be hard for others to reproduce – those could be exclusives for your city. Other games are small and easily reproduced, and they could just be sold to people as souvenirs to spread interest in the town." (Mizuki)
Alara becomes quite excited.
"Yes, Mizuki, that is perfect! We should meet with Percivil as soon as possible and discuss recreating these games from your world. I am very excited to hear about them!" (Alara)
I nod my approval, and Alara sits back with a dopey look on her face for several minutes, deep in thought. Eventually, she becomes puzzled and looks at me.
"Mizuki, I almost forgot to ask. Why didn't you approve of the other train operator job candidate you interviewed? I'm not going to argue with you, I'm just curious. I liked him." (Alara)
I grin at her. This is so going to wreck her…I can barely wait.
"Oh, that? It was because he was a mole sent by another noble to infiltrate the train system and exploit it in some way. The most likely noble is Tessa, and the second most likely is Helena." (Mizuki)
While I smirk, Alara goes pale. Her expression is priceless.
"Mizuki…that's bad…if you hadn't insisted on screening them, I would have hired him. I'd have squandered your trust to responsibly manage the train on the very first day that you gave it to me. I can't tell you how sorry I am…" (Alara)
Well, now I feel bad…not bad enough to stop doing it, probably, but still. I shake my head and gesture at her reassuringly.
"No, no, don't worry about it. He was a good liar, and he might have fooled me under different circumstances. You still have my trust, I promise." (Mizuki)
Alara seems to relax partially, and she smiles at me gratefully. After a time, we fall into a comfortable silence, and I drop the silencing spell.
The list of people who know I'm not of this world just keeps growing. How long will it be before one of them squeaks, I wonder.
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
After we returned to Eden, Alara and Zara took off with the workers to get them acquainted with their jobs. Kara and Cera tagged along, at Alara's request, so that she could show them around Eden afterwards. Now, it's just Nina, Alto, and I.
"By the way, you two, I told Alara that I'm not from this world. It seemed necessary to convince her to build a school here with free education for all the children." (Mizuki)
Nina just smiles in amusement, but Alto looks surprised and conflicted.
"Mizuki, I'm happy that you want such a thing, truly. If every elf learned basic reading, writing, math, and magic during childhood…the common people might prosper faster than I ever expected. Still, can you trust Lady Alara with so much personal information about you? She did repeatedly scheme to kill you." (Alto)
"Fufufu…I would not worry, Alto. The only thing greater than Alara's fear of betraying Mizuki is her desperation to prove herself to him and earn his trust. I see no issue." (Nina)
Nina's endorsement seems to calm down Alto, and she smiles and nods her acknowledgement. Perfect, I didn't have to justify it at all. Now, on to next steps.
"Nina, I think you'll like another thing Alara and I talked about. I'm going to talk to Percivil about helping me build dozens of games from my world – items meant only for fun. Some of the large, novel games are going to be put in a city-owned building in the center of town, while the smaller and easily reproduced ones are going to be sold as souvenirs and allowed to spread in this country. Does that sound like something you'd be interested in joining me for?" (Mizuki)
Nina's eyes light up like a child on Christmas morning, and I sense a rush of excitement from her. Figures she'd like that. I smile at her in amusement.
"Mizuki, are you serious!? You've been keeping that many fun things from me!? We must go this instant and correct your mistakes – there's no time to waste!" (Nina)
Nina rushes forward and loops her arm through mine, then starts dragging me off towards the southeast border of the valley where Percivil's workspace is located. As I'm dragged off, stifling my laughter, I look over my shoulder to Alto.
"Alto! Do you want to come?" (Mizuki)
Alto smiles and shakes her head.
"No, that's okay. I want to go practice manipulating photons on my own and try to learn this invisibility spell of yours! Now that Zara has that ring…my pride just can't take it anymore." (Alto)
That sounds like Alto. I just smile and nod approvingly. I'm not worried about her experimenting with radiation on her own. I've already explained to her that higher energy photons, or shorter wavelength radiation, than the light she can see is dangerous. This will probably be good for her.
Nina and I make our way over to Percivil's workstation, and we see him messing with the heating on his forge. There are stacks of iron ingots, and some copper, gold, and silver ingots, piled around him. I synthesized the last batch for him a few days ago, and it looks like he has plenty still. He looks to us in surprise as we approach and waves.
"Hey Percivil! How's it going here?" (Mizuki)
Percivil shrugs good-naturedly at us.
"Aye, the work itself hasn't been an issue. The elves and wolf-kin just ask for a lot of the same boring metal components for their construction. Sometimes they'll ask for unique furnishings or adornments in the buildings, or for enchanted items. Apparently, enchanted items are very rare here. Plus, yah know, I've gotten to talk with Art a lot about designs around the city, and they've even incorporated some of them! So, it's still fun!" (Percivil)
He doesn't sound unhappy, but I do feel bad about him getting bored with most of his work. I sold him on coming here to help me with cool otherworlder things, but I ended up not needing him for the train after he explained enchantments. I nod at him sympathetically.
"Well, I'm glad it hasn't been all boring – I'd hate for you to regret me dragging you here. On that subject, would you have time to help me with a number of special projects?" (Mizuki)
Percivil begins stroking his beard, and he eyes me with cautious optimism.
"Aye, I could find some time. What are yah thinking? Anything fun, like a new way to get up that mountain to the hot springs?" (Percivil)
I shake my head.
"Not that, but I do think you'll like it. It's making items that have too complicated of materials for me to synthesize on my own, and I can only trust you to help me with building them. Some of them might even be too complicated for you…interested?" (Mizuki)
Percivil's beard stroking intensifies, and I see the glint of curiosity in his eyes. He smirks at me.
"Hmm…too complicated for me, huh? Aye, I'm interested. Are yah going to keep teasing this old dwarf or give me some actual details?" (Percivil)
"Yes, Mizuki, you are wasting precious time!" (Nina)
Nina and Percivil both give me impatient glares. Jeez…they're tag teaming me now? I shake my head in exasperation.
"Fufufu…sorry, I couldn't help myself. I have dozens of items for recreation and friendly competition that I want to build. Some of them are bigger than a person, and some of them have lots of moving parts but fit in the palm of your hand. They may use metal, wood, leather, stone, and who knows what else. The only thing they have in common…is that they're all unique items from my home world. You ready to discuss the designs?" (Mizuki)
Percivil's eyes go wide in shock, and a giddy smile forms on his face after a moment. He nods furiously and takes off towards the construction site, calling over his shoulder as he goes.
"Aye! I'll grab my design tools and tell Art I may be unavailable for the rest of the day! Let's go to the conference room in your house!" (Percivil)
I can't help but chuckle as he runs off, and Nina looks mildly impatient. Eventually, he comes running back carrying a pack with papers sticking out. When he arrives in front of his, he's slightly out of breath.
"Aye…I'm ready…let's go!" (Percivil)
I shake my head at him in amusement, then teleport us all to the conference room after I confirm that nobody is watching. We take seats on the couches, and Percivil begins spreading papers out on the coffee table. After a few minutes, he nods to me expectantly.
"Aye, I'm ready Mizuki. Tell me about all these items, as much as yah can. I'm assuming yah weren't a craftsman in your other world, so we'll need to discuss what they're made of and such." (Percivil)
I nod at him approvingly. Then, I tell him about all the items I had in mind. I start with the big games I want to put in a recreation center – pool, air hockey, foosball, ski ball, and ping pong. They're all popular games that I think should be doable with enchantments, Nina's and I's syntheses, and Percivil's craftsmanship.
The hardest part is ironically the pool balls. We can't synthesize modern Earth ones, and I'm unaware of elephants or other ivory sources here, but Percivil thinks orc tusks would work based on my description.
Percivil is extremely committed to a lot of the finer details, and questions me for almost two hours about the exact dimensions and materials, their properties, and how much error there can be in their design.
At several points, I shape my magic into the items from my memory and will the magic surfaces to reflect visible light. It lets me generate a crappy hologram for his reference, which seems to help. Nina is bewildered by the magic holograms, and she keeps trying to touch them to no avail.
After the large game tables, I move on to describing smaller game items like chess, checkers, connect four, and reversi. Percivil insists that these will be relatively simple from a crafting perspective, and we don't spend much time on them.
He becomes absolutely fascinated when I describe something that I envisioned as an Eden-specific souvenir – the Rubik's cube. Fortunately, I had an eccentric applied math professor in college, and I wrote an entire paper on how the swivels in these things work. So, I can give Percivil detailed information.
After a few hours, he nods confidently.
"Aye, I'll need yah to use your strange magic to make small metal pieces for me, but I think I can build this. It will be the hardest one you've mentioned! These items will be more than enough work for me right now. Do yah have any preference about which ones I start on?" (Percivil)
I nod appreciatively.
"I knew I could count on you! Thanks, Percivil. If you don't mind, I'd like to start with pool tables to put in a public recreation building. I'd also like to make the reversi game as a simple souvenir to sell. We'll of course give you a profit share. Just tell Alara, and she'll work it out fairly. Also, feel free to use the third floor of this mansion as a workspace for all these items." (Mizuki)
Percivil nods and looks thoughtful for a moment.
"Aye, I can start with those. I think that I should just need wood, smooth stone, and leather for most of it. If Nina can make the stones I want, I can get the other materials through Art's suppliers. I'll need one of yah to collect or buy orc tusks though." (Percivil)
Nina is quick on the draw.
"Fufufufu…I will take care of this. How many do you need slaughtered for this game…will a hundred suffice?" (Nina)
Bad dragon! No orc genocides over a game!
"Nina, I don't think you need that many. Why not start with half a dozen tusk pairs and see how many he needs after that?" (Mizuki)
Nina eyes me suspiciously, like she's not sure whether she should listen.
"After all…if you spend too long hunting orcs it will just delay Percivil starting. Plus, you may miss the completion of the other game, and I might start playing it without you." (Mizuki)
Nina's face contorts in horror.
"M-Mizuki, there is no need for threats! I will just get the six orcs' tusks and come right back…you won't let anyone else play the other game before me, right?" (Nina)
I act like I'm thinking about it for a minute, but I'm just stifling laughter. I think Nina senses something through our connection because she glares at me.
"Hmm…for my beloved mate, I can do that. You have my word, Nina – we'll play the game together first." (Mizuki)
Nina's face becomes very satisfied.
"Fufufu…good, that is a smart decision, Mizuki!" (Nina)
I give her a puzzled look, and she just stares back with a polite smile. Is that…a threat? Thinking about it is too scary, so I don't.
I notice through the room windows that it's already sunset – time really flies. Percivil notices as well and nods.
"Aye, it's getting late, so I better wrap up my smithing duties in the valley." (Percivil)
Percivil collects his design notes and walks out of the room with a polite farewell, leaving Nina and I alone. I look over at her to see that she's gazing at me with a mix of amusement and excitement. I give her a puzzled look.
"Fufufu…would you like me to reward you in advance for all these fun games you're sharing?" (Nina)
We're alone in the mansion, and her tone doesn't leave much uncertainty. I grin excitedly and nod. I can't believe I ever said no to her before.