I'm currently sitting in the couch-style conference room of the Avalon palace, waiting on Elira and Dargo to join Ilina, Nina, and me. It's the day after my massacre in the Empire, and I'm preparing to apprise them of the situation. Honestly, I'm dreading this much less than warning Elmesia.
Ilina has yet to be updated. I just told her that I needed to speak with all of them ASAP, then we came here.
She's giving me a slightly apprehensive look. Normally, I'd reassure her, but that doesn't seem appropriate this time, given what I'm about to reveal to them. Nina decides to break the tension…in the worst way possible.
"Fufufu…so, Ilina…have you been enjoying my little pearls of wisdom?" (Nina)
Ilina turns to Nina in shock, and her face turns red.
"N-Nina!? Why would you ask something like that at a time like this!? Actually, why would you ask me at all!?" (Ilina)
A perfectly reasonable question, I think.
Nina smirks, and I sense amusement from her.
"Just curious. Fufufu…I thought you deserved something in return for always sending Mizuki to me with so much enthusiasm." (Nina)
Ilina begins to look a little annoyed, but she composes herself quickly.
"Well…I wish you'd told me sooner, but…I have been enjoying your suggestions." (Ilina)
Ilina gives an amused grin back to Nina, and they chuckle together. I…do not like this development in their relationship.
Before I can interrupt their discussion, the conference room door opens, and Elira and Dargo enter with her two guards and the maid, Cayla. Elira and Dargo seat themselves on the couch opposite us three…they both look apprehensive.
"Okay, Mizuki…the last time you asked us both to meet with you, we got a train. What is it this time?" (Elira)
Ilina looks at me expectantly as well. Hmm…best to just rip the band aid off.
"I'll get right to the point. I just wanted to let you know that Emperor Belmod of the Ralzen Empire is dead, along with about sixty of his royal guard. I don't think they'll direct hostilities towards your kingdom right now, but I'd remain cautious." (Mizuki)
Everyone is silent for a moment. Elira and Dargo seem confused at first, then they go pale. Eventually, Elira speaks up hesitantly.
"M-Mizuki…was that…your doing?" (Elira)
I meet her gaze without flinching.
"Yes, it happened yesterday." (Mizuki)
Elira nods solemnly, while Ilina looks at me in bewilderment. Dargo gives me an apprehensive expression.
"May I ask why?" (Dargo)
I nod politely.
"We merely heeded his summoning of my S-rank party, and I was extremely polite to him. That is, until he proudly proclaimed his intent to torture, enslave, and possibly rape Alto…to my face. I wasn't going to let him live after that." (Mizuki)
Dargo looks like he's going to be sick, and he begins to tremble slightly. Elira grits her teeth and swallows, then questions me cautiously.
"Is there…anything else we should know?" (Elira)
I nod thoughtfully.
"Yes. Since the chance for subtlety was lost, I left one person alive to give them my demands. They are to abolish slavery permanently and return all slaves safely to their home countries within half a month, or I will execute all the de facto rulers that ignored my demands. Also, I told them that if they try to invade the Elven Kingdom or Elmesia, I will wipe out their army and destroy their royal capital, Rodsgard." (Mizuki)
Elira's eyes go wide in shock.
"Do you think they will agree to such a thing?" (Elira)
I shrug.
"It doesn't matter – my demands will be met, one way or another. If they refuse my terms regarding slavery, I'll liberate every single slave in that country by force. If they try to invade your kingdom, I'll annihilate their army myself. After that, I'll make good on my threats. The messenger was just a courtesy." (Mizuki)
Elira and Dargo go silent, and Ilina speaks up. She has a concerned expression on her face.
"Mizuki…are you okay? This doesn't seem like you at all. What about all the people that just live in that country?" (Ilina)
I sigh deeply.
"I told my messenger to also spread my intentions directly among the Empire's citizens. The only way they'll be harmed is if they don't evacuate Rodsgard following an attack by the Empire, or if they knowingly hold onto their slaves against my orders. I think that's more than fair. If you have an alternative plan that's more humane, I'm happy to hear it." (Mizuki)
Ilina looks conflicted.
"Why not just thwart any invasion attempt? Why must you destroy their city? Innocent people's homes are there, too. Surely after seeing that they are outmatched, they would submit without further issue." (Ilina)
I shake my head.
"Maybe, but those in charge, and perhaps even the citizens, would be attempting to harm other people at the expense of their own soldiers being slaughtered, without risking anything themselves. So, I think it's important that there are consequences much closer to home. However, I'll limit the destruction to just the Rodsgard castle and supporting structures, if that would ease your mind." (Mizuki)
Ilina nods solemnly.
"It would…still…" (Ilina)
To my surprise, Alto interjects.
"With all due respect, Princess Ilina, I don't think you know what they're like. You briefly traveled through the Empire, but you were masquerading as a human. When Zara and I were there, this last time and after our kidnapping...even the average citizen seems to view us as things to be exploited. Mizuki, your actions have my complete support." (Alto)
Ilina directs a shocked expression at Alto. Before she can respond, Zara interjects.
"I agree with Alto. What's more, your people may be looked down on by those humans, but they have not suffered at their hands as mine have. While not everyone in the Empire is directly responsible, most of them certainly condone the mistreatment of non-humans – the citizens aren't wholly innocent. Mizuki, I'm also happy to pledge myself to this cause." (Zara)
Without missing a beat, even Nina jumps in, though she uses a softer tone.
"Ilina, it was the same several centuries ago when the fey sent representatives to the Empire to dissuade them from encroaching on our forest. There is a long history of anything non-human being treated as lesser there." (Nina)
Ilina's face turns red with embarrassment, and she looks down at the floor for several moments.
"I'm sorry…I…guess I didn't consider that. I was so concerned about Mizuki's behavior seeming erratic...I didn't stop to think whether or not it was for the best." (Ilina)
Ilina looks at me apologetically, but I shake my head and gesture reassuringly.
"I'm not offended Ilina, I promise. I want to hear what my fiancé thinks, even if it's negative. I can understand this seeming erratic since I've never been provoked to this degree before. Still, it's like I told you when you asked me to visit your country during the demon crisis…if someone does something atrocious, the consequences should find them even in a palace." (Mizuki)
Realization spreads across Ilina's face, and she nods acceptingly. I smile at her appreciatively, then turn my attention back to Elira and Dargo.
They're both staring at me in bewilderment.
"Mizuki…what is this about Ilina being your fiancé!?" (Elira)
I stare at Elira with a dumbfounded expression.
Did Ilina…not tell them yet!? I told Alto, Zara, and Alara the night that it happened, and my whole party plus Alara had a private celebration in the mansion a couple of days ago. Alara has even been calling me her little brother as a joke!
I turn to Ilina with a shocked expression, and she just shrugs and grins at me apologetically.
"Ilina…it's been days and you haven't told your own parents!?" (Mizuki)
Ilina waves her hands dismissively.
"I wanted to wait and do it together, Mizuki! Besides, it's not official or public yet anyway!" (Ilina)
I stare at Ilina in shock, and I see Elira glaring at me out the corner of my eye. I sigh deeply.
"Elira, Dargo, I proposed to Ilina and gave her that platinum ring on her finger as a kind of vow. We aren't going to make our relationship public, or go get officially married anywhere else yet, so there shouldn't be any issues. Still, I'm sorry…I thought you knew. I hope you're not mad." (Mizuki)
Elira and Dargo shake their heads in exasperation.
"I'm not exactly mad, Mizuki, but we would have wanted to celebrate privately with our daughter and future son-in-law!" (Dargo)
Elira nods her head in agreement, and she seems to be glancing between Ilina's ring finger and me with an annoyed expression.
"Yes, it's as Dargo says! Also, Mizuki, if I were going to be mad about something, it would be that you used such an ordinary ring to propose to a future Queen! We know you can afford something more unique, so what were you thinking!?" (Elira)
Damn…that's rude…I guess she has somewhat of a point, though?
Ilina starts laughing, and Elira and Dargo snap their attention back to her with annoyed expressions. Noticing their glares, Ilina quickly interjects.
"Mother, please don't disparage my ring from Mizuki! It means a lot to me, and despite its basic appearance, there couldn't be a more unique ring." (Ilina)
Elira gives Ilina an incredulous look.
"Ilina, dear, I'm sure it feels very special since it came from the man you love, but a basic metal band, even if it's made of platinum, is not fit for a Queen. I'm sorry, but I'm allowed to want better for my daughter." (Elira)
Ilina shakes her head in amusement, then directs a smirk at Elira. Without explanation, Ilina reaches out with one hand and grabs the edge of the coffee table between our couches – it's very solid wood, and probably weighs over a hundred kilograms.
While smirking at Elira, Ilina slowly lifts the coffee table a couple feet into the air with one hand.
Everyone outside my party yelps in surprise, and Elira's mouth hangs open in shock.
"How…that's…" (Elira)
Ilina gives a smug smile to Elira, then sets the coffee table back down.
"Like I said, Mother, this ring is unique. Mizuki personally crafted it for me, and it lets me use multiple physical enhancement spells on myself at once without an incantation." (Ilina)
Elira's and Dargo's faces go pale, and they slowly turn to look at me. I just grin sheepishly for a few awkward moments.
Eventually, a very curious expression emerges on Elira's face, and her tone becomes suspiciously sweet.
"Mizuki, dear, do you think you could make your beloved mother-in-law such a ring…please?" (Elira)
A look of pure betrayal washes over Dargo's face, and he stares at Elira in bewilderment.
"My Queen!? What about…the ring you already have…the one I gave you?" (Dargo)
Elira sighs and makes a dismissive gesture towards Dargo.
"Dargo, my love, relax…I'll just wear two rings! Mizuki, what do you say, hmm?" (Elira)
Damn…Dargo…my condolences dude. That's brutal. I got your back, though, don't worry.
I put on a puzzled expression and direct it towards Elira.
"Elira, I'm confused…are you referring to that basic metal band that's not fit for a Queen? I could not possibly insult you with such a gift." (Mizuki)
I hear several people, including Ilina, snicker at my remark. Elira rolls her eyes and gives me an annoyed look.
"There's no need to dwell on the past, Mizuki. Obviously, I was too quick to judge, and I apologize for insulting the ring you gave my daughter. It is most certainly fit for a queen. Ehem…so, how about it?" (Elira)
Pffffft…the past, like thirty seconds ago? Well, at least she apologized.
Elira is staring at me hopefully. I let out a sigh, then give her an amused smile.
"I suppose, for my beloved mother-in-law, I could imbue the ring Dargo has already given you with a similar effect." (Mizuki)
Elira's and Dargo's faces both light up. Ilina gives me an incredulous look.
[Ohhh…don't worry Ilina. She's not getting off that easy, just wait.] (Mizuki)
I see a smirk appear on Ilina's face, but Elira just slips her wedding ring off and presents it towards me happily.
"Wonderful, Mizuki, I knew I liked you! Here you go, please...uhm, enchant it...whenever you are ready!" (Elira)
Without taking the ring from her, I smirk at Elira.
"I said I could do it for my mother-in-law, Elira, but we have no such relation yet. Don't you remember? Once you've helped Ilina and I get officially married, I'll be happy to grant your request." (Mizuki)
Ilina and Nina burst out laughing. Elira's face turns bitter for a moment, then she lets out a defeated sigh and slips her ring back onto her finger.
"Tch…I should've known. Very well, Mizuki, I'll remember this promise when the time comes." (Elira)
I direct an amused smile at Elira.
"I'm looking forward to it! Now, regarding that unfortunate situation with the Empire…is there anything else we need to discuss?" (Mizuki)
Dargo nods, and Elira groans loudly and flops back onto the couch.
"Ehem…yes, Mizuki. Since this happened during an official summons by the emperor, and you left a witness, news will spread even to our kingdom that you were involved in killing the ruler of another country. Naturally, the nobles will want to discuss this. I'm sure they're also aware of the train, and letters are bound to start pouring in any day now. So, it's best to just convene another nobles' meeting." (Dargo)
Elira sits forward on the couch with an angry expression.
"Dargo's right, and since you are at the center of this mess, I'd like for you to show up and suffer through it with us! I didn't want to host one of these meetings again for at least another century, Mizuki, and thanks to you I won't even get a month between them!" (Elira)
Crap…that's going to suck.
I groan outwardly, but I nod my agreement to Elira dejectedly.
"That's fair…I'll attend and do what I can. Cara Egris is in Eden right now, so we'll let her and Alara know about the situation. When will this meeting be taking place?" (Mizuki)
Elira raises her eyebrow at the mention of Cara, but she doesn't comment.
"We will make it a priority, so exactly one week from today. We'll send out summons first thing in the morning." (Dargo)
I nod my acknowledgement.
"Okay, we'll make the necessary arrangements on our end. Anything else?" (Mizuki)
Elira snorts.
"Yes, actually…try to avoid any other regicides until then, Mizuki. Justified or not." (Elira)
I roll my eyes at Elira, and I rise from the couch.
"We'll strongly consider it." (Mizuki)
Elira and Dargo give me bewildered looks.
"Mizuki, where do you think you're going?" (Elira)
I return a puzzled expression.
"Uhm…home?" (Mizuki)
Dargo's voice becomes shrill.
"Absolutely not!" (Dargo)
Elira nods emphatically.
"Exactly, you'll be staying here and privately celebrating our daughter's engagement with us! It's bad enough we were kept in the dark this long!" (Elira)
I stare at them both blankly, then glance to my party. They're all smiles, and the verdicts start rolling in.
"Yes, Mizuki, let's stay and celebrate! It'd be nice after the stress of the past couple days." (Alto)
"Fufufu…indeed, I could go for some wine." (Nina)
Zara just nods approvingly. I turn my attention to Ilina, and she smiles at me expectantly.
"I'd appreciate that, if you can spare a few hours tonight?" (Ilina)
I mean…I can't think of any reason why not. I smile at everyone widely and nod approvingly.
"Well…let's get this party started!" (Mizuki)
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
My head is killing me.
It's a couple of hours after sunrise, the day following our meeting with Ilina and her parents. I've just dragged myself into the family room of our mansion, and I am now laying haphazardly on one of the couches. I ended up drinking way too much wine last night, and I have a massive hangover.
I groan and rub my temples. I try using a healing spell on myself, but it doesn't seem to help. I hang my head miserably and sigh deeply.
"Fufufu…you're quite the pathetic sight, little brother." (Alara)
I glare at Alara, who is drinking tea on the couch across from me with an amused expression. Currently, we're the only two people here, but we're supposed to have a meeting between Alara, Cara, and my party soon. The exception is Nina, who said the meeting would be boring and went out exploring instead.
"Thank you, Alara. I don't suppose you know a spell that cures this, huh?" (Mizuki)
Alara snorts and directs a smirk at me.
"Of course. It's called not being a lightweight." (Alara)
She knows I can just teleport her to whole other continents, right?
I shake my head at Alara, then regret it due to the sensation.
"That's too bad. I was planning on making you a spell ring this morning to thank you for all your hard work, but I don't think I can focus like this." (Mizuki)
Alara's eyes go wide in shock, then after a moment they narrow at me suspiciously.
"You don't mean that…do you, Mizuki?" (Alara)
I shrug, and then flash Alara a smirk. Her expression becomes bitter, but we're interrupted before she can respond.
"Fufufu…that is too bad, they are quite wonderful." (Zara)
Zara materializes on the couch next to Alara, presumably dropping the invisibility spell from her ring. She's wearing an uncharacteristically smug expression, directed at Alara. I make a mental note that I need to start scanning with magic sense to confirm invisible people aren't around.
Alara directs an annoyed expression at Zara.
"Alara…out of curiosity, what spell would you ask for if I offered you a ring?" (Mizuki)
Alara snaps her focus back to me excitedly.
"Whatever spell you use to instantly move between places!" (Alara)
I shake my head at Alara sympathetically.
"Ah, that is one of the few spells I can't put in a ring. Another is the spell that Ilina used to pin you to the ground during your fight. They're both too complicated for a spell ring. I'm sorry, you'd have to think of something else if I give you one." (Mizuki)
It's the truth…I can only create spell effects with consistent spatial relationships to the ring. For example, a teleportation enchantment would always send you ahead of your outstretched hand, or a gravity spell affect a spot in front of you. That's not very useful.
Alara becomes disheartened, then looks off thoughtfully.
Several minutes pass in silence, then Alto and Cara enter the room in quick succession. Alto sits down on the couch right next to me, then leans against my shoulder miserably. She looks like she feels terrible, probably for the same reason as me. I guess we're both lightweights.
"Fufufu…so, you feel as terrible as I do, Alto?" (Mizuki)
I absentmindedly push Alto's hair out of her face as she leans into me pathetically, and she shoots me a surprised glance. I quickly realize my mistake.
"Oh, right. I got carried away and treated you like my little sister again. Sorry for that, Alto." (Mizuki)
Alto shrugs and gives me a halfhearted smile.
"I'll let you off the hook this time." (Alto)
Cara, who sat on the couch next to Alto, raises an eyebrow at the interaction.
"Mizuki, I don't suppose the reason you've sidestepped my advances is because you're already sleeping with Alto, is it? I admit, it's somewhat strange that you're the only man in a house full of beautiful women." (Cara)
Everyone looks to Cara in bewilderment. Before I can respond, I hear Alto snort next to me.
"Pffft…Mizuki sleeping with me? He doesn't even seem interested when we bathe together. I'm happy to say that we just have a very comfortable friendship." (Alto)
Wait a second…is that the 'research' she was talking about when she climbed into my bath unannounced!?
Cara directs a surprised expression at me, then addresses me with a teasing tone.
"Mizuki, if you're so familiar with the women you befriend, you're welcome to platonically keep me warm in my bed tonight." (Cara)
I roll my eyes at Cara.
"First of all, it's not all my female friends, it's just Alto. Second, even when she joins my baths uninvited, she respects my personal space way more than you do. Most importantly, she's never once tried to sleep with me. You two are not the same, Cara." (Mizuki)
Cara clicks her tongue at me and sighs, while Alto looks at me curiously.
"Mizuki, out of curiosity, if I didn't want to sleep alone one night and asked to join you for the company, what would you say?" (Alto)
I snap my head to Alto in bewilderment, and everyone else seems to echo my sentiments as well. She just stares back at me expectantly, with an amused expression. I sigh deeply.
That's unexpected, even as a joke. Still…I'm a little worried about her after she killed that slaver yesterday. If there's any chance that she's having terrible nightmares or something, and isn't completely joking, I should be genuine.
[Assuming that Nina and Ilina wouldn't mind, you can sleep in our room, Alto. I'm not sure if you were joking, and I don't know why you'd ask me that, but I'm your friend and you can always come to me for anything. If you're having trouble sleeping or something, let Nina and I know so we can help.] (Mizuki)
"Obviously I'd tell you that I decline being experimented on in my sleep, Alto." (Mizuki)
Everyone rolls their eyes or chuckles, then moves on, but Alto maintains my gaze with a mix of surprise and appreciation on her face.
Alara makes a much-needed redirection.
"Ehem…Mizuki, moving on, what did you call us here to discuss?" (Alara)
I nod to Alara appreciatively, and I look around to meet everyone's expectant gazes.
"Of course, sorry. Alto and Zara are already aware of this, but there will be another meeting of the nobles six days from now. Queen Elira will be sending official notices to the nobles this morning." (Mizuki)
Alara and Cara both look surprised, then Cara narrows her eyes at me suspiciously.
"What is this meeting for, Mizuki? Does it have anything to do with why you were all gone the other day? Also, when did you travel to Avalon and get a meeting with Queen Elira? While we're at it, how did you travel? You returned far too late last night for it to have been by train." (Cara)
Jeez…how closely has she been watching me? Oh well…honestly, it might be about time to loop her in. After this mess with Belmod, I won't be able to fly under the radar much longer.
Cara is staring at me expectantly. I sigh deeply and nod to her.
"Well, perhaps it's best to divulge some more information about our party to Cara, before we continue with the meeting. Alto, Zara, do you have any objections? Alara, I'd like to hear your opinion as well." (Mizuki)
I direct a follow-up thought message to Alara, Zara, and Alto.
[I just plan to tell her that I'm stronger than Nina, and that I'm not her servant. She already knows I can use magic, and she seems very serious about a promise she made to keep any secrets I ask of her.] (Mizuki)
Everyone looks to me in surprise. Zara gives a huge grin.
"Fufufu…no, this will make things easier." (Zara)
Alto looks more thoughtful.
"Hmm…I don't think she'll react negatively, and we won't be able to maintain the level of discretion we've enjoyed until now for much longer anyway. I don't object." (Alto)
I nod my acknowledgement, then turn my attention to Alara. She's looking at me with a bewildered expression. Cara is watching our exchanges quietly with a mix of curiosity, frustration, and confusion.
"Alara? Is everything okay?" (Mizuki)
Alara seems to compose herself and nods quickly.
"Sorry, yes, I'm just pleasantly surprised that you're asking for my advice." (Alara)
I smile at her patiently.
"Of course. We don't have the same rapport as I do with Alto or Zara, obviously, but I consider you a valued part of our group now. When possible, I'm going to trust you and help you, and I hope you do the same. So, Alara, what is your counsel?" (Mizuki)
Alara looks flustered, but she seems to be excited as well. She nods appreciatively.
"Thank you, Mizuki…that means a lot. Truthfully, if you're about to share the level of information I suspect, then I only see it benefitting you. I think it's worth the minimal risk to not have to be so secretive going forward, and to have another ally among the nobles." (Alara)
I nod at Alara appreciatively, then turn my attention back to Cara. She just looks annoyed at this point.
"Great, Mizuki, now that you're done talking about me like I'm not here, I'm all ears. I'm assuming that you're about to explain why your whole attitude just changed, and why you stopped saying Lady Alara and started talking to her like a subordinate." (Cara)
I smirk at Cara. I really want to make a joke about an elf using the phrase 'I'm all ears', but that would be immature.
"Yes, but first, I'd like to ask that you don't repeat anything from this meeting without permission. Is that okay?" (Mizuki)
I look to Cara expectantly, and she just nods impatiently.
"Yes, Mizuki, I swear. I have zero intention of breaking the promise I made you." (Cara)
I smile at her warmly.
"Great, thanks Cara. I'll make this quick. First, I am not Lady Nedonera's servant. I call her Nina, and we're actually lovers. Second, Nina is not the leader of our party…I am. Finally, if you're confused about why an Elder Dragon would be okay with either arrangement, it's because I'm much stronger than Nina. Consider yourself up to speed!" (Mizuki)
Cara is staring at me dumbfounded, and she remains speechless for over a minute. Eventually, she recovers enough to stutter out questions.
"M-Mizuki…I…don't know what to say. It's obvious you're the primary decision maker. Also, Lady Nedonera is clearly fond of you, so I guess I can believe she'd sleep with you. The last part though...are you really stronger than an Elder Dragon?" (Cara)
Cara is staring at me skeptically. I just smirk at her in return.
"Everyone, we'll return in a moment." (Mizuki)
Before anyone can react, I teleport Cara and I to Nina's old nest. Since we were both sitting, she falls into the dirt, and I gracefully catch myself.
Cara looks around frantically, then she seems to register her new surroundings. She turns to me with a bewildered expression.
"Mizuki, what happened!? Where are we!?" (Cara)
I gesture at Cara reassuringly and give her an amused grin.
"Relax, Cara, we're safe. We're currently in the center of the Delmura Forest, at Nina's old nest. I teleported us here using magic." (Mizuki)
Cara's face goes pale as she processes my statement.
"M-M-Mizuki…that's…absurd. You're telling me that you moved us to the opposite side of the world instantly, without even using an incantation or showing any fatigue?" (Cara)
I nod at Cara patiently, and she seems looks off into space with a troubled expression. After several minutes of silence, she still looks troubled, so I decide to interrupt her.
"Cara…we're alone now. That means I wouldn't lie to you if you ask questions." (Mizuki)
Cara looks back to me in surprise, and I just smile warmly towards her.
"Just…how dangerous are you?" (Cara)
Hmm…that stings a little…I thought she trusted me. I glance at Cara, and she's eyeing me carefully. She doesn't look scared, per se, just uncertain.
I sigh deeply and shake my head.
"Danger is contextual, I suppose. To you and your people, I'm effectively harmless." (Mizuki)
I reinforce my statement with a kind smile towards Cara, and she seems to relax significantly.
"What about to people like those slavers you rescued Zara and Alto from?" (Cara)
I nod seriously.
"I'm not a pacifist, Cara, and I don't do half-measures. I'll engage in absolute destruction if warranted. So, to people that provoke me beyond reason…I couldn't be more dangerous." (Mizuki)
Cara nods hesitantly.
"What would qualify as provoking you beyond reason?" (Cara)
I smile sadly.
"It's only ever happened once. Why don't we rejoin the group, and we can discuss that? Then you can decide if you still want to be my friend." (Mizuki)
I walk over to Cara, then extend my hand to her. She looks at it hesitantly for a moment, then she smirks and grabs it to pull herself up from the ground.
"I'm a pretty good judge of character Mizuki, so I'm sure I'll still want to be your friend. You won't be ditching me that easily." (Cara)
I give Cara an earnest smile, then I pull her into a hug. She is taken aback by the sudden gesture, and she becomes flustered.
"Uhm…M-Mizuki…" (Cara)
I teleport us back to the family room in the mansion, then I release her and return to the couch by Alto. I direct a smirk at Cara as she remains between the couches, dazed.
"Sorry, Cara, I just had to teleport us back. You're fine to move now. Everyone else, Cara is officially up to speed. So, we can get started." (Mizuki)
Cara glares at me as she returns to her seat, then Alara nods politely.
"Cara, I'm glad you're joining us in earnest. Mizuki, can you tell us what this nobles' meeting is about now?" (Alara)
I nod apprehensively.
"Sure, Alara, I'll be direct. It's to discuss an unfortunate occurrence that took place when we were gone the other day. My party and I were summoned rather threateningly by Emperor Belmod of the Ralzen Empire after our S-rank promotion. We heeded the summons, and he turned too hostile for me to ignore. So, we killed him and all sixty or so of his guards in the throne room." (Mizuki)
Alara and Cara go pale, and shock registers on their faces. While Alara just continues to stare at me, Cara nods thoughtfully.
"Mizuki, maybe you could tell us the whole story…specifically, what would provoke you to such an action?" (Cara)
"Sure, I'll start from the beginning." (Mizuki)
I recount for them the letter that I received, then our entire visit to the Empire from the time we arrived at the entrance gate checkpoint until I dropped us in the mansion bath. I do my best to detail everything, even my more brutal actions. I also emphasize the reasons for my actions, what Belmod threatened, and the demands for the Empire that I left Lobe with.
When I finish, Cara's face is grim, and Alara looks…simultaneously enraged and elated. She doesn't leave me confused long.
"Tch…what a disgusting human. I for one am quite grateful that Mizuki punished him as severely as he did. Alto, I'm truly sorry that you were subjected to that filth…you as well, Zara. Are you both okay?" (Alara)
Wow…Alara is…interesting. Her blatant human-hating feels familiar. Strangely, her simultaneous friendliness towards me just reinforces that she considers me a completely different species now. What I'm most surprised by, though, is how protective of Alto she seems. I guess she really does care for the elves.
Alto nods at Alara.
"Yes, I'm fine now, thank you. The emperor's unforgivable behavior pushed Mizuki to act without restraint. Now, he's decided he has nothing to lose from ending slavery by force. I don't think he would have taken such an approach otherwise. So, in a way, I can be grateful for the outcome." (Alto)
She's not wrong…I wanted to minimize my publicity if possible. However, I kind of asked for it when I accepted the S-rank promotion. For better or worse, my time operating in the shadows is coming to an end, so it's best to embrace it.
"Thank you for your concern, Lady Alara, but the threats of the weak don't scare me. I am fine." (Zara)
Whelp…guess I don't need to worry about Zara.
Cara finally directs a questioning gaze at me.
"Mizuki, how do you intend to enforce freeing all the slaves in an entire country? It's commendable, but I can't imagine that being anything more than a foolish ambition, even for you…no offense." (Cara)
I smile at Cara.
"I have the ability to determine the locations of every member of a particular race across extreme distances. I haven't tested it yet, but I think I can combine this ability with my teleportation. I might be able to stand at the edge of the Empire in wolf-kin territory, and systematically teleport every non-human in the country to my location. If so, they can't stop me from eventually freeing all the non-human slaves." (Mizuki)
Cara and Alara both have their mouths open in shock, and even Alto looks surprised. Zara just looks mildly impressed.
"You really think you can do that!?" (Alto)
Alto's voice is shrill, and I just nod patiently.
"Yes, I think so. I can already track wolf-kin, elves, and high-elves. However, I'll need to tune my ability to dwarves and the other types of demi-humans. I know where to find a dwarf and a bunny-kin around Elmesia, but for any other demi-humans I'll need to visit their territories to learn how to sense their presences." (Mizuki)
Alto looks off thoughtfully, while Zara is quick to interject.
"Mizuki, if you can truly free all of their people, I will be happy to introduce you to the leaders of the other demi-human tribes." (Zara)
I smile and nod appreciatively to Zara.
"Thanks, Zara! We should do that after the nobles' meeting in a week, and before the deadline I set for the Empire in two weeks. Would that be enough time for you to make arrangements with Alara and your people to compensate for your absence?" (Mizuki)
Zara nods quickly, but Alara interjects.
"Mizuki, that should be fine. All the key, city-owned construction in Eden should be finished in the next week or so, after which the wolf-kin can return home. Any remaining work can be handled by the elves. As for my personal protection, I'm capable of defending myself, so I don't mind letting Zara go for a short time." (Alara)
I raise my eyebrows at Alara in surprise, but she just smiles back approvingly. Wow…she's really being accommodating. I'll remember that.
I smile earnestly at Alara and Zara.
"Wonderful, thank you both! Then, we'll focus on getting Eden's key construction finished, then have the nobles' meeting, then visit the demi-human races' villages. So, are there any other matters that we should discuss?" (Mizuki)
I look around at the others expectantly, but nobody speaks up. Then…
"Mizuki…who else knows as much about you as I do now?" (Cara)
Oh, yeah, I guess she wouldn't know that. Good thing she asked.
"Aside from Nina, there's Ilina and her bodyguard Klaus, King Dargo, and Queen Elira. Percivil, the dwarven blacksmith, also knows quite a bit." (Mizuki)
Cara snorts in exasperation.
"Tch…so is that why Queen Elira seemed so invested in solidifying your position in the Elven Kingdom at our last set of meetings? She certainly seemed more interested in it than you." (Cara)
Hmm…should I mention my relationship with Ilina? I'm guessing that was the primary motivator for Elira at the time – she doesn't want her daughter leaving with me.
I shrug at Cara.
"I think that was a contributor at least, yes." (Mizuki)
Cara nods thoughtfully and falls silent. I'm glad that answer satisfied her.
Looking around the room, nobody seems to have anything else to say. Guess we're done here!
"Alright, well, let's adjourn this meeting then! Alto, do you have some time for us to do research today until Nina returns?" (Mizuki)
Alto's eyes light up excitedly and she nods quickly.
I let out a heartfelt smile…I'm glad to see that recent events haven't tarnished the happiness that research brings her.
"Perfect! Well then, you and I can go to Nina's old nest, and everyone else is free to go about their days. I really appreciate you all making time for this!" (Mizuki)
Cara gives me a curious look.
"Mizuki…now that you've told me everything, is this research something I can observe with you?" (Cara)
Ah…yeah, no.
I shake my head at Cara apologetically.
"No, unfortunately. I can't bring you with us for this. Is there anywhere I can teleport you to before Alto and I leave, though?" (Mizuki)
Cara looks disappointed, then thoughtful. She shakes her head.
"No, that's okay. In that case, I have something I want to take care of in Avalon today. I can take the train there, and if I'm not done by the time the last train returns, I can just get an inn room for the night." (Cara)
Hmm…should I ask? I guess if she wanted to tell me she would have.
I nod approvingly.
"Understood. Well then, let's go Alto! I'll see the rest of you later!" (Mizuki)
I've got a big research agenda today. I need to test my ability to combine other spells like teleportation with long-range magic sense, and I want to help Alto master invisibility. Besides…I'm looking forward to time alone with my friend to make sure she's okay.
Hearing my farewell to the others, Alto smiles and wraps her arms around me on the couch. I grin back at her, then I teleport us to Nina's old nest.
It's been a while since my last magic boot camp.