Chereads / Curiosity of God / Chapter 42 - Chapter 42 – Calm Before the Storm  

Chapter 42 - Chapter 42 – Calm Before the Storm  

 "Well, you've trained some on your own without me. So, how far have you gotten?" (Mizuki)

 

Alto and I are standing in the forest clearing of Nina's old nest. After a short discussion, we decided to start with getting her a functioning invisibility spell.

 

Alto directs a bitter expression towards me following my question.

 

"I figured out how to manipulate photons like we discussed, but I…still can't make your invisibility spell work. You said that this 'visible wavelength' radiation bouncing off me is what makes me visible, but watch what happens when I try to get rid of it…" (Alto)

 

Alto focuses intently for a moment, then…she turns pitch black. She looks like a texture-less void in the shape of a human.

 

I can't help but laugh…I think I know where she's going wrong. The good news is that if she's already able to manipulate radiation like that, teaching her an invisibility spell is just a matter of correcting her understanding.

 

Alto's spell drops to reveal a frustrated face glaring at me.

 

"Mizuki, this isn't funny! This spell is still useless, and I've been working really hard on it!" (Alto)

 

I know this is probably difficult for her. As far as I know, this is the most she's ever had to work to learn magic. Still, I can tease her a bit before helping!

 

I give her an amused grin.

 

"Fufufu…no, no, don't be so hasty. I think you'd be invisible with that spell if it were really late at night!" (Mizuki)

 

Alto is…not as amused as I am – she's glaring at me menacingly. I guess I should start being helpful.

 

I give Alto a placating gesture.

 

"Alright, alright, relax, I'm going to help you fix it. Do you know why it gets dark at night? Rather, do you know why darkness looks black?" (Mizuki)

 

Alto's expression becomes surprised by the sudden change in topic, and she looks off thoughtfully. After a few minutes, she seems to realize something and addresses me excitedly.

 

"Mizuki, is darkness just the absence of photons!? So, when I get rid of all the visible radiation around me, I turn black!" (Alto)

 

I'm sure I can't keep the surprise from my face…I wasn't expecting her to get it that quickly.

 

I smile at her and nod approvingly, and her face becomes relieved, then smug.

 

"That's correct. Now, here's another question – why can you see through glass, but not a stone wall?" (Mizuki)

 

Alto once again becomes thoughtful, then answers hesitantly. She seems much less sure this time.

 

"Well…I'm guessing you see through glass because it doesn't affect photons. Do they pass right through it?" (Alto)

 

"Yes, that's correct. At least, the kinds of photons you can see will mostly pass through the glass without interacting with it. Obviously, it's not perfect since you are able to see the glass a little bit. So, when you turn invisible, you kind of want to mimic glass – you want photons that would otherwise bounce off you to continue past you without being affected." (Mizuki)

 

Alto grows excited again, then nods vigorously. She focuses for a moment, then she turns invisible.

 

I'm shocked that she managed it so quickly, and I'm about to congratulate her when a cry rings out.

 

"Ahh! Mizuki! I can't see!" (Alto)

 

Alto quickly becomes visible again, and she looks terrified. Eventually, she recovers and looks at me in confusion.

 

"Mizuki, what happened to me just now?" (Alto)

 

"Fufufu…that's what you get for being impatient! For the record, you did turn invisible, you just also took away your ability to see. Did you just do something to make all the light pass through you unimpeded?" (Mizuki)

 

Alto nods cautiously.

 

"Uhm…yes, just like you said…but why did that make me blind?" (Alto)

 

I see it's finally time for a biology lesson.

 

"Well, that's because of how you see, Alto. Believe it or not, there are special molecules in your eyes that interact with visible radiation, and those reactions are how your body allows you to see. In fact, generally you'll find that for things to be perceived or affected, they must come into proximity and interact with one another. As you've learned, even magic works this way. So, the reason you couldn't see…" (Mizuki)

 

Alto is listening intently, then nods thoughtfully before I finish my sentence.

 

"I couldn't see because, by depriving my eyes of the ability to interact with those photons, I also lost the basic interactions that allow sight?" (Alto)

 

I smile and nod approvingly. Alto becomes thoughtful again for several minutes.

 

"So, to make a perfect invisibility spell I'd need to capture all the light reflecting off my body, like with the spell that made me black. However, I'd also need to duplicate the visible photons coming towards me to continue past me, instead of just allowing them to pass through me. Is that right? How do you do that, though? I thought you said that magic isn't able to create new photons?" (Alto)

 

Jeez…I'm a little scared about how quickly she's picking this up. I suspect that, if she'd been raised in my world as a sibling, she'd be way more knowledgeable than me about this stuff. I was kind of a mediocre physics student…Alto's way smarter. In a few years, she'll probably be teaching me.

 

After recovering from my surprise, I nod at Alto in agreement.

 

"Uhm…yeah…you're correct on all accounts, Alto. Essentially, you'll need to repurpose other nearby photons. All the time, there are invisible photons around you. For example, molecules produce more higher energy photons as they heat up, which is why the fireball spell I taught you glows. However, even now the air molecules are producing a small number of invisible photons." (Mizuki)

 

Alto's eyes go wide in surprise, then she smirks at me and shakes her head.

 

"To think you'd know about all this...the people of your world are truly absurd, Mizuki." (Alto)

 

I mean…I don't disagree. I can only imagine how much a real physics researcher from Earth would be able to do with magic.

 

I shrug and smile, then Alto snorts and returns to her task. She takes on a focused expression for several moments, then…she vanishes!

 

I use magic sense to track her, then inspect her location. I notice a distortion of the light around where I believe she is – it's kind of like looking through a high-quality glass window.

 

"Your spell is basically working, but I can still kind of see you, Alto. Still, I'm very impressed that you've managed this already! If you practice it a bit more, you'll have a perfect invisibility spell in no time." (Mizuki)

 

Alto suddenly reappears with a huge grin on her face, then leaps over to wrap me in a hug.

 

"Mizuki…thank you!" (Alto)

 

She doesn't let go after a second like I expect, and instead I feel her grip tighten. Ahh…maybe it's time then.

 

I smile down at Alto and squeeze her back, and she looks up at me in surprise.

 

"So, Alto…how are you, really? How is my friend doing?" (Mizuki)

 

Alto's face goes stiff, and she's quiet for several moments. If she won't tell me, I might as well voice my suspicions.

 

"Are you…having nightmares?" (Mizuki)

 

Alto is quiet for a while, then…

 

"...yes." (Alto)

 

I nod sympathetically towards her.

 

"Do you…want to talk about it?" (Mizuki)

 

"I just…keep reliving what I did to that slaver. Except, when I look down at his body afterward…it's you. I was in so much of a rage…I felt justified at the time. Now, though, I can't help but wonder if he really deserved to die like that. What if I only saw the worst of him? What if he was as important to others as you are to me?" (Alto)

 

Alto is looking up from her hug with a miserable expression directed towards me. She's obviously agonizing over what she did.

 

Hmm…how should I approach this? I can tell her why I think he deserved it, but that might not be the only issue. It sounds like she's empathizing with the people who were hurt by his death. There's no way to fix that…you can't blame a kid for missing their parent, for example.

 

Since she's already hugging me, I lift us up with my flight spells and take off towards the clearing I use for training. Feeling the sudden movement, Alto lets out a squeal.

 

"Ahh! Mizuki, what are you doing!?" (Alto)

 

I'm hoping flying will cheer her up a little and give us time to chat, but I can't tell her that.

 

"Well, I needed to go to the other clearing with you anyway to research a particular spell, so I figured we'd take the scenic way instead of teleporting." (Mizuki)

 

I feel Alto squeeze me appreciatively, but she remains silent – I guess she figured me out. She looks out over the forest below with a melancholy expression, and a silence settles over us for a while.

 

"For what it's worth, Alto, I don't think it matters if that slaver was a good person. Good deeds don't excuse other intentionally malicious actions, so you knew all you needed to about him. I'm sure you are focusing on the suffering his death brought to the potentially innocent people who loved him, and that's understandable. However, just imagine how you'd have felt later if you let him live." (Mizuki)

 

"I appreciate the sentiment, Mizuki. You're right…I would have agonized over not punishing the monster who ordered my enslavement and the killing of my friends. Still, there's no changing the past, so all I did was bring pain to those that loved him to ease my own sense of injustice." (Alto)

 

Alto looks up at me sadly, but I just shake my head at her.

 

"When I said you'd have regretted sparing him, I wasn't referring to your lingering feelings of injustice. Do you really think he would have stopped working in the slave trade? Imagine all the other people he would have enslaved, exploited, and killed in the process. If you'd let him live…what about the suffering of their loved ones later? I say you reduced the world's suffering in the grand scheme...focus on that." (Mizuki)

 

Alto gives me a surprised look, and her mood seems to improve gradually over the next several minutes. I don't think all her guilt is gone, but there's nothing else I can do but be there for my friend. The rest will be up to her and the passage of time – she'll have to come to peace with her decisions.

 

"Thanks, Mizuki...I'm thankful I met you." (Alto)

 

Her sudden sincerity catches me off guard. I smile back at her widely.

 

"No problem…the feeling is mutual, Alto. Let me know if you need anything from me. All you ever have to do is ask, you know?" (Mizuki)

 

Alto gives me a small smile in response. It's subtle, but it's the first genuine one I've seen from her since the Belmod massacre. That's enough to ease my mind for now.

 

Eventually, we make our way to my informal training grounds, and I set us down in the forest clearing. Alto, seemingly back to her normal self, is quick to get to business.

 

"So, why did you drag me all the way out here?" (Alto)

 

"Fufufu…don't pretend like you wouldn't have said yes to the joy flight on its own. Regardless, I need to test out if I can combine my ability to track people over large distances with other spells. I need you to stay here while I go back to Nina's old nest, then I'm going to try communicating with you telepathically. When I get back here, let me know if you heard my thought message. Okay?" (Mizuki)

 

Alto waves her hand dismissively, then smirks.

 

"Sure, sure…let's make this quick. I want to practice my invisibility spell some more!" (Alto)

 

I shake my head at her in amusement, then teleport back to Nina's old nest.

 

"Hmm…what thought message should I send her?" (Mizuki)

 

As I ponder the question aloud, an idea occurs to me, then I smile diabolically.

 

I focus on locating Alto with magic sense by searching for elven signatures. There's just one. I let the rest of my magic sense fall away until there's just one 'line' of magic connecting me to her signature. Then, I focus on her presence intently as I prepare the thoughts that I want her to hear.

 

[Hey, Alto, remember when Nina used her lie detection ability to confirm that you think I'm funnier than you? I just wanted to remind you of that. Anyway, see you soon!] (Mizuki)

 

I teleport back to the training clearing. When I arrive, Alto notices me immediately and I'm greeted with an annoyed expression.

 

Oh yeah, she totally heard me. I break out into a huge grin.

 

"So, Alto, could you hear my thought message? Of course, to ensure that our research was properly rigorous, I'll need you to verbally confirm what I said." (Mizuki)

 

"Tch…I believe you were reminiscing about how weird it was that Nina's lie detection skill failed one time." (Alto)

 

"Hmm…no, that doesn't sound quite right. I guess we'll have to mark this trial as a failure. Zara is going to be so disappointed that I won't be able to just teleport all the wolf-kin out of the Ralzen Empire. You'll help me break the news to her, right?" (Mizuki)

 

I smirk at her as I give my sarcastic retort, and she glares back at me with an annoyed expression.

 

"Ehem…I think we should move on to the next phase of the experiment before concluding that. It's possible that your technique may be more compatible with teleportation than it was with telepathy." (Alto)

 

I can't help but crack a smile and shake my head in amusement.

 

"Very well, I guess you've got a point. Well, in that case, how about we use you as the test subject again? I'll go back to Nina's nest without you, then try and teleport you to me. Don't worry, I'll do my best to not accidentally teleport you underground or leave any of your limbs behind." (Mizuki)

 

Alto's face goes a little pale.

 

"M-Mizuki…that's not a real possibility, right?" (Alto)

 

I'll be able to see her teleport destination right in front of me, so I doubt I'll miss the mark like that. However, gauging how much space around her to teleport to that location using only magic sense…that's not as risk-free. Hmm…

 

"Well, just to be safe, let me test it on something else first." (Mizuki)

 

Alto's eyes go wide in shock and fear, but I ignore it. I reach into my item box and grab one of Percivil's marbles that I first used to train my magic sense. Then, I toss it way off into the forest.

 

I use my magic sense to search for it, and I get one signature for the marble. As with Alto before, I home in on the marble signature. Then, I begin probing the boundaries of it with magic sense.

 

After, I 'flow' magic along my magic sense connection to the marble and will my magic to fill the space I believe it occupies.

 

I hold my hand out in front of me, palm up, and focus on the space just above my palm. Then, I imagine my magic dragging the spacetime my marble occupies to that spot above my hand.

 

I feel the familiar sensations of a teleportation spell, then the marble appears and falls into my hand. I inspect it closely to see if I accidentally left a part of it behind. As far as I can tell, it's in good condition still.

 

I look up from the marble and smile at Alto.

 

"Okay Alto…looks like it worked! You ready to try it yourself?" (Mizuki)

 

Alto gives me a nervous look, walks over to grab the marble, and begins inspecting it herself suspiciously. Eventually, she sighs deeply and nods.

 

"Yeah, I guess that's as sure as we can be. I'll trust you to test this whenever you're ready." (Alto)

 

I flash a confident grin at Alto.

 

"Cool! I'll be right back. Don't worry, I wouldn't do this if I wasn't fairly confident Alto!" (Mizuki)

 

Alto shakes her head in exasperation, but she doesn't seem to be changing her mind.

 

I teleport back to Nina's old nest, then home in on Alto's presence with magic sense. Once I'm confident that I have her safely targeted, I focus on teleporting her a couple of meters in front of me.

 

Alto suddenly appears and her face twists in fear.

 

"Ahhh!" (Alto)

 

As Alto shrieks in surprise, she begins patting around her body – checking that she's in one piece, I guess. I suppress my urge to laugh at the sight.

 

Alto turns to glare at me angrily.

 

"What the hell, Mizuki! You should have warned me before just teleporting me here!" (Alto)

 

Oh…yeah, she's right. That was not very considerate of me. On the other hand…

 

"How was I supposed to do that, Alto? You said my long-distance thought message experiment failed." (Mizuki)

 

I try and maintain an innocent expression as I respond, but Alto just stares back at me without a trace of amusement. After a few moments, she responds with a cold tone.

 

"You know…Nina told me that your proposal to Ilina was accidental. On top of that, Ilina was the very last person to get a spell ring, right? I wonder how the Princess would react if she knew all that. What do you think?" (Alto)

 

I feel the color drain from my face, and Alto gives me a menacing glare. Yup…no choice now but to grovel.

 

"U-Uhm…I think…m-maybe I should be more considerate towards all the women in my life." (Mizuki)

 

Alto flashes me a terrifying smile.

 

"Hmm…I think that's a good idea, Mizuki. Any ideas how to do that?" (Alto)

 

Shit. A free flight over the ocean…that's got to calm her down, right?

 

"Ah, I guess I should think about it carefully. Uhm…how about I fly us back to the mansion, using a scenic oceanside route, instead of teleporting? That should give me plenty of time to reflect on my shortcomings later, right?" (Mizuki)

 

Alto smirks and walks over to wrap me in a vaguely threatening hug.

 

"What a smart boy you are, Mizuki. That'd be a great start. Now, let's go…I don't want you delaying this personal reflection of yours." (Alto)

 

Whelp…I guess this magic research session is over. I'm glad I skirted her threats, though.

 

I sigh deeply, then nod to Alto and prepare to fly us home.

 

¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬

 

It's later the same day, after nightfall, and I'm sitting in a bath alone with Nina. She's just returned from her day of exploring.

 

"So, did you find anything interesting?" (Mizuki)

 

Nina shrugs nonchalantly as she rests against me, then turns to give me a dazzling smile.

 

"Not really, but I had fun flying around the mountains. Fufufu…I even found a beautiful beach on the coast!" (Nina)

 

Oh? I'll have to keep that in mind. It might be useful later if I build another train. The beach could be a destination resort for elves, or the kingdom could set up a ship port there. Either way, Alara could make a killing off train fares and beach or port fees.

 

"Well, that might actually be quite useful if the beach is as nice as you say!" (Mizuki)

 

Nina quickly gives me a pouty face.

 

"Mizuki, you're not going to crowd the nice beach I found with people, like you did the hot spring, are you?" (Nina)

 

Uh oh, busted. I wave my hands reassuringly to Nina.

 

"I mean…I did automatically think of a way for Alara to use it to her advantage. However, that's only because you didn't seem that attached to it! If you want me to keep the beach a secret, I will." (Mizuki)

 

Nina looks surprised, then seems to think it over for several moments. Eventually, she smiles and shakes her head.

 

"No, that's fine. You can tell Alara about it if you want. Speaking of how we spent our day…how did your meeting with the others go?" (Nina)

 

"It went well enough. Cara now knows that we are lovers, and how strong I am. It seemed like she was starting to get suspicious, so I thought it best to just come clean to strengthen her trust in me. I hope that's okay with you." (Mizuki)

 

"Fufufu…of course. I am surprised you've kept her in the dark this long. Did anything else interesting happen?" (Nina)

 

I flash Nina a huge grin.

 

"Well, Alto and I did some more magic research, and I learned a new trick. Want me to show you?" (Mizuki)

 

Nina raises her eyebrows curiously.

 

"Fufufu…I am intrigued, please do!" (Nina)

 

I flash a smug grin at her.

 

"Sure thing, just give me a few minutes." (Mizuki)

 

I focus on locating Ilina's magic signature in Avalon with magic sense, then home in on it.

 

[Hey, Ilina, it's Mizuki! I finally learned how to send long-distance thought messages to people other than Nina. Also, I can now teleport you straight to me from anywhere! I'd like to do that shortly, so find somewhere to be alone soon. If you want me to send you back right after, I can.] (Mizuki)

 

After waiting a while, I target Ilina's signature with magic sense and teleport her to the bathing room with Nina and me – outside the bath, of course.

 

Upon seeing Ilina suddenly appear, Nina's eyes go wide in shock. Ilina is also staring at me dumbfounded. However, she doesn't seem startled, so I guess my message got through.

 

"Mizuki, this is incredible! I heard you talking in my head, too! When did you learn how to do this!?" (Ilina)

 

Nina turns to me in surprise.

 

"Mizuki, teleporting her to you was strange enough, but you learned how to send her thought messages from that far away!?" (Nina)

 

Ilina and Nina are both staring at me with bewildered expressions.

 

"To answer both of you, today I learned how to combine my normal spells with my ability to track people. So, I think I can use any spell or ability I want on someone within my tracking range. That includes teleportation and thought communication." (Mizuki)

 

Nina looks surprised and then amused, but Ilina goes pale.

 

"M-Mizuki…when you say any spell…does that mean you could just crush or burn someone to death on the other side of the country right now if you wanted?" (Ilina)

 

My eyes widen in surprise. I hadn't thought of that yet, but she's right – that's one dark take on the ability. The only reason I can imagine casting offensive magic remotely would be if it was a magic nuke. I have no intention of ever doing that.

 

After I recover, I give Ilina a placating gesture and try to smile reassuringly.

 

"Yes, I suppose that's true. Though, I promise, I have no intention of doing that. There's no good reason for it." (Mizuki)

 

Ilina shakes her head in exasperation but seems to accept my answer. Good, because I have my own nagging question.

 

"Now, Ilina...what the hell are you holding?" (Mizuki)

 

I stare at the small duffel-looking bag she's holding, then glance back to her questioningly. Instead of answering me, Ilina just smirks and turns to Nina.

 

"Nina, now that Mizuki and I are engaged, would you be okay with us sharing a bed at night? I always have to sleep by myself after he leaves…it's very lonely, you know? I brought some clothes to spend the night here, and Mizuki can send me back in the morning." (Ilina)

 

Nina purses her lips thoughtfully, and I sense a brief rush of frustration followed by sympathy.

 

"Hmm…I don't want to sleep alone either Ilina. Fufufu…very well, why don't you just join us in our bed on the nights you want? It's large enough for three people." (Nina)

 

Uhm…excuse me?

 

Ilina and I both stare at Nina, dumbfounded.

 

"Nina…while it doesn't bother me that Mizuki has another woman in his life, I'm not sure I'm comfortable with such…open…intimacy." (Ilina)

 

Nina just shrugs.

 

"Fufufu…what else do you expect? Neither of us wants to sleep alone. We do not have to be so brazen at first, Ilina. For now, we can just all spend the night together, and…other activities…can be reserved for when we're alone." (Nina)

 

Ilina sighs deeply.

 

"…I suppose I don't have any better ideas right now. Okay, I accept!" (Ilina)

 

Ilina smiles sheepishly at Nina, and Nina returns an amused smile. I, being completely ignored, look on in horror.

 

"Uhm…do I get a say in this? It sounds like it's going to be pretty awkward…" (Mizuki)

 

Nina and Ilina direct annoyed glares at me.

 

"Oh, are sleeping arrangements with a second wife too complicated for you, Mizuki? If so, you should have thought about that before assembling a harem! Right now, you seem rather unappreciative. Ilina and I are being gracious, so I suggest you accept our offer if you don't have a better idea." (Nina)

 

"I agree with Nina. I'm growing quite unhappy with sleeping alone, Mizuki. Do you intend to reject this opportunity…and your fiancé?" (Ilina)

 

Ilina glares at me menacingly, and I can now sense amusement from Nina.

 

"Uhm…what, no! Err…I am just worried about how it will look! Cara is staying here right now, and she doesn't know about us being together. It might cause problems if one of the nobles found out I was romantically involved with their First Princess, you know?" (Mizuki)

 

Ilina's eyes narrow dangerously, and she shakes her head.

 

"Oh no, you're not using that as an excuse! I know how smitten she is with you Mizuki, and I'm not as relaxed about it as Nina. Also, I learned today that you told her all about how strong you are and how Nina's not in charge of your party. Do I need to be concerned?" (Ilina)

 

Who told her that!?

 

I wave my hands furiously.

 

"Woah, no, you've got the wrong idea! Nothing is going to happen between her and me. I've made that very clear!" (Mizuki)

 

"I'm glad to hear that, Mizuki. If that's true, then you won't mind us clarifying our relationship to Cara. I heard about her promise to not reveal any of your secrets, so I see no issues with telling her. Do you have a problem with that?" (Ilina)

 

Ilina smiles, but like she's threatening me. Yeah...this doesn't feel like a request.

 

I sigh dejectedly and shake my head.

 

"Good! From now on, I want you to bring me here every night after sunset unless I say otherwise. We'll start with tonight, and…" (Ilina)

 

Ilina drops her duffel bag and slips out of her dress in one smooth motion, then steps into the bath and wades over to my side opposite Nina.

 

"…I think a bath together would help us get comfortable with the arrangement. What do you think, Nina?" (Ilina)

 

Nina smirks back towards Ilina.

 

"Fufufu…I have no objections." (Nina)

 

A satisfied smile spreads across Ilina's face and she nods her acknowledgement. Then, she turns her gaze back to me, and gives me a puzzled expression.

 

"Mizuki, by the way, Cara came to talk to my mother today in the palace. As First Princess, I attend most of her meetings now, and Cara wants royal permission to build a trade road through the undeveloped lands between her and Alara's territories. What's that about?" (Ilina)

 

Ahh…that must be how she heard about me spilling some of the beans to Cara. I'm not sure what this trade road nonsense is about, though.

 

"Huh…that's actually the first I'm hearing of this. What did Elira have to say about that idea?" (Mizuki)

 

"Well, at first she just denied Cara's request, saying that it might infringe on any noble that takes over that land later. However, when Cara asked about a train connecting the territories, my mother seemed more interested." (Ilina)

 

Hmm…I guess Elira considers it appealing enough of an allowance if she can get a second train for the Elven Kingdom.

 

I nod thoughtfully at Ilina.

 

"Hmm…well, it sounds like Cara might be preparing to ask me to build another train. Thanks for warning me, Ilina." (Mizuki)

 

"Sure. Are you going to build her one if she asks? I thought you refused to build another railroad for the foreseeable future." (Ilina)

 

I shrug.

 

"Maybe…I don't know. I refused to build your mother one of her choosing, but I'm less opposed to building one that Alara has direct control over from her territory. Ultimately, I'll want to discuss it with Alara first – it affects her the most." (Mizuki)

 

Nina gives an amused smile and decides to interject.

 

"Fufufu…if you build another train for Cara, the other nobles will most certainly complain like children." (Nina)

 

She has a point…

 

I sigh heavily.

 

"Ilina, what do you think?" (Mizuki)

 

Ilina gives me an uncharacteristically mischievous smile. It's kind of unsettling.

 

"If Alara approves, I think you should do it. If the other nobles have a problem with it, then they should learn to be nicer to you." (Ilina)

 

Nina and I look at her in surprise.

 

"Fufufu…oh my, Ilina, that's surprisingly ruthless of you. I approve!" (Nina)

 

I roll my eyes…of course Nina approves.

 

Ilina just shrugs nonchalantly.

 

"I wouldn't say it's ruthless. Mizuki building trains in this country only helps our people, and he's doing it without compensation. The elven nobles that were malicious towards him aren't entitled to that generosity." (Ilina)

 

"Well, be that as it may, I think the best option would be to get along with everyone. Still, I have a hard time imagining a scenario where I trust Tessa and Jorah enough to build trains in their territories." (Mizuki)

 

We all fall silent for several minutes, then Nina gives me an amused grin.

 

"Fufufu…this next meeting with the nobles is going to be entertaining, isn't it Mizuki?" (Nina)

 

I sigh in exasperation at Nina and hang my head. However, I can feel a faint smile leak into my expression, and I sense amusement from Nina. I guess she knows how I really feel.

 

"Yes, Nina, I'm sure the meeting will be...interesting." (Mizuki)

 

¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬

 

The next couple of days passed uneventfully. All the primary construction in Eden is now finished, and only personal construction is ongoing. Alara decided that she wanted to hold off on construction of her family home indefinitely and live with us. None of us mind, but it makes me think that Alara is lonely.

 

Alara did ask me about the super awesome library I promised her for her home; she wants to build a public one instead. I told her that'd be fine so long as the dangerous books were kept hidden under lock and key, and she agreed. So, I gave her the green light to start library construction – I'll need to visit Azazel soon.

 

To my surprise, Cara has yet to ask me about constructing another railroad. Furthermore, she's been roaming around Eden and Avalon without me for the most part – we've barely spoken since she found out about my abilities. She doesn't seem scared of or angry at me, so I'm not sure what's going on.

 

Nina and I have been using this time to just hang out, play games at the rec center, and help Percivil with game development. Honestly, being alone together has been quite relaxing, and I'm grateful for it.

 

Ilina has also been sleeping over regularly. It was just as awkward as I expected the first night, but we've all quickly gotten used to it.

 

Currently, I'm lying in bed with Nina and Ilina. It's just before sunrise, and neither has awoken yet. I spend an unknown amount of time admiring them, then I hear the door to our bedroom open…it's Alara.

 

I immediately narrow my eyes at Alara and give her an annoyed look. Alara smirks back at me.

 

"Fufufu…oh my, Mizuki, you look quite pleased with your situation. Is there room for one more? It gets quite cold at night all alone." (Alara)

 

I roll my eyes at Alara.

 

That's a total load of crap. I found out from Alto awhile back that Azura doesn't actually have seasons – I guess its axis of rotation isn't as tilted as Earth's.

 

The weather fluctuates only mildly over the course of a year, so it's perpetually like late spring in this part of the Elven Kingdom. The air is thin enough here that it gets noticeably cooler at night, but it's definitely not cold.

 

I notice Ilina starting to wake. I better wrap this up.

 

"Definitely not, Alara. Also, I've already told you not to barge into our room like this, so tell me what you want before I teleport you into the lake." (Mizuki)

 

"Tch…no need to be so mean, little brother. Can you meet me, Cara, and the others in the family room after you get ready? There's something I wanted to discuss with you." (Alara)

 

Oh? It's not often Alara asks for a meeting like this; I wonder what it's about.

 

"Sure, I'll be there soon. Now get out!" (Mizuki)

 

"If Cara will be there, I'll also be attending." (Ilina)

 

Ilina is now sitting up on the bed with an amused expression. Alara raises her eyebrow curiously, but she nods her agreement.

 

Whelp, I guess we're doing this then.

 

Nina suddenly sits up on the bed and groans, and I sense annoyance from her.

 

"Grrrr…what's with all this noise in my nest so early? Do I need to kill someone?" (Nina)

 

Alara starts to look a little nervous.

 

"Uhm…alright, well I'll see you all soon!" (Alara)

 

Alara hastily exits the room, and I give Nina a wicked grin.

 

"Nice work, Nina! You got rid of her so easily…I'm impressed." (Mizuki)

 

"Obviously…I am quite displeased with how fearless people have gotten about bothering an Elder Dragon. Fufufu…perhaps I've been too lenient lately." (Nina)

 

Nina directs a menacing smile towards me…that's not good.

 

"Uhm…I appreciate your restraint, Nina. I don't mind if you get a little sterner with people about bothering you, but please avoid maiming anyone. Okay?" (Mizuki)

 

Nina rolls her eyes and groans, but she nods her acknowledgement reluctantly. Well, that doesn't inspire confidence, but I guess it'll have to do.

 

We all get dressed, then make our way to the family room. I take a seat on the couch between Nina and Ilina. Looking around, I only see Alara and Cara. Hmm…

 

"Princess Ilina!? What are you doing here!?" (Cara)

 

Cara is glancing between Ilina and me nervously. Ilina smiles with amusement at Cara.

 

"Oh me? I just spent the night with my fiancé, and I figured I'd join this meeting before returning to the palace." (Ilina)

 

As Ilina responds, she throws her arms around my neck and leans against me. Then, she smirks at Cara.

 

Meanwhile, confusion and shock flash across Cara's face in quick succession. She glances between Nina, me, and Alara for confirmation, and we all nod our acknowledgement.

 

"I don't…Mizuki…Princess…are you two truly engaged?" (Cara)

 

I sigh deeply.

 

"Yes, Cara, it's true. We haven't publicized it for obvious reasons. So, I'd appreciate it if you keep this secret, per the promise you made to me. Okay?" (Mizuki)

 

"Speaking of which…I hear you've been trying to sleep with Mizuki quite adamantly, hmm?" (Ilina)

 

Cara's face goes pale.

 

"Princess Ilina…I didn't…I'm sorry! Nobody told me!" (Cara)

 

Ilina leans towards Cara with a threatening smile, but she nods agreeably.

 

"Of course, I sympathize…I wouldn't be so unreasonable to bear you ill will over something you weren't told about. However, I'd like you to stop with the sexual antics. Do we understand one another?" (Ilina)

 

Cara sighs in exasperation and hangs her head, then she nods.

 

"Yes, Princess, I'll obviously respect your wishes. Mizuki, I'll keep your relationship secret as you request. Still…are you two not worried about how the kingdom will react to your relationship?" (Cara)

 

Ilina and I look at each other, then smile in agreement. We turn back to Cara and Ilina shrugs.

 

"We'd like for the elves to accept us, but we aren't asking for their permission. In the worst-case scenario, Mizuki and I will leave the kingdom together. As you're now aware, Mizuki could help me protect the elves from virtually anywhere." (Ilina)

 

Cara seems to break out in a cold sweat.

 

"P-Princess…Mizuki…are you saying that, if our people reject your relationship, you'll…both leave the country?" (Cara)

 

"That's not what either of us wants, Cara, but...yes. If we can't be together peacefully in the Elven Kingdom, then we won't stay here." (Mizuki)

 

Cara gets a nervous expression on her face and looks off thoughtfully. She's silent for several moments, and I decide it's time to address another issue.

 

I look to the empty spot on the couch next to Alara.

 

"Well, with that out of the way, we should probably get on with this meeting. Zara, would you like to join us?" (Mizuki)

 

Zara suddenly appears on the couch next to Alara with a disappointed expression on her face.

 

"Mizuki, your abilities are so absurd. How long have you known that I was here?" (Zara)

 

I smirk at Zara.

 

"I knew as soon as I entered the room. Since I gave you that gift, I've made it standard practice to check for invisible people in any room I enter. On that subject…" (Mizuki)

 

I turn my attention to an area just behind the couch, near Zara.

 

"…Alto, you can join us as well." (Mizuki)

 

Alto suddenly appears with an annoyed look on her face.

"Tch…so, I spent all that time training, and this ability is useless on you?" (Alto)

 

I just shrug and give her an amused grin.

 

"What can I say…I'm just fun like that." (Mizuki)

 

Alara is shaking her head in exasperation. She's been more than a little jealous of Zara's and Alto's invisibility spells. She just assumed Alto's is also mediated by a spell ring, and I've seen no benefit to correcting her. I can only imagine how jealous she would be if she knew about Ilina's spell ring.

 

At this point, I notice Cara's mouth hanging open as she stares at Zara and Alto. Oh...right. She doesn't know.

 

"Cara, to answer your unasked question – I have the ability to make rings that give their wearers the ability to use a new spell. Invisibility is one of the spells I can bestow with such rings." (Mizuki)

 

"Mizuki, that's ridiculous! There have only been three elves in all our recorded history who had that ability, and you just gave it to two people who aren't even dark class! Do you know how crazy that is!?" (Cara)

 

Wow…that makes five total people I've heard about. Three elves, Levi, and the one Ralzen Empire spy that was mentioned by Belmod.

 

"Well, that's the situation. Moving on! Alara, what did you want to discuss with me?" (Mizuki)

 

Cara stares at me with a dumbfounded expression.

 

"Fufufufu…your face is so entertaining, Cara, but I agree that Mizuki is ridiculous. As for why I asked you here, Mizuki…" (Alara)

 

Alara's face becomes nervous, and she continues hesitantly.

 

"…I was wondering…would you be willing to build another train system for me? I've been discussing it with Cara, and I'd really appreciate one that connects Eden and Wellick, Cara's capital city." (Alara)

 

Hmm…guess that explains Cara's unexpected behavior recently, and why she hasn't requested a train from me. This was a coordinated assault, and Cara figured she'd let the person I've already given a train to ask for it instead. Clever scheme…I'm not offended.

 

"Oh? That's no small request. Are you willing to take on the responsibilities associated with another train? Also, wouldn't this train be passing through territory that neither of you own? Have you checked with Queen Elira if that's okay?" (Mizuki)

 

Alara nods furiously.

 

"Yes, I understand. I promise, Mizuki, I won't let it be abused. As for the other matter...I've already spoken with Mother. It took some convincing, but when she learned that another train might be built in the kingdom as a result, she happily agreed. " (Alara)

 

Yup...that sounds like Elira. 

I nod thoughtfully to Alara, and act like I'm thinking it over. Glancing at Alara, I see her watching me intently. I suppress my urge to laugh about how nervous she seems.

 

"Well, okay then. In that case, how about I build you two more train systems?" (Mizuki)

 

Alara's eyes go wide in shock, and she responds in a shrill voice.

 

"Two!? What's the other one for!?" (Alara)

 

I smirk at Alara.

 

"Well, Nina found a beautiful beach on the western coast in your territory. If I build you another train there, you could build a port city with a fishing industry and beach tourism. With the trains, you'd be able to transport fresh seafood to Eden, Wellick, and Avalon, and act as a fast pathway to the ocean for the royal navy. It should all be quite profitable. Your thoughts?" (Mizuki)

 

Alara's eyes immediately start sparkling.

 

"Mizuki, that's brilliant! You'd really do that for me!?" (Alara)

 

I smile in amusement and nod at Alara, then her face lights up happily. I turn my attention to Cara, who is staring at me in exasperation.

 

"Now, Cara, if I'm going to build a train between your territories, you'll have to submit to all of Alara's conditions. Most of them come from me. In addition, you'll need to show me where you want the train station in your territory, and you'll need to arrange for some privacy while I build it. Is that acceptable?" (Mizuki)

 

"Well…yes…that all sounds reasonable to me. You're seriously going to let my territory have a train connecting it to Eden, just like that? Honestly, I was expecting you to require more convincing." (Cara)

 

I shrug and smile back at Cara.

 

"Nope, I don't see any issue so long as you follow the rules, which Alara will explain. You break them, however, and I'll be forced to respond accordingly." (Mizuki)

 

Cara looks at me like I've annoyed her somehow.

 

"I swear, Mizuki, I'm not stupid enough to let anyone take advantage of such a kind gesture from you. I'll do everything in my power to respect your wishes surrounding the train." (Cara)

 

I smile widely at Cara and clap my hands together.

 

"Perfect! In that case, we'll work out the details and I'll build both trains before the nobles' meeting. Was there anything else we needed to discuss?" (Mizuki)

 

Nina, who seemed mostly disinterested until this point, perks up and speaks out in an excited voice.

 

"Yes, Mizuki! Elmesia is only five or six days from Rodsgard by horse, and one or two days for a message by carrier pigeon. If word hasn't already spread of our actions in the Empire, it will soon. We should go back to the adventurer's guild and finalize any remaining business while we still can, like Alto's and Zara's rank promotions!" (Nina)

 

I fight the urge to roll my eyes…she's obsessed with them getting the gold cards, isn't she? Still, she makes a valid point. We might not be welcome there for much longer.

 

"Okay, that's a good point, Nina. We can go there today. Is that everything?" (Mizuki)

 

I glance around the room at everyone, and nobody speaks up. I nod at everyone approvingly.

 

"Alright, let's consider this meeting adjourned then! Alto, Zara, how much time do you need to prepare for a trip to the guild?" (Mizuki)

 

"I am ready to depart whenever, Mizuki." (Alto)

 

Zara looks at Alara questioningly, and Alara just smiles and nods.

 

"Fufufu…Mizuki just agreed to give me two new trains, Zara, so I'm happy to give you the day off. Enjoy dealing with the humans, Mizuki." (Alara)

 

She…really doesn't view me as human, huh?

 

Zara turns to me and nods politely.

 

"Thank you, Lady Alara. In that case, Mizuki, I am also ready to depart at any time." (Zara)

 

Nice, that's fine by me. I smile at everyone agreeably.

 

"That's what I like to hear! Very well, let's go say hi to Gerard. After all, I'm sure he missed me dearly." (Mizuki)