Following my unfortunate but totally justified killing of that adventurer, my party and I explained the situation to Melanie and Gerard with help from some of the adventurers in the guild hall. Gerard gave me a very severe lecture, which I politely sat through, but in the end the matter was settled without further incident.
Levi's group pulled us aside after that, and wanted to sit down and discuss a few things. First, Levi told me his whole backstory as a spy with the Empire. Most of it was expected after what I'd already heard earlier that night, but I was surprised to hear that he'd actually infiltrated the Elven Kingdom and made it all the way to Avalon. Apparently, empathy for the elves was no small motivator for him defecting.
They also had questions about how to get in touch with us – apparently we have a reputation for being absentee adventurers. They were curious about our living situation, especially Leo, but I declined to elaborate. I told them that we didn't live nearby, and that they wouldn't be able to send us messages. I promised to solve our communication issue soon, and we agreed to visit them at least once per week in the meantime.
After some discussion, we concluded that the soonest a hostile force from the Empire could reach Elmesia is after the planned elven nobles' meeting. So, I decided to take a several-day
With all the time-sensitive construction finishing, it was finally time for the wolf-kin laborers to return to their own village. As her vacation request, Zara asked me to teleport them home and spend an afternoon being hosted in their village. So, I finally made good on my promise to the wolf-kin, and we celebrated their children's safe return from the slavers with some festivities.
Despite my protests, all Alto wanted to do was spend the time together doing magic research. Remembering how serious she'd seemed about getting stronger, and knowing how much she loves learning magic, I relented. She'd already learned the basics of shaping magic into forms that react with matter, so it was straightforward to teach her magic sense, forcefields, and silencing spells.
I convinced Alto that a game of hide-and-seek in the woods with Zara and me would be great practice for magic sense and silencing spells. To say that they got competitive....well, it feels like that's making light of it. Still, that's a story for another time.
During the daytime at least, Nina wanted to spend our vacation together at the rec center playing every variety of game. That is, until she got bored and solicited me to help Percivil finish a new type of large game table. I decided that air hockey would be the easiest to accommodate on short notice.
I worked with Percivil to build the tables to my specifications using wood, and I alchemized a glass covering over the actual game surface. For the players' mallets, we also constructed those out of wood but gave them fine cloth linings on the bottom. For simplicity, the pucks are where all the magic happens…literally.
I had Percivil make dense wood pucks with one flat face and one slightly concave face. Then, I alchemized a small part of the puck cores into copper, and I imbued them with an enchantment that creates an extremely thin forcefield on the flat side of the puck. This gives the pucks the frictionless effect needed for air hockey. Naturally, this design makes calling it air hockey a misnomer, but I'm stuck in my Earthling ways.
I made the enchantment such that the forcefield size and strength are fixed, and additional magic just 'charges' the puck's spell to continue for a while without continuous magic investment. Keeping the enchantments limited to the pucks makes it easy to store them behind the game counter for safekeeping, and have patrons check them out like with the pool balls.
I didn't think any game would excite Nina more than pool, but...she was absolutely crazed over the air hockey tables after they were installed in the rec center. She's already competitive by nature, and I think the fast-paced play style of air hockey versus pool just brought that out even more.
She began challenging random elves in the rec center, to the point that it became kind of uncomfortable. So, I spoke to Alara and proposed an air hockey tournament with a series of bracketed matches. Alara was supportive, and even suggested adding prizes for the top-placing contestants.
The final matches of the tournament drew large crowds, and it ended up being such a huge success that Alara declared the tournament was going to be a regular thing. Nina was thrilled, and immediately suggested holding pool tournaments as well. Alara agreed, and now there will be alternating weekly tournaments of pool and air hockey at the rec center.
During Ilina's nightly sleepover after my meeting with the Elmesia council, she learned about my vacation plans. When I asked her how she wanted to spend the time together, she was quick to suggest a private hot spring visit. Since I felt like that wasn't reasonable to request in Eden, we settled on finding one in Gelrod's Pass. We ended up doing some shopping alone in Avalon first and making a whole evening of it.
On the final day of my vacation, I was at a loss for how to spend it. Since I was going to build a train to there soon and publicize it, Nina suggested making use of the beach she found while it was still private. Any reservations I had about the idea quickly disappeared when Nina mentioned wearing one of the bikinis she'd seen around Eden's hot springs.
So, I extended the invitation for a beach party to all my non-human friends, and the guest list ended up being surprisingly long. My party, Ilina, Klaus, Alara, Cara, Percivil, and even Queen Elira and King Dargo decided to come. I asked if elven royals could attend such a time-consuming and remote gathering, but Elira just glared at me and made a sarcastic remark about being owed a vacation for 'dealing with certain people'.
Thus, my vacation ended with a memorable celebration, surrounded by the people I've grown closest to since coming to this world. Now, though, it's time to get back to work.
Currently, it's the morning after our beach bonanza, and I'm sitting in the mansion's family room with Alto, Zara, and Alara – Nina is already at the rec center, and Cara got dragged along somehow. The nobles meeting is in two days, and before then I have two train systems to build and a special side project to start.
"So, first order of business…Zara. Now that I've given you a few days to think, what would you like for your second spell ring?" (Mizuki)
Zara nods eagerly.
"If it's possible, I want that strange fireball spell of yours." (Zara)
That makes sense…it's pretty much the only ranged offensive spell I can give her without creating a new high-energy radiation-based spell. I'm...terrified of that being used, so I haven't told anyone explicitly that it's possible.
I nod at Zara with a smile.
"Sure, that should be fine. Let's meet after this and we'll sort it out." (Mizuki)
"Thank you, Mizuki. I'm looking forward to it." (Zara)
Zara remains outwardly calm, but there's the hint of barely contained fervor in her eyes.
I nod at her approvingly, then I turn to Alara. She gives me a surprised look and watches me expectantly. It's time to make her day. But quickly…I have my own plans that I'm excited about.
"So, Alara…second order of business. The wolf-kin have returned home, and I'm sure Zara can't continue being your full-time bodyguard indefinitely. Have you given any thought to replacing her?" (Mizuki)
Alara sighs deeply.
"Well, as I'm sure you're aware, Zara isn't actually replaceable. She's already a strong physical enhancer, but with her sword skills, her lightning weapon, and your spell rings, she's probably stronger than any elf except Ilina and Alto. In addition, I couldn't trust anyone else as much in these private meetings." (Alara)
She makes some good points. Ones I've already thought of, so I have a good solution.
Alara looks a little frustrated. I give her a mischievous grin in response, and she narrows her eyes at me nervously.
"Yeah, you're in a tough spot. So, how about I give you two spell rings? One for being so reliable these past few weeks, and another to replace the protection from Zara you'll eventually lose." (Mizuki)
Alto and Zara roll their eyes in amusement at my dramatic reveal, but Alara jumps up in surprise.
"Mizuki, honestly!? This isn't another one of your cruel jokes, right!?" (Alara)
"Fufufu…no, I'm completely serious, I promise. As far as I'm concerned, you've earned it. So, what two spells do you want?" (Mizuki)
A giddy smile appears on Alara's face.
"I have given this much thought! I would like the physical enhancement that you gave Ilina, and the invisibility that you've given the others." (Alara)
That will definitely keep her safe, but…what a predictable skill choice. I sigh in amusement, then nod at Alara.
"Consider it done. You can join Zara and I later to collect them. Now then, regarding the new train systems…do you know where on the coast you'd like the western train system to end? I'm assuming you'll want it to be relatively close to that beach and have suitable land for a port city." (Mizuki)
Alara turns serious and nods.
"Yes, about a half hour walk south of the beach we visited, there's a sandy embankment that I think would serve as good foundation for a port. If you could end the railway near it, so that there can be an Eden-sized city between the train station and port, that would be wonderful." (Alara)
Straight to the point…that's fine with me. I nod my acknowledgement.
"Sure thing. I'll make that train system tonight, under the cover of darkness. Tomorrow I'll visit Wellick, Cara's capital city, and plan out the northern train system. So, is there anything else we need to discuss?" (Mizuki)
I look around at everyone's faces, and nobody says anything. Noticing this, Alara grins widely.
"No, it seems not. So…how about those spell rings?" (Alara)
I shake my head in exasperation, but I'm hiding an amused smile under it. I can't pretend that Alara isn't growing on me. Sometimes, I can almost forget that she tried to kill me…life's a funny thing.
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
After the meeting, I made Zara and Alara the spell rings that I promised them. I designed Zara's fireball spell ring so that it always produces softball-sized fireballs in front of her hand, and more magic just increases the temperature of the heated air inside. The fireball is always launched towards the direction her palm is facing, so I think aiming will be a bit harder for her than Alto and me, but that's the limitation of a spell ring.
When I was done with the spell rings, Zara and Alara asked to be dropped off at Nina's old nest to spar. I was surprised to hear that request from Alara, who doesn't really strike me as the type to spar with a wolf-kin as though they're equals, but I guess Zara has earned her respect.
I've just teleported back into the family room at the mansion, and I'm surprised to find Alto waiting patiently. She's giving me a probing stare.
"So, Mizuki, what interesting plans do you have for the day?" (Alto)
"Uhm…what makes you think I have interesting plans?" (Mizuki)
Alto smirks.
"Answering a question with a question…I'm certain now that you're hiding something. You were far too eager to get through this meeting just now. You're excited about something, and if it involves magic, you better include me." (Alto)
That's incredibly creepy…I'm starting to think she has a sixth sense about these little research plans of mine. So much for it being a surprise.
I sigh defeatedly and nod.
"Alright, alright, calm down Alto. I had every intention of including you, I just wanted it to be a surprise. You're correct…I have something in mind that I want to do today, and it involves a new magic item. I've been considering it for a while, but with the Empire's looming hostility, it's finally time to make it a priority." (Mizuki)
Alto gives a delighted smile and stands up from the couch eagerly.
"Fufufu…I knew it! So, what does this magic item do? If you're rushing its development because of the Empire...does that mean it's a weapon?" (Alto)
Alto looks slightly nervous following her question about it being a weapon, which is an understandable reaction. She's only partially correct…the magic item is for information warfare.
"No, at least not a weapon in the sense that you're thinking. Let me ask you something. How long would it take us to respond if one of our friends elsewhere in the Elven Kingdom was harmed? What if the Empire were to invade Elmesia or the wolf-kin territory, how would we find out?" (Mizuki)
Alto looks puzzled for a moment, then turns thoughtful.
"Well, if it's from Avalon, or soon Wellick, the fastest way to receive urgent information would be a messenger on your train. From elsewhere in the kingdom, it'd be by carrier pigeon to Avalon then by train. Lady Alara is preparing a building on Eden's outskirts to facilitate carrier pigeon rearing for direct messages, but it will be a long time before we can utilize it like other territories. Outside the Elven Kingdom…we're completely dependent on you teleporting there for updates." (Alto)
I nod approvingly.
"Excellent assessment, Alto. Without me, it'd take probably half a day or more from Avalon or Wellick, multiple days from other Elven Kingdom territories, and be practically impossible elsewhere. I wasn't aware of Alara's efforts to prepare a carrier pigeon facility, but that's still only a modest improvement. So, I want a magic item that sends messages between distant places instantly, which people with normal magic power levels can use." (Mizuki)
Alto's eyes go wide.
"You think you can do that!?" (Alto)
I smile in amusement.
"I know I can." (Mizuki)
Alto looks off, mulling over the information.
Nope…it's not a phone or radio. I really want to make them, but I just don't see how I can. I'd need to take soundwaves, which are just oscillations in the air molecules, encode them into radio waves, which are a type of radiation, and then convert them back into soundwaves without losing any information.
In Earth's devices, this is done by using something that vibrates measurably when hit with soundwaves, and its oscillations are converted into similarly oscillating electrical impulses. Those electrical impulses can be used to generate radio waves that carry the soundwave information.
My main issue is that I can't think of any way to magically mimic this conversion process – magic can't interconvert or create matter and radiation. Even if I could make up for magic's limitations by replicating some of the electrical components in Earth radios, I worry how introducing such technology would affect my deal with Azazel. I'm not willing to risk a god's ire.
I could easily make a magic item that functions like a basic telegraph and pair it with Morse code, but that's a lot of work to teach people how to use. Fortunately, I have a much simpler idea…one that I'd discounted until recent events made me rethink how plausible it is.
"Okay…consider me officially curious. How does this magic item work? Did you finally figure out a way to use magic to make those 'cell phones' from your home planet that you told me about?" (Alto)
I sigh deeply and shake my head…she really knows how to rub my failures in my face, huh?
"Tch…sadly, no, that's still full of problems that I'm falling short on solving. This is much simpler…I'm going to make a magic item that teleports written messages and letters to other locations." (Mizuki)
Alto's face contorts in confusion.
"Doesn't that spell use way too much magic? Ilina has probably a hundred times more magic than the average elf, and just teleporting across a room a few times drained her magic. More importantly, I thought it was too complicated to enchant items with? Isn't that why you couldn't put it in spell rings for us?" (Alto)
As usual, she's been paying attention.
"Well, kind of. My enchantments have to function relative to the item. So, the best I could do with a teleportation spell ring is make you always teleport a specific distance in front of your outstretched hand…it's not particularly useful. If we're just sending messages, though, it's no problem for each enchanted item to remain in a fixed position and only teleport messages to one location." (Mizuki)
Alto nods thoughtfully.
"Okay, that makes sense, I guess. Still, what about the magic power requirements?" (Alto)
That's the part I've had a recent revelation about. At first, all I knew for sure was that it takes more magic power to teleport larger things further. Once Ilina learned teleportation, and practiced with it some, I was able to infer from the drain on her smaller magic reserves that power requirements have a roughly squared relationship with teleportation distance.
I assumed this also applied to the size of objects teleported, until I moved our mansion to Alara's territory – the amount of magic that drained from me was well beyond my expectation. After some private experimenting, I'm pretty sure that power requirements increase with at least the cube of the volume of space teleported – the mass inside that space seems irrelevant.
Regardless, if I can keep the size sufficiently smaller than a person, the magic power requirements for a fixed distance should drop precipitously. At least a billion-fold for a D-cell battery, and million-fold for a mailbox. Based on my rough estimates, a power level 3 person should be able to operate a mailbox-sized teleporter within the country as a job, and virtually anyone could operate a battery-sized teleporter.
I give Alto a smug grin.
"Well, to make a long story short, you can fix that by only teleporting small items. The magic item I'll make will have a small version for sending messages like a carrier pigeon, and a large version for sending letter bundles. Any elf should have enough magic power to operate the small item. But the large one will need a more powerful operator, like for the trains." (Mizuki)
Alto hangs her head in exasperation and sighs, then looks up at me with an amused smile.
"Well, obviously I can't wait to see how Queen Elira reacts to this madness. Still, where do you want to start?" (Alto)
"First, I want to practice making the small version of the magic items and installing them in fixed positions. I also need to go ahead and make a receptacle for the messages that will be sent to us by others using these magic items. I think here in the family room of our house is a good place for us to start. We all frequent this area and can check for incoming messages." (Mizuki)
Alto nods her acknowledgement, then I walk over to a plain wall near our fireplace with her in tow. The walls in this mansion are made of solid stone, and are incredibly thick, so what I have in mind should be just fine.
Using my alchemy spell, I carve out a rectangular area in the stone wall – a meter wide, 20 cm high, and 8 cm deep. Then, on the bottom of the created 'shelf', I carve five equally spaced holes into the stone. They're such that I could neatly slide a D-cell battery about half of the way into them – holders for the small magic items I'll make to send messages to other locations.
Next, below the magic item shelf, I carve another 20 cm high, 30 cm wide, and 8 cm deep opening into the stone wall. On the back face of this bottom shelf, I carve out a small opening, such that one of the intended magic items could be fully inserted into the wall at an upward angle. Finally, I alchemize a glass plate that covers the bottom half of the opening to the lower shelf.
This is the shelf where I intend for messages to be teleported to from other locations. They'll arrive in the angled space I carved out at the back of the shelf, then slide into the general shelf area. The glass plate at the front of the shelf prevents the messages from falling out onto the floor, but we can still see when messages arrive.
I move back to the top shelf area, and I begin alchemizing five hollow aluminum-coated copper cylinders, about the size of D-cell batteries. The cylinders are open on one end, like an uncapped camera roll container. I turn the copper cylinders opening-down and slide them into the respective slots on the top shelf I created – it's a nice fit.
I step back and admire my work…it looks good. It's a fully functioning micro-mail center. Oooh...I'll call these MMCs, then. I catch Alto's gaze, who has been watching me work quietly until now, and it's full of curiosity.
I smile at Alto in amusement.
"Thanks for your patience, Alto! This top shelf contains the items that you fill with written messages. Once the messages are inside, you slide the items back into their receptacles and flow magic into them to send the messages – each item goes to one different location. On the bottom shelf, that's where our messages from all other locations arrive. I call this whole setup a micro-messaging center, or MMC!" (Mizuki)
Alto nods appreciatively.
"That seems easy enough to use. So, who are we going to send a message to first to test it?" (Alto)
"Oh, I haven't enchanted the items yet. I need to build another MMC somewhere else first, then I can enchant our items with their message box in mind as the destination. As for where we should set up another MMC first…hmm. Want to go bother the Queen?" (Mizuki)
I finish my question with a smirk, knowing that my flippant attitude will irritate Alto. To my delight, she rolls her eyes at me.
"Isn't that a given anytime you visit her? Also, I know manners are hard for you, but you should at least use your thought messaging to warn her that we're coming to see her soon. She's royalty, Mizuki." (Alto)
I just sigh with fake annoyance and nod. Then, I reach out towards Avalon with magic sense – Ilina's and Elira's signatures are so distinctive that I can always locate them. I home in on Elira's signature.
[Hey, Elira, it's Mizuki! I have a present for you that I think you'll like. Alto and I will teleport into my usual room at the palace, then we'll come find you a few minutes after that. If you're in a meeting when we arrive, I don't mind waiting. See you soon!] (Mizuki)
"There, I warned her like you asked. Ready to go?" (Mizuki)
Alto just smiles and nods in amusement, then I teleport us away.
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
Turns out that Elira is kind of busy the day after her beach trip with us, so we ended up having to wait a bit. It took a while, but now we're with her, Dargo, and Ilina in Dargo's office. I requested the location – I think it's the best place for their MMC.
Elira flops down on the couch with an exhausted sigh, then looks at me with a miserable expression.
"So, is this present going to be telling us that you killed the king of Balzuth?" (Elira)
"Actually, it was Freden's king this time." (Mizuki)
Elira snorts like she knows it's a joke, but then she stares at me expectantly with a mildly nervous expression. Wow…she's really waiting for me to confirm that it's a joke.
I roll my eyes.
"Yes, Elira, I'm obviously joking. What I'm bringing you is an actual present – more like the train!" (Mizuki)
Elira's eyes widen eagerly, and she leans forward on the couch.
"Well, I like the sound of that! Let's hear it, Mizuki…what are we getting?" (Elira)
Ilina shakes her head in embarrassment, but Dargo seems to be suppressing a smile.
"With your permission, I'm going to install a magic item in Dargo's office that will let you send written messages directly to our house in Eden, and vice versa. Unlike a carrier pigeon, this item will send the messages between locations immediately. The magic power requirements should be very low." (Mizuki)
Elira and Dargo look shocked. Ilina just looks curious.
"Wait…so I'll be able to send as many messages as I want to any of you, including Alara, and possibly get an immediate reply? Also, this communication could all happen without your continued teleporting to us?" (Elira)
"When you say the power requirements are low…would I be able to use it regularly without exhausting myself? Even with my relatively low power level?" (Dargo)
I smile in amusement and nod.
"Fufufu…the answer to all of your questions is yes." (Mizuki)
Elira is uncharacteristically buzzing with excitement, and Dargo looks relieved.
"Yes, you have our permission. How soon will you be able to come back and install it?" (Elira)
"Well, actually, if you and Dargo don't mind leaving the room for a few minutes, I'll install it now. You could go to the library or something and I'll send you another thought message when it's done. Dargo, is the wall behind your desk an okay place to install the magic item? It needs to remain in a fixed position to function properly – it can never be moved." (Mizuki)
I'm expecting them to be offended that I'm kicking them out of Dargo's own office, just so that I can hide unique magic from them. To my surprise, however…
Elira immediately stands up from the couch, and grabs Dargo's hand as she pulls them towards the door.
"Splendid! We don't mind at all. We'll be waiting on your word that it's done!" (Elira)
As Dargo is practically dragged out the door by Elira, he hollers over his shoulder hurriedly.
"Behind my desk sounds fine, Mizuki! I trust you!" (Dargo)
They exit the room without another word, and I turn to Ilina with a dumbfounded expression. She just looks back at me with an amused grin.
"Ilina, what the hell was that about? They seemed way too accepting about everything. Also, since when is being able to send messages a little faster worth them being that excited? Elira was practically giddy." (Mizuki)
"Fufufu…well, for one, they probably assume that this will mean less of your spontaneous teleportation visits. Also, they'll now be able to ask you and Alto for things directly and discreetly. I'd say the biggest reason for Mother's excitement though…" (Ilina)
Ilina pauses for a moment, seeming to confirm something with herself before continuing.
"She's probably excited about getting to talk with Alara regularly. Currently, they send letters on the train. Compared to living and working together like they used to, I'm sure that seems like a painfully slow way to stay in touch. Regardless of what Alara has done, they're still mother and daughter, and I think that being separated from her first child has been harder on Mother than she'd like to admit." (Ilina)
Damn...that kind of makes me feel bad for splitting them up. I mean, Alara was a real pain in my ass early on, but still…I sympathize.
Also, I didn't know that they were already sending letters regularly by train. Alara mentioned something about some entrepreneurial elves acting as independent letter carriers on the train, but I'd forgotten until now.
I sigh deeply.
"I had no idea…thanks for letting me know, Ilina. In that case, I'll get right to work on installing the magic item. It's called a micro-messaging center, or MMC, and it uses the teleportation spell we know. Thanks to you mastering that spell, I learned that teleporting things as small as carrier pigeon messages requires drastically less magic power. Even normal people can do it." (Mizuki)
Ilina nods appreciatively for the explanation, and I get to work on my task. I build another MMC in the wall behind Dargo's desk. It's identical to the Eden MMC, with a few exceptions.
First, while I include five item slots, I only create one teleportation item – they're only sending messages to Eden for now. Next, I etch 'Eden' into the item, and into the wall behind the item's designated slot, so there's no confusion about placement. Finally, I actually enchant the item, such that it teleports the contents inside the bounds of the cylinder to the Eden mailbox once enough magic is supplied.
I quickly alchemize a small iron marble, then place it in the item slot. I cover it with the item, then channel magic into it until I feel the magic levels plateau and drop. I teleport back to our mansion briefly to check the MMC mailbox, and happily notice the iron marble where it should be. I retrieve it, then return to Dargo's office.
I face Ilina and Alto, and they're looking between the MMC and me curiously.
"Did it work?" (Alto)
"Yup, no issues! Here, now you try…we need to confirm that it's not too much of a drain on your magic." (Mizuki)
I hand Alto the iron marble, and she eagerly goes to replicate the process. After, she checks under the cylindrical item – the iron marble is gone. Alto squeals in excitement and turns to me enthusiastically.
"It worked, Mizuki, and I don't even notice any magic drain!" (Alto)
I give Alto an approving grin…I'm glad to see that my meta-math checked out. Satisfied with the final product, I lock onto Elira's magic signature.
[Alright, Elira, all done!] (Mizuki)
After a few minutes, Elira and Dargo barge through the door excitedly, and their eyes immediately settle on the MMC behind Dargo's desk. Dargo begins looking it over with a curious expression, but Elira just turns to me impatiently.
"Okay, Mizuki, so what do we need to know about using this thing?" (Elira)
I suppress a chuckle as I nod at her.
"I'm calling this a micro-messaging center, or MMC. Here, let me show you how to use it…" (Mizuki)
I give them a brief rundown of all the components and the operation procedure. I also include a few warnings.
"Finally, never try to use that cylindrical item outside of its placeholder there. You can store it in a desk drawer when it's not being used, if you want, but always put it back in that exact slot before using it. Failing to follow that rule could be dangerous. Otherwise, have fun!" (Mizuki)
Elira and Dargo nod appreciatively.
"So, messages from all of you will show up here then?" (Elira)
Elira points to their MMC mailbox, and I nod.
"Yes, and as soon as I return, I'll make sure to set up our MMC so that we can send you messages. By the way, Elira…" (Mizuki)
Elira looks at me inquisitively as I trail off, and I take a moment to decide what I want to say.
"For what it's worth, I'm sorry that you're now separated from your daughter. While I still think my response to her actions was more than fair, I also sympathize with the position it put you in as a mother." (Mizuki)
Elira wears a sad smile briefly, but then it warms, and she shakes her head at me.
"I appreciate the sentiment, Mizuki, but I don't resent you over this. While I miss Alara, I'm also grateful for how everything turned out. Alara has experienced a lot of personal growth since she started building that city with you, and Ilina has become so formidable as a future queen. Honestly, I couldn't be prouder. Besides, thanks to your train, Alara can visit in person with relative ease, and now we get to exchange messages freely!" (Elira)
I smile widely back at Elira.
"That's a huge relief, Elira, thank you. Still, I think I could do more. How about I teleport her straight to the palace once per week so you can spend the day together? That's assuming she agrees, of course. I can send her here first thing in the morning, then bring her back after sunset. It's no extra trouble for me." (Mizuki)
Elira's eyes go wide in surprise, then she smiles happily.
"That would be wonderful, Mizuki! You don't mind?" (Elira)
"Not at all. After today, you should be able to work out the details through these MMCs, then Alara can just let me know what days she wants to be sent here in the morning with Ilina." (Mizuki)
I see Dargo stare at me blankly, and I give him a puzzled look in return.
"Mizuki, what do you mean you'll send Alara 'with Ilina'?" (Dargo)
I look to Ilina, and she's deep red and looking at me apologetically. Oh, no…don't tell me. I look to Elira, but she doesn't look surprised. She just seems a little uncomfortable. Are you telling me that they didn't tell Dargo that Ilina has been visiting me every night!?
"Uhm…Mizuki…it seems that Ilina has some explaining to do to her father, so perhaps you and Alto should depart. Thank you for everything today." (Elira)
Whelp…that's a yes. Ilina immediately gives me pleading eyes, like she doesn't want to be left to do this alone.
[Sorry, Ilina, this one's all on you. Have fun!] (Mizuki)
Without even waiting for Ilina to react…
"Sounds great, bye everyone!" (Mizuki)
I immediately teleport Alto and myself back to the mansion. Seeing our change in surroundings, Alto turns back to me with a skeptical expression.
"Are you sure that was the wisest decision? I suspect that the Princess will be quite unhappy later." (Alto)
I sigh deeply…Alto's right, I'm going to pay for that one. Still…nothing to be done about it now!
I shrug at Alto and grin, and she just shakes her head in exasperation. Then, a thought occurs to me.
"So, this sparring match between Zara and Alara that's been going on…who do you think won?" (Mizuki)
Alto looks at me in surprise following the sudden topic change, then smiles thoughtfully.
"Hmm…it's difficult to say. They both have invisibility, lightning, and physical enhancement now. While Alara has probably twenty times more magic power, Zara has your fireball spell, superior weapon skills, and far better senses to track her opponent. For that last reason, I give the slight advantage to Zara, but I bet it's a close match either way." (Alto)
I nod agreeably.
"I like the assessment…I'm leaning a little more towards Alara, though. That's just too large of a power gap. She can funnel all that power into a superior physical enhancement, and she can use lightning to probe the environment and make up for her weaker senses. I agree it's probably close, though, so I'll go see how it went for myself. Want to come?" (Mizuki)
Alto smirks and shakes her head.
"No, it's been a while since I've checked in on Cera and Kara, so I'll do that instead. Let me know which of us is right later, though." (Alto)
"Will do. Want to make a bet on it? Winner gets a favor!" (Mizuki)
Alto gives me a genuinely puzzled expression.
"What would you even ask for if you won? I don't think there's anything I can do for you that you can't do for yourself." (Alto)
Huh…I guess I can't think of a genuine favor to ask of her. I'm just grateful for a friend to confide in and do research with – I've never been so pleased with a friendship before. The only thing left that I really want is for her be happy and fulfilled with the course of her life after meeting me. I don't want to be a source of regret.
"Uhm...I guess I don't know. That's got me thinking, though, is there anything I can do for you?" (Mizuki)
Alto gives me a puzzled expression.
"Do for me? Why?" (Alto)
"Yeah. Honestly, I'm not sure I've really lived up to what you had in mind when you joined my party. It has put you at the center of one violent incident after another lately, and you've only grown more at odds with elves by association. Having you around has unequivocally made my life better, but I can't help but wonder if it's had the opposite effect on you." (Mizuki)
Those are my true feelings. Especially after the Belmod massacre…the guilt that brought on Alto…I think I bear some responsibility for that. Both for having her in my party, and for bringing her along to a meeting I knew could be dangerous. Moreover, that was just an altercation with humans. What if one day, because of me, she's complicit in killing other elves?
Elves seem generally less inclined to proactive violence than humans, but Alto has already had to put herself on the opposite side of verbal conflicts with elves like Tessa and Jorah. Those could have easily turned into physical altercations if it wasn't for my little lie detector demonstration.
There was also the crisis with Alara – that situation caused Alto to seriously contemplate killing her. If it had come to that…could she have lived with the guilt? The thought of someone who I've claimed to be a friend to suffering like that because of me doesn't sit right.
Noticing Alto's prolonged silence, I'm jarred from my thoughts. To my surprise, she seems...furious!? Before I can ask her about it, her hand flashes towards me and I'm hit with a slap across the face. Thanks to my abilities, there's no pain, but it stuns me all the same. I just can't quite process that Alto has hit me.
While I stare back at her with a dumbfounded expression, she grabs my shirt with both hands and presses her face closer to mine threateningly. What the hell is going on!? There was literally no reason are warning for this level of aggression!
"What the hell is the matter with you, Mizuki!? After all you've done…after all we've been through together…don't you ever imply that I'd be better off without you!" (Alto)
As Alto's screaming subsides temporarily, I can see her eyes becoming misty.
"When those slavers stormed the wolf-kin village, the men were slaughtered by default, along with any women that fought back! I didn't just lose my freedom, I lost my friends, Mizuki! ALL OF THEM! I was powerless to protect them, and I couldn't even avenge them because of the others that were already hostages! In that warehouse, I'd already given up on living…I was willing to die if…I could j-just…" (Alto)
Tears begin to flow from Alto's eyes as her voice falters.
"…Mizuki, thanks to joining your party, I have friends and purpose again! A chance to redeem myself! Do you not understand how broken I'd be without those things!? My life only feels worth living right now because you and Nina took me in!" (Alto)
Alto's tears become mixed with soft sobs, and she leans her head against my shirt between her clenched hands. I finally stutter out a response, trying to get a handle on the situation that I let spin out of control.
"A-Alto, I'm sorry…I had no idea...I wasn't trying to be offensive. It's j-just ...after the events with Belmod...you having to protect me from the elves. You seemed so sad…I worried that…" (Mizuki)
Alto's face snaps up to meet my gaze, and I see anger in her eyes again.
"You worried…what!? That my life may not be totally free of adversity!? I chose to be your friend! Your equal! That means that I share the burden of these decisions with you! Sometimes that will make me sad, but that doesn't mean I'm better off alone, you absolute moron! " (Alto)
I can't help but grimace at her last point…she's right. I know she's right…I treated her like a child that I'm responsible for protecting. I turn an apologetic gaze towards Alto.
"I-I'm…sorry. You're right, Alto. I just wanted my friend to be happy, but what I said was thoughtless. I…hope you can forgive me." (Mizuki)
Alto stares at me angrily for several more moments, then snorts and wipes her eyes. After, she sighs and hangs her head in exasperation. When she finally looks back up at me, she's wearing a mildly annoyed expression.
"Of course I can forgive you, idiot…you're my best friend. Just don't spout nonsense like that to me again. For the rest of our indefinitely long lives, my place is by your side…period. That's what is best for me, and I won't tolerate you telling me otherwise. Got it?" (Alto)
Alto glares at me seriously, waiting for an answer. I just smile and pull her into a hug abruptly. She squeaks in surprise.
"H-Hey, Mizuki, what are y-" (Alto)
"I promise…I won't ever make that mistake again. Thanks for being such a good friend, Alto." (Mizuki)
Alto relaxes, then hugs me back. We stay that way in silence for a while. Eventually, she pulls away and smirks at me.
"No problem. After all, who else would be willing to put up with you like this?" (Alto)
I roll my eyes at her. Yeah, she's back to normal.
"I don't know, probably anyone else that's a gravity spell junkie and enjoys free flights like you." (Mizuki)
Alto shrugs.
"Maybe. Flights are your best quality, after all. Still, being subjected to your sense of humor during them…I wouldn't exactly say they're free." (Alto)
Now, what did I do to deserve that kind of emotional violence? I sigh deeply while staring at Alto.
"Didn't you have somewhere you needed to be?" (Mizuki)
"Fufufu…bowing out of our verbal sparring session already? Zara's right, you are soft." (Alto)
I look at her in confusion.
"Soft? What are you talking about? What did Zara say about me!?" (Mizuki)
Alto winks at me, then turns around to depart. As she walks away, she waves over her shoulder.
"Ask her yourself when you go see her! I've got better things to do than explain everything to you." (Alto)
Without another word, Alto exits the room, leaving me alone. I can't believe she'd just drop that on me and leave. That elf is such a pain in the ass sometimes!
I don't know what I'd do without her.