"Did you see me naked?" (Nina)
Ah, busted…it wasn't my choice, though! Still, I can't bring myself to meet her gaze.
"Uhm…yeah…I did. I'm really sorry, though, I didn't mean to invade your privacy, I just didn't have much choice." (Mizuki)
After a few seconds of silence, I look up at her. She's looking at me…and grinning!? Seeing me meet her gaze, she nods expectantly like, 'and, your thoughts?'.
Does she have screws loose!? I admire her confidence and everything, but I'm going to ignore that unasked question.
"Ehem…so, what was your second question?" (Mizuki)
She seems annoyed by me changing the subject, but she just sighs and answers.
"Why did you seek me out?" (Nina)
Oh yeah, that.
"Right, thanks. So, basically there is some elven princess and her knight who want to find you. I don't know why, and I don't know what they plan to do once they are here, but they hired me to help. I just wanted to ask if you'd avoid attacking them unless they turn hostile. If they attack you, feel free to kill them and I promise I won't intervene, and if they ask you to do something, you don't have to accept. Would you be okay with that?" (Mizuki)
"Sure! If that's what you'd like, I don't mind. I suppose I owe you for saving me." (Nina)
I'm so glad this woman is finally being reasonable. Time to press my luck with the other thing.
"Thanks, I really appreciate it. Now, I was wondering if you could help me with something else, too. You see, I don't want other people to know how strong I am. I'd like that to stay our little secret. But it would take weeks to make the trip out here with them on foot, and I'd have to find an excuse to explain how I knew where you were. So instead, I'd like to pretend that one of these…" (Mizuki)
I show her one of the blue marbles. She seems pretty interested, and she is listening intently.
"…is a special item that teleports you to the nearest Elder Dragon. I was hoping you'd play along with me and, when I teleport us here, pretend that you recognize this item. Then, insist to them on you keeping this marble afterward. I need an excuse to get rid of it. After they finish discussing whatever they want from you, I'd like you to pretend to teleport us back to where we came from, as cover for when I do it. So, can I count on you?" (Mizuki)
She looks like she's thinking it over quite hard, then she looks at me and smiles. Oh, I know that look from Dio, she wants something.
"Fufufufufu…that's a sneaky thing you're suggesting. I think I could help, but us dragons hate lying, you see. Since this one is kind of funny, I don't mind as much, but I'd want something in return. First, I really do want to keep this pretty item you showed me. Let's call it a gift from my new friend! Second, since you're getting a favor, I'd also like to get a favor in return someday." (Nina)
First one is easy, but the second one makes me nervous.
"Within reason, I'll grant you the favor. I already intended to let you keep the marble when this all goes down, so that's fine, too. Lastly, it should go without saying that when I come back here with the elves, you cannot let it slip that you know me already – act like we're meeting for the first time. So, do we have a deal?" (Mizuki)
She lights up at my response, then lunges forward from the tree and hugs me, sending her blanket flying.
"Yes, yes, we have a deal!" (Nina)
She squeals in excitement then lets me go and sits back against the tree. She makes no effort to grab the blanket.
"Uh, hey, Nina…I'm sure that dragons are normally nude, so you don't think anything of it, but do you have any clothes you can put on? Please?" (Mizuki)
She makes an amused face and shrugs, then she sticks her hand onto the ground. The ground around it turns muddy, then mud starts to run up her arm and covers her whole body. The mud on her body begins to writhe, then take form.
After a few moments, she's wearing a light brown tank top tucked into dark brown pants that fit her well. She also appears to have conjured a pair of brown sandals. She smiles at me after it finishes.
"How's that?" (Nina)
Much better, I do not need the awkward sexual tension from earlier ever again. Also…why couldn't she have just done that to begin with!?
"Great, I appreciate it. The clothes suit you." (Mizuki)
She seems to smirk at the last part.
I glance up at the sky, and it looks like I'll probably need to meet the elves in a couple hours. I should head back soon. Man, this day has been mentally exhausting. First thing I'm doing when I get back is taking a bath in that fancy inn.