The others glance at her in surprise, and Alto's expression once again turns thoughtful.
"True...Nina won't like it. She'll consider it an insult for someone like him to be expected to abandon his own family name for another. If anything, once the topic is brought to her attention, she'll probably insist on Ilina and herself adopting the family name of Hakuto." (Alto)
Ilina feels her stomach drop at the blunt affirmation, disappointment hitting her in full force. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Elira frown in restrained disapproval.
"Surely Lady Nedonera won't expect that of Ilina, given her position as future Queen? Our people would be quite unhappy with such a decision..." (Elira)
Alto smirks faintly.
"I'm quite certain that Nina does not care. To her, being Mizuki's wife is probably a far more weighty title than Queen. However, I also think that Mizuki will end up taking Ilina's family name despite her protests." (Alto)
The assertion sends a wave of shock through Ilina. She snaps her head towards Alto, her eyes alight with disbelief.
"He won't just overrule her like that...right? He's said before...Nina comes first." (Ilina)
She can't keep the bitterness out of her voice at the last point. Alto, however, just meets her gaze with an expression of genuine confusion.
"Of course he would? He doesn't prioritize Nina above you, Ilina...not anymore. In his mind, that dynamic ended when Nina gave her blessing for you to become his wife. He would never have proposed to you just to treat you as a second-class citizen in your relationship. Even Nina's...restrictions, he only adheres to because they're temporary, and you all agreed to them at the onset.
"But this new matter of taking your family name...he won't give Nina unilateral control over it. He'll weigh the meaningful acknowledgement of his relationship with you against Nina's arbitrary opinions about what's disrespectful, and I'm confident that he'll take your side." (Alto)
{AN: Mizuki actually warns Nina of this dynamic change privately back in Ch. 24.2, when he's deciding whether to return Ilina's feelings. However, he repeatedly told Ilina before then that Nina would always be his priority (referring to the status quo at the time), and he's never voiced his change in priorities to her. It's reasonable that, paired with Nina cockblocking them, this has led Ilina to doubt her place in Mizuki's heart.}
Ilina freezes, her heart constricting at the implication.
Could that...really be true? Would Mizuki tell Nina no, for her? Does he consider them equal wives? She's always told herself that was true, but she'd be lying if she said she didn't doubt it at times. Nina claimed him first, after all, and they have that Bond...one she's always been jealous of. Plus, her time in his life will ultimately be temporary, while Nina will be by his side indefinitely. How many times did he make those exact points to her while sidestepping her feelings, before he eventually accepted them with Nina's blessing?
And yet, as infuriating as it is for Ilina to admit, there's the distinct possibility that Alto is more qualified to make this assessment of Mizuki's feelings than she is. Her insecurities aren't exactly conducive to objectivity on this matter.
So, even while simultaneously resenting the idea that Alto may know Mizuki better than her, she can't help but hope it's true. That if she asks, Mizuki will take her name even against Nina's protests.
The scenario plays out in her mind, filling her with a kind of competitive, possessive giddiness. She's so lost in the petty fantasy that she doesn't even notice the deranged, satisfied expression on her face.
"Ilina, dear...do I even want to know what you're thinking about?" (Elira)
Snapped from her thoughts, Ilina looks away in embarrassment.
"Hmm? Oh, just, uhm, appreciating how well Alto understands my fiancé." (Ilina)
Elira gives her a pointedly skeptical look, and Ilina clears her throat strategically.
"Ehem...anyway, I think there's no point in discussing this further for now. Mizuki has promised to sleep at the mansion like normal while he's traveling with Zara, so I will ask him about taking the Ophelle name tonight. I think the better question is...what did Alto come here for?" (Ilina)
She catches the amusement in her mother's expression at her attempt to change the subject, but Alto just nods apologetically, as though she's to blame for this digression.
"You are right, of course, Ilina. My apologies. Regarding the reason for my visit..." (Alto)
Alto pauses, a bright, unrestrained smile breaking out on her face. There's a rare trace of pride in her voice when she continues.
"Mizuki has entrusted me with a very important task...a bit of research. However, I require access to the royal family's restricted archives to carry it out – specifically, the Kingdom's census records. I was hoping that you could grant me temporary clearance." (Alto)
Elira and Dargo both widen their eyes in surprise, glancing hesitantly at one another. Dargo leans forward on the couch, studying Alto with a thoughtful expression.
"That is a rather...serious, request. I admit that we've extended Mizuki privileges reserved for the royal family before, but never ones that so directly encroach on our citizens' privacy. Even I wouldn't access such information casually. May we...ask what he wants you to use the census records for?" (Dargo)
Alto purses her lips contemplatively.
"I...can't provide specifics. However, I can assure that no copies of the records will be made, and Mizuki himself will only receive a summary of my findings. He won't be privy to any elves' private information." (Alto)
Dargo frowns, considering Alto's response. He meets Elira's gaze once more, and a silent conversation seems to pass between them. After a moment, he gives Alto a regretful look.
"I'm sorry, Alto, but I don't think that's justification enough for us to approve your request. No matter how much we favor Mizuki, we are rulers first and foremost. The census data is only to be used to assure compliance with elven law, or when there is a tangible benefit to our people at stake. I'm afraid we can't infringe on our people's privacy, no matter how minor, based only on what you've shared." (Dargo)
Alto's expression notably saddens, and she bites her lip anxiously. After a few moments of apparent internal conflict, she nods hesitantly.
"I...see. What...what if there was a theoretical benefit to our people, but one not guaranteed? If I shared it with you, would that be justification enough to approve my request?" (Alto)
Dargo leans forward again, cautious but clearly intrigued.
"If the benefit was non-trivial, and you had legitimate reason to believe it could come to fruition. What is it?" (Dargo)
Alto hesitates for a few seconds, as if debating with herself. Eventually, she sighs heavily.
"Mizuki mentioned...offhand...that the findings of my investigation might allow him to grant the next generation of elves the magical power of a Nephilim. However, I want you to know that I'll ardently oppose such applications, even if they prove plausible." (Alto)
Silence...utter silence descends on the room. Even Ilina can't help but be jarred by the statement. Some reasons common, some more...personal.
'Mizuki never mentioned that detail...could he really do something that absurd? Also, why is Alto aware of that but not me!?'
Unaware of Ilina's indignation, Elira leans forward on the couch, every ounce of levity evaporating from her demeanor.
"That is...a rather significant decision for you to make for all of us, Alto. Have you shared this opinion of yours with Mizuki?" (Elira)
Ilina notices Alto tense subtly, her eyes becoming slightly colder, more resolved.
"Yes, I shared my concerns with him. He valued my opinion." (Alto)
Ilina doesn't miss Alto's implication – her mother can't circumvent Alto's wishes where this research is concerned. Her mother seems to catch this hidden meaning as well. Elira leans back with a frustrated sigh, tapping her lower lip thoughtfully for a few moments before glancing back at Alto.
"Would we at least be informed of the results of this 'research' of yours? To know if what Mizuki claimed is even possible." (Elira)
Alto nods without hesitation, but her voice remains stern.
"Yes, that's fine. However, Mizuki is the only one with the magical abilities required to do as I described. It's impossible without his cooperation, regardless of what I tell you about the research findings." (Alto)
A small smile tugs at the corners of Elira's mouth.
"Then you have my approval – conduct your research, and let us know when you've reached a conclusion." (Elira)
Alto raises her eyebrows, clearly suspicious.
"You think he's going to change his mind?" (Alto)
Elira's lips twist into a knowing smile.
"Who knows? After all, he once swore that he wouldn't even consider making a train for me until at least a year had passed. Now, less than a month later, he's agreed to making five of them. I'm learning that his opinion can be quite...malleable, especially for those he loves." (Elira)
Ilina sees Elira give her a rather pointed glance, and Alto sees it, too. The implication immediately makes her uncomfortable. She's not sure she agrees with Alto's opposition to gifting elves more power, but she also doesn't appreciate her mother's blatant weaponization of her relationship with Mizuki. He means more to her than such a debatably unnecessary power grab. Before she can voice such reservations, though, Alto's voice cuts through the silence, rife with barely contained disdain.
"With all due respect, My Queen, Princess Ilina's opinion on the subject is irrelevant." (Alto)
Ilina, Elira, Dargo...they all balk at Alto's outright dismissal. Elira directs an incredulous look at Alto, though she does her best to keep her tone cordial.
"You just said yourself that Mizuki respects her wishes, even as much as Lady Nedonera's. I don't expect him to cave to every request, but her opinion is certainly not irrelevant." (Elira)
Alto's gaze doesn't waver.
"It is in this case. Mizuki already said he wouldn't act against my wishes on this. So unless I change my mind, it doesn't matter who requests what of him. You, Nina, Ilina – even together, you can't convince him to betray me like that." (Alto)
Alto's tone is absolute...final, her voice thick with a certainty that brooks no argument. Even knowing deep down how true Alto's words are, how seriously Mizuki takes giving his word to anyone, Ilina can't help but feel a pang of discontent. Not because she actually wants to circumvent Alto's decision, but because this serves as a frustrating reminder of her own insecurities. Seeing Alto's absolute confidence of her place in Mizuki's heart, not even bolstered by any romantic affirmation...Ilina wishes she felt that way. Yet here she is, wondering if her own husband will even take her family name without another woman's blessing.
It's...annoying. Almost unbearably so.
'Maybe it's about time I quit stewing in my own insecurity...be more proactive.'
Just like that, Mizuki's night was destined to become a lot less relaxing.