"Yes, I would, thank you. I think that what you suggest is a great idea, and I'm assuming that you'll briefly let the nobles know about the demon and Veyron situation when they arrive, instead of keeping them in the dark until the public statement?" (Mizuki)
"Correct, we plan to hold a private meeting with them in the palace, the morning of the first day. Naturally, we'd appreciate your attendance. The nobles were solicited for such a meeting in their invitations. We originally intended to just introduce them to Lady Nedonera and discuss the anticipated demon invasion, but we didn't give them those details." (Dargo)
I nod agreeably.
"Of course, we'd love to attend. I do have a question, though, if you don't mind?" (Mizuki)
Elira and Dargo raise their eyebrows expectantly, and Dargo nods for me to continue.
"Could you explain to me how the noble houses work? How are their successors determined, what are the current heads of those houses like, and how many noble houses are there?" (Mizuki)
"Ahh, yes, I just assumed that Miss Alto or Ilina would have explained this by now." (Dargo)
Hearing their names, Alto and Ilina look a little embarrassed, but I don't think they're at fault. I never asked them, and when we're alone, Alto is more focused on our research, and Ilina and I…haven't been using that limited time to talk.
"Regardless, allow me to explain. While our royal family and kingdom are a matriarchy, but that's not necessarily true for the noble families. There are five noble houses, and their customs for succession vary. Some choose only daughters, while some select heirs independent of gender. Some believe in the birthrights of firstborns, while others are meritocratic." (Dargo)
Huh…I just imagined them all being cranky old men for some reason.
"First is the Uril house, which strictly adheres to appointing the firstborn high elf daughter as the heir. They are currently led by Tessa Uril, who I expect to most strongly oppose Ilina's succession. She shares Alara's sentiments on status and race, just less severely. She's also my younger cousin, the daughter of our last Queen's brother, and the noble closest to the royal bloodline." (Elira)
That's…a lot to take in. I guess I'll need to be wary of her. I glance at Dargo, and he nods his agreement solemnly.
"There's also the Egris house, which still only appoints daughters as their heirs, but they do so meritocratically. Their head of household is not always the oldest daughter, but it is usually a high elf. Cara Egris is their current head. She's a young high elf, reasonable, and surprisingly accepting of other races. She was the noble most open-minded about my suggestion years ago to relax our 'no humans in the kingdom' policy, though she ultimately advised against policy change. While she's empathetic, she's also cautious by nature." (Dargo)
So, I'll optimistically note her as a potential ally.
"Finally, there are the Zardo, Izthil, and Abel houses, whose heirs are decided without a significant gender, sub-race, or birthright influence. Jorah Abel is a middle-aged elf, and his prejudice against other races, especially humans, rivals Tessa Uril's. Darak Zardo is a high elf of very agreeable temperament, and he's even older than Queen Elira. Helena Izthil is a middle-aged elf, and she has a very calculating personality. Darak and Helena are essentially ambivalent towards other races, not intrinsically empathetic or prejudiced." (Dargo)
Hmm…so the Uril and Abel houses are likely to take issue with me, especially any familiarity with Ilina, while the Zardo, Izthil, and especially Egris houses are potential allies.
"I'll add that, from what my subordinates have surmised, one of the elven slaves you freed was actually a daughter of the Zardo house, just not a candidate for heir. Apparently, she had a message sent to Darak by carrier pigeon before departing home, so he's likely aware of Lady Nedonera and your party. I can't say the same for the other nobles, but I wouldn't rule out that rumors have spread from Avalon to their ears already." (Elira)
Oh? That's kind of good news, I think. Shouldn't that make the Zardo house a little bit more friendly towards us?
"Thank you both for explaining all of that. I think that covers everything I'd want to know about the nobles for now, and it will surely be helpful. So, what events will we be attending for the royal announcement? What will our roles be, and is there anything we need to know to fulfill them?" (Mizuki)
Elira and Dargo look happy about my question.
"Thank you for asking, Mizuki. At minimum, we'd like you and Lady Nedonera to attend all events, including any private meetings with the nobles. We'd like Alto and Zara both to attend the public announcement about resolving the demon crisis, and they're welcome but not required at all other events. The exception is meeting with the nobles. Every representative is limited to two guests, so only Alto or Zara will be able to accompany you as Lady Nedonera's other subordinate." (Elira)
Ooof…that's a lot of socializing, but I guess that's the whole point. I turn to Zara and Alto, and they're looking at me patiently, but Alto is obviously on edge.
"Zara, I'll be direct – Alto should be the other guest for meetings with the nobles. I declined her request to come to the demon continent with us, I brought you instead, and you got to fight Dez. So, this is only fair. Plus, I think having an elf in Nina's escort would be helpful. Finally, I'm betting that Alto wants to attend more than you do. It's exactly the kind of situation she had in mind when she asked to accompany me in this kingdom. Alto, have I deduced the reason for your nervous expression correctly?" (Mizuki)
Alto looks immensely relieved, and also a bit embarrassed. She nods at me appreciatively.
"Yes, Mizuki, you are correct. The very idea of you being subjected to the nobles without me around puts me on edge. I don't want them to judge you too harshly, but I also don't want them to ruin your relationship with the Elven Kingdom. I don't think my people see you the way I do yet, and it'd truly be their loss if they scorned you over racial prejudice. Zara, would you please yield the available spot to me?" (Alto)
Zara lets out an uncharacteristic smile.
"Fufufu…of course, Alto. Every point Mizuki made was valid, including that I was only mildly interested in attending." (Zara)
Seeing this conclusion, Dargo and Elira look relieved. I'm guessing they shared my opinion on Alto's value for these meetings. I turn to them with a smile.
"Alright! I guess that settles it. Is there anything else we should know or discuss?" (Mizuki)
Elira and Dargo glance at one another, then look at me nervously.
"Uhm…yes. Mizuki, we were wondering…what do you and the others plan to wear to these events? I don't want to offend you, but most of what we've seen you wear wouldn't be appropriate, and we don't know how much you know about elven customs." (Dargo)
Elira and Dargo are practically holding their breath they're so nervous. Are my clothes really that bad? After a moment, I can't help but laugh out loud, and they become puzzled.
"Hahahaha…I'm not offended, I was actually going to ask you about that. If you'd like, I'd be willing for all of us to submit to whatever wardrobe fittings you recommend for the events, and I'll cover all the costs myself. Would that be acceptable?" (Mizuki)
Elira and Dargo audibly exhale in relief, then direct smiles at me.
"Yes, Mizuki, I will have Cayla here make the arrangements for all of you to have your measurements taken after this meeting. The royal tailors will prepare several wardrobe options for each of you to choose from, and you don't need to worry about the cost. It would be our pleasure to take care of this." (Elira)
Cayla steps forward from the wall and bows deeply, then directs a smile and nod towards me. I nod appreciatively back at her.
"Okay, thank you very much, Elira and Dargo. You as well, Cayla. I do have one final question about the first meeting with the nobles. What will you do about Alara and Ilina? I'm assuming that only heirs and a spouse or guard accompany the nobles. By extension, if Elira is accompanied by Dargo and Ilina, wouldn't that suggest something strange about the succession before you've announced it?" (Mizuki)
Elira and Dargo eyes widen in surprise, and they smile like they're impressed. Sometimes I can't tell if they think highly of my intelligence or think I'm an idiot.
"Yes, normally. However, we'll just say that Ilina was brought instead because she recruited Lady Nedonera to resolve the Veyron and demon crisis and was therefore more appropriate given the context. At the reception later, Alara will be instructed to stay by my side and not cause trouble." (Elira)
Hmm…that seems like it should work just fine to me. I give Alto a questioning glance, and she nods approvingly. I'm sold then.
"Okay, thank you for explaining. Well then…is there anything else to be discussed this morning? It sounds like I have wardrobe fittings after this, and then Ilina's and I's afternoon trip through the city." (Mizuki)
"No, that's all we wanted to discuss. Cayla, can you see to Mizuki and his party?" (Elira)
Cayla walks over to the door and waits patiently with a smile, and Elira rises from the couch, signaling the end of the meeting. I let out a deep sigh and follow suit…I always hated trying on clothes in the mall for special occasions.
This seems like it will be equally tedious.