I stare at her dumbfounded for several moments, and she seems to realize the source of my confusion.
"Yes…I guess that seems like a big change in my attitude, doesn't it? Suffice it to say, learning how powerful you are forced me to reinterpret your actions over the past several weeks, and my opinion of your nature has been updated accordingly. I now think that you having as many attachments as possible to the Elven Kingdom and its people is what's best for our long-term prosperity." (Alara)
I…can't help but burst out laughing, and it draws a few glances our way. I get myself under control, and I notice that Alara is staring at me in confusion.
"Fufufu…I'm sorry for laughing at you Alara, it's just…you surprised me. In a way I think I've misjudged you, too. I thought your elitist attitude and poor treatment of Ilina meant you didn't care about your people, but I see now that you do…in your own way." (Mizuki)
Alara nods solemnly, and I see traces of regret on her face.
"Yes, I…thought of Ilina as lower status than myself, just like common elves. My opinion on how people should treat those of higher status has not changed, but my opinion that Ilina is my lesser has. Still, I've always thought that royals owe the commoners protection and prosperity." (Ilina)
That's twisted, but it's logical within itself, I suppose.
"Hmm…very well. I can't think of any way you can help me put down roots here right now, but if you truly want, I'll reach out to you if such a task for you occurs to me in the future. Moving on…do you know what you plan to do once you become a noble? What will your territory be? Will you take a new last name? How will you establish yourself?" (Mizuki)
Alara looks surprised by the questions.
"Yes, please reach out if I can help. As for my plans…I suspect that I'll be granted a piece of the undeveloped land in the west, and some royal funds to begin developing it. However, even in the fertile areas, it's completely devoid of existing structures, agriculture, mining, or citizens. The royal funds will barely be enough to build a family home, and I'll have no immediate source of income for further development. I haven't even considered what my new family name will be." (Alara)
Alara seems to become somber as she explains her situation. Damn it…I did say I wanted to repay her for being so forthcoming. Nina's not going to be happy about this, though.
I let out an exasperated sigh, and Alara looks at me curiously.
"The family name decision is all on you, but I'll talk to Elira about giving you a specific part of the undeveloped land – one that has a natural resource you can immediately start profiting from. Also, its land should be suitable for agriculture later. I'll help you with quickly building your family home, early development of the area, and I'll supply any extra funds that you need. I'll consider this my way of repaying you for being so helpful to me just now." (Mizuki)
Alara's appears dumbfounded for a solid minute, then she shakes her head in exasperation and her expression turns bitter.
"I can't believe I spent all that time and energy trying to rid my kingdom of you…looking back it all seems so pointless. I did nothing but detriment myself and the elves at every step, for reasons that I can't even make sense of anymore. Even after all that…you'd really…" (Alara)
Alara looks up at me, and I could swear that she looks like she's fighting back tears.
"Mizuki, thank you…I mean it. I know that I don't have much, if any, of your trust, but I promise that I'll never cross you again. You have my genuine respect, and if I can help you in any way, all you have to do is ask." (Alara)
"Uhm…sure thing. Please don't make this awkward, though, excessive gratitude makes me uncomfortable." (Mizuki)
Alara gives me a confused look and shakes her head in exasperation.
"Are you sure you're the same person as the last time we met? I was so terrified of coming to talk to you before that I almost didn't manage it." (Alara)
I shrug and direct an amused smile at her.
"I never wanted your fear, just your cooperation." (Mizuki)
"Well…you have it now. I'm sorry it took so long, but I look forward to working with you in the future, Mizuki." (Alara)
We both share polite smiles, and anticipation for our new working relationship in the newest territory of the Elven Kingdom.
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
"Mizuki…what the hell was that? You better tell me right now." (Cara)
After my conversation with Alara, I returned to Zara and Cara. Apparently, Zara had her work cut out for her containing Cara's curiosity.
I direct an innocent expression at Cara and respond as though I'm confused.
"Uhm…I was chatting with Princess Alara, wasn't that obvious?" (Mizuki)
"Don't you play dumb with me! She curtsied to you, Mizuki. Curtsied! I've never even seen her do that to the Queen, and her disdain towards humans is well known. What's more, just by me being next to you, she felt compelled to call me Lady Cara. She has never…never…done that, Mizuki. That was practically as ridiculous as Tessa and Jorah fighting over the privilege of massaging your feet!" (Cara)
"Fufufufu…goodness Cara, you certainly have a gift for imagery. Have you considered writing as a hobby?" (Mizuki)
Cara stares at me for a moment, borderline hysterical, then pinches the bridge of her nose and closes her eyes. Eventually, she takes a deep breath and looks at me calmly.
"Do you mind telling me what she wanted to discuss, Mizuki?" (Cara)
"Hmm…I guess that's okay. Mostly, she just wanted to warn me that Tessa Uril is very serious about purging the Elven Kingdom of my presence." (Mizuki)
Cara goes stiff, and she's visibly nervous.
"Okay…what do you plan to do about that?" (Cara)
"If her actions align with elven policies, without hurting anyone innocent, then I'll simply accept it. If she resorts to unsavory tactics…well, I'll make sure there is evidence of her misdeeds and she'll be appropriately dealt with in accordance with your policies." (Mizuki)
Cara's face relaxes some.
"So, you won't take matters into your own hands, or involve Lady Nedonera?" (Cara)
I smirk at her.
"I only meant that any consequences of her actions would be consistent with your country's policies. Nothing more, nothing less." (Mizuki)
All the color drains from Cara's face, and she seems like she wants to say something. However, she seems to come to terms with it.
"I suppose that's fair." (Cara)
Cara appears to reflect on her own statement for a few minutes, and as she does, I hear an enthusiastic voice ring out behind me.
"Mizuki! Mizuki!"
I turn around in surprise to see a small elven boy running towards me with a huge grin – Cera, the boy I saved from being hit by a horse-drawn cart.