"Yes, Cara, it's true. We haven't publicized it for obvious reasons. So, I'd appreciate it if you keep this secret, per the promise you made to me. Okay?" (Mizuki)
"Speaking of which…I hear you've been trying to sleep with Mizuki quite adamantly, hmm?" (Ilina)
Cara's face goes pale.
"Princess Ilina…I didn't…I'm sorry! Nobody told me!" (Cara)
Ilina leans towards Cara with a threatening smile, but she nods agreeably.
"Of course, I sympathize…I wouldn't be so unreasonable to bear you ill will over something you weren't told about. However, I'd like you to stop with the sexual antics. Do we understand one another?" (Ilina)
Cara sighs in exasperation and hangs her head, then she nods.
"Yes, Princess, I'll obviously respect your wishes. Mizuki, I'll keep your relationship secret as you request. Still…are you two not worried about how the kingdom will react to your relationship?" (Cara)
Ilina and I look at each other, then smile in agreement. We turn back to Cara and Ilina shrugs.
"We'd like for the elves to accept us, but we aren't asking for their permission. In the worst-case scenario, Mizuki and I will leave the kingdom together. As you're now aware, Mizuki could help me protect the elves from virtually anywhere." (Ilina)
Cara seems to break out in a cold sweat.
"P-Princess…Mizuki…are you saying that, if our people reject your relationship, you'll…both leave the country?" (Cara)
"That's not what either of us wants, Cara, but...yes. If we can't be together peacefully in the Elven Kingdom, then we won't stay here." (Mizuki)
Cara gets a nervous expression on her face and looks off thoughtfully. She's silent for several moments, and I decide it's time to address another issue.
I look to the empty spot on the couch next to Alara.
"Well, with that out of the way, we should probably get on with this meeting. Zara, would you like to join us?" (Mizuki)
Zara suddenly appears on the couch next to Alara with a disappointed expression on her face.
"Mizuki, your abilities are so absurd. How long have you known that I was here?" (Zara)
I smirk at Zara.
"I knew as soon as I entered the room. Since I gave you that gift, I've made it standard practice to check for invisible people in any room I enter. On that subject…" (Mizuki)
I turn my attention to an area just behind the couch, near Zara.
"…Alto, you can join us as well." (Mizuki)
Alto suddenly appears with an annoyed look on her face.
"Tch…so, I spent all that time training, and this ability is useless on you?" (Alto)
I just shrug and give her an amused grin.
"What can I say…I'm just fun like that." (Mizuki)
Alara is shaking her head in exasperation. She's been more than a little jealous of Zara's and Alto's invisibility spells. She just assumed Alto's is also mediated by a spell ring, and I've seen no benefit to correcting her. I can only imagine how jealous she would be if she knew about Ilina's spell ring.
At this point, I notice Cara's mouth hanging open as she stares at Zara and Alto. Oh...right. She doesn't know.
"Cara, to answer your unasked question – I have the ability to make rings that give their wearers the ability to use a new spell. Invisibility is one of the spells I can bestow with such rings." (Mizuki)
"Mizuki, that's ridiculous! There have only been three elves in all our recorded history who had that ability, and you just gave it to two people who aren't even dark class! Do you know how crazy that is!?" (Cara)
Wow…that makes five total people I've heard about. Three elves, Levi, and the one Ralzen Empire spy that was mentioned by Belmod.
"Well, that's the situation. Moving on! Alara, what did you want to discuss with me?" (Mizuki)
Cara stares at me with a dumbfounded expression.
"Fufufufu…your face is so entertaining, Cara, but I agree that Mizuki is ridiculous. As for why I asked you here, Mizuki…" (Alara)
Alara's face becomes nervous, and she continues hesitantly.
"…I was wondering…would you be willing to build another train system for me? I've been discussing it with Cara, and I'd really appreciate one that connects Eden and Wellick, Cara's capital city." (Alara)
Hmm…guess that explains Cara's unexpected behavior recently, and why she hasn't requested a train from me. This was a coordinated assault, and Cara figured she'd let the person I've already given a train to ask for it instead. Clever scheme…I'm not offended.
"Oh? That's no small request. Are you willing to take on the responsibilities associated with another train? Also, wouldn't this train be passing through territory that neither of you own? Have you checked with Queen Elira if that's okay?" (Mizuki)
Alara nods furiously.
"Yes, I understand. I promise, Mizuki, I won't let it be abused. As for the other matter...I've already spoken with Mother. It took some convincing, but when she learned that another train might be built in the kingdom as a result, she happily agreed. " (Alara)
Yup...that sounds like Elira.
I nod thoughtfully to Alara, and act like I'm thinking it over. Glancing at Alara, I see her watching me intently. I suppress my urge to laugh about how nervous she seems.
"Well, okay then. In that case, how about I build you two more train systems?" (Mizuki)
Alara's eyes go wide in shock, and she responds in a shrill voice.
"Two!? What's the other one for!?" (Alara)
I smirk at Alara.
"Well, Nina found a beautiful beach on the western coast in your territory. If I build you another train there, you could build a port city with a fishing industry and beach tourism. With the trains, you'd be able to transport fresh seafood to Eden, Wellick, and Avalon, and act as a fast pathway to the ocean for the royal navy. It should all be quite profitable. Your thoughts?" (Mizuki)
Alara's eyes immediately start sparkling.
"Mizuki, that's brilliant! You'd really do that for me!?" (Alara)
I smile in amusement and nod at Alara, then her face lights up happily. I turn my attention to Cara, who is staring at me in exasperation.
"Now, Cara, if I'm going to build a train between your territories, you'll have to submit to all of Alara's conditions. Most of them come from me. In addition, you'll need to show me where you want the train station in your territory, and you'll need to arrange for some privacy while I build it. Is that acceptable?" (Mizuki)
"Well…yes…that all sounds reasonable to me. You're seriously going to let my territory have a train connecting it to Eden, just like that? Honestly, I was expecting you to require more convincing." (Cara)
I shrug and smile back at Cara.
"Nope, I don't see any issue so long as you follow the rules, which Alara will explain. You break them, however, and I'll be forced to respond accordingly." (Mizuki)
Cara looks at me like I've annoyed her somehow.
"I swear, Mizuki, I'm not stupid enough to let anyone take advantage of such a kind gesture from you. I'll do everything in my power to respect your wishes surrounding the train." (Cara)
I smile widely at Cara and clap my hands together.
"Perfect! In that case, we'll work out the details and I'll build both trains before the nobles' meeting. Was there anything else we needed to discuss?" (Mizuki)
Nina, who seemed mostly disinterested until this point, perks up and speaks out in an excited voice.
"Yes, Mizuki! Elmesia is only five or six days from Rodsgard by horse, and one or two days for a message by carrier pigeon. If word hasn't already spread of our actions in the Empire, it will soon. We should go back to the adventurer's guild and finalize any remaining business while we still can, like Alto's and Zara's rank promotions!" (Nina)
I fight the urge to roll my eyes…she's obsessed with them getting the gold cards, isn't she? Still, she makes a valid point. We might not be welcome there for much longer.
"Okay, that's a good point, Nina. We can go there today. Is that everything?" (Mizuki)
I glance around the room at everyone, and nobody speaks up. I nod at everyone approvingly.
"Alright, let's consider this meeting adjourned then! Alto, Zara, how much time do you need to prepare for a trip to the guild?" (Mizuki)
"I am ready to depart whenever, Mizuki." (Alto)
Zara looks at Alara questioningly, and Alara just smiles and nods.
"Fufufu…Mizuki just agreed to give me two new trains, Zara, so I'm happy to give you the day off. Enjoy dealing with the humans, Mizuki." (Alara)
She…really doesn't view me as human, huh?
Zara turns to me and nods politely.
"Thank you, Lady Alara. In that case, Mizuki, I am also ready to depart at any time." (Zara)
Nice, that's fine by me. I smile at everyone agreeably.
"That's what I like to hear! Very well, let's go say hi to Gerard. After all, I'm sure he missed me dearly." (Mizuki)