Once finished, I turn around to face the group and drop my privacy barrier. Leo, who walked over to stare at the barrier curiously, squeaks in surprise as I come into view suddenly. After a few seconds to recover, he notes the MMC's sudden appearance, then stares at me suspiciously.
"That was extremely fast, Mizuki, and it's fully embedded in the wall. Was that strange barrier meant to hide how this device was installed?" (Leo)
I give him a dumbfounded look.
"Well, yes…that should be obvious." (Mizuki)
Leo's eyes widen in surprise at my casual admission, then he sighs in exasperation and gives me an annoyed look.
"So, you're hiding your strange magic and items from us, and you won't even tell us where you live. I thought you trusted us since you invited us into your party…what gives?" (Leo)
This seems uncharacteristically childish of Leo. Does he truly not get that trust is both contextual and conditional? I sincerely doubt that he'd freely tell me everything about himself or his abilities just because I asked.
"Well, I don't think trust is all or nothing. After all, I doubt that Levi and Sylvia keeping their romantic involvement a secret means that they don't trust you and Rikard with other things. Similarly, me trusting that you'll be good party members and keep my strength a secret, doesn't mean that I have to tell you every piece of information about myself." (Mizuki)
Leo's annoyed expression melts away and he just shrugs at me.
"Yeah, I agree. Tch…it was worth a shot, though, trying to learn more about you. You can't blame me for being curious." (Leo)
I stare at Leo incredulously, but he just matches my gaze. Was this dude seriously trying to guilt trip me into sharing information with him? I sigh internally.
"Err…duly noted. Anyway, it's not like I care if you know where I live. I gave you this item because you wouldn't be able to get messages to us any other way – our house is in the Elven Kingdom." (Mizuki)
At that comment, not only does Leo look to me in shock, but so do the others who trickled over to stare at the MMC. Even Levi is bewildered…a rarity for him at this stage in our relationship.
"The elves accept you living among them!? A human!?" (Levi)
Leo is staring at me nervously.
"Levi, as crazy as that is, you're fixating on the wrong thing. The Elven Kingdom is on nearly the opposite side of the planet. If Mizuki's party was seen around Elmesia more, I'd assume they had a room locally. However, if they're not…Mizuki, have you been casually teleporting from the Elven Kingdom when we see you?" (Leo)
The others look at Leo incredulously, then turn to me with questioning gazes. I also sense impatience from Nina. Oh yeah, the conversation got derailed again. I sigh deeply and shrug.
"Yes, Leo, you're correct. Now that you know that, you can't say I never trust you with information. Okay then, everyone, can I explain how this item I installed works now? Nina and I must be going soon." (Mizuki)
After a few moments of dumbfounded and exasperated stares from Levi's party, there's a round of begrudging nods. I sense satisfaction from Nina. Great, crisis averted!
"Wonderful! So, this is called a micro-messaging center, or MMC…" (Mizuki)
I proceed to give Levi's group my general demonstration of how to use their MMC, and I include warnings about never using the cylinder outside its respective placeholder.
I focus on Leo as I give the warning, and I tell them that not heeding my warning could cause the device to malfunction and kill someone. It's unlikely, but technically true! After all, if the teleportation of the item works relatively, then moving the cylinder could cause you to teleport space outside the designated area in the linked MMC. If a person is occupying that space, I guess a chunk of them would go missing.
The warning seems to make Levi's party pretty compliant.
"Lastly, under no circumstances are you allowed to tell anyone else about this device or attempt to study it yourselves. You should tell Gerard and Theresa that you have a way to get in touch with me quickly in case they need something, but nothing more specific than that. Can I count on you all to respect these conditions?" (Mizuki)
I direct a very stern expression at each of them in turn as I give my final warnings and wait for their acknowledgement. There's a round of assent, but Leo looks a little bitter about my conditions. I'm guessing the one about not even studying the device himself. Best to be safe.
I glance at Nina across the room.
[Nina, are they all being sincere about not breaking my rules?] (Mizuki)
Nina smirks and nods subtly.
[Yes, it's fine. I believe Leo was considering deception at first, but he seems resigned to do as you said. I wouldn't be concerned.] (Nina)
Great, that's a relief. Although, it sounds like Leo doesn't have any problem lying or ignoring my orders for his own agenda, if he thinks he can get away with it. I'll remember that going forward.
"I appreciate everyone's understanding! If there's nothing else, Nina and I should probably depart now. Before I go, though, here…" (Mizuki)
I open my item box and retrieve two platinum coins from the coin purse inside. Then, I hand them to Levi. He and his party's mouths are hanging open.
"Are these platinum coins!? What are they for!?" (Levi)
"Well, they're for you. I always take care of my party members' basic needs and equipment. If there's new gear you've been wanting, go get it. You're all experienced adventurers, so I trust that you know what's best. If you need more money later, then just send a message through the MMC." (Mizuki)
Leo stares at me like I'm insane.
"You're saying you'll keep sending us money? What's the catch?" (Leo)
I nod patiently.
"Yes, these are just starter funds to set you up. I think, going forward, a gold coin per month for everyone's basic needs sounds fair. There's no catch – the money isn't contingent on you accepting my jobs, so long as you justify rejecting them. I don't really care about money." (Mizuki)
Well, not anymore, at least.
Sylvia reaches out and grabs one of the platinum coins from Levi, then eyes it over skeptically. She looks at me with an amused smile.
"Well, I guess you've earned a little respect...Boss." (Sylvia)
I sigh deeply. And here I was thinking Nina was fickle.