Alyse leans in and a smile returns to her face.
"Give me all the details about why Alara Zuki would name her new noble house after you." (Alyse)
I hope she accepts the short story version of this, because I can't tell her the whole truth. I think Alara only did it because, one, she's got shit-all talent for naming things, and two, I showed her kindness when she was absolutely terrified of me. I can't very well tell Alyse about Alara's fear of me.
"Well, we had a pretty rocky start, and she was mean to me, but she eventually regretted it, I think. When she ultimately left the royal family and was faced with the daunting challenge of her completely undeveloped new territory, I offered her our help. I guess that she felt appreciative enough to change her name, since I offered our help even after how she treated me." (Mizuki)
Alyse stares at me for a moment, then sighs in exasperation.
"That…doesn't really explain anything! I'd already heard that Lady Nedonera and her party were helping out with Alara's territory development. But your Lady is the one doing most of the work, right? So, why are you the focus of Alara's gratitude? Why did she regret being mean to you? That just doesn't sound like her. Also, don't tell me that those count as extra questions – they were included in my first question." (Alyse)
I make a placating gesture to a very irritated-looking Alyse.
"No, I wasn't going to say that. I would guess that I'm the one she focused on because I made the plea to my Lady for assistance. It sounds like your confusion stems from not understanding the inner-workings of Lady Alara's mind. That's not something I'd know either. However, she's obviously not the person you think. Not anymore. If you really want answers to your questions, you'd have to ask her yourself." (Mizuki)
Alyse continues glaring at me skeptically for several moments, then groans and nods.
"Fine…I suppose that you're right. So, what's your next question?" (Alyse)
I nod appreciatively to Alyse. I'm glad she's dropping it. My next question, though…it's more of a curiosity. Alto mentioned that, when she asked Alyse what she wanted from us, Alyse said that she was just curious about us. I can believe that, but I also have another question that might be more informative.
"Hmm…if I told you that you could make one request of me or our group, and we'd grant it, what would that be?" (Mizuki)
Alyse's eyes fly open in surprise, and she seems thoughtful for several minutes while we continue eating.
"Well…I don't really know what you all are capable of. Though, it sounds like your Lady can make some pretty incredible magic items. Ones that are found nowhere else in the entire world. If she could make one that lets my brother Reynard use physical enhancement spells like the rest of our family, I'd ask for that. But as far as I know, it's impossible." (Alyse)
A selfless request, huh? She mentioned her brother's lack of practical magic when she explained her family backstory earlier, but I don't know much else about him. I guess they're pretty close. That aside, she sounds like she sincerely doubts it's possible, so that couldn't have been a motivating factor for meeting us. I'll have to modify the question a bit.
"That's an admirable answer. Sadly, my Lady cannot make a magic item like you described. So, given only what you know or assume us to be capable of, what alternative request would you make?" (Mizuki)
That's technically true...Nina can't make spell rings. I'm not about to just mention spell rings to Alyse, though, no matter how sad her brother's story is. That's a heavily guarded secret of mine.
Despite saying that she doubted its plausibility, Alyse looks a bit disappointed by my remark. After a moment in silence, she nods.
"I guess I'm pretty curious about the wolf-kin swordsman in your group. I was hoping to meet her when you visited, but it seems she did not accompany you. Maybe I'd request a chance to spar with her. Out of curiosity, and not intending it as an official question, is this a purely hypothetical discussion?" (Alyse)
I have to suppress a smile…Zara would no doubt be exceedingly flattered by that. To think she's come so far that she's developing a reputation like this is exciting. Speaking of which, Alto mentioned that Alyse took sword training pretty seriously, but is she any good? If so, I'm sure Zara would also be interested in a sparring match.
Alyse is staring at me hopefully. I guess I can give her some good news.
"If that's what your request would be, it might not be so hypothetical. Regarding your skill with a sword…are you any good?" (Mizuki)
An especially cocky smirk spreads across Alyse's face, and she focuses her eyes on mine.
"In terms of pure sword technique, I only know of one other person who surpasses me. In terms of overall combat prowess…I haven't tasted defeat since I was a girl. I can think of nobody who could best me in a sparring match, though I admit that only applies to elves." (Alyse)
I can't keep the surprise off my face, and Alyse somehow develops an even more smug expression. Is she really that good? She's basically claiming to be the strongest elf in the world. Obviously, that's not true. At minimum, Ilina can beat her. With her new ring, Alara probably can, too. Then, of course, there's Alto. She might be able to beat her even without any rings. Still, that's all due to my influence, so Alyse wouldn't know.
"Hmm…in that case, I think having you spar with Zara would be a good idea." (Mizuki)
Alyse's eyes light up, and her smile transitions to one of pure excitement.
"So, her name is Zara…how exciting. You really think she'll want to spar? No, of course she would, if she's truly dedicated to the sword. But will Lady Nedonera allow it? I hope so…the idea of someone possibly defeating me in single combat is so exciting." (Alyse)
Alyse isn't even looking at me anymore, she's almost muttering to herself at this point. Guess she really loves sword matches…I think Zara and her will have a lot in common.
I clear my throat, and Alyse stops muttering and looks up at me expectantly.
"Ehem…I'm certain that my Lady would allow such a match, and you're correct that Zara would be interested. We need only find a time and place. For the record, however, there are at least three elves who I think could beat you in single combat. Although, none of them are masters of the sword." (Mizuki)
Alyse looks pleased at first, then directs an incredulous gaze at me.
"Three ranged fighters from my own country who can beat me, but whom I've never met? No offense, Mizuki, but you've never seen me fight. The mages I've fought have always been at a significant disadvantage. You might be underestimating me here." (Alyse)
Though I can tell what her magic abilities are, she has a point about her full fighting potential being unknown to me. Still…
"It's a fair enough point that I've never seen you actually fight, which is why I said I think they could beat you. Still, there's no need for debate. After all, one of those three elves is sitting at this table with us." (Mizuki)
Confusion flashes across Alyse's face and remains there for several seconds, then her eyes shoot wide open, and she snaps her head towards Alto. After a moment of staring, Alto seems to notice and gives me a suspicious look. Alyse turns back to face me with a dumbfounded expression.
"I knew she wasn't a pushover, but...you truly believe Alto to be one of the three strongest elves in the world? I admit, that's hard to believe. She's not even a high elf. There's normally so much of a gap in magical ability between elves and high elves. Even weak high elves have more magic power than the elite royal guards, to say nothing of magic classes or affinities." (Alyse)
"I do. In fact, what would y-" (Mizuki)
I'm interrupted by an earthy scent, and further words are cut off by a soft object being pressed against by face like a pillow gag. As I'm trying to make sense of what's going on, a shrill whine pierces my ears.
"Ooooooh, M-Mizuk'eeeeeyyy! Y-You should reallyyyy try some of this wineeee! It's soooo gooooooodd!" (Nina)
As Nina's words register, I realize that she's slung herself around my neck in a drunken hug, almost completely removed from her seat. To my horror, the pillow gag threatening to suffocate me is...her breasts.
Has this dragon completely lost her mind!? We're at a dinner table, and I'm supposed to be her servant right now!
"N-hgh-na! W-ghg-t gh f-ghg a-gh y-gh th-hgh-ng!?" (Mizuki)
"Whaaah? Did you say somethingggg? Mizuk'eyyy? Oh, I knowww, are you enjoying this? Fufufu…so naughtyyyy, Mizuk'eyyy!" (Nina)
I feel the pillow gag removed as I gasp for air, and I see a red-faced Nina grinning dopily at me with half-closed eyes. Is this dragon… fucking sloshed!?
I narrow my eyes at Nina, and I'm about to give her a very stern lecture out of reflex. Then, I remember where we are, and I freeze. I slowly look over at Alyse...her jaw might as well be on the floor. She looks horrified. Great…