I nod at Cayla with an appreciative smile.
"Thank you for your honesty, Cayla. Can I ask, then, what you think of me? Also, you can just call me Mizuki in such situations. I don't think I really deserve the honorifics, and they make me uncomfortable." (Mizuki)
Cayla gives a wide smile.
"Of course, Mizuki. I was concerned by your being human at first, but it's clear now that my concerns were unfounded. I think you're very kindhearted, and I don't fear you at all. You were more polite to me than any elven guests that I have served during my time here. I truly hope other elves around the city have not been unkind to you." (Cayla)
I watch her face as she responds, and she seems quite genuine. She's really not worried about me…why? We've barely spoken. I try to hide my confusion, and I press on with my next question.
"Well, I'm not sure I deserve that kind of praise, but I appreciate it regardless. Then, on that subject, how do you feel after learning about Ilina's and I's relationship?" (Mizuki)
Now Cayla looks conflicted, and she waits several moments before responding.
"Well…I don't take any issue with it personally. I've even heard that Princess Ilina wishes for you two to be married, and I think you'd personally be a good husband to her. However, it's…more complicated than your personal dynamics. For example, your short lifespan, the impossibility of royal children, the nobles' opinions, the reaction of the people, the difficulties with Princess Ilina finding husbands after you die, and the fact that she's now our First Princess. So, I'm confused why these issues aren't more of a concern." (Cayla)
I'm sure the shock shows on my face…that was frank. Seeing this, Cayla quickly becomes flustered and starts trying to apologize but I cut her off with a placating gesture. I smile reassuringly as I respond.
"No, no, that's okay Cayla. I very much appreciate your honesty. Alright, Cayla has convinced me, I'm fine with them staying for any of our discussions in the future. They can know anything you know, Elira and Dargo, as long as the information I originally kept from them does not spread further." (Mizuki)
Cayla looks deeply relieved, and Elira just looks…smug? Dargo and Ilina are simply smiling politely.
"To show my appreciation for your honesty, is there anything you'd like to ask me, Cayla? I won't be offended…you can ask whatever you want." (Mizuki)
Cayla looks surprised and conflicted, and her expression transitions to a mix of concern and curiosity.
"Uhm…could I know why your relationship with Lady Nedonera is this way? Why do you always seem to speak for her, and why does she trust you so much? I think you're very polite and clever, but it seems strange that such a trusted subordinate can't even use magic." (Cayla)
Looks like her curiosity won out, but she's also more than a little embarrassed. Nina decides to answer her question before I can.
"Fufufu…I do enjoy seeing how you all react when you learn the truth. The answer to your question is that everyone here considers Mizuki our leader, including me. Though, I'm his partner and lover as well. The idea that he cannot use magic is also laughably untrue. Mizuki is the strongest being on this entire planet, and not even Elder Dragons would survive combat with him if he truly desired violence." (Nina)
Nina…was the part about being my lover really necessary?
Cayla's mouth is hanging open in shock, and she looks at me questioningly. I just shrug and nod my agreement sheepishly. After a moment, her shock transitions to…relief!?
"Even though it raises more questions, I am glad to hear that. If Mizuki is the leader of your group, and that strong as well, I feel quite a bit safer honestly. Also, other things make more sense with this in mind. Can I also ask why the public union of Mizuki and Princess Ilina is being prioritized so much?" (Cayla)
"I can answer that, Cayla. Mizuki is like an Elder Dragon – he can't die of old age. Likely, he will far outlive even me, so he'd be my romantic partner for my whole life. It's also likely that any children we have would appear like normal elves or high elves, just with longer lifespans. So, since I don't want to take other husbands, and heirs are no issue, we would like to enjoy our extremely long lives together without hiding our relationship. Also, Lady Nedonera insists on it." (Ilina)
Cayla looks surprised, then nods appreciatively. Great, I'm glad that's all taken care of.
"Okay, now that all of that is out of the way…Elira, what did you call us here to discuss?" (Mizuki)
Elira nods solemnly.
"Yes, about that…it's regarding the upcoming royal announcement. I think that Alara might be a problem." (Elira)
Man…that chick is really starting to get on my nerves. I narrow my eyes at Elira, and she begins to look a little nervous.
"Could you elaborate please, Elira?" (Mizuki)
"Well…she's not going back on your deal. However, it seems that she intends to try and turn elven nobles and citizens against you at the royal announcement. I'd say we could just leave her out of the proceedings all together, but her presence and support of Ilina's succession would go a long way towards calming any concerns." (Elira)
Elira's gauging my reaction carefully, and it's painfully clear that she's concerned about how much tolerance I'll have for Alara going forward. Honestly, she's right to be concerned. I'm sick of that elf.
"Does anyone have any alternative suggestions to fix Alara's problematic intentions without affecting her support of Ilina's succession?" (Mizuki)
The room is completely silent, and a cold sweat seems to be forming on Elira. So, no dice. I let out a long, deep sigh.
"Very well, I'll handle it then. Bring Alara here immediately." (Mizuki)
Elira and Dargo immediately go pale.