Elira's expression immediately hardens.
"Absolutely not, Ilina. You are Crown Princess...have you forgotten what happened to Rennalia?" (Elira)
Ilina glances towards Elira, her expression softening slightly when she sees her mother's concern hidden behind cold authority.
"No...I'm well aware. But it's for exactly those reasons that I should be the one to go. Sending the future queen shows strength, that we don't fear them at all, and projects the severity of our dissatisfaction with their actions towards us. My words will carry more weight than Cara's, and I'm far more powerful should a...show of strength, prove necessary. Besides, let's not pretend that I'd be in any genuine danger with Mizuki." (Ilina)
Ilina shoots me a subtly affectionate look, and I see Elira's gaze move to me expectantly as well. I nod at them both.
"If that's what you all decide, I'm on board. It goes without saying that I would never let them lay a finger on Ilina." (Mizuki)
Elira purses her lips, her expression conflicted. Dargo interjects, his expression hard to decipher.
"Explain to me how you see this playing out...bringing three non-human leaders to the Empire's capital. This would be unprecedented for our people, and we haven't even discussed it with the nobles." (Dargo)
I raise my eyebrows.
"How I see it playing out? The non-human representatives will make it clear they don't fear the Empire anymore, generously offer compensation for the peaceful release of their citizens, and warn them that refusal or further hostilities will be met with swift retribution. There's already been one demonstration of power when Belmod pushed us too far, and if that doesn't give them pause, Nina can reveal herself as an Elder Dragon. They can't be so braindead that they'd ignore our threats after that." (Mizuki)
Dargo studies me thoughtfully for a moment.
"In that case, you'd be revealing yourself as an Elder Dragon's husband – you'll be under great future scrutiny, even if your abilities aren't known. More importantly, this approach marks your adventuring party as the power behind everyone's threats of retribution...you're blatantly picking sides in what could amount to a declaration of war. Are you truly willing to go this far now?" (Dargo)
I nod without hesitation.
"I am...and honestly, I should have done it sooner. As soon as I decided to save Zara, Alto, and the others, when I proposed to Ilina, and certainly by the time I agreed to be your Prince...I was already picking sides. Insisting otherwise was just me deluding myself, hiding behind half measures and feigning impartiality. I'm not going to do that anymore." (Mizuki)
Surprise flickers across Dargo's expression, and he falls briefly silent. Meanwhile, the corner of Elira's mouth twitches, amusement clear in her tone as she responds.
"Well...I am happy to hear that, and I'm sure the nobles will be, too. Our entire Kingdom, really." (Elira)
Ilina glances between her parents, her voice expectant.
"So...you approve of me joining? Not Cara?" (Ilina)
She casts a brief, knowing look at Cara as she says the last part, eliciting a strained smile from the crimson beauty. Elira sighs and nods.
"Yes...you have my approval, assuming the nobles don't vehemently refuse. I'll speak to them in the coming days as we continue making security and Royal Announcement preparations." (Elira)
After nobody else speaks for a moment, Alyse hesitantly interjects.
"Mizuki, about what we were discussing earlier...this Author. When can we expect help from the Greater Spirits, and how long do we need to be wary of this person? Also, if you think they're focused on Alto, then...uhm, well...doesn't that mean she can't be alone?" (Alyse)
I can see a slight bit of coloring rush to Alyse's cheeks, her eyes struggling to meet mine as she finishes speaking. I suppress the urge to smile knowingly at her.
Is she thinking about volunteering herself to stay by Alto's side constantly? That's sweet, but unfortunately, I can't risk leaving Alto alone with anyone weaker than Nina.
I nod at Alyse.
"I've been meaning to go talk to the Greater Spirits for a while now, but I'll push it up to first thing tomorrow morning. As for Alto's situation, I feel the same way. Given this most recent scare, I intend to stay by her side until the situation stabilizes. If that's not possible, Nina accompanying her would be the next best option...anything less feels like a risk. Is that all okay with you, Alto?" (Mizuki)
I glance at Alto, raising my eyebrows expectantly. Catching my gaze, she purses her lips thoughtfully for a few, quiet moments, then cuts her eyes at me curiously.
"Will this delay me starting the research we discussed?" (Alto)
I blink. Is that seriously what she's worried about right now?
"Uhm...no, I suppose I can prioritize some time to accompany you wherever you need for that." (Mizuki)
She nods, seemingly about to give her approval, then abruptly stiffens. Her eyes slowly drift back to mine, expression inscrutable, voice measured.
"What do you intend to do about my security at night? Both you and Nina sleep together, in a separate part of the mansion." (Alto)
My eyes widen, briefly thrown by the question, before I realize that she's right. That's a huge concern. I planned to keep her within my sight even when I'm conscious, so shouldn't I be twice as cautious while we're both sleeping?
What exactly can I do, though? Move her to our room at night? Putting aside every other issue that might cause, I doubt Ilina and Nina would even approve of Alto sleeping on our couch, much less sharing our bed.
My brow furrows, my mind turning over the dilemma obsessively, until an unexpected voice interrupts my thoughts.
"I believe I could offer a solution." (Ciri)
I look up, surprised to find Ciri's sapphire eyes studying me. I raise my eyebrows.
"How so?" (Mizuki)
She tilts her head, her tone distinctly casual.
"If you successfully formed the Dragon Bond with me, I'd be just as suited as Nina to help you protect whomever. Should you ask me to, I would not be opposed to guarding Si-...Ilina, during the day, and I could also keep watch over this elf when the situation demands." (Ciri)
The blunt assessment causes me to freeze. Ciri's power level is about a 9, and it could easily soar to a 10 or even 11 after Bonding, based on what I saw with Nina. Combine that with the instantaneous communication via telepathy, and whatever new magic abilities she might get from me, and she'd be very helpful. Her assistance would virtually guarantee the safety of both Alto and Ilina.
Even though I suggested recruiting the Greater Spirits, without the ability to contact me instantly like Nina, I can't pretend I don't have lingering concerns. Furthermore, while I do care deeply about the others in this room, I simply can't pretend that Nina, Ilina, and Alto aren't a much higher priority for me. I can resign myself to some risk for the others, but I'm not sure I can do the same for those three. So, Ciri's offer...it's undeniably tempting.
"Mizuki..." (Ilina)
Ilina's distinctly irritated voice jars me from my thoughts, and I turn to find her glaring at me knowingly. When our eyes meet, hers narrow in a way that sends a shiver down my spine.
"Don't...you...dare." (Ilina)
I stare at her in silence for a moment, my sympathy and loyalty to Ilina warring with my paranoia and concern for both her and Alto. I glance around the room, noting the mix of confused and intensely curious gazes. I purse my lips.
"Everyone, could the five of us have the room for a bit? I honestly don't have anything else to share anyway, and it seems we have some...private matters, to discuss." (Mizuki)
Ilina's eyes widen at my obvious deflection, while the others in the room exchange reluctant glances. Thankfully, Percivil takes the initiative, slapping his thighs and rising from the couch.
"Aye, Mizuki...you can send me back to the mansion, if it suits yah. I had something else I wanted to discuss, but it can wait til' tonight. Yah know where to find me." (Percivil)
Taking the hint from him, Elira clears her throat and rises as well, causing many others in the room to hurriedly follow her lead.
"Ehem...well, we have much to discuss and prepare for. Until next time, Mizuki..." (Elira)
With that, her and others begin exiting the room, giving me small nods of acknowledgement as they pass, while Alara, Alyse, and Percivil file over to be home. Finally, Cara approaches with a friendly smile on her face, casting a brief glance at Ilina by my side.
"I'd also appreciate you sending me back to my office, if you don't mind?" (Cara)
I shake my head.
"Not at all." (Mizuki)
Before I can do as she asks, she steps forward and wraps me in a tight hug, causing Ilina to stiffen beside me. When she pulls away, she smiles at me playfully, her tone turning lighthearted.
"Thanks...and I haven't forgotten about your promise. When can I expect you for your weekly visit?" (Cara)
I blink. Honestly, that had slipped my mind with everything going on. I purse my lips thoughtfully, considering when I can spare a couple hours.
"That depends...how flexible is your schedule? I could probably stop by sometime tomorrow, but I'm not sure exactly when it would be." (Mizuki)
She shrugs.
"Tomorrow? Just give me half an hour's notice before you stop by, and...try to do it before sunset." (Cara)
I raise my eyebrows at her, curious about the stipulation, but I decide against pressing the issue. I nod.
"Got it, see you tomorrow then." (Mizuki)
She smiles appreciatively, and I teleport her back to her office without another word. Then, I take stock of the room – it's just me, Alto, Nina, Ciri...and Ilina, who is giving me a death glare. I let out a deep sigh.
"Please don't look at me like that, Ilina..." (Mizuki)
She frowns, muttering bitterly.
"How else should I look at my lying, cheating husband?" (Ilina)
My heart constricts at her words, guilt and self-doubt racking me. But before I can respond, Nina interjects, her tone sharp and jarring.
"Take your words back right now! Mizuki cannot be blamed for someone taking an interest in him, nor can he be unfriendly to every woman who does so. Regardless of how much jealousy Cara or Ciri may cause you, Ilina, that doesn't make Mizuki a liar or a cheater. Have you forgotten how he abstained from a certain little elf until I gave my blessing? " (Nina)
Ilina stiffens, her demeanor softening slightly, but her dissatisfied expression doesn't completely fade. She glares pointedly at Ciri, who is watching patiently, then glances between Nina and me.
"Fine...I'll ignore the Cara situation, but what's your excuse for her? Mizuki, you swore to me I'd be your last wife if that's what I wanted, and my feelings haven't changed. So, why haven't you rejected Ciri's slut bond yet?" (Ilina)
I raise my hands hurriedly.
"What!? It's not like that! There's nothing lewd about the Bond!" (Mizuki)
Nina interjects, chuckling.
"Fufufufu...well, there doesn't have to be." (Nina)
Heat rushes to my face, and I cast a frantic look at Nina.
"Not helping, dammit!" (Mizuki)
I look back to Ilina, who is downright scowling by now. Despite how out of hand this seems to be getting, I haven't forgotten the severity of my own concerns. I sigh deeply, my expression becoming serious.
"Ilina...I just want to know that the people I care about are safe, you, Nina, and Alto especially. You heard Ciri's offer – if we Bonded, she'd help me ensure all of you are protected. I'd never cross the line, never break my promise to you...Bond or no Bond. Still, if you truly won't condone it, I won't attempt the Bond with Ciri. Just, please, at least consider what she has to offer." (Mizuki)
Ilina's angry expression falters for a moment, and she falls into contemplative silence.