"Mistress, I apol-" (Ciri)
"Don't talk." (Ilina)
Ciri closes her mouth, continuing to sit on her ankles with her head lowered submissively. Overall, it'd be a convincingly remorseful display...if not for the lingering curve in her lips, and the lifetime's worth of satisfaction rolling off Ciri through our new Bond.
I glance hesitantly at Ilina, meeting her cold, irritated expression with a small, hesitant smile.
"Uhm, Ilina...don't you think we've stayed like this long enough? Ciri lying on me like that was just an accident, after all." (Mizuki)
My gaze drifts pointedly to how I'm reclined on the couch in our mansion's family room, Ilina straddling me provocatively, her body wrapped tightly around me in a koala position. In essence, the position we've been in for almost an hour now, ever since Ilina calmed down enough for us all to retire back home for further discussion.
Ilina's eyes narrow at my question.
"No...it's not long enough, not until I've overwritten every trace of her on you, and I'm satisfied that she understands her place. Which is, for the record, never lying on top of you!" (Ilina)
I wince, briefly considering telling her that this is a little ridiculous. However, since she quite literally promised me such antics when she sanctioned my Bond with Ciri – and I quite value my life – I abstain from such a rebuttal. Instead, I clear my throat nervously, turning my attention to Alto and Nina on the opposing couch.
"Ehem...well, as long as I'm stuck here, is there anything I can do for you two? Anything you want to discuss? I know today has been...a lot, and it sounds like my life won't calm down anytime soon, but I don't want to neglect what matters to me." (Mizuki)
The two widen their eyes in mild surprise. Then, while Nina gives me a small, appreciative smile, Alto's brow furrows in concern.
"Before anything else, I'd like to know how sure you are that the Author isn't here now. You said they weren't hiding during our meeting at the palace, nor once we arrived here, but...you never elaborated." (Alto)
The others become more attentive hearing Alto's question, while the reminder of our local voyeur immediately causes me to tense, conjuring that unsettling feeling of being watched in complete secrecy earlier today...in this very room. Alto's question is a fair one.
The truth is, I can't be absolutely sure we aren't being watched, even right now, but I'm reasonably confident that's not the case. After all, this scare has taken my paranoia to new levels, birthing a particularly thorough magic scanning protocol...one I used at the palace earlier as well as here when we returned.
First, I locked down the area with a forcefield, then used my magic sense and magic domain to thoroughly investigate – no traditional magic signatures, no evidence of magic patterns consistent with spell casting. I even used my magic CAT scan ability to confirm there was no invisible matter in the room. Then, just in case the Author can somehow prevent both their magic and body mass from reacting with my own magic, I scanned for the distribution of diatomic nitrogen within my magic domain – essentially detecting matter indirectly via air gaps.
Everything suggests we were...we are, completely alone.
I nod at Alto.
"I'm certain that they're not physically present...there's just no way a material being could trick my senses so thoroughly. However, while I find it unlikely, I cannot similarly rule out the possibility that they are still surveilling us remotely. What I can say is that it's not worth worrying about. Someone capable of doing that so covertly that I can't even detect it while actively searching...
"Well, I can't imagine them being someone I'm equipped to deal with. And if they were that powerful, they'd have no discernible reason for this level of secrecy in the first place." (Mizuki)
I also direct a private, telepathic message to Alto, explaining the science of what spells I used that make me so confident, since Ciri isn't one of the three I can talk about such things around.
Alto nods, looking off thoughtfully. Then, Ciri's voice echoes in my head...presumably because Ilina told her not to talk earlier.
[I was surprised to learn there is a being that can elude you like this. Regrettably, in all my time on this planet, I have never seen nor heard of such an entity. Do you think they are a recent transplant of Azazel's?] (Ciri)
My jaw clenches slightly at the question...I've wondered much the same. Now that I have a better grasp on their potential abilities, their prior anonymity seems unlikely unless they arrived on this planet after me, which obviously implicates Azazel.
[I suppose I can't be sure, but...yes. That's why I intend to ask him about this directly.] (Mizuki)
I sense a wave of silent confusion from Ciri, and I only just realize my mistake as she responds.
[Ask Azazel directly? What do you mean?] (Ciri)
I silently swear at myself.
There is technically nothing against Azazel's rules about mentioning that I can visit him, but...it's far from unproblematic information. Even the Elder Dragons aren't offered that privilege, so hearing that I can do it is bound to raise questions. Nevertheless, now that I've slipped up like this with Ciri, it's better to just inform her of the bare minimum and swear her to secrecy.
I sigh internally.
[The truth is, him and I have a kind of...arrangement, where I can visit him anytime that I want. However, nobody – and I mean nobody – other than the people in this room knows that, so don't tell anyone.] (Mizuki)
The shock I feel from Ciri is so profound that I almost physically jerk in response. Those feelings quickly devolve into something more conflicted, more complicated, and she doesn't respond for several moments. When she eventually does, every word seems heavy with unease.
[I understand, but...I'd like to encourage you to be wary of interacting with Azazel.] (Ciri)
I raise my eyebrows, something in her tone catching my interest.
[Is there a specific reason why? Something that would endanger me?] (Mizuki)
Ciri pauses.
[No...just the nature of gods. Him having such interest in a mortal, no matter how exceptional you are, is not to be taken lightly. It's like you taking notice of a bug – rarely done with their best interests in mind.] (Ciri)
The comparison sends a shiver up my spine, and I subconsciously glance over at Ciri. She's in the same kneeling position as before, but the subtle smile has vanished from her face, replaced with a troubled expression.
Nina's voice interrupts.
"Mizuki, regardless of how little we worry about this Author, the fact remains...I do not enjoy the powerlessness I felt today. This tremendous boost in power from Ciri's strange new Bond with us has not changed that. If possible, I'd like for you to...help me, like you did Alto." (Nina)
I turn towards her, my expression bewildered. She...wants me to teach her science-based magic? NINA!? Is that supposed to be a joke?
"Seriously?" (Mizuki)
She nods, no signs of levity at all on her face. Ilina suddenly stirs on top of me, lifting her head from my chest to look me in the eye. Her expression is also serious.
"Mizuki, I...wish to ask that of you as well. I'm tired of being the weakest person here." (Ilina)
I blink, stunned, and Alto's voice piles on before I can respond.
"Since we are on the subject, Mizuki...I also desperately require your help in that regard. No matter how proficient I've become with spells, I am limited by my magic capacity. Ciri is a quite literally a billion times more powerful than me now, Nina not far behind her...even Ilina magically outclasses me dozens of times over.
"If you can...if it's possible...please help me find a way to overcome this limitation." (Alto)
If Nina's and Ilina's comments stunned me, this one leaves me completely questioning reality. How in the hell is that an even remotely reasonable request!? I just completed research with her that suggested my only idea on how to do such a thing isn't possible! This is the kind of bonkers shit that I expect from Ilina, not my reliable, rational Alto!
As if my opinion of the request is written clearly on my face, Alto's expression turns grim, her voice quieting to a whisper. If one looked closely, they'd even find the knuckles of her fists whitening.
"Please...I can't be a burden...I won't be useless..." (Alto)
What the hell is she talking about? When has she ever been anything close to useless or a burden?
Before I can express that sentiment, though, I feel Ilina stiffen, her fists balling up the fabric of my shirt.
"Mizuki..." (Ilina)
I glance down, only to find her grey eyes looking into mine, full of sympathy and a silent plea. At the sight of them, my heart constricts with guilt. What else am I supposed to do when even Ilina's advocating for her like that? I sigh internally...these next few weeks are going to feel like years.
I nod at her, then at Alto, before glancing at Nina knowingly, too. I smile wryly.
"Come on guys...don't look at me with those faces, all gloomy and serious-like. Have I ever turned you down before?" (Mizuki)
All of their eyes widen, and I assume it's because they're deeply touched by my response, but...
"Just the other night, in fact...too tired, was it?" (Nina)
"Only when I poured my heart out to you before Nina yielded her monogamy, every time I tried to consummate our relationship before Nina's blessing, whenever I tell you to quit being friendly with other women like Cara...off the top of my head." (Ilina)
I blink. They really are taking me entirely too literally, right?
"Hmm...no, never." (Alto)
Ahh, I'm one for three, I guess.
Unfortunately, my gratitude is short-lived, brought to a swift end as Ilina's fingernails dig into my skin through my shirt. If only that were the worst of it, though, because Ciri picks that moment to break her silence.
"How curious...so the blonde elf is the favorite of your mates." (Ciri)
I freeze, slowly turning towards Ciri. Alas, before I can lay eyes on her cursed personage, I feel a hand seize my jaw, and my gaze is forcibly snapped to meet that of a certain silver-haired goddess of death. At least, that's what I assume Ilina has shattered her mortal limits to become, since one look at those stormy grey eyes nearly kills me.
"What...exactly...gave her the idea Alto's your mate, hmm?" (Ilina)
Her voice reaches my ears, cold and threatening, her expression deeply suspicious. My eyes widen, voice turning frantic.
"What!? Nothing! Alto, back me up here!" (Mizuki)
I glance at Alto desperately. To my great surprise, though, she looks uncharacteristically flustered as well. Her eyes wide, face slightly flushed, gaze fixed on me with an expression that's almost...expectant. When our eyes meet, she blinks, seemingly realizing my situation. Her face tightens, and she responds in a measured tone.
"Mizuki and I have not engaged in sexual intimacy." (Alto)
My eyes nearly bulge out of my head, words subconsciously slipping from my lips in a nigh-hysterical tone.
"What in the Aspergers {English} are you phrasing it like that for, Alto!? It sounds suspicious as hell! Just say we're just friends, like a normal person!" (Mizuki)
Ciri's eyebrows raise, and she turns to Alto with a surprised look.
"Your relationship is strictly platonic?" (Ciri)
Strangely, Alto doesn't answer right away, staring at Ciri in stoic silence for several moments. Then...
"That is correct." (Alto)
While I feel relief at the clarification, Ciri's eyes narrow, and I feel a surge of confusion from her. Which, in turn, confuses me.
Knock, knock, knock!
The sounds of soft, quick knocks on the room's door interrupt the moment. All of our heads turn towards the sound, just in time to see the door open, revealing a hesitant-looking Alara and Alyse. Alara scans the room for a second, before her eyes land on me.
"Uhm...am I interrupting?" (Alara)
There's a brief pause.
""No!"" (Mizuki, Alto)
""Yes!"" (Ilina, Ciri, Nina)
Everyone falls briefly silent, all of us glancing at one another in surprise. I recover quickly, turning my gaze back to the stunned-looking Alara.
"Ignore them...what is it, Alara? Did something happen?" (Mizuki)
After another hesitant glance at the others, Alara's eyes slide back to me and she nods.
"Yes, I received a business letter earlier today...one that could prove incredibly beneficial for Eden. It included an invitation to visit the owners' estate and discuss the details in person." (Alara)
I give her a puzzled look.
"Uhm, that's great, but...at the risk of sounding rude, why are you telling me?" (Mizuki)
She smiles apologetically.
"They actually asked for you to attend the meeting. Or rather, for 'Lady Nedonera, her human secretary, and other underlings' to attend. Still, given your explicit mention, I'm inclined to think that you attending would significantly improve the business discussions." (Alara)
My eyes widen in surprise at the information. Not because someone seems interested in trying to meet Nina's party, but more so because they referred to me as her secretary. I guess, despite the presence of the trains and several days' passing, news of me being Nina's husband hasn't extended far beyond Eden. Perhaps the information leak from Nina's slip-up wasn't as bad as I thought?
"I must decline. Not only do they sound painfully annoying, but I am much too busy in the coming days. I have obligations in the demi-human lands, and other personal endeavors that take priority." (Nina)
Nina's quick refusal snaps me from my introspection, and I nod at Alara.
"That's true...and obviously Zara is off the table as well. However, if it's not an unreasonably long meeting, I'd be happy to attend and help however I can. If I'm not mistaken, my prior role as Nina's proxy should be public knowledge, and it won't be long before it's known that I'm her husband as well." (Mizuki)
Alara sighs in relief, making a grateful expression.
"That would be a huge help, thank you. Would three days from now be okay with you?" (Alara)
I nod.
"Sure...who are we meeting with?" (Mizuki)
She smiles, her relief turning to greedy excitement.
"The Silver Medallion Trading Company." (Alara)