"So, I was curious why you joined Mizuki's party, Zara?" (Cara)
My party? Is she trying to bait her? Trap her? Zara's face doesn't falter however, and she responds evenly. She's getting better at these situations.
"I prefer direct questions, Lady Cara. I'm sure you're aware that the party is Lady Nedonera's, not Mizuki's, and I don't know what the goal of such a trick question would be. If you're wondering where my loyalty lies, it's with Mizuki, same as Alto." (Zara)
Cara raises an eyebrow at Zara, then glances at me curiously.
"Very well, I apologize for the underhanded question. May I ask why your loyalty is towards Mizuki and not Lady Nedonera? Wolf-kin gravitate towards strength. I understand that Mizuki can't use magic, and while I'm sure that is very misleading of his capabilities, he can't be remotely in the same class as Lady Nedonera." (Cara)
Zara smiles wryly. Yeah, finding that funny is in character for her.
"You're correct, the difference in their strengths is laughable. However, as I'm sure Mizuki mentioned, I think that wolf-kin world views will drive us to extinction if we don't change. On the average, we're stronger than elves, but as a people we're incalculably weaker. So, the solution isn't traditional strength, like Lady Nedonera personifies, but in new ideas and practices. I believe that Mizuki is the best source of such things, so I joined him, and I've learned much in the short time since." (Zara)
Cara is staring at Zara like she just found a rare animal, thought to be extinct.
"Zara, you may be interested to know that, towards the end of our meeting with Mizuki, I advised the other nobles to give you all a large amount of undeveloped land in the Elven Kingdom, and to welcome you as independent residents. This was in addition to the travel crests, S-rank guild recommendations, and money. I did it because I was instinctively convinced it was necessary. Why do you think that is?" (Cara)
Zara pauses for a moment and looks at Cara in surprise. Then, she resumes walking and responds to Cara with a smirk.
"Well, I think it's because you're by far the smartest elf I've met since joining Mizuki in this country." (Zara)
Cara narrows her eyes at Zara nervously.
"Oh? I didn't get the impression that he personally cared whether my advice was heeded, nor do I think Lady Nedonera cared." (Cara)
Zara just shakes her head in amusement. Seeing this, Cara sighs regretfully and seems to accept that her conversation with Zara has reached a dead end.
"Mizuki, you attract the most interesting people. Regarding why I first approached you…I was hoping I could help you, and we could be friends, of sorts." (Cara)
Friends? Yeah, I doubt it.
"Fufufu…you've been the most frequent source of surprises here, Cara. How would you be helping me, and what do you consider us being friends to entail? You should probably just be more transactional with your proposal, instead of pretending that a meaningful bond between us is your goal." (Mizuki)
"Words hurt, Mizuki, but very well. I'd like to help you improve your reputation within our kingdom as much as possible in the next few days – that seems to be the primary thing preventing Lady Nedonera's party from being here more permanently. If the worst comes to pass, and those royal crests are the limit of your access to our country, I hope you'll consider an alternative offer from me directly. That consideration is what I ask in return for my help now." (Cara)
Alternative offer? What's that about? Cara is eyeing me expectantly.
"Could you elaborate?" (Mizuki)
"Hmm…your royal crests allow you to exist anywhere within our borders as long as you want, and to purchase services and goods, but they don't grant you full elven rights or allow you to own property. However, if a certain noble were to discreetly build a secluded guest house somewhere in their territory, and be indefinitely hospitable to you, that would be like living here without any policy violations. What do you think of that, Mizuki?" (Cara)
That sneaky elf…that's a loophole! Why didn't I think of it!? Wait…had Elira already thought of this?
"Hmm…that's very interesting. Out of curiosity, what's to stop the royal family from expoiting such a technicality?" (Mizuki)
"The royal family does not technically own property outside the palace, and them keeping guests indefinitely would raise eyebrows. However, a noble indefinitely hosting guests outside their family home, even if it becomes public knowledge, would not ruffle nearly as many feathers." (Cara)
She's clever…I guess she surmised what I was thinking. Her answers don't sound untruthful, though.
"Alright, Cara, you've made your point. I won't promise a decision, but I pledge to discuss this hypothetical situation with Lady Nedonera. I'm quite fond of loopholes, after all." (Mizuki)
Cara looks over and gives me a smug smile.
"Wonderful! That's all I ask. Now, let's start introducing you to people as my friendly acquaintance." (Cara)
"Fufufu…I suppose we're friendly enough, but are you sure you're well-liked enough? Your reputation might take a hit, after all." (Mizuki)
Cara narrows her eyes at me seriously.
"I'll have you know that I'm quite popular among the elves, to an annoying degree. If keeping your company lessens that attention, I welcome it. If it would slow the onslaught of suitors, they can even think you're my lover for all I care." (Cara)
Ahh…is this about her red hair and eyes? I'm not even sure that I've seen a human with them here, on reflection, and it's definitely out of place among the elves. Redheads weren't nearly so exotic on Earth, though.
"Could I wager a guess that, because of your hair and eyes, you're treated like a rare bird. You don't like the attention because it feels hollow, like they're just admiring you as a curiosity?" (Mizuki)
Cara's expression shifts to one of surprise, then annoyance.
"Yes…it's pretty much as you say. My features are exceedingly rare among the elves, or even the humans from what I understand. I have a very long life ahead of me, and the attention is already grating. Although…you don't seem particularly interested in my appearance…why is that?" (Cara)
"Hmm…let's just say, your appearance is nothing particularly novel to me. Your personality on the other hand…that's far more intriguing." (Mizuki)
Cara snorts, and her tone becomes heavy with sarcasm.
"My, you're quite the flatterer, Mizuki. Do women everywhere know of your charm?" (Cara)
"Sadly, no, I only share it with friendly acquaintances." (Mizuki)
I make sure to infuse sarcasm as I tease her for her characterization of our relationship. Cara rolls her eyes, but I see the trace of a smile on her face.
We transition into a comfortable silence, and Cara begins leading me around the ballroom to meet with various elves.