Everyone's heads snap toward Ilina in shock, but she just maintains an amused smile. After a moment, she decides to elaborate.
"Of course, the idea would be to give the Empire a mix of true but inconsequential information, and misleading information that benefits us. In other words, Mizuki will just do exactly what he originally intended before Belmod earned his ire – act as our source of disinformation to the Empire. If done correctly, it helps the elves and the demi-humans." (Ilina)
The room falls silent for several seconds, and it feels like people are going to all start yelling at once. Jorah has a horrified expression, and even Elira looks confused. However, Darak suddenly sighs deeply.
"What kind of disinformation would you hope to spread, and how would it benefit us?" (Darak)
Most eyes in the room swivel to Darak in disbelief, but Ilina just smiles and nods appreciatively.
"For believability, I think the Empire needs to direct the information gathering. So, if they press Mizuki for information about us during a negotiation, I think he should offer to answer no more than three questions about us as part of any deal. If he also says that questions he doesn't know the answer to will still count, then their questions will be more predictable. So, first things first, what do you suppose those three questions would be?" (Ilina)
Jorah remains bewildered over the shift in conversation topic, but some of the other nobles look conflicted and thoughtful now. Darak, however, doesn't miss a beat.
"One of them would almost certainly relate to our numbers – how many elves there are to deal with in any invasion." (Darak)
Helena appears to recover, and taps her lips thoughtfully at Darak's response.
"I agree. I think they'll also ask about the location of the royal capital within our borders. Similarly, they might ask about any defensive weak points – what the path of least resistance to the capital is. However, they'd probably consider that a risky question, since as far as they know, Mizuki has only had one brief visit to our country. He shouldn't know anything like that." (Helena)
Jorah's eyes go wide, and he's looking around the faces of the other nobles frantically.
"Have you both gone mad!? You can't seriously be entertaining this id-" (Jorah)
Cara cuts Jorah off.
"I think it's likely they'd also ask about our military power, especially the defenses around Avalon." (Cara)
Alara gives Cara a puzzled look.
"Why would they expect Mizuki to know that? As Helena said, as far as they're aware, Mizuki has only had one brief visit to our country." (Alara)
"It'd be a fair assumption for them that Mizuki has met our Queen, or at least visited our royal capital, since he obtained that S-rank endorsement. That should impart some knowledge about our capabilities and defenses." (Cara)
Alara begins nodding thoughtfully. Meanwhile, Jorah is furiously glancing between Alara and Cara. But before he can speak, Ilina's voice cuts him off.
"I agree. These seem like the three most likely questions. How many elves live in the kingdom? Where is Avalon, and perhaps other cities, located within our borders? Finally, what is Mizuki's impression of our military capabilities and defenses, around Avalon and at large?" (Ilina)
Hmm....I think I see where this is going. I give a subtle smile to Ilina, who looks back at me expectantly. Oh? I guess I have a part to play in her mind.
"So, Princess Ilina...how would you like me to answer such questions? If they arise, that is." (Mizuki)
Ilina gives me a sly smile...I guess that was the right response.
"You should tell them the truth about our numbers – it will lend some credibility to your other answers. After all, it seems like we're past the point of worrying about that information enticing them to invade, and if we're lucky it will cause them to use a smaller invasion force. As for the location of the capital...if Alara doesn't mind, I suggest that we say it's near the western coast. Perhaps a day's march inland from Alara's planned coastal city." (Ilina)
Jorah lets out a squeal.
"Princess, that's out of the question! There's a big difference between them guessing our numbers and knowing them. If the Empire knew that their army alone is almost three times our population...it'd be disastrous! My Queen, surely you agree?" (Jorah)
Elira makes a conflicted expression, periodically giving Ilina nervous glances. After a moment, Elira sighs deeply.
"For once, I can empathize with your unease Jorah. However, if I set my emotions aside...I believe that Ilina is correct. The Empire knowing our numbers is a terrifying prospect because the knowledge that they could overwhelm us would entice them to invade. However, it sounds like they've made up their mind to invade anyway. I fail to see how hiding our numbers serves a purpose anymore." (Elira)
Jorah balks at Elira's response, and Alara takes the opportunity to pipe up.
"Ehem...Princess Ilina, I'm willing to accept your suggestion about telling the Empire that the royal capital is near my planned coastal city. That said...could you explain why we should do such a thing?" (Alara)
Alara stares at Ilina expectantly, but Ilina just keeps a neutral expression while she nods.
"Three reasons. First, it makes it much easier to predict their invasion route – they'll likely come from the neighboring coast. Second, the presence of the new train systems would make it easier to transport soldiers and supplies to the warfront if necessary. Third, since the proposed area is otherwise undeveloped...well..." (Ilina)
Ilina turns her attention towards me. Confusion flashes across several of the nobles' faces, and they begin glancing between us curiously. Ilina just keeps her eyes locked with mine, and I eventually let out a deep sigh. If the third reason is what I think, then I guess she wants me to explain.
"I believe the third reason is in case I need to destroy their army. Presumably, Princess Ilina wants to avoid...collateral damage." (Mizuki)
Realization dawns on everyone in the room, and I see a few pale faces. The group is silent for several moments, then Alara turns towards me hesitantly.
"H-Hey...Mizuki. I know it's largely undeveloped, but...you wouldn't ruin my brand new territory...right?" (Alara)
"No, you can relax, Alara. Honestly, if a whole fleet of Empire soldiers shows up on your coast, well...that's enough for my condemnation. If they ignore my warnings to leave, I'll just wipe them out before they step off their boats. That shouldn't severely damage your territory." (Mizuki)
Alara visibly relaxes and nods at me gratefully. Shortly after, I hear Darak.
"Hmm...I see. I suppose I can understand the advantages that offers us. However, Princess Ilina, what of the final question? The one about our military capabilities and defenses. How do you propose that Mizuki answers it?" (Darak)
Ilina smiles at Darak, as the others around the table all look between them in anticipation.
"I'd like Mizuki to bluff – tell them that, despite our numbers, we have such superior magic that the Empire wouldn't stand a chance in an all-out conflict with us. With any luck, convincing them of that may allow us to avoid war altogether." (Ilina)
A brief silence ensues, but it's quickly broken by a deep sigh from Tessa.
"With all due respect, Princess, and as much as I feel that our magic is superior to the humans', that's just not a practical expectation. It's not believable that simply having greater magic knowledge could wholly overwhelm such an absurd difference in military numbers. Numbers, I might add, that you're proposing that we freely confirm for them. So what, exactly, do you expect Mizuki to say to them to convince them of our military superiority?" (Tessa)
Ilina gives Tessa an amused smile and shrugs.
"Oh, I'm sure that Mizuki could fabricate a reasonable explanation of magic items or the like that would be useful for a war." (Ilina)
Uhm...excuse me? Mizuki's going to do what? I give Ilina a bewildered look, and it looks like Tessa is equally skeptical, but Helena snorts before we get a chance to speak.
"Far be it from me to doubt Mizuki's silver tongue, but I fail to see how this bluff gains us anything, Princess. Even if we give them a plausible explanation for why our military is superior, they're not going to believe it on word alone. Hell, while I'm being honest, why would they trust any of Mizuki's answers?" (Helena)
Helena makes good points. Honestly, I've been wondering the same thing. Ilina mentioned that telling the truth about the elves' numbers was supposed to lend some credibility to the other answers, but I don't quite understand that logic either. How is it supposed to be discerned as truthful if the Empire has no way to validate it?
I see a whisper of a smirk appear on Ilina's face, then disappear just as quickly, as though she's pleased that Helena expressed her disbelief.
"I think the Empire will believe these answers if certain...measures...are taken." (Ilina)