Unsurprisingly, the room falls into uncomfortable silence at my words. Dargo is the first to break it, his voice exasperated but not accusatory.
"So, to summarize...if we can't keep ourselves near you, or at least Lady Nedonera, then we're essentially just hoping this Author doesn't turn hostile towards us?" (Dargo)
I wince. Rather than outright affirm his bleak take, though, I try to offer some reassurance.
"I will talk to the Greater Spirits and see if there's some of them willing to protect the royal palace, Egris estate, and Zuki estate. They're basically immortal, their magic's nearly as powerful as an Elder Dragon's, and their ability to conceal their presence and sense others is comparable to my own. So, while they can't help with the delay in summoning me for assistance, they'll significantly decrease your vulnerability to the Author." (Mizuki)
Elira raises her eyebrows.
"You really think they'd do that?" (Elira)
I sigh, shrugging.
"I mean, yeah, probably. They consider Nina and Ciri goddesses, and me...well, something significantly more terrifying, apparently. If I ordered them, based on what I've seen, they'd do it without hesitation. However, I'm just going to ask them, and only because I plan to do something for them in return. Still, they'll likely help us." (Mizuki)
It's the best I can come up with, yet it also leaves me far from satisfied with the countermeasures. At the very least, I'd like to ensure the safety of those closest to me. Nina can keep herself safe, but that still leaves Alto and Ilina. I could keep Alto by my side constantly, or with Nina after she finishes her little project in demi-human territory. However, Ilina is a Princess constantly moving about in the Kingdom, and we can't stay by her side indefinitely.
It's a problem, but...one I don't have a solution for at the moment. It's true that I could more or less ensure their safety, but not without significantly infringing on their freedom. Ironically, I can't help but think that I suddenly feel far less powerful than I did yesterday...far from omnipotent.
While the room falls into another contemplative silence – a thankfully less somber one – Cayla makes rounds at the couches, dispensing tea. To my surprise, Ciri accepts a cup from her with an interested expression, and her eyes widen in shock when she takes a sip. The dragon's eyes snap to Cayla with intense curiosity, her voice earnestly gleeful.
"This is wondrous...what is this concoction?" (Ciri)
Cayla blinks, clearly caught off guard, then smiles appreciatively. She nods.
"It's called white tea, Great Dragon...I am glad that you like it." (Cayla)
Ciri hums thoughtfully as she takes another sip, then looks back at Cayla, eyes narrowing curiously.
"You made this?" (Ciri)
Cayla nods.
"Indeed, Great Dragon...it's part of my duties as the Queen's head maid." (Cayla)
Ciri falls silent, looking back at her tea with a distracted expression. At the same time, Alto leans from behind the couch and speaks over my shoulder.
"Mizuki, since everyone is already here, perhaps you could tell us about your progress in the demi-human lands?" (Alto)
Elira perks up at the suggestion, and looks at me expectantly.
"Yes, Mizuki, that would actually be quite helpful. I'd also like to hear about this research that you had Alto performing with our people's census data...it's my understanding that she finished it." (Elira)
I raise my eyebrows. I suppose this is actually the perfect time for that. I nod politely, and most of the people in the room lock their gazes on me.
"Well..." (Mizuki)
I recount all of our experiences in the various demi-human lands, only leaving out what could get me in trouble with Azazel, and the more gruesome details surrounding the fox-kin slaves I rescued. Well, maybe I also skip over some of the specifics of my little exchanges with Teyla...minor details, really.
"...as for Alto's research, I would say that it was inconclusive with respect to our original goal, but still very informative. We'll follow up on it." (Mizuki)
When I finish summarizing the events of the past few days, everyone seems to have a different point of interest. However, I'd say that the person most moved by the information...is Percivil. He leans forward on the couch, his eyes locked on me with a rare, serious intensity. Though he hides it well, I can tell that he's deeply affected by the revelation, his composure tenuous.
"Mizuki...yah really found out where he settled down? Arranged all that for me?" (Percivil)
I smile at him warmly, glad to see he's as happy as I'd hoped he'd be.
"Of course I did, Percivil...you were my first friend on this planet. I've never forgotten that, and I hope you don't either. I, uhm...I take it you're not upset about the katana though? Giving it back felt like the right thing to do at the time..." (Mizuki)
Hearing my confirmation, tears slowly start to spill from his eyes, though he doesn't make a sound. He rests his face in his large, rough hands, quickly wiping them away with a barely audible sniffle. After a moment, he shakes his head with a relieved smile, his eyes holding equal parts sadness and gratitude.
"Aye, yah did good...thank you, Mizuki. I...I didn't think I'd ever know what became of him, or get to pay him back. Yah've given this old dwarf's soul more peace than you can imagine..." (Percivil)
I nod at him fondly, letting a comfortable silence settle while he looks off thoughtfully. After a respectful moment, Dargo politely interjects, his voice curious.
"So, at your negotiations with the Empire, you're going to bring both Zara as the wolf-kin ruler and this 'Teyla' as a ruling representative of the fox-kin? Don't you expect that to complicate the plans we've already discussed?" (Dargo)
I raise my eyebrows, surprised by the question.
"Complicate how?" (Mizuki)
Dargo purses his lips, but Elira interjects first.
"Bringing Zara was one thing – she's a member of your adventuring party, and it's unlikely that the Empire is aware of her position within the wolf-kin. However, bringing a fox-kin ruler along with Zara, even if she does not take an active role in the negotiations, completely changes the tone of the meeting.
"You're implicitly shifting this meeting from bribing them to end demi-human slavery, to an acknowledgement of the demi-humans as direct negotiators. That's the difference between a philanthropically motivated plea from your party, and backing a multi-racial alliance against the Empire." (Elira)
I tilt my head at her. Seems like a bit of a stretch to me, but then again, I'm not a ruler. Even still...
"At the risk of sounding ignorant, why would that be a problem?" (Mizuki)
Elira blinks, seemingly stupefied by the question, and Dargo swoops in tactfully.
"Because a ruler would only interpret the latter as a subtle threat of war, and that will undoubtedly affect their mindsets during the negotiations. The slaves will immediately be viewed more as hostages or prisoners of war, rather than mere merchandise, and that will reduce your likelihood of freeing them peacefully." (Dargo)
My brow furrows, considering the ramifications of that...Dargo's opinion isn't something I take lightly. However, I quickly decide that whether Dargo is correct or not doesn't really make much difference to me anymore. Not after my experiences in fox-kin territory. Not after I've come to terms with interfering in this world's affairs.
I shrug.
"Then so be it, I guess. The demi-humans should have a voice in this...have their autonomy recognized. If that offends the Empire, then that's their problem to sort out, not mine. Slavery, at least the non-human variety, is going to end in their country, one way or another." (Mizuki)
Dargo's eyes widen, and Elira looks at me incredulously.
"What if they refuse?" (Elira)
I gesture dismissively, my tone apathetic.
"Then I free every non-human in their country by force, right after I warn the Empire that further transgressions will come at the cost of their cities, starting with Rodsgard. If that doesn't stop them, well...they'll run out of cities eventually." (Mizuki)
Many in the room stiffen at my words, Elira and Dargo especially. Elira studies me in conflicted silence for a moment before responding.
"I thought you were opposed to that kind of interference, and wished to avoid revealing yourself so blatantly." (Elira)
I frown, my expression growing slightly colder.
"I've decided that, in some cases, passively allowing atrocities is more distasteful to me than whatever tyrannical actions I might take to remove them. In this case, if I have to pick between the free will of the slavers and the enslaved, I side with the latter.
"As for revealing myself...there are ways to strong arm the Empire without publicizing my abilities. For example, revealing Nina's identity, or only threatening key leadership and coercing their silence. But even still, I don't mind fully revealing myself if it guarantees the safety of anyone under my protection." (Mizuki)
And the Author's warning...well, if they're anything less than my ally, I see no reason to do as they suggest. In any other case, I don't fear the Empire knowing the truth about me. If I'm pressed, there can be no threat from a country that ceases to exist.
Looking around the room, I see expressions ranging from nervous to approving, and a tense silence descends on the gathering. Eventually, it's interrupted by the sound of Ilina's inexplicably irritated voice.
"So, this Teyla woman – the one that's attractive, flirts with you, and that you never mentioned until now – you'll be taking her to the Empire negotiations?" (Ilina)
I slowly turn to Ilina, who's staring at me expectantly, her eyes narrowed. I blink.
"Well I think I mentioned her to you in passing? Also, I never said that she flirts with me or that she's attractive." (Mizuki)
She glowers.
"Uh huh...so she's not attractive, then?" (Ilina)
I stare at her silently for a moment, then turn to the others around us, clearing my throat nervously.
"Ehem...so, are there any other questions about anything I've shared?" (Mizuki)
Inexplicably, everyone's eyes are focused on something other than me, despite my question. Then, Cara gives me a sympathetic smile and mercifully interjects, directing a question at the group in general.
"Well...if Mizuki really feels that way, and he's already bringing other races' leaders, should we send a representative of our own? Since Alto isn't in a position of traditional power in the Kingdom, I'd be happy to volunteer myself." (Cara)
The suggestion causes a number of wide eyes and snapped heads from the elves in the room. Elira fixes Cara with an especially incredulous look.
"Setting aside your safety, Cara, what could we possibly stand to gain from that? If anything, it undermines Ilina's and Mizuki's carefully laid plan to feed the Empire information about us that suits our purposes." (Elira)
Cara shrugs calmly.
"Well, our existing plan is complicated and carries its own risks – relies a lot on subtly manipulating the Empire's leaders, reveals our weaknesses, and exposes artifacts the Empire would covet. In addition, it would do little to deter another incident like Alto experienced on her outreach trip. By contrast, sending me to convince them of our strength and our resolve to defend ourselves avoids those shortcomings." (Cara)
Elira falls silent, her expression becoming conflicted. After a few moments of silence, Ilina interjects, her voice flat.
"Cara's right, Mother...mostly." (Ilina)
Cara raises her eyebrows at the unexpected endorsement, and I can't help but be surprised as well. Cara's voice turns amused...probing.
"Thank you for your support, Princess. Though, may I ask what you mean by 'mostly'?" (Cara)
Ilina gives her a smile, one that doesn't quite reach her eyes.
"I think it best to convince the Empire of our strength without revealing Mizuki's true abilities. For that reason and others..." (Ilina)
Her expression turns serious.
"...it would be better for me to go as our representative." (Ilina)