Klaus and Ilina both open their mouths in shock and stand up like they're going to ask me questions, but I raise my hand to cut them off.
"I know you're dying to know how that's possible, or think I'm deranged, or something else, but I meant what I said. Also, don't bother with any questions about how I'm doing it. I'll tell you tomorrow when we depart, but not before then. If you want to see the dragon quickly, you only have to do as I asked." (Mizuki)
Ilina has a range of emotions flicker across her face, but after a moment she seems to resolve them. She smiles as earnestly as I've seen then entire night, then nods.
"Alright, Mizuki, we'll be ready for you tomorrow morning then."
After, Ilina suggests sharing tea and snacks to help ease the tension that built up. She doesn't want us to go into tomorrow suspicious of one another.
I think it's a refreshingly civil suggestion from her, and since the tension is kind of my fault, I agree. So, I spend some time engaging in idle chat with them about the city before wrapping up with them for the night.
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I've returned to my inn room, and it's a couple hours after dark, but still too soon to sleep. Unfortunately, it's not like there is TV or videogames in this world. There are some books, but I don't really want to practice magic in here. I also don't feel like reading about monsters, world history, or geography. I let out a deep sigh…if only there were manga here.
Oh, right. I did promise to let Nina know what was up after talking with the elves. I guess I better reach out.
I reach out to Nina through our connection, and I sense mild…apprehension…loneliness? Wonder what that's about.
[Hey, Nina! I just finished up with the elves. Are you okay? You feel off.] (Mizuki)
Upon me reaching out, I feel the loneliness give way to a warmer feeling, but the apprehension doesn't disappear entirely.
[Oh, hey! How sweet, were you worried about me?] (Nina)
The message carries a teasing tone, but I can feel that she's happy about it. I shoot back a message covered in sarcasm.
[My mistake, I'll do better next time!] (Mizuki)
I sense amusement from her after my message, then there's a long silence and I can feel her apprehension growing. Eventually…
[Mizuki?] (Nina)
The message carries a nervous tone.
[Yeah?] (Mizuki)
[Since the meeting is over, and if I promise to just stay in the room where you are, can you come get me and us spend some time together?] (Nina)
My initial thought is 'no', but I can sense the hope from her, mixed with more of the apprehension. If she doesn't leave the room, it should be fine. Maybe it's an effect of the contract, but I cave.
Without another word, I track her with our connection and teleport beside her. She's in the clearing by the edge of the forest, sitting under a tree in her same clothes from before. The night air is cool, and I can see her in the moonlight.
Upon me appearing, she jumps up in shock. Seeing that it's me, I sense surprise and excitement from her, then she lunges at me and wraps me in a hug. I sigh deeply and smile.
Honestly, it's nice having someone enjoy my company. I was starting to feel kind of lonely on Azura. I don't know if it's an effect of our contract, but I already feel strangely close to Nina.
"Mizuki, you really came! You're going to let me come back with you!?" (Nina)
She looks up at me excitedly, and I can't help but chuckle aloud.
"Of course, you asked so nicely after all, and I did say that we are friends now." (Mizuki)
I sense her being flustered, and I chuckle again and send her a teasing message.
[Oh my, are you embarrassed, Nina? I didn't know you were so easy to fluster!] (Mizuki)
[Tch…can you take me back now or what?] (Nina)
She looks up at me with an annoyed face, but I sense that she's pleased.
[Sure, hold on to me and don't make any sudden movements.] (Mizuki)
After I feel her hug tighten, I teleport us back to my room at the inn.
Upon arriving, I look down and see that she has her eyes closed nervously, and I stifle my laughter. I think of teasing her again, but I decide I've made fun of her enough for a few minutes.
"Nina, we're here. You can relax." (Mizuki)
I sense relief through our connection, and she steps away from me to look around. The inn room has a couch with coffee table, small dining table, a bed, and a side room with a bathtub. So, there's not much for her to sightsee in my opinion, but she obviously feels differently.
"Woahhh, so these are what human nests look like? You have so many things!" (Nina)
She seems particularly fascinated by the couch, and she keeps pushing the cushions with her hands. Then, she sits on it, and starts lightly bouncing. Good grief, she might be as immature as Ilina, just more likeable.
On the other hand, maybe I'm not being sympathetic enough about how new this all may be to her. After all, her ancestors may have been human originally, but she's lived her life as a dragon, separate from humans.
Speaking of Ilina and her immaturity – what happened? Since about halfway through our conversation last night, she's seemed like a different person. I pressed her pretty hard today, and she was nothing but pleasant the entire time. Hell, I'd say she was downright regal in her handling of everything, like her title suggests she should be. She took charge of the entire conversation, and Klaus hardly got a word in edgewise.
I wonder…which is the real her? The one I met, or the one I just spoke with. Maybe I misjudged her initially. I mean, she did just have a group of humans attempt to kill her most trusted attendant and imply other unsavory intentions.
That was only minutes before we met, and I was introduced as a human and fellow adventurer no less. Then, me holding that knife to her throat probably solidified me on her shit list.
"Hey, Mizuki, what's this?" (Nina)