Alto, Zara, and I arrived back at Nina's old nest some time before noon.
Honestly, there's lots for me to do, and I'm not sure where to start. I need to take the elves back, but only Nina can fly that many people at once. It will probably take multiple days to reach the edge of the Elven Kingdom.
Then, there's the issue of our visit to learn about the impending demon invasion. Do we just drop the elves off and return later for that? Do we go ahead and enter the Elven Kingdom after bringing the elves? What do I do about Alto and Zara when we make the trip?
If I delay the trip to address these things, what do I do with the elves? Having this many decisions to make really troubles me.
I look around at the clearing to locate everyone, and I can see Nina walking towards me leisurely. The elves, including Ilina and Klaus, appear to be enjoying some food near the lake – they're all smiles.
I'm happy to see that, because they've had a rough time recently. To my surprise, Nina is wearing an amused expression and addresses me with a chuckle when she approaches us.
"Fufufu…I assume that this one also wants to join us. Do I have that correct, wolf-girl?" (Nina)
Zara nods politely and responds, but she doesn't seem afraid.
"That's correct, my name is Zara. Mizuki and Alto already gave their approval, but Mizuki made it clear that I needed yours as well. Can I join you, as Alto did?" (Zara)
Nina acts like she's thinking it over carefully, but I can sense amusement from her. Yeahhh…Zara's probably fine. Nina makes a big sigh, signaling her 'decision', then responds.
"I suppose that's fine. Mizuki, I'm drawing the limit at three people, though, so choose the next one carefully. Fufufu…if your current trend keeps up, we'll start to look like your harem." (Nina)
The harem comment catches me off guard. The makeup of our group changed so fast that I hadn't noticed, but…Nina's right, it's all women. Zara seems unfazed, however, and responds to her acceptance quickly with a smile.
"Thank you, I look forward to it." (Zara)
Alto seems less oblivious to Nina's harem comment, but she doesn't take issue with it in the way that I expect.
"Actually, I don't care if we look like Mizuki's harem. I'm sure we wouldn't take in someone troublesome, but for now I have no interest in worrying about a man's advances towards us on a regular basis. Mizuki is fine – he's so disinterested that I'm not even sure he knows I'm a woman." (Alto)
I roll my eyes at Alto. She somehow managed to make that sound like a compliment but feel like an insult. Can't let that slide.
"Don't be ridiculous, Alto, you look great for a hundred-year-old lady." (Mizuki)
Alto narrows her eyes at me.
"Mizuki, I'll have you know that I'm only 98, and quite youthful by elven standards." (Alto)
Zara picks this time to make her opinion known as well.
"I'm neutral about the gender and race of anyone else that joins, and I couldn't care less if strangers think I'm part of Mizuki's harem." (Zara)
Nina is watching this conversation play out with great interest, nodding along as though she's moderating a debate. I can still sense that she finds it hilarious, though, and is not actually taking it seriously. Time for me to put a stop to this.
"Alright, well, I'm not interested in taking in other people anytime soon. Not like we did with Alto and Zara, anyway. Moving on, we have other matters to discuss with the elves." (Mizuki)
Nina seems disappointed that her fun has been ruined, but she doesn't object. We make our way over to the elves, who have now finished eating and are noticing our approach.
Ilina smiles and waves at us, and I return the gesture. Glancing at Nina…she's still calm, huh? I guess she really did bury the hatchet with Ilina. That's very mature of her.
As we arrive near the elves, Ilina is the first to speak.
"Mizuki and Alto, welcome back! How was the trip, and why is this wolf-kin girl with you?" (Ilina)
Alto is the first to speak, and she's brimming with enthusiasm.
"Princess Ilina, it was incredible! Flying is the only way to travel, I have decided! You simply must try it!" (Alto)
Ilina is equally entertained by Alto's response, and we both chuckle at her. Zara, seemingly the only one who registered or cared about Ilina's other question, interjects.
"I'm Zara, and I'll be joining them on their adventures like Alto." (Zara)
Hearing Zara's neutral reply, Ilina glances at me with a surprised expression. In response, I shrug and nod, like 'that's just how it went'. Ilina rolls her eyes and changes the subject. What's that about?
"Good to meet you, Zara. Alto, I'm glad you enjoyed the experience. I suspect I'll get to fly before too much longer. On that note, Mizuki, I appreciate that you've promised the elves to return them home. I'm sure it will be much faster than Klaus and me taking them. When and how were you planning on making the trip?" (Ilina)
The elves are looking at me with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Best to just be straightforward. I think I've decided what my course of action should be, and they may not like it. I turn to the elves with a warm smile and address them politely. I know some of them are still wary of me.
"Eh…about that. The trip to the Elven Kingdom will be significantly longer and more complicated than the one to the wolf-kin village. There's also the issue of whether to just stay there as Ilina's guests like we discussed. I was wondering if you'd all be willing to wait another day while we sort these things out and prepare for the journey? I'm happy to pay for you all to get new clothes and have better lodging and food during that time. The place I had in mind even has warm baths." (Mizuki)
Ilina looks shocked at my statement. The elves behind her have gone still and silent. Alto is barely containing her laughter at my side.
"Mizuki, you're saying you'd take them back as soon as tomorrow!? What's more, are you offering to put them all in that expensive inn that we stayed at!?" (Ilina)
I just look at her dumbfounded. She's borderline yelling…why?