"Calling that conversation just uncomfortable is absurd, Elira. Your daughter told you about a basic romantic interest, agreed that it was complicated, and even said she didn't want to act on it now. In response, you jump to lecturing her about the race and longevity of her babies…in front of the subject of that romantic interest no less! Ilina was so mortified that she threatened me if I tried to bring her back here right now." (Mizuki)
"Fufufufu…I suppose I might share a very small amount of blame then. Dargo also thinks that I did not approach the situation well." (Elira)
"Mizuki, don't run away again, but is what Lady Nedonera said true? Would an elf and human pairing have children that are one or the other, and not something more unique?" (Dargo)
"Honestly, I have no idea where that came from. She specifically mentioned high elf and human pairings, but I thought all the high elves were your ancestors, Elira. Are you aware of such a thing in your history?" (Mizuki)
Elira shakes her head.
"No, at least not officially. There are one or two historical examples of a high elf who had romantic entanglements disapproved of by the royal family, but I don't know details. It's even possible that a male high elf could have fathered children with a human without anyone knowing. This would be especially true if the children just look like normal elves or humans." (Elira)
Hmm…that's interesting. I wonder what kind of genetic inheritance could produce a phenomenon like that. I think, at the least, elves and humans would have to be a lot more genetically similar than I assumed – they might even differ at only a couple key genes. Azazel mentioned that all complex life in the universe came from one ancestor, and everything else was just divine tweaking. Maybe elves are a slight modification of humans?
I shrug towards Dargo and Elira.
"Then, perhaps that was the case. I'll try to ask Nina about it later." (Mizuki)
"Another thing, Mizuki. Am I picking up on some hesitation in returning my daughter's romantic interests?" (Elira)
Like a dog with a bone, this one.
"That's correct. As Nina made painfully…so painfully…clear earlier, we're already romantically involved." (Mizuki)
"Yes, and I also heard her say that she doesn't mind if that's the case for Ilina, too, correct? Are you saying my daughter is not good enough for you?" (Elira)
What the hell is with this change in attitude!?
"Elira, obviously I'm quite fond of Ilina. However, please do not pretend like you didn't just blow up ten minutes ago at the suggestion of her pursuing something with me. Are you telling me you've had a change of heart? What about your people's reactions to such a thing?" (Mizuki)
Elira waves her hand with a dismissive gesture.
"Fufufu…obviously you would not be King, but I think we could make you a secret concubine if that's really what Ilina wanted. My objection was before knowing that you'll outlive us all, and that your children would be elves with sufficiently long lives! If Ilina was your romantic partner, and especially if you had children together, I'd feel much better about our kingdom's long-term safety." (Elira)
She's actually insane…a secret concubine!? Ohhh, Dio would have loved to hear that. I glance at Dargo who's looking on quietly.
"Dargo, back me up here! Surely you do not want your daughter involved with a man whose affections are split?" (Mizuki)
Dargo shrugs.
"Honestly, given their stations in our society, it's not my place to dictate the actions of my Queen or First Princess, despite being my wife and daughter. All that aside, no, I don't mind. If that were what Ilina wanted, and it would make her happy, why wouldn't I support it?" (Dargo)
They're both losing it. I groan internally. I can't believe I'm about to engage in a good-faith debate about me forming a harem and getting Ilina pregnant, but…
"Look, Elira, based on what Nina said, there's a real chance of human children, too. How would you hide that? Moreover, Ilina would need numerous husbands over her life to hide such pregnancies. Now, obviously I'm not judging, because I'm with Nina. However, are you sure Ilina would even be willing to do that? Maybe she doesn't want two partners at once." (Mizuki)
"Children that were human could be reported as miscarriages and given to you. I hadn't considered that Ilina might not want to be with another man, even to keep up appearances. Hmm…so long as she's producing children, it might be possible for her to avoid taking a husband. People can just assume that it's trivial relationships with a few elven men in the palace. Our people do not mind polyamory, nor the status of the fathers, they just desire that she has an heir at some point." (Elira)
I shake my head at her in disbelief. My mouth must be hanging open, I just know it.
"All that? Your people can accept all that, but can't tolerate the fact that I'm human? Don't get me wrong, I don't want to be King. Also, I'm not sure I want to be with Ilina when I'm already with Nina, regardless of their approval. Still, while I understand your people not wanting a human as their king, can they not even handle a human concubine? That's a troubling prejudice." (Mizuki)
Dargo nods solemnly.
"Yes, Mizuki, that is exactly the case. It's an embarrassment that I hope we'll one day move past. However, it is the reality of now. Personally, I think you'd make an excellent King, but I guess that's not relevant." (Dargo)
"Okay, well it sounds like this is no longer for us to discuss. Ilina, Nina, and I will discuss what we want eventually, and it sounds like either outcome would be fine. Can I get you both to agree to not bring this up again until then?" (Mizuki)
Elira rolls her eyes, while Dargo smiles warmly, but both nod their assent. Wonderful…this was brutal on my nerves. However, it did remind me of a very important thing I should have thought more about.
[Hey, Nina. When you mentioned getting pregnant, is that actually possible? I really shouldn't have assumed it wasn't, because I definitely do not want a kid right now. No offense.] (Mizuki)