After Zara and I decided that we'd take a detour to reunite Sadhara with her (probable) sister, Quira and the other rabbit-kin soon returned with their verdict. To my, but especially Zara's, great delight, they agreed to basically all of her terms.
A trade agreement and rough alliance between the wolf- and rabbit-kin is now official. As for the details, I mostly zoned out for that discussion. But, I know that Zara plans to send a team of trained wolf-kin to the rabbit-kin once we get back to her village, then replace them every two weeks and bring back rabbit-kin produce.
I was a little curious what they'd do during off-season, but when I asked, I was quickly reminded that I'm on an alien world. Apparently, there is no real off-season. As long as they stagger the seeding times properly, the rabbit-kin can generate produce year-round. In retrospect, it makes sense – I'd already theorized that Azura's axis of rotation must be closer to perpendicular to its orbit, when compared to Earth. Ergo, there aren't really 'seasons' here, just differing climates based on geographical location.
Anyway, after those negotiation details, Sadhara apprised everyone of what we discussed while they were away. I was expecting more pushback on taking an 11 years old girl to a largely human city, but apparently whatever reservations they had about it were outweighed by the shock of finding out Melena may still be alive and well there. I suspect most of the adults thought her dead after so much time away from their village.
Whatever resistance still existed was mercilessly stamped out by Sadhara, who alternated between begging and browbeating whoever tried to dissuade her from leaving with Zara and me. Eventually, Sadhara left to prepare for our travel, accompanied by most of the other rabbit-kin, while Quira hung back.
Now, he's giving me a nervous look while we wait for Sadhara to return.
"Mizuki, may I ask...what do you intend to do if you have truly found Melena, after you reunite her with Sadhara? Will you return them both to us?" (Quira)
I raise my eyebrows, already sensing where this may be going.
"I'm not going to enforce my own beliefs onto your people, but I'm not going to enforce yours on those two either. Child or not, if Sadhara's older sister wants the both of them to stay in Elmesia, and that's what Sadhara wants, too, I'm not going to force them back here. I don't think it'd be fair to expect otherwise of me, right?" (Mizuki)
Quira averts his eyes uncomfortably, letting me know I hit the nail on the head. He directs a worried look at me.
"I mean you no offense, but the danger your people represent is well-known among demi-humans. What if what you're doing puts a child in danger?" (Quira)
I shrug.
"There's danger everywhere – Melena has been safely living among humans for years, while Sadhara's parents died right here in your little burrows. But...even if you were right, it doesn't matter. The point is that it's not my right to force people into making decisions just because I personally think they're better off for them. Would you have wanted me forcing your people into an alliance with Zara against your will, just because I know it will benefit you?" (Mizuki)
Quira winces, averting his gaze again. After that, there's only silence, until we see Sadhara emerging from an access tunnel with a small sack.
From there, we say our awkward goodbyes to Quira, then walk south for a while until we're out of sight of the rabbit-kin. Seeing me stop suddenly, Sadhara looks up in confusion.
"Why are you stopping?" (Sadhara)
I give her a knowing smile.
"Did you really think that Zara and I walked all the way here?" (Mizuki)
He little face twists into confusion, then it lights up with a mix of fear and awe, as though she's come to a realization.
"Are we going to fly!?" (Sadhara)
I shake my head, amused by her reaction, and also a little impressed by the deduction. I mean, yeah she saw me fly by myself earlier, but...she's eleven, roughly.
"We could, but not this time. First, though...I need you to make me a promise, Sadhara." (Mizuki)
Her expression turns serious, and she nods.
"Okay." (Sadhara)
I nod approvingly.
"You're going to see a lot of strange magic from me...things you didn't think possible. Things that are going to make you want to ask questions, or talk to other people about it. However, I need you to keep what you see to yourself. Don't talk about it to anyone else, or when anyone else is around, okay? You keep everything you learn about me a secret. Can you promise me that?" (Mizuki)
Sadhara's expression becomes conflicted.
"Not even Big Sis?" (Sadhara)
I nod apologetically.
"Not even her...that's the deal. In return, though, I'll make sure you see Melena within the hour. What do you say?" (Mizuki)
After another moment of clear, internal conflict, she reluctantly nods.
"Okay, I promise." (Sadhara)
I smile and pat her head.
"Good girl. Now, give me that little sack of yours." (Mizuki)
She nods, then hands me her travel sack with a curious expression. I promptly summon my item box and toss it inside, causing Sadhara's eyes to widen like saucers. I smirk at her.
"Remember, no questions, and no talking about what you see. Now, come hold onto me." (Mizuki)
With what appears to be great effort, Sadhara suppresses the curiosity in her eyes, and hesitantly wraps her arms around my waist. I glance at an amused-looking Zara, and catching my gaze, she nods and steps in close to me as well.
Then, I activate my invisibility and silencing spells and teleport us to Elmesia...straight into Gerard's office, of course.
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
"You...uhm, summoned me?" (Levi)
He eyes Gerard cautiously, seated behind his desk in the guild master's office. Gerard nods at him, stress clear in his expression.
"I did. Tell me, where's Mizuki?" (Gerard)
Levi's expression turns incredulous.
"I...don't know? Why would I know that?" (Levi)
Gerard's eyes narrow at him.
"Aren't you in his party now? And you told me you can get in touch with him." (Gerard)
Levi purses his lips thoughtfully, recalling that exact conversation. He did tell Gerard that he could contact Mizuki if needed, because Mizuki told him to pass that information along to the Council. But he's been forbidden from mentioning the MMC. Naturally, that leaves Gerard to draw his own conclusions about how he can get in contact with Mizuki and the others.
He shrugs, meeting Gerard's gaze.
"Sure...but that doesn't mean I know where he is at any given moment. For example, Leo and Rykard don't know that I'm here right now." (Levi)
Gerard sighs, rubbing his face impatiently, murmuring to himself.
"I suppose being a smartass is part of Mizuki's party initiation..." (Gerard)
Levi raises his eyebrows at the dig, but says nothing. Eventually, Gerard looks up at him with mild annoyance.
"My point is...you at least know where he lives or something, right? Maybe what he's off doing when he disappears?" (Gerard)
Levi tries not to let the apprehension show on his face. It's not the first time that someone from the Council has tried to subtly get information about Mizuki from him or the others. The guy left quite an impression last time, after all.
Normally, Levi doesn't actually have relevant information – aside from the fact that Mizuki is far more of a monster than any of them seem to realize. In this case, however, he's actually aware of where Mizuki lives – the Elven Kingdom. Unfortunately, he's sure that falls under information not to be shared.
He sighs, giving Gerard a tired look of his own.
"Why do you want to know where he is? What's this about?" (Levi)
Gerard's eye visibly twitches, clearly not happy with his evasive answer.
"Oh, I don't know...maybe because I'm the guild master, and I can't even directly contact our highest ranked party leader? Who, by the way, is barely seen around the city, hasn't accepted any jobs in weeks, and is wanted for regicide. Oh right, did I mention the historically homicidal Elder Dragon that follows him around like a lovesick puppy? Why would I not want to know where he is!?" (Gerard)
Gerard's voice rises in pitch towards the end, clearly exasperated.
Levi watches him with an outwardly calm demeanor that masks his inner turmoil. Truth is, he sympathizes with Gerard. Not knowing the whereabouts and actions of someone like Mizuki is inherently troubling, but more importantly...he and his party have become quite the point of interest around town.
For one, the adventurers who heard Mizuki's promise to fight against the Empire on their behalf ask about him, wondering why he hasn't been seen around. However, there has also been an influx of new adventurers into Elmesia, especially in the last couple days, drawn by the rumors of his new...diversely staffed, S-rank party, endorsed by the elves' Queen. Levi suspects that it's this latest buzz around Mizuki that is pushing Gerard's stress over the edge.
He clears his throat.
"Ehem...uhm, yes. But, to be fair, he's technically in compliance with guild policy. All his personal and party dues to the guild get paid, and myself and the others regularly accept guild jobs on his party's behalf. Plus, all you have to do is give me a message for him, and I'll relay it. If you ask to meet him, he'll show up." (Levi)
That response elicits an eye roll from Gerard. He waves his hand dismissively.
"Yes, yes, yes...he's all about technicalities. He's technically still contributing, and technically still available. But how is that, exactly? How does he just show up at the drop of a hat, if he's too preoccupied to be here the rest of the time? Like at the council meeting...when Nedon-...Nina, and the others just appeared. And why does all communication have to go through you?" (Gerard)
Levi grimaces, trying to decide how to change the subject and get to the point of what, specifically, Gerard wants. This line of questioning isn't going to lead to anything pretty. However, before he can decide on his words, an amused voice echoes in the office. An office they're supposed be alone in, behind a closed door.
"You see, Gerard, when the pure of heart yearn deeply for me, I'm drawn to them through time and space in their hour of need. Like, a guardian angel, but more fun, and with a better sense of humor. Alas, it seems that something is clouding your heart, preventing you from summoning me. Maybe a certain kidnapping attempt in your past?" (Mizuki)
Levi's and Gerard's attention snaps to the corner of the office. Behind the couch, two people are inexplicably standing without a care in the world. One is a young wolf-kin girl, casually nursing a sword on her hip and a detached, amused smile on her face.
The other is a handsome but otherwise unassuming young man. Unlike the girl, he carries no weapons, wearing only a silk shirt and trousers. His lips are twisted into a smirk, his hands shoved lazily into his pockets, and his unnatural, green eyes are fixed on Gerard with a kind of uninvested amusement.
The wolf-kin girl is dangerous, more than enough to take Levi down in a fight, but it's the young man's appearance that sends a cold shiver down his spine. Levi's voice slips out, nervous but polite.
"Mizuki..." (Levi)
Mizuki glances at him and nods, acknowledging the greeting.
"Levi, good to see you. Seems like joining my party has caused you some grief, huh?" (Mizuki)
Levi smiles nervously.
'Gods, you have no idea...'
Not that he'd say that.
"It's been...interesting, since then. The pay is great, though." (Levi)
That comment causes an amused glint to take root in Mizuki's eyes, but just when Levi thinks he's going to say something, a familiar but exasperated voice interjects.
"I don't recall announcing an open door policy for my office...how'd you get in here? And when?" (Gerard)
Levi winces at Gerard's words, throwing a nervous glance at Mizuki. Mizuki has always seemed pretty laid back to Levi, but...ever since learning the truth about Mizuki, he can't help but be more on edge. In fact, he thinks Gerard could stand to be a little more on edge, and the fact that he isn't is a testament to how oblivious he's been with respect to Mizuki's true nature.
Levi's sure that Gerard, the Council, and a few people around the guild have picked up that Mizuki is...dangerous. Too many strange things have been happening around him, and his altercation with that now spineless adventurer in the guild hall made it clear that he doesn't lack personal strength. Yet, nobody else seems to realize just how dangerous Mizuki truly is, or else Gerard would be treating Mizuki with the same respect he's shown Nina since finding out her real identity.
Regardless, Mizuki only chuckles at Gerard's comment, seemingly unbothered, though that doesn't make Levi feel any more at ease.
"What are you talking about, Gerard? Weren't you listening? Your pleading heart invited me in, and now you're acting like you don't want me here? Honestly, I hope you don't give the women in your life signals this mixed." (Mizuki)