"So, what did you think?" (Mizuki)
Nina, Alara, Alto, Zara, Percivil, I, and two other elves are sitting at a roundtable in a large domed shelter, both of which were prepared by Nina. The structure is positioned on the southeastern border of the valley, near Percivil's equipment, and it is serving as a command center for city planning.
My question is directed at the two additional elves. One is Art, a middle-aged elf who runs a large construction company specializing in city development, and Lance, a young elf who's his assistant manager. I'm asking their opinion on the train ride here.
Surprisingly, they are not that bothered by me being human.
"It was…incredible…I've never experienced anything like it. The speed and strange environment were terrifying at first, but to have made a week-long trip in just two hours is exhilarating." (Art)
Art's eyes are sparkling as he speaks. Lance remains silent next to him, but his eyes have a similar shine and he's nodding agreeably. I smile at them both appreciatively.
"I'm glad you both like it, my Lady's skill is truly exceptional." (Mizuki)
Art makes a dismissive gesture.
"There is no need to be modest, Mizuki. Lady Nedonera told us that this…train…was your idea, and that she just provided the spells and power to bring it to life as you envisioned it. With ideas like that, we don't care what race you are – we'll be happy to work with you." (Art)
Oh…did she now? I glance at Nina, and she's grinning shamelessly.
[Fufufu…they were asking me too many questions.] (Nina)
I smile back at Art and Lance and nod.
"Well, I appreciate that. Speaking of working with other races, have the wolf-kin been explained to you? I also have my friend Percivil the dwarf here to assist us with some other special projects like the train." (Mizuki)
"Yes, of course. Percivil, it's nice to meet you. The dwarves smithing skills are legendary, and I've already been shown some of your work in the form of Miss Zara's enchanted sword! Like Mizuki, we're beyond thrilled to have you. The wolf-kin…I'm less certain about. Please don't misunderstand me, I have no issue with their race. I take issue with their inexperience." (Art)
Yeah, Elira warned me. I nod sympathetically.
"That's understandable. However, does your company not periodically hire inexperienced people and train them? That is all we were hoping for with the wolf-kin, an opportunity for them to learn and prove they can be useful to the development of the city." (Mizuki)
"Well, yes, but the scale is quite different. Normally, that may apply to one in ten of our workers. Meanwhile, even if I brought all the workers in my company, there are so many wolf-kin that they'd be eighty percent of the work force. Their less experienced hands would dominate our efforts, and I think the construction would really suffer from it." (Art)
I honestly can't disagree with him. He's being reasonable, and I understand him taking pride in his work.
"I'm sure you take pride in your work and want it done correctly, and that's also a priority for us. My understanding is that you brought a couple of employees skilled in each area relevant to city construction. Would you consider giving each of them forty or so wolf-kin to try training in their specialties? If the wolf-kin's trial work is poor, then we'll exclude it to protect the project quality. I know they will waste time and materials at first, but we'll supply all materials and pay you generous wages by the day in exchange. Would that be okay?" (Mizuki)
Art gives my statement serious thought, but he looks conflicted. Zara takes the opportunity to interject.
"Mister Art, I am Zara, leader of the wolf-kin. I'd be grateful if you considered Mizuki's request. I worry that my people will cease to exist if we do not learn these kinds of skills. I know many of the wolf-kin will fail, but if a few can rise to your standards, it might save my people. All I ask is that you give us a chance, and you can dismiss wolf-kin that don't learn your skills quickly." (Zara)
Art's expression seems to soften at Zara's plea. After another few minutes of contemplation, he sighs deeply and nods. He wears a caring smile.
"In that case, I suppose we can give this a try, Miss Zara. I warn you, though, we won't go easy on your people. We'll train them hard, and if they don't rise to the challenge quickly enough, we'll cut them loose – no second chances. This is a job for us, and we have to consider our reputation." (Art)
Zara nods firmly, and I can see relief on her face.
"I appreciate your consideration Mister Art. Your terms are fair, and I will make sure the wolf-kin know and accept them. Thank you." (Zara)
I look around at the table and nod happily.
"Okay, I appreciate everyone's willingness to work together. Before we move on to construction details, have Art and Lance been made aware of the offer to hire as many skilled elves as they want? We would of course provide free transportation for them and their tools. Lady Alara is quite devoted to making sure that elves have all the job opportunities in her new city that they can." (Mizuki)
Lance, the assistant manager, nods this time and speaks up.
"Yes, we have been made aware. That is part of why I am here. After initial discussions, when Master Art is sure that we'll take the job, I will return to Avalon to secure workers to fit our needs. We also brought minimal equipment, since the train was small, and the visit only a consultation. Do you have a way to transport our equipment with us?" (Lance)
Hmm…now that I can enchant things, I think that would be very easy to do. I nod at Lance.
"Yes, Alto should be able to help with that. We can send her with you." (Mizuki)
Alto gives me a puzzled look.
[I have a couple of gifts for you, Alto, and one of them will do as I implied.] (Mizuki)
Alto's expression becomes one of surprise and excitement. Good, that's taken care of. Lance nodded agreeably at me during this exchange, and now Art interjects.
"On that note, Lance, I fully intend to accept this job now. Please go ahead and depart as discussed. I will remain here to begin city planning with Lady Alara and the rest." (Art)
Lance nods obediently and gives me an expectant gaze.
"Very well. My Lady, Alto, could you please follow me. Lance, we have some things we need to discuss briefly, but then we will return to retrieve you." (Mizuki)
Lance nods his acknowledgement, and I rise from the table. Nina and Alto follow suit, and we exit the makeshift conference room.
When I'm sure nobody is looking, I teleport us back to the mansion so we're alone. Alto wastes no time.
"Mizuki, what are these gifts!?" (Alto)
I smirk at her.
"Fufufu…hold out your hand, whichever one you would want to wear jewelry on." (Mizuki)
Alto looks surprised, but she holds out her hand.
"This better not be a marriage proposal, Mizuki." (Alto)
I roll my eyes.
"No, but I am giving you rings…ones that will teach you two new spells." (Mizuki)
Alto's eyes go wide in shock, and even Nina looks surprised.
"Mizuki…you can do that!?" (Alto)
I nod at her smugly.
"Yes. Now, which two fingers do you want to wear the rings on?" (Mizuki)
Alto is basically wriggling with anticipation, and she points to her ring and middle fingers on her right hand. I nod approvingly, then use my alchemy spell to synthesize one copper band around each finger. After, I use the spell again to change the outer layer of the rings to gold. My wedding band is silver, so I should avoid giving silver rings to the platonic women in my life.
"Okay, now I'm going to imbue one of them with a spell. Hold still." (Mizuki)
Alto nods, and I move behind her and grab the ring on her middle finger. I prime the copper in the ring with the enchanting incantation, then I focus on casting an item box spell a few feet in front of Alto's outstretched hand, making sure to channel it through the copper in the ring. I focus on it having the property that more magic produces a larger item box distortion.
Seeing the item box appear, Alto gasps excitedly. I finish the spell, and step away.
"Alright, Alto, I think you know what that ring on your middle finger is for. Why don't you give it a try?" (Mizuki)
Alto nods excitedly, then focuses with her hand outstretched. After a moment, a basketball-sized item box appears in front of her outstretched hand. Unlike the one I just cast a moment ago, I see no items on this one's surface. Huh…so each item box is tuned to the caster's magic. That's good to know.
"Mizuki…this…is incredible! You didn't just enchant these rings; this is something more…you taught them to cast spells for the wearer!" (Alto)
She's staring at me in amazement initially, but swaps to eyeing her ring appreciatively. I clear my throat to interrupt her.
"Ehem…now, how about I prepare a spell for your other ring?" (Mizuki)
Alto snaps her attention back to me and nods excitedly. I grin at her.
"Good, hold out your hand again." (Mizuki)
Alto extends her hand gleefully, then I hover my finger over the gold band on her ring finger. I prime it as before, then channel a spell through the ring – magic armor, like a second skin over Alto. I focus on it having the property that more magic makes the armor stronger. After I'm done, I step away, and she looks at me in confusion.
"Mizuki…I didn't notice anything. What did you do?" (Alto)
I smirk at her.