"Go ahead and flow magic into it – as much as you can. Then, give me your left hand." (Mizuki)
Alto looks suspicious, but she does as I ask. I smile appreciatively, then take her hand and hold it with her palm facing up. Before she can react, I pull my dagger and stab her in the hand…at least, I try to, but the blade glances off her hand easily.
"Ahhh! Mizuki!?" (Alto)
Alto screams as the blade hits her bare hand, but then her face turns to one of confusion. Presumably, she's wondering why she didn't feel it. After a moment, she looks at me annoyed, but also with curiosity.
"You could have warned me, Mizuki. So, I'm guessing this is body enhancement?" (Alto)
I grin like an idiot and shake my head.
"No, it's something else. Imagine it like an invisible set of armor around your body, and it protects you from more than just physical attacks, it can prevent burns from fire. Also, it can be used on top of any of your other armor, and the effects will be cumulative. Pretty cool, huh? Now I can rest easy knowing that my best friend will be safe." (Mizuki)
Alto starts eyeing the second ring curiously, then gives me a warm smile when I mention knowing that she's safe.
"Thanks, Mizuki. I appreciate both your gifts." (Alto)
I smile back at her warmly as well, and we fall into a comfortable silence. After a moment, I sense immense excitement from Nina. I glance at her, puzzled, and notice that she's staring at me expectantly. I sigh deeply, then direct an amused smile at her.
"Fufufu…alright, give me your wedding band, Nina. What spell do you want it to have?" (Mizuki)
Nina squeals in delight, then hands over her wedding band to me.
"Mizuki, give me the spell that makes pretty balls of light!" (Nina)
I chuckle at her. Hmm…how should I formulate the spell?
I could give the light ball a fixed size, then make it so that more magic means shorter wavelength light. That way, she could make it any color she wants. My blood runs cold when I realize, though – if I set it up that way, and she pours in too much magic power, the thing would just start cranking out deadly radiation. I shudder at the thought.
"Nina, I can only make it one color, and more magic will just increase its size and brightness. So, what color do you want?" (Mizuki)
Nina seems to think very hard on my question, then eventually nods to me confidently.
"Make it green, Mizuki, that is the prettiest color!" (Nina)
I smile at her and nod. I first convert the inside of her wedding band to copper, then I slip it back on her finger. Afterwards, I prepare the spell as I described, so that the light ball is produced in front of her outstretched hand and remains where it's first cast as long as magic is provided to the ring.
"Alright, Nina, you're all set." (Mizuki)
Nina immediately tests out the spell, and squeals in excitement when the green light appears in front of her. Then, she lunges to wrap me in a hug, and she grins happily.
"Thank you Mizuki! I love it!" (Nina)
I smile at her in amusement, then glance at Alto. She's just waiting patiently with a smirk on her face.
"Fufufu…alright you two, let's return to business now. You can play with your new toys later!" (Mizuki)
Alto and Nina both nod seriously, but the way they're staring at their rings…I'm not sure they'll show that much restraint.
The three of us return to the makeshift conference room, and Lance rises when we enter.
"Alright Lance, Alto is ready to accompany you. You two may depart whenever you are ready. Alto, feel free to operate the train as quickly as you feel is safe." (Mizuki)
[Alto, don't forget to take those control plates out of the railcar and put them in your new item box whenever the train is not in use. Under no circumstances can it ever be left operational without one of us around.] (Mizuki)
Alto nods reassuringly, then they depart from the room towards the train. After, I turn my attention back to the rest of the group.
"Okay, I guess it's time to start planning the city construction. Lady Alara, what are your instructions?" (Mizuki)
Alara looks at me in bewilderment.
"Mizuki, I assumed that you and Lady Nedonera had certain wishes about the city's construction. Since you're helping so much, I am willing to defer to you on the matter." (Alara)
I shake my head at her and smile.
"My Lady and I would not do such a thing, Lady Alara. We offered our help in good faith, not expecting something in return. At the end of the day, this city and all its people will be under your care, to be run how you see fit. We are only here to offer you aid as we promised. That said, we are happy to provide suggestions if you want." (Mizuki)
Alara looks at me in surprise, but I see a trace of apprehension. Hmm…wondering if I'm serious, maybe?
[Alara, our only stipulations for the train are that you don't allow any of the items involved to be studied, loaned, or used for other purposes. Keep careful control over them. Otherwise, you can use the train however you want. It's your city, and I want it to be run as you see fit – I truly mean that. Moreover, while we are here, we are subjects under your care, and we will abide by any reasonable laws you set.] (Mizuki)
Alara's expression transitions to one of shock and gratitude. Huh…so, I guess she assumed that I wanted to run the city behind the scenes. I'd certainly like some input, and to live here, but I'm serious about trying not to be a dictator. Alara smiles at me quite genuinely.
"Very well, Mizuki, I would appreciate your suggestions and will consider them accordingly. Do you have any at this stage?" (Alara)
"Certainly. You've heard my suggestion about a cheap fee for anyone to use the train. I also suggest that you prioritize development associated with inns, food, the hot spring, and general infrastructure like streets. Until elves feel like this is a good place to work and live, your city will thrive off tourism. After that, you can develop houses and store buildings to sell and focus on expanding job opportunities. With the interest from its tourism phase, the city can transition into local people and businesses." (Mizuki)
Art's eyes fly open in surprise.
"That's an excellent idea…the speed at which you're trying to create a self-sufficient city requires a unique approach, Lady Alara. Mizuki, do you have other suggestions?" (Art)
"Thanks, Art. Hmm…if you find other large mountain passes at the borders of the valley, I'd recommend leaving enough room around them to build other railways like the one you traveled here on. As Lady Alara pursues agriculture and other endeavors, she may want new railways to expedite resource transportation into the city. It may even be wise to design the city's layout with the train system as a focus – waiting areas around each railway and clear paths between them." (Mizuki)
Art is nodding excitedly. Alara looks somewhat overwhelmed by the expanding plans for her currently nonexistent city.
"Yes, yes, I see! A city that's connected directly to resources and maybe other major cities through these trains is sure to become the center of trade in the kingdom. You just need to make sure the city's infrastructure is set up properly!" (Art)
I nod back appreciatively.
"Yes, Art, that's exactly what I was thinking. Alas, these general ideas are all that I can offer. I'm not particularly qualified to bring them to fruition with the detail that I'm sure is required." (Mizuki)
Art immediately starts shaking his head.
"No, no, that's what I'm here for. I'm already excited about this project. We get to completely build an advanced city that will become nationally relevant in our lifetime. Lady Alara, if this is something that you want, please leave it to me and my team. We would be happy to be a part of your city's birth." (Art)
Now that's a man you want to work with. I can't help but grin at Art in admiration. Art is looking at Alara expectantly. She seems thoughtful for a while, then appears to make up her mind.
"Okay, Art and Mizuki, if you agree that's the path to follow for now, then I'm going to trust you. What are our next steps?" (Alara)
"Well, Lady Alara, we'll leave that up to you and Art! We'll just be here for money, resources, and special projects like the trains. Don't hesitate to reach out, but it's all up to you otherwise. Regarding resources, my Lady should be able to magically produce any kind of earth-based building material that you need, like stone or brick. We can also quickly acquire metal ingots like iron and copper as needed. Regarding special projects, I have ideas for the hot spring that I think people would like." (Mizuki)
Alara and Art nod their acknowledgement. I smile at everyone.
"Okay, wonderful. My Lady, should we leave them alone to plan? I believe you have other matters to take care of today." (Mizuki)
I look at Nina to see her staring off towards her feet distractedly. I glance to where she's looking…and see a green light ball. Damn it, that dragon!
[Nina!] (Mizuki)