We arrive in the reception hall, and I call out to the rest of the house.
"Alara, Percivil, are either of you here!?" (Mizuki)
I hear a distorted voice yell back from upstairs.
"Mizuki!? I'm in the conference room!" (Alara)
Nina and I make our way up to the conference room, and we find Alara sitting with Zara on a couch. Alara has some city plans laid out in front of her on the coffee table.
Zara is leaning back on the couch admiring her hand. More accurately, she's staring at the ring I gave her last night – the gift I promised before, a ring that lets her use one spell of her choosing.
She spent quite a lot of time asking me questions before deciding on her spell. The finalists were a fireball, healing, or invisibility spell. I talked her out of healing, since I think I can teach her that one naturally. So, she decided on an invisibility spell ring. I made it gold like the spell rings for Alto and Nina. Now, the only one who doesn't have one is Ilina, so I'll need to remedy that soon.
I return my focus to Alara.
"Hey Alara, I wanted to let you know that Nina and I just finished the jacuzzi setup in the hot springs. Once those changing rooms are finished, the hot springs will be operational. Though, the stairs are still the only access route for normal people." (Mizuki)
Alara and Zara turn around at the sound of my voice. Zara is beaming – she really likes the ring I gave to her. She's now officially the only wolf-kin ever who can use a dark class spell, so I get it. Alara gives me a polite smile and makes a reassuring gesture.
"Thanks, Mizuki. I'm sure you and Percivil will figure something out eventually, but it's fine for now. Elves quite enjoy scenic walks like that, and I don't think most people will skip the hot springs over a little walk up the mountain." (Alara)
I mean…that's a gnarly hike, but if you say so. I move to sit on the couch opposite Alara so we can chat, and Nina sits next to me then lays her head in my lap. Alara raises her eyebrows and smirks, but she says nothing.
"How's the other construction coming?" (Mizuki)
"Hmm…the streets are finished, as are the building foundations in the city center and along the street sides. The inn will be finished by the end of tomorrow, Art thinks, and then we can start furnishing it and stocking its kitchen. The changing rooms near the hot springs will be finished today. After those are done, I think we'll move on to constructing the neighborhood in the southeast quadrant like you suggested." (Alara)
I nod approvingly.
"That's great! So, do you think it's about time to go to Avalon and announce specifics about your city's grand opening? You'll also need to hire at least one person to operate the train, since it can't be Alto forever, as well as some staff for the inn and hot springs." (Mizuki)
Alara nods agreeably, like she's already thought of it. I can't help but smile proudly, she's really taken ownership of these projects in a short time.
"Yes. Since Art doesn't need my input as regularly at this stage, I was going to make the journey today and take care of those things, if possible. Regarding the workers for the trains, do you or Lady Nedonera have any stipulations?" (Alara)
Hmm…I nod apologetically.
"Yes, actually. I wouldn't be surprised if news of the train has spread by now. Most people are probably just curious or jealous, but at least one person might actively try theft or espionage. So, Nina and I would like to personally screen each person you plan to hire before they start working, and periodically thereafter. Since it will only be a couple of people at most for now, that should be doable. Is that okay?" (Mizuki)
Alara seems to think it over for a few minutes, then nods.
"Of course, it's the thing you were most clear about your desire to protect. Also, I have similar concerns, and I know Lady Nedonera can ascertain truth or lie with her spell, so I'd feel more confident in our train workers if you screened them. Thank you." (Alara)
Wow…that was easy.
"Wonderful, thanks! I had a couple of other suggestions, too, which you are welcome to ignore. The first was agriculture – you might want to secure your own food sources sooner than later. We've been importing it from Avalon through the train so far, but that won't work with a large population and one train. Also, you're going to want to recruit merchants to your city to open shops, but they'll be hesitant since their private horses and carts can't come here easily. You'll need an alternative to building them a road if you want them here sooner." (Mizuki)
Alara smiles confidently, with an expression that suggests she's glad I brought that up.
"I agree with both points. For food supply chains, Art informed me of some farmers and ranchers who are interested in purchasing land in the plains between here and Avalon for their businesses. If I only offer them land beside the railway, then it would be easy to purchase their entire product supplies and transport them directly to my city by train. However, I'd need you to create another railcar set that specializes in cargo, not people." (Alara)
I'm sure the shock shows on my face…Alara is thinking even further ahead than I am, and she's exploiting the capitalistic enterprises of other elves brilliantly. I fight the urge to applaud.
"Uhm…that's brilliant, Alara. If all you need is a cargo section on the existing train, then I don't mind making it for you. What about the merchants?" (Mizuki)
Alara seems to beam with pride over the term 'brilliant', but she recovers quickly.
"I intend to tour some prominent business owners around my city and share the development plans they'd be interested in. To appease their concerns about their product transport, I'd like to offer merchants the ability to rent exclusive rights to entire cargo railcars. That way, they can move their products without scheduling concerns…for a premium, of course." (Alara)
Oh my god…she's ruthless and I love it. That's just a more polished idea of what I considered a few days ago, and she reached that conclusion all on her own.
"Alara, I'm really in awe…I think you're going to make a great noble, for whatever it's worth. By the way, when are you going to start construction on your new family home? Where will you put it?" (Mizuki)
Alara looks pleased, but then embarrassed. She seems to struggle to respond.
"Y-You saying that is worth plenty to me, Mizuki! I know I wasn't…kind…at first, but I really value having you around now. Uhm…on that subject…I was thinking that I could build my family home later. There's so much work to be done for the city itself, after all, and…I kind of like…living with you. Is it okay if stay here longer?" (Alara)
Alara is practically blushing when she finishes responding, and she can't meet my gaze. I smile at her warmly anyway.
"As far as I'm concerned, our past is the past, Alara. Now, you're a valued part of my team. You're welcome to stay as long as you want – I enjoy us all living here together." (Mizuki)
Genuine happiness washes over Alara's face, then she looks like she wants to ask me something but hesitates. Eventually, she seems to get over it.
"Mizuki, are you going to stay with me permanently? In my territory, I mean." (Alara)
Hmm…I mean, it depends on what she means. If Ilina and I really do get married, and she remains as the First Princess and then Queen, I imagine I'll have to spend more time in Avalon.
"Well, we plan to keep the house here if you don't mind, and I want to keep aiding you. However, if Ilina and I get married or at least become publicly romantic, and the people still accept her as Queen, then I imagine that I'll be expected to stay around Avalon more with her. Still, I can teleport, you know? There's nothing to stop us from visiting you!" (Mizuki)
Alara's eyes fly open in shock.
"Mizuki, you mean that you don't just plan to keep your romance secret? I thought you didn't want to be King, so why would you insist on publicizing it?" (Alara)
Fair question…I guess we haven't really spoken about this.
"No, we're definitely going to stop hiding it eventually. As for why, it's because Ilina and Nina insist. Ilina doesn't want to spend her entire life hiding her only lover, and Nina wants to make sure that any of Ilina's and my children are recognized as such and accepted in this country." (Mizuki)
Alara is dumbfounded, and she looks like she has so many questions that she can't decide which to ask first. She looks at Nina questioningly, who is still laying leisurely on my lap.
"Fufufu…that is correct. When Mizuki has children with Ilina and I, they should know their relationship to one another and be free to know their homelands as much as they can. Naturally, our children will also be welcome in the Delmura Forest." (Nina)
Alara shakes her head in exasperation. She seems to make her mind up what to ask first.
"Can Ilina and Mizuki even have children!? If so, what strange species would they be? I'm not sure they'll be welcomed here, and they almost certainly wouldn't be accepted as royal heirs! Mizuki, what does Ilina intend to do if the people don't accept your relationship and children?" (Alara)
Alara looks concerned, and Nina and I respond in sequence.
"Oh yes, they can have children. If they had numerous children, most would be elves or high elves, and the rest would be human. They wouldn't make a new species, and they'd be longer-lived than normal, so they can be heirs." (Nina)
"As far as I know, she's just going to give them a little time to get used to my presence, then tell them about us and push for marriage regardless. Though, I will decline being King at all costs. After that, I believe she plans to accept any repercussions from your people. If that means renouncing the throne or leaving the country altogether, she's prepared to accept it. In those cases, you might be reinstated as First Princess and heir to the throne." (Mizuki)
Alara seems to be struggling with the information we've dumped on her. As if trying to avoid confronting it, she asks a different question.
"Great Dragon, you said that such children should know their homelands…does that mean they will also be encouraged to have familiar relationships with the human country Mizuki is from?" (Alara)
As Alara asks, she eyes Nina and me nervously. I can guess what she's really wondering…will these probably stupid-powerful children be roaming around befriending hostile nations? I'm not sure how to explain to her why that won't be happening, but Nina interjects before I can respond.
"Fufufu…no, Mizuki is not from any of the human countries." (Nina)
Nina!? What the hell! Shouldn't you consult me before blabbing things like that!? Alara directs a bewildered gaze at me, and I involuntarily sigh deeply.
"It's true, and that's all you need to know for now Alara. Besides…we have more important things to discuss than my love life and childhood." (Mizuki)
Alara gives me an annoyed and confused look, like 'no way, quit trying to change the subject'. However, I'm not going to give her the chance to stop me from doing so!
"What are you going to name your first city, Alara?" (Mizuki)
To my surprise, that quickly derails Alara's focus, and she becomes flustered.
"U-Uhm…well…what do you think of Alamizu?" (Alara)
That's a terrible name! Where did she even get that from? As I'm pondering over how to tell her, I realize…
"Alara…is that supposed to be our names mashed together?" (Mizuki)
Alara just grins sheepishly in response. I glare at her without cracking a smile.
"Absolutely not, you already took my name for your family name. Quit dragging me into your naming ideas! Plus, Alamizu sounds terrible, so please pick something else." (Mizuki)
Alara gives a pouting expression.
"If you don't like it, then suggest something!" (Alara)
There are at least a dozen better names, and honestly, I don't even care if it's good at this point. It's her territory…I just don't want my name in it.
"Springvale, Eden, Bathe Valley, Westington…any of those would be better, and they're laughably unoriginal." (Mizuki)
Alara perks up during my naming suggestions.
"I don't know about the others, but I quite like the name Eden. That sounds unique to me." (Alara)
Crap…right…there's no story of Eden on this planet. If another Earthling ever found out, I'd be made fun of. Still, it's not my right to overrule Alara if it's not ripping off my name.
I sigh deeply and nod. Alara becomes excited.
"From now on, this is the city of Eden! I, Alara Zuki, declare it to be so, with you all as my witnesses!" (Alara)
Zara gives a disinterested nod, but I sense amusement from Nina.
"Fufufu…a fine name, I approve." (Nina)
I'm sure Dio would enjoy this scene, and that alone makes me groan internally. Good thing I don't have to tell him!
Anyway…Eden, huh? If it's going to be named that, then I suppose I'll have to do my best to make sure it lives up to it.
I crack a wry grin, and the others seems to notice.
"Very well, Alara, let's make Eden a place of wonder for your people. As far as I'm concerned…the trains are just the beginning." (Mizuki)