Cara leads us through the city towards the river. Along the way, I don't see any other enticing products. However, I do see a couple of sweet-looking baked goods. That makes me wonder...do they have sugarcane here? Or at the very least, a plant that sucrose can be extracted from.
If I could get my hands on some sugar, I could make caramel. Combine that with the newly found apples, and I can produce caramel apples! Even better, those kur'kes that I had when I was in Avalon already use a nut that looks and tastes very much like an almond. So, I could even make chopped almond-covered caramel apples!
As my mouth starts to water over the thought of such a delicacy, I notice that we're approaching an iron gate leading to a riverfront mansion – Cara's family home, I presume. There are two men guarding the gate, and they straighten up when they notice Cara. The older of the two, mid 30s-looking, speaks up.
"Lady Cara, welcome back! I'm sorry to trouble you so soon, but Prima Devon asked us to convey his desire for a meeting as soon as you returned. What would you like us to do?" (older guard)
Cara's jaw clenches, then she sighs deeply. I'm going to go out on a limb and say…she doesn't like this Prima person. Speaking of which, why does he have a last name that I don't recognize? I thought last names were a sign of nobility, and as far as I know, I'm aware of all the elven noble houses.
"Hmm…one of you can go inform him that I've returned – I'll meet with him when he arrives." (Cara)
The guard in question nods, then turns to the other guard.
"Do as our Lady asked, and I'll take care of guard duty until you return." (older guard)
The younger guard nods, then takes off back the way we came. This seems like a good time to satisfy my curiosity, so I turn to Cara.
"Lady Cara, I am confused by this Prima fellow. I thought only the elven nobles had family names, and I'm certain that Devon isn't one of them. Could you explain?" (Mizuki)
Cara turns towards me in surprise, and I see Alto smile in amusement.
"Prima is not his name, Mizuki, it is his title. He is the Prima of Wellick." (Cara)
Uhm…is that, like, a mayor or something? Also, thanks a lot Alto…you could have told me about this instead of just laughing at my ignorance.
I stare at Cara blankly, and she seems to get the message. She rolls her eyes and continues.
"Nobles' territories often have many cities…too many, in fact, for one person to properly manage. So, we appoint a qualified individual as Prima in each city to manage its welfare on our behalf. As she builds more cities, Lady Alara will need to begin appointing Prima as well." (Cara)
Right…so, mayors. I nod gratefully to Cara for schooling me on elven positions of power. Then, I notice the guard watching me curiously. I realize that he hasn't acted surprised or nervous around me even once.
"Sir, you don't seem that surprised by my being human. In new areas of the Elven Kingdom, yours is a reaction I'm quite unaccustomed to. I'm guessing you know who I am?" (Mizuki)
The guard looks briefly surprised by my addressing him, then he nods.
"That's correct, Lord Mizuki, and you will find that to be the case for many others here. Lady Cara informed her staff by carrier pigeon about the events of the royal announcement, and she was explicit that Lady Nedonera and all her subordinates were to be treated with the utmost respect if they ever visited." (older guard)
I glance at Cara suspiciously, but she maintains a poker face. Also, what is with this 'Lord' nonsense again? Is Cara responsible for that, too?
I smile politely at the guard.
"Well, I appreciate the courtesy…I wasn't aware that Lady Cara had gone through so much trouble. However, you're welcome to spread the word that nobody needs to call me 'Lord'. I hold no such title, so just calling me Mizuki is fine." (Mizuki)
Without hesitation, the guard shakes his head and smiles faintly.
"With all due respect, Lord Mizuki, I'm afraid you'll have trouble convincing the elves of Wellick to address you so informally. As you know, Queen Elira has decreed that the escorts of an Elder Dragon are to be treated as foreign nobles. I, for one, won't ignore my Queen's decree and forego your appropriate title of 'Lord'." (older guard)
"Exactly, Mizuki, so you are of appropriate station to drop this stiff 'Lady' nonsense when you address me now, even around other people. All of my staff should be aware of that fact, so just call me Cara." (Cara)
Cara finishes piling on with a smirk. So, that's how it is, huh? I sigh deeply and look back at the guard skeptically.
"I suppose I understand your position. Nonetheless, being willing to do something and being accepting of it are not the same. Tell me honestly, does addressing me like that bother you?" (Mizuki)
The guard flashes me a confused expression, then it turns into an amused smile.
"Fufufu…no, I can't say it does. Human or not, you've been given unprecedented support by Queen Elira, Lady Cara, and an Elder Dragon. That alone indicates to me your worthiness of being addressed with respect. After all, I cannot boast of such an accomplishment." (older guard)
I sense a rush of satisfaction from Nina…that can't be good.
"Hahaha! Now this is more like it, Mizuki! It's about time the elves started being a little more respectful towards you!" (Nina)
I grimace in embarrassment, and Nina just looks on at everyone smugly. Alto seems to share my embarrassment over Nina's behavior. I sigh and turn to the guard again with a curious expression.
"Ehem…well, my Lady's feelings aside, I appreciate your kind words. May I ask your name and role here?" (Mizuki)
Cara interjects.
"His name is Vito, and he's my most trusted personal guard – I've known him since he was a small boy. When I insisted on traveling to Eden alone after the nobles' meeting, he declared his intention to return here and guard my home. He wanted to be the first person to see me when I returned." (Cara)
I turn to Vito in surprise. Now that she mentions it, he does look kind of familiar. I think he was one of the guards I saw with her during the first nobles' meeting. In that case, he's obviously a little bit more familiar with me than I assumed.
Vito just beams with pride at Cara's characterization of him…which I find incredibly wholesome. I'll remember that, but for now…
"Well, it sounds like you have a faithful attendant, Cara. Now, on to other matters…shall we deal with the MMC before your meeting with this Devon fellow takes your attention away?" (Mizuki)
Cara's eyes light up excitedly, and she nods eagerly. Vito looks on in confusion following the term 'MMC', but he doesn't inquire about the unfamiliar reference.
"Yes, let's do that! Vito, we'll be going to my office. You're welcome to return to my service after another guard is available to replace you at the gate. The rest of you, please follow me!" (Cara)
Vito nods his acknowledgement dutifully, then opens the gate for us. Cara leads us through, towards the riverside mansion. The estate is much more expansive than our own, with lush green grass and large trees lining the stone walkway to the mansion.
As we approach the house, I notice that it's only two stories, but the area covered by its foundation is at least triple that of our own mansion. It's…obnoxiously massive. Based on what I've learned about her so far, her mother and father are both gone, and she has no children. Does she live here all alone with her guard and servants?
We come to the front door, and a late 20s-looking high elf woman is sitting in a chair on the porch. She has dirty-blonde hair and brown eyes, and she is around Nina's height. She has a relatively lean build, and the way her hair is cut gives her a tomboyish vibe.
She seems to be enjoying a cup of tea, and she is watching our approach with a vaguely curious expression. However, when we arrive in front of her, she freezes. The strange elven woman stands up, and an eager smile spreads across her face as her gaze rests on Alto.
I glance at Alto, but there is no trace of recognition on her face. Instead, she just seems confused and maybe slightly uncomfortable with the obvious attention. Uhm…what's going on here?
I hear Cara sigh in annoyance.
"Alyse, could you show some decorum and introduce yourself properly to everyone...this is the party of an Elder Dragon, after all. They're our guests for the day – Lady Nedonera, Mizuki, and Alto." (Cara)
Huh…okay, so I guess Cara does not live here alone. Since they're obviously very familiar, is this a sister? Cousin? Lover? Gasp…will I need to keep Cara's relentless flirting with me a secret? I've never been a homewrecker before.
Alyse's gaze breaks from Alto, and she rolls her eyes at Cara before giving us a very sarcastic looking curtsy.
"Sure, sure…it's nice to meet you all. My name is Alyse Egris, oldest daughter of our house. As you may have gathered from how Cara talks to me, I'm somewhat of an outcast." (Alyse)
So, sister…not lover…damn. She's a little abrasive towards Cara, though, so it's possible I'll still be treated to some drama. That said, I'm expecting Cara to sidestep Alyse's dig with her general grace. But…
"Tch…Alyse, you aren't an outcast. You're literally living in our family home. If the other members of our house aren't as receptive to your company as you'd like, have you considered behaving in a way that gives a better impression than this?" (Cara)
Oh ho? For Cara to act like that, there must be some seriously entertaining beef between them. Consider my interest piqued. Alyse turns an annoyed look towards Cara, and snorts derisively.
"I could blow flowery compliments up their asses year-round and it wouldn't make them accept me, Cara. They resent me for the same reason I'm not head of our household…because I won't take men in my bed." (Alyse)
I'm sure the shock clearly registers on my face. Colorful language aside, this very much seems like a family matter to be discussed privately – not in front of us. Not that I mind their loose tongues, of course. There's not reality television in this world.
Still…is Alyse saying she's gay? More importantly, is that actually something the elves have a problem with!? All their other views on intimacy have sounded so relaxed, so I just assumed…
"We're not prejudiced against women loving other women, Alyse. This persecution of yours is all in your head." (Cara)
Alyse narrows her eyes at Cara, and her voice starts to have traces of anger in it.
"Don't be naïve, Cara. I said it was my lack of romantic interest in men that our family takes issue with. As I've said before, they consider that an affront to my very purpose as a noble – to produce heirs. Aside from Mother, Reynard is the only one who's ever been supportive. It's a shame h-" (Alyse)
"Fufufu…well, amusing as this is to watch, could we save sibling bickering over family succession for another time? This is not how I want to spend my time here." (Nina)
Before the conversation can go any further, Nina interjects. Not for the first time, I'm a little disappointed in her doing so. Although, my reasons are a bit less noble this time. I'm curious about this Reynard person that Alyse mentioned…what was she about to say?
Alyse and Cara both look to Nina in surprise. Cara becomes embarrassed and nods apologetically, while Alyse gives a restrained smile.
"Certainly, Great Dragon…I apologize. For the record, however, any bitterness on my part is over Cara's persisting inability to see the situation for what it is. I'm not interested in being head of household. In truth, I much prefer the freedom that comes with not being heir." (Alyse)
I'm officially invested in their family drama now, so maybe I'll do a little poking around while we're here. It will be a nice distraction from my actual problems.
[Hey, Nina…is what she said just now true?] (Mizuki)
Nina looks over at me in confusion. Based on her statement moments ago, I assume she's wondering why I care at all.
[Well, yes. At least…she wholeheartedly believes all her words are the truth. However, the same applies to Cara.] (Nina)
Oh? I wonder where between their perceptions the reality of the situation lies. I've never known Cara to be a poor judge of character in situations like this…she's quite perceptive. On the other hand, her less than graceful dismissal of Alyse was unexpected, and family has a way of biasing your outlook on things.
My thoughts are interrupted by an apprehensive Cara.
"Ehem…sorry for the display, that wasn't very hospitable. Please, follow me everyone – let me give you the tour!" (Cara)
Without another word, Cara walks past Alyse to the mansion door and opens it, then waves for us to follow her with a polite smile. I guess we're pretending that awkward exchange didn't happen.