"Here we are – Ulta's restaurant!" (Alyse)
We all look up at the large white building before us, focusing on the letters of this world etched into the sign above the entrance. I instinctively roll my eyes as I read it.
Ulta-mate Cuisine
"Fufufu…I see that Miss Ulta remains as subtle of a woman as ever…" (Mizuki)
"Is Ulta the elf that stripped into her undergarments in front of you and called it a show? If so, I have to agree." (Nina)
Why…why would you phrase it like that? Does she have any idea how that makes it sound? On the other hand, Alara is just as much to blame for this. She found Ulta's little stunt with the bikini and jacuzzi so funny, that she told Nina about it after the fact. Nina's been curious about Ulta ever since.
I hear someone snort at Nina's and my remarks, and I look towards the source of the noise to see Alyse eyeing me curiously. As soon as my gaze meets hers, she looks away hurriedly. Hmm…she was practically ignoring me before now, so that seems strange. I saw her talking to Alto earlier, and the conversation seemed to last for quite a while. Did they discuss something that I need to know about?
I turn my attention to Alto, preparing to inquire about their talk, but I miss my chance.
"Ehem…uhm, please follow me everyone! I'll make sure we get a private table." (Alyse)
Alyse makes her way to what seems like a hostess stand and starts conversing with the elven girl tending it. At first, the girl looks at Alyse like she's an idiot. However, Alyse pulls some necklace from around her neck and displays the crest on it, then gestures towards Nina. After a moment, the girl goes white as a sheet as she glances between us, then nods towards Alyse fervently before running off. Great...
"While we appreciate the courtesy, Alyse, I do hope you weren't too forceful with the girl on our behalf? I'd hate for Miss Ulta to hold a grudge." (Mizuki)
Alyse turns around, surprised.
"I don't think so. When I asked for a private room for our group, she told me that those were only for high-profile guests. Then, she said their normal seating was full and tried to turn us away. I merely apologized for overestimating the collective importance of Cara's older sister, an Elder Dragon, and the heroes of the demon crisis. Moved by my heartfelt apology, she decided to prepare a room for us. Such a sweet girl." (Alyse)
Yeah, that girl was totally just traumatized right in front of me. Guess I'm leaving another fat, counterfeit tip at this place.
"Fufufu…are you quite sure you're related to Cara, dear? I am rather surprised to see you making jokes to us about such a ruthless shakedown. Although, I'm not as opposed to frightening the help as Mizuki, so you'll suffer no admonishment from me." (Nina)
Alyse looks mildly nervous at Nina's comment, but she just shrugs.
"Well, Alto told me that you all wanted me to be myself, and I felt like making a joke. So, that's what I did. As for Cara and me…we've never had that much in common, I'm afraid." (Alyse)
That true, Alto? I turn my focus to Alto and see her nod acknowledgement to my unasked question. Well, I guess that is actually good advice – I prefer more direct people, and so does Nina.
The hostess returns, led by a 40s-looking elven woman who seems much less frazzled.
"Good afternoon, Ladies Nedonera and Alyse! We are pleased to have you and your guests grace our establishment. Regrettably, Mistress Ulta is busy with preparations for a new restaurant elsewhere. However, I am Dola, the manager here, and I'll be happy to see to your needs personally. If you'll follow me, we have prepared our finest private room for you!" (Dola)
Without another word, Dola turns on her heel and leads us towards the side of the restaurant. As we walk, I feel a tug on my pants, and look over to see Alto staring at me pointedly. I don't get a chance to say anything.
"Mizuki, I'll be brief. About Alyse…" (Alto)
Alto gives me a speed round summary of their talk on the way here.
"I just thought you'd appreciate some notice beforehand, and I assumed that you'd be interested in speaking with her. Naturally, Nina is going to want to sit next to you, but I'll make sure that Alyse gets the next closest seat to you." (Alto)
She really is incredibly reliable, and she knows me so well that it's scary. I smile at Alto appreciatively.
"Thanks, Alto. As usual, it seems that I'm an open book to you." (Mizuki)
Alto smirks back at me.
"A book with a rather predictable plot, I might add." (Alto)
"Who doesn't enjoy a classic?" (Mizuki)
"Off the top of my head? About seventy royal guards and an emperor." (Alto)
Christ, Alto, that was dark. I guess I made a face, because Alto's expression becomes apologetic.
"Sorry…too soon?" (Alto)
"No, no it's fine. I'm glad you're to the point where you can joke about it, at least. Moving on, is there anything else I should know about Alyse?" (Mizuki)
Alto pushes her finger against her bottom lip thoughtfully for a moment.
"I quite like her, if that matters." (Alto)
"Really? I think it's relevant. After all, based on your best friend, it's clear that you have exquisite judgement." (Mizuki)
Alto sighs in fake exasperation.
"Well, that one has really fallen from my good graces lately, so…maybe not?" (Alto)
"That's surprising…I've never described you as gracious." (Mizuki)
"Tch…sounds like a literacy issue…" (Alto)
"I suppose th-" (Mizuki)
"And here's your private room! We hope it's to your liking." (Dola)
Alto and I both look up to see that we've arrived at a room in the corner of the restaurant. Inside, there's a wall menu, a couple of couches, and a roundtable for six covered in white linen. A fancy chandelier hangs over the table in the center of the room.
"It's wonderful, Miss Dola, thank you. If you don't mind, could we trouble you for some bottles of wine while we look over the menu? I believe that Lady Nedonera is quite fond of red wine, if you have it." (Alyse)
"Oh? My, you are quite hospitable Alyse. That's an excellent suggestion! Don't you think so, Mizuki, hmm? I'm already looking forward to it." (Nina)
I glance at Alto nervously. Did she tell Alyse about Nina's drinking habits? If so, does she think that getting this hot mess of an Elder Dragon sloshed is a good idea while we're roleplaying master and servant? Does she expect me to cut Nina off? I certainly hope not…Nina's alcohol tolerance is surprisingly human.
"Of course, Lady Alyse. I'll bring three bottles of our finest red wine for you, Great Dragon." (Dola)
Three bottles!?
Dola gives a brief bow, then departs from the room with her hostess in tow, shutting the door behind them. Our group takes seats at the roundtable. I have Nina and Alyse sitting on either side of me, and Alto takes the other seat next to Nina.
After a few minutes, Dola returns with Nina's considerable wine selection, then takes all our food orders. Nina starts drinking immediately, of course, and Alto pours herself a glass as well. I turn to Alyse, expecting her to partake, but she just watches Alto and Nina intently.
"Alyse, do you not want any wine?" (Mizuki)
I raise my eyebrows at her inquisitively, and Alyse just shakes her head.
"Not this time, thanks. I'd rather leave it for Lady Nedonera to enjoy." (Alyse)
Well, I'd say the idea that Alto orchestrated Nina's personal winery via Alyse has been anecdotally confirmed. I guess she must think it will occupy Nina enough that Alyse and I can speak more freely.
I nod at Alyse agreeably.
"I see…I take it that the wine was Alto's idea to preoccupy my Lady, then, and you wished to speak to me about something?" (Mizuki)
Alyse's eyes widen.
"Th-That's…did Alto tell you that?" (Alyse)
Okay, so that's a yes.
"Kind of. She mentioned that you might want to talk to me, but that's it. She didn't say what you might want to talk about, though, and the wine was my own inference. Can I assume from your reaction that I was right about the reason for the wine, and that you doing it means you've decided that you want to discuss something with me?" (Mizuki)
After a brief blank stare, Alyse gives me an incredulous smile and shakes her head.
"Yes, you're right. About both points. I'm guessing that us sitting next to one another is no accident, then. So, it's okay if I ask you some questions? I don't want to pry too much." (Alyse)
I smile at Alyse and nod.
"Correct. Ask whatever questions you want, and I'll have some of my own. Also, don't worry – I'm hard to offend." (Mizuki)
Alyse's eyebrows raise in surprise.
"You have questions for me, too, huh? In that case, why don't we take turns? You can go first." (Alyse)
Don't mind if I do…time to get to the bottom of this family drama.
"Works for me, thanks. Hmm…how do you feel about Cara?" (Mizuki)
"A personal question? I guess a deal's a deal. Well…it's complicated. I don't hate her, but I don't know if I can quite say that I love her like I should either. What I feel is...indebted to her, and protective of her, too, I suppose. At the same time, I feel frustrated that she doesn't seem to notice things that I feel are obvious, like why our family resents me. Does that answer your question well enough?" (Alyse)
"Yes, I suppose. Though, it does raise other questions. Still, it's your turn…what do you wish to know?" (Mizuki)
Alyse smiles expectantly and leans towards me with an intense look.
"Did former Princess Alara actually name her entire noble house after you?" (Alyse)
I see…Alto clearly left out some very important details about their discussion. I sigh heavily and place my head in my hands and rub my temples. After a moment, I look up to meet Alyse's expectant gaze.
"Unfortunately, that's true. She did it without my knowledge or consent, and I only found out as it was announced to the country." (Mizuki)
"But she hates humans, to an almost maniacal degree…why would she do that?" (Alyse)
I shrug at her.
"Unfortunately, that sounds like a second question, and we're taking turns. Remember?" (Mizuki)
Alyse rolls her eyes at me, then nods reluctantly.
"Great! My next question is – why do you feel indebted to Cara?" (Mizuki)
"Man…you're really fixated on my relationship with my sister, huh? I don't mind telling you, I guess, but it's a long story…" (Alyse)
"That's okay, I've got time." (Mizuki)
Alyse nods at me reluctantly, then launches into what I agree is a long story. Essentially, she used to be the family heir, but she's gay and she knew it from an early age. When the other members of her family found out she wouldn't be having kids, they harassed her endlessly about it while her mother tried to have another heir. Her mother was old, though, and the harassment from the family got worse for them both as time dragged on.
Eventually, when her mother was nearing the end of her life, she became pregnant with Cara. Cara ended up taking over all Alyse's prior responsibilities, so Alyse and her mother finally got some peace. Alyse feels like, in exchange for her own reprieve, all the family's expectations for her were multiplied and shoved onto Cara instead. So, Alyse credits Cara for those final peaceful years with her mother.
Our food comes towards the end of her story, and we begin chatting between bites.
"Mmm…I can see why you'd feel that way, then. I'm sorry to hear about how you were treated, Alyse." (Mizuki)
It also sounds like peace ensued after Cara was born, which makes the disconnect in their views about how the family treats Alyse more understandable.
Alyse's face has become more somber. Presumably, her little summary brought up some bad memories. She looks at me and shrugs.
"That's just how it was, no need for an apology. Besides, I'm sure that you've suffered your own harassment from most elves you've met in this country. So, I kind of sympathize with you." (Alyse)
"Hmm…perhaps to a degree, but I think there's hardly any comparison. I've endured it less than a year, you endured it for millennia. Mine was from strangers of a different race, yours was from your own family. I had plenty of supportive friends who avoided that animosity, while your mother was caught in the crossfire. The hostility from random elves has mostly subsided for me, but your family is still antagonistic." (Mizuki)
Alyse gives me a puzzled expression for several seconds, then raises her eyebrows briefly and sighs.
"You're very strange, Mizuki…not at all what I expected for a boy your age." (Alyse)
I give her a puzzled look. A boy? Oh…yeah…I look like a teenager now. I keep forgetting.
I shrug at her.
"To be fair, I don't get the impression that you've met any other humans. I suppose my age would seem rather insignificant to a high elf, though." (Mizuki)
Alyse seems to remember something and glances at Nina briefly, then becomes nervous and looks back to me.
"Well, at any rate, I've answered your question. So…" (Alyse)