I stare back at Alyse, my thoughts in inner turmoil after her provocative question.
Where did I slip up...what could possibly have made Alyse think that? Wait...no...that's not what's most important right now. The question is, what should I do? Do I deny it? I mean, she has to be guessing, right? There's probably some way to convince her it's a misunderstanding.
Actually, scratch that. I'm kidding myself if I think that this was some half-assed guess of hers. She asked me something that is believed to be impossible by this world at large, after only knowing us a day. Even the arrow incident shouldn't be enough evidence for a declaration that bold. So, I don't know what's making her so sure, and I'm not going to determine her evidence with absolute certainty in mere seconds.
She didn't guess my secret by coincidence. Obviously, she's seen something compelling. There's no way she'd voice such an outrageous question otherwise. Unless I know exactly what lines of evidence drove her deduction, it's far too risky to try and undermine her belief about me with blind lying. Plus, the shocked looks on everyone else's faces probably anecdotally validated Alyse's suspicions.
Of course, some would say that I have nothing to lose by just lying and playing the confused fool, in the hopes that it protects my secret. However, I'd consider those people idiots. Or, at least thoughtless.
When you're confronted with someone of great power, you're immediately inclined to determine their threat level to you. In other words, Alyse is going to be looking for reasons to trust or fear me if she thinks I'm that strong.
If she catches me lying to her, desperately protecting a secret that she just revealed her knowledge about, she'll be predisposed to view herself as my adversary. Honestly, I don't want any more of those. In contrast, if I were to freely admit my secret to her, it could serve as an opportunity to reassure her and earn her trust. It's in our nature to grow closer to those who share secrets about themselves with us.
I study Alyse's face across the boat from me, bathed in golden light from the setting sun, and I can see her light brown eyes studying me nervously in return. I've already been thinking silently for a few seconds. The longer I delay a decision, the less leverage I have.
I do my best to smile at Alyse reassuringly, and it seems to confuse her more than put her at ease.
"Yes, you're correct Alyse. I am, for all intents and purposes, 'in charge' of our little group here. Although, I try not to make decisions for everyone unilaterally. I'm not a dictator or anything." (Mizuki)
Alyse's eyes go wide in shock, and her mouth falls open. To her credit, Alto and Cara are staring at me as well, equally in disbelief. Nina is behind me, so I can't see her face, but I sense confusion from her. After several seconds of silent staring, Alyse seems to realize that I'm awaiting her response.
"I...I didn't...you're just...admitting it...just like that!? So, your role as Lady Nedonera's servant...it really is just a ruse..." (Alyse)
Alyse shakes her head in exasperation, then seems to remember something.
"What about the other thing, then? How strong are you?" (Alyse)
I nod at Alyse.
"You're correct, Alyse, I am not her servant. In fact, she is actually my wife by Elder Dragon standards. Also, I call her Nina, not Nedonera. As for how strong I am...I think it's sufficient to say that I'm definitely stronger than the Elder Dragons. That includes Nina. As you may have already guessed, the belief that I can't use magic is false. " (Mizuki)
It's true that she probably didn't know at least some of that information, especially about Nina's and my relationship, but that's actually a good thing in my mind. If she already knows that Nina isn't our leader, and about how strong I am, then nothing else is additionally problematic. Instead, by willingly revealing information she obviously didn't know, I can build trust with her.
Alyse's eyes widen further, then she leans forward and gently places her face in her hands for several seconds. Meanwhile, I feel a surge of ecstasy from Nina over my use of the word 'wife'. Eventually, Alyse jerks upright suddenly, wearing a nervous expression.
"Uhm...Mizuki....I have so many questions, but...why are you just telling me all this? Like, you clearly wanted to keep your abilities a secret, but now you're suddenly telling me everything without hesitation like it doesn't matter. You're not...planning to kill me, are you?" (Alyse)
Christ...that is dark.
Alyse looks like she's terrified, so I quickly make a placating gesture, and put on my most reassuring smile.
"Woah, no! Please don't freak out. I have no intention of hurting you, I swear. I'm answering your questions honestly because I thought you could be trusted, and I want to show you that you can trust me, too." (Mizuki)
That's not exactly true, but...she doesn't need to know. After all, saying that I had nothing to lose by telling her, and that I hoped it would help me manipulate her into keeping my secret...that's not very endearing.
Alyse relaxes noticeably, but I also seem to have triggered some BS detector of hers. Her eyes narrow suspiciously, and she glances at Alto and Cara in sequence, then looks off thoughtfully.
It's best to intervene, I think, before she decides on anything inconvenient. I could always threaten her...silence or a magic-less life, silence or bodily harm, silence or death...such threats aren't for people like her, though.
So far, she hasn't antagonized me or any of my friends. Unfortunately, I don't believe I have a right to privacy over my abilities. If I did something publicly, she noticed, and she decides to share that information...I still won't feel justified in violating her autonomy through threats, like I did with Alara. I think I'll have to opt for the carrot approach and hope it works.
"If you don't mind me saying so, Alyse, it doesn't seem like you believe what I'm telling you. That's totally understandable, of course, since I've spent the day deceiving you on some level. However, now you know what I wanted to keep hidden, so I have little motivation for further deceit. So, tell me...what can I do to earn your trust? Or, at least dispel your fears." (Mizuki)
Alyse's eyes widen at the sudden question, then her expression becomes confused for a few moments. Eventually, she just shrugs.
"I don't know...honestly. You've acted pretty neutral towards me, personally. I mean, you certainly don't seem hostile, but I don't know what to make of you. Still, I'm not going to tell anyone your secrets if that's what you're worried about. It wouldn't benefit me at all." (Alyse)
Oh? I glance towards Nina, and she seems to immediately understand what I'm after.
[There's no deceit in her words. It may be out of fear, but she doesn't seem like she plans to tell others about your abilities and our relationship. Fufufu...that's too bad. I did enjoy being called your wife. Perhaps we should make that a habit in the human countries, hmm? They seem to find the term 'mate' strange.] (Nina)
I raise my eyebrows at her.
[Maybe you think I'll take issue with that, but...I don't, you know? The humans already think we're a couple, so there's no problem. From now on, if it's around humans, I'll call you my wife if that's what you want. It's effectively true.] (Mizuki)
I sense surprise and then immense satisfaction from Nina in quick succession, then I return my attention to Alyse. It looks like I don't have to worry about her exposing me, but I've seldom found fear to be the most effective motivator. It'd be better if she wanted to keep my secrets, out of friendship or loyalty.
I smile at Alyse politely.
"Well, I appreciate that, and I believe you. Still, what was it you said before? 'Friends' actions help you, enemies actions' hurt you, and nothing else matters', or something like that. So, how about as a thank-you for your discretion, I do you a favor? Is there anything you'd be interested in?" (Mizuki)
Alyse looks surprised again by the suggestion, but purses her lips thoughtfully. After a few seconds of silence, I hear Cara clear her throat nervously.
"Ehem...if I may make a suggestion, Alyse, why don't you ask Mizuki to let you join their group? You're always talking about how unpleasant it is to be around the family, and you've seemed incredibly bored lately. Plus, didn't Mother suggest that you leave Wellick and start living your own life? If nothing else, I'm sure that joining these three will be interesting." (Cara)
I'm sorry...what now?