Tessa eyes me nervously. I sigh in exasperation. So, she put together the same thing that Ilina once did, huh?
"In theory, yes, but I would never do such a thing. I've never done such a thing." (Mizuki)
Tessa bites her lip nervously, and a tense silence falls over the room. I see several people staring at me in disbelief, including Elira. I guess she didn't know about the specifics of my magic sense, and how it can be combined with abilities other than teleportation. After the silence drags on uncomfortably long, I clear my throat and decide to move on.
"Ehem...well I've answered quite a few questions from you all, so...how about it? Does anyone have suggestions for a better way to deal with the Empire going forward, versus what I already have planned? I'm open to criticisms." (Mizuki)
Most everyone stares back at me blankly, obviously dumbfounded by my suddenly chipper tone. I know I was pretty sudden about the topic change, but...come on. Things were starting to get way too tense, and we were getting off topic. Thankfully, Cara eventually glances around awkwardly before looking at me encouragingly.
"Uhm...Mizuki, I have a suggestion. I know they may not deserve it, but people respond better to positive incentives than threats. If physically possible, you should consider visiting the Empire's new leadership to negotiate. You'd probably find your aspirations easier if they feel like they have some control, and retaliation would be less likely – against you and the slaves. At the very least, it'd be a good ruse to identify their leadership." (Cara)
I raise my eyebrows at Cara. I see what point she's trying to make, but...do I really want to offer them a reward just for not enslaving people? My original plan was kind of slapped together on the spot, and I didn't have the clearest head at the time, so...perhaps Cara's idea is the more reasonable one. I refuse to let them keep up with their slavery practices now that the ball has been set in motion, but maybe I could try the carrot with them again...
"I agree with Cara. In fact, I'd consider such an approach before you rescue the non-humans in the Empire. After all, it sounds like it could take you multiple days to rescue them all. It's possible that, after your actions are noticed, the Empire could start maiming or killing the slaves to make a point. Or, even more likely, there'd be a movement to violently 'reclaim' the slaves from the demi-human territory." (Darak)
"Agreed...your approach seems foolhardy, Mizuki. Even if the Empire officially outlaws slavery like you ask, what will you do about rogue elements within their country that would routinely raid the demi-human villages afterward? What you're proposing would only create more of a market for such people's...services. Powerful though you are, you don't seem omniscient, and I'm assuming that you still sleep. Ideally, the Empire needs to eagerly combat slavery on their own, and you threatening annihilation won't motivate them forever." (Helena)
Surprise slips onto my face following Darak's and Helena's unhesitant support of Cara's idea. They really think I should backtrack and go negotiate with the Empire, too, before even rescuing the slaves? I guess I see their points, but...what about the demi-humans? Willingly leaving them in slavery while I decide how to reward their captors for their release...that doesn't sit right with me. On the other hand, maybe it's not my decision to make.
I turn to Zara, who is watching me with a neutral expression.
"I appreciate your advice, everyone. However, I'd like to know...Zara, what do you think of all this? I realize that you can't speak for all demi-humans, but you're the person most able to sympathize with those still enslaved in the Empire. Do you think it'd be better to delay their rescue to try and negotiate with the Empire as has been suggested?" (Mizuki)
Zara purses her lips thoughtfully, and remains silent for several moments. After a while, she steps forward and addresses the room with a skeptical tone.
"I'm inexperienced, and I haven't ever negotiated with the rulers of a country. My time with Mizuki has also taught me the value of letting others feel like they're in control. However, one part of your suggestions makes no sense to me...what is Mizuki supposed to negotiate? Let them keep half their slaves? Only kidnap a hundred demi-humans per year? If he's to reward them, what would they want that you'd feel comfortable with Mizuki giving them?" (Zara)
Honestly, Zara has a point. I'm not giving them trains, and I'm sure as hell not letting them keep those slaves. Weapons are extra off-limits. I could probably offer them medicine or something, but based on how Rodsgard's citizens were treated, I doubt that'd interest them. So...money? I'm willing to whip up a box of platinum coins and buy all the slaves they have, so long as it isn't used to perpetuate slavery. I can't think of anything else, though.
The nobles are silent for several moments, glancing at one another, then Darak sighs and shrugs.
"Naturally, if you had enough money you could just bargain with that, but I'm sure money alone isn't enough to make them peacefully accept the loss of all their slaves. Naturally, we all hate the idea of you giving them trains or anything dangerous. I'm sorry to say that the only way to know if there's anything they want that you're willing to give them is to try and hold negotiations." (Darak)
Yeah...figures. I hear Ilina clear her throat, and we all look to her in surprise.
"Ehem...since Mizuki's connection to our country is known by the Empire, and they've already attempted to exploit it once, it's possible they will ask you to exploit your access to our country in some way. After all, your witness, Lobe, surely conveyed that you were open to spying on us before Belmod threatened your party members." (Ilina)
My eyes widen, and I hear a squeal of surprise from Jorah.
"Wha-!? Well obviously that is out of the question!" (Jorah)
Jorah turns to me with a bewildered glare. For once, I agree with him. I'd just go all scorched earth on the Empire before I actually sell out the elves. I glance at Ilina, and I see her smiling at me calmly. She almost looks smug, even. Elira, however, merely rolls her eyes at Jorah.
"Jorah, settle yourself. Obviously, that's not what Princess Ilina was suggesting, and I doubt Mizuki would be inclined to such an arrangement either." (Elira)
I nod my acknowledgement to Elira, and Jorah seems to relax modestly, but Ilina just smiles mischievously.
"Actually, if it would benefit the negotiation to end slavery in the Empire...I think that's exactly what Mizuki should do." (Ilina)