After Ilina's accusation, I sense Nina's shock through our connection. Honestly, I can't blame her.
What the hell went wrong? There would be no reason for Ilina to assume that Nina and I were in cahoots before today. I glance at Klaus, and he also seems shocked by Ilina's accusation. Right, so this must be due to a development since we left the inn.
My thoughts are interrupted by Ilina. She turns towards me with an exasperated look on her face.
"I've got to say, I'm impressed, Mizuki. I don't suppose you'll tell me why you're so friendly with an Elder Dragon, will you?" (Ilina)
Ilina is watching me closely, and while she was confident enough to speak up, I think she's still testing me. She may be unsure of the extent of Nina's and I's relationship, but why is she so confident that we have a history at all?
I expected skepticism from Ilina when I mysteriously produced an unknown item of unprecedented power, right when they needed it. However, when I brought them here, at worst Ilina should have suspected that I was using a fake item to hide my abilities. That's why I had Nina 'confirm' the item's authenticity. Did that make her suspect that Nina and I were cooperating?
If Ilina knew for certain that the item was fake, then it would follow that the dragon must be lying about it. Obviously, Nina telling such a lie would implicate our relationship.
However, it shouldn't be possible to know that an item doesn't exist, at least not with the certainty that Ilina is displaying. Also, she seemed to be genuinely pleading for the item before I handed it to her, and I don't remember feeling her suspicion directed towards me until afterward. What changed?
When Ilina took the marble to the tree stump, and I thought I heard her muttering, was that an incantation? If she cast a spell that appraises items on the marble…her conclusions and the timeline would make sense.
A smile slowly spreads across my face. Yes…if I'm right about this, and that's all she's basing it on, then I can still salvage the situation.
[Nina, I have an idea of how to salvage this, so please play along. I think you're going to like it.] (Mizuki)
[S-Sure, I'll follow your lead, Mizuki. That elf is smarter than I gave her credit for, I don't know how she figured us out.] (Nina)
Really!? You were not exactly the picture of uninterested in me.
I meet Ilina's gaze, then proceed with my stage performance. I let out a theatrical laugh while smiling at her. It's my turn to test her.
"Fufufufu…well, well. If we're talking about things that impress us, let's discuss your two dark class spells. One that lets you appraise items, and another that functions like an item box." (Mizuki)
Ilina is shocked by my statement, and Klaus seems to go pale. Looks like I was right. I also sense shock from Nina, but she stays silent. Before Ilina can recover, I press my advantage.
"However, I believe there's been a misunderstanding on your part about the relationship between Lady Nedonera and myself. I am but her humble servant and advisor." (Mizuki)
To emphasize my claim, I turn towards Nina and give an apologetic bow.
"I do apologize for my incompetence, Lady Nedonera, it seems that I was unable to maintain this charade to your satisfaction. I sincerely hope that you'll forgive me." (Mizuki)
I sense amusement from Nina.
[Oh ho, my attendant, huh, Mizuki? You're right, I am quite enjoying this. I guess I better start doing my part as well. Fufufufu…you come up with the wildest schemes. To commit to the act, perhaps we can have you attend to me later, hmm?] (Nina)
Nina laces her thought message with very suggestive overtones, and I fight the urge to roll my eyes. This dragon needs to get her mind out of the gutter. Still, I chuckle internally.
I straighten my back and face Ilina again. She's watching me carefully, as if considering something. After a moment, she seems to make up her mind and addresses me. Her face wears suspicion.
"That doesn't make sense to me, Mizuki. I'm almost certain that you're the one who saved us outside the tavern that night. Why and how would the Great Dragon have asked that of you? That incident also suggests you have incredible strength. Finally, if that item was fake, you teleported us all the way into the forest. That's a monstrous ability I've never even heard of…you're no mere servant." (Ilina)
After her explanation, she directs a questioning gaze at me, as if waiting for me to address her criticisms. Damn, she really is as sharp as ever.