I nod obediently and let Ilina's hand go, and she pulls it back nervously. Then, I set the scale fragment on the table in front of her.
"Well, it seems we're all set, Ilina, as long as you keep that item on you. Obviously, you know how fast my Lady can travel. So, we should be able to notify you as soon as we make our decision. Once we're close to you, then Lady Nedonera could speak to you telepathically to set a rendezvous without raising suspicion, if necessary." (Mizuki)
Ilina shakes her head in amazement. At this point, Klaus returns with tea for everyone, and we catch him up on the developments. He looks back and forth between Ilina and me in exasperation, then hangs his head and sighs dejectedly. I guess everyone's on board.
To my surprise, Nina speaks up at this point. I sense impatience from her.
"Well, it seems like we have everything settled here, so Mizuki and I will take our leave! Ilina, we'll see you sometime within the next few months. Take care!" (Nina)
[Alright, Mizuki, I've spent most of our morning on this elf girl, so can we go do something now? I'd like to stop by our room here first!] (Nina)
Jeez, that was abrupt. I guess her statement was kind of polite, though, so maybe I'm being picky. She's still a dragon, after all, so I'm sure a lot of this was agonizing for her.
[Sure thing, thanks for being so patient all morning. Also, I notice that you said 'our room', but I want you to know that I don't mind. I promised we could live together, after all, since we're going to be adventuring partners.] (Mizuki)
At my mention of our living arrangements, I sense a rush of happiness from Nina. I really can't help but smile internally over her excitement.
I just need to settle one more thing with the elves.
"Ah, wait, before we go…Ilina, there's the issue of the reward for my job. I'll take the ten gold coins that we agreed on now. As for the other thing, I'll be asking you to explain your item box spell to Lady Nedonera and myself. However, we can wait to do that until we meet again. That way, you have some assurance that you'll hear our decision in person. How's that?" (Mizuki)
Ilina nods solemnly, and she responds with a begrudging tone.
"Yes, that's fine. I can see why you didn't tell me about your demands up front. I'd have been significantly more wary of you. I'd also lecture you about the absurd idea that either you or Lady Nedonera can just learn it. However, the request is well within my power to grant, so I'll hold up my end of the deal as promised." (Ilina)
After that, we all say our farewells, I collect the mentioned gold, and then Nina and I depart.
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
Nina and I eventually return to our room at the inn, and I hear her shut the door behind us. We have it for one more night only, so I guess we should discuss what we want to do from here on.
I turn around to ask Nina about it, but I suddenly sense an overwhelming anticipation from her.
Before I can investigate it, Nina closes the distance between us and kisses me. As if to stop me from pulling away, she also wraps her arms around me, and I feel her hands in my hair. When I'm starting to become lightheaded, she pulls away.
I try to protest while I have the chance.
"Nina!?" (Mizuki)
Still running her fingers through my hair, she rolls her eyes and looks at me directly with a serious expression. She seems to gather the reason for my protest.
"Mizuki, I have spent my entire morning watching that elf girl be all familiar with you, when I would have rather us been alone. The fact that right now I'm only kissing you is proof that I'm taking things slow like I agreed." (Nina)
Well…that's not exactly how I see it, but I believe that she considers this to be a restrained response. I haven't considered our relationship purely platonic since the contract, but I'm a little overwhelmed by how quickly things seem to be escalating.
Still, why am I getting hung up on her just kissing me, when I don't even consider our relationship fully platonic?
Realizing that I'm being a little silly, I shrug internally and kiss Nina back. I feel a squeal of surprise from her, and then a rush of excitement leaks through our connection.
Eventually, we disentangle and are both out of breath. Nina is wearing a dopey grin, and I can't help but chuckle aloud at her expression.
"So, are you reassured enough to quit getting homicidal every time Ilina breathes too close to me?" (Mizuki)
Nina cuts me a coy look in response.
"Maybe, if I can expect this to be a regular thing?" (Nina)
She's looking at me expectantly. Oh god, she's serious. How am I not supposed to laugh at that?
"Fufufu…what? You want to schedule it?" (Mizuki)
"Can we?" (Nina)
She smiles as she responds, and there is not a hint of embarrassment in her expression. Good grief.