I wear a concerned expression as I respond to Alto's request.
"Alto, can I ask why? If you're worried about me doing something, just tell me now so I can make you a promise that would put you at ease. You don't have to prolong going home to babysit me. I'd never intentionally harm an innocent person of any race. Even if they're mean to me, I won't hold it against your whole race. I won't let Nina do it either." (Mizuki)
Alto smiles like I said something funny, then shakes her head. Klaus looks confused, then interjects before Alto can speak, though.
"Mizuki, who the hell is 'Nina', and why are you handing out favors to everyone except me tonight?" (Klaus)
Oh…I slipped up. Fortunately, we all ignore him, and Alto responds to my question.
"No, honestly, while you and Princess Ilina were chatting, I've been wondering if you and Lady Nedonera would let me join you. I don't have anything I'm in a hurry to return to in the Elven Kingdom. With my friends dead, I think it's a good time to see new places and new faces." (Alto)
Alto pauses for a moment, seemingly saddened. Before I can respond, she continues.
"More importantly, I've gathered from Klaus that we're only free right now because you happened to learn of us, and you insisted that we be freed immediately. The difficulty of the task and the races involved don't seem like they mattered to you. Honestly, I want to help you better the world like that." (Alto)
Damn…that's downright tear-jerking. I'm not that altruistic, though, she is giving me way too much credit.
"Alto, in all honesty I think you're overestimating my character. I don't spend all my time doing stuff like that, it was just a coincidence that I found out." (Mizuki)
Alto shrugs.
"So what? If you let me join you, and I or someone else brought another situation like that to your attention, would you help them?" (Alto)
Alto stares at me expectantly, but like someone waiting on a specific answer to prove a point. I guess I see where she's going with that.
"Yes, it's likely. However, traveling with us won't be filled with constant charity, and it'd be just the three of us most of the time. You might be lonely." (Mizuki)
Alto chuckles at my retort, then smirks while responding to it.
"Fufufu…if you're human, I will be alive long after you're dead. I might regret not taking this chance to help you improve the world. If I don't like traveling with you, I can always leave. As for being lonely, you claimed we were friends. Plus, I doubt it'll be just us three for long…call it a hunch." (Alto)
She makes some good points. Also, despite her looks she's probably lived a whole human lifespan already, so maybe I should stop assuming I know what she wants better than she does.
"Alright, I'll talk it over with Nina, but unless she's very opposed to it, you can join us. Don't come complaining to me if we're not as good of company as you think, though! Moving on…it seemed like you specifically wanted to join us for the Elven Kingdom visit. What was that about?" (Mizuki)
Alto seems excited that her request was accepted. Hearing about the elven country trip, she nods in agreement.
"You're correct. I think it would really be a loss for my people if your visit is a disaster. I'm hoping that having me with you will make them give you a chance, and that I will remind you that not all elves hate you. I know how much animosity you'll face, and I want to offer you as much goodwill as I can. I think that's best for everyone." (Alto)
Well…I guess she'd know better than I would. I can't say that having a friendly elf with me in a country of human-hating elves is a bad thing. I give her an appreciative smile, and nod agreeably.
"Thanks, Alto, I appreciate it. Also, I'm sorry for giving you the third degree about joining Nina and I. Truthfully, I think I felt like it was my responsibility to protect you until you had your normal life back. I bet I ended up treating you like a little sibling without realizing it, and I'm sorry. I promise, I'll try to be more respectful of your decisions in the future." (Mizuki)
Alto seems to find this amusing as well.
"Fufufu…yes, you did, but it was very sweet that you were so worried about me, and I'm not offended. I appreciate that you'll be taking my statements at face value going forward." (Alto)
Good, seems like things with Alto are settled. I turn towards Ilina – it's time to wrap this night up.
"Ilina, I'm going to head back to the others soon. I need to take whatever food you guys can spare for Alto and the others. As for you, I can leave you here, you can camp with them in the Delmura Forest, or you can stay in Elmesia at that nice inn. What would you prefer?" (Mizuki)
Ilina appears to contemplate the question for a moment, then answers with a smile.
"Please take us to the forest, and Klaus and I can look after the kids. You and Nina have done plenty, so we can at least give you the night off." (Ilina)
I nod at her in agreement and smile. Klaus walks off without further instruction to start collecting food and supplies for the others, and I hear him muttering the name 'Nina' in confusion.
"Thanks, Ilina. I think they'd trust you a lot more than me, as well. We'll arrange it so that you're safe in the forest without us. Alright! Alto, Klaus, Ilina, please gather around!" (Mizuki)
In preparation for the transport, Ilina walks forward to grab me like last time, but Alto hurriedly jumps in front of her and wraps me in a tight hug from the front. What's her deal?
I look down at her puzzled, and she looks back with…fear!? Oh…shit…right, Nina threatened to hurt Ilina if she did anything too 'familiar'. I guess showing up with her wrapped around me like that would qualify for Nina.
[Nice save, Alto, I appreciate it.] (Mizuki)
I feel Alto nod against my chest. So reliable, I'm glad she'll be joining us already. Ilina wraps her arms around Alto from the side, and Klaus wraps an arm around my shoulder from the other side while carrying the supplies. Then, I teleport us back to Nina's clearing.