I look at Alto, confused, and she smiles at me and shakes her head before responding.
"Mizuki, that trip normally takes a couple of months and quite a bit of planning and funds. They probably thought that you needed multiple weeks to prepare, and they were going to have to scavenge for food in the woods in the meantime. So, you offering to take them tomorrow and put them up in an inn so fancy the Princess liked it…they probably think you're nuts. Which, you are, by the way." (Alto)
After hearing Alto's explanation, I look at Ilina with a questioning glance. If someone can nod their head sarcastically…she does. Well, fine, excuse me for trying to be accommodating.
Jokes aside, though, this is good news for me. I direct a huge smile at the rest of them.
"Oh, that's great news! In that case, if you don't mind waiting a few days for us to settle some things, then that would be best. I'll still set you up at that inn, though. I'll also tell Ilina where a general store I like is that you can get whatever you need. If that works for everyone, I can go get three extra rooms ready for you now and teleport you straight to them! One room for Alto and Zara, and two for the five elves. Does that work?" (Mizuki)
The next few moments are filled with silence and more dumbfounded expressions…until Alto begins laughing hysterically. Ilina shakes her head at me in exasperation, then responds with a heavy sigh.
"Yeah, that's fine, Mizuki. By the way, now that we're friends…can I ask where you're getting all this money? I thought it'd be rude before, but now I just really have to know." (Ilina)
Nina sends a thought message quickly.
[Please be careful with this, Mizuki.] (Nina)
I smile at Nina and nod, and she seems to relax. Then, I turn to Ilina and respond with a smirk.
"Don't worry, I'll tell you later. One of the things we'll be doing before leaving for the Elden Kingdom is some training. That'll include you teaching me the spells that you promised. We can discuss it then." (Mizuki)
Ilina seems confused by my series of statements, but she nods her agreement regardless. I notice Zara from the corner of my eye and she's…smiling!? It's not even subtle, she looks like Alto when flying is involved.
I don't think I've seen that level of emotion from her before, what's she so excited about? Oh well…if she's happy then it's fine.
I let everyone know that I'll be back soon, then teleport to our room at the inn. I reserve three additional large rooms for two nights, cough up my gold, then take the keys. The receptionist gives me a very weird look about the number of rooms, but she says nothing. I guess they pay enough to keep your mouth shut about strange requests here.
Afterwards, I start at the room furthest from Nina's and I's and enter it with the key. Then I teleport back to Nina's nest. The elves are startled by my sudden emergence.
"Alright, first group is up! Please decide amongst yourselves who the three rooming together will be." (Mizuki)
After a moment, three elf women step forward. One looks nervous, presumably because of me, but the other two seem somewhat excited. I hand their key to the closest one, then address them.
"Okay, there you go! I'll answer any questions you have when you see the room. Gather around so I can teleport you, please." (Mizuki)
The three girls squeeze in close to me, and I teleport them back to their room.
When we arrive, they quickly scatter. Jeez…still scared of me, huh? After all this? Oh well, you can't buy people's trust, I guess.
"Okay, so this room is all yours. The inn has a kitchen, and they'll make food for you and bring it to your room if you order it at reception. Please feel free to do that, and I'll cover the cost. I'm sure Ilina and Klaus will come stay here as well, and they can help you get cloaks to hide your ears if you want to leave the room. Elmesia is safe for elves in theory, but there are bad humans everywhere. If I'm around, I won't let anyone touch you, but I won't be around all the time." (Mizuki)
One of the elves smiles at me warmly and gives her thanks, and the other two nod their agreement. Alright, on to the next.
I make my way to the next room, then teleport back to Nina's clearing with the key. I take the last two elves to their own room, then get them settled. After, I make my way to the final room, closest to Nina's and I's, and return to the clearing one last time. Upon arriving, I address everyone.
"Alright, so the last room is going to be Alto's and Zara's. Klaus and Ilina, can I assume that you'd like a lift back to the inn as well to get yourselves a room?" (Mizuki)
Ilina smiles gratefully, then responds.
"Yes, that would be great, thanks Mizuki." (Ilina)
I nod my acknowledgement, then gesture for everyone to gather around me. I teleport us all to Alto's and Zara's room. When we arrive, everyone spreads out and forms a circle to talk.
"So, what's the plan now?" (Ilina)
Everyone looks at me expectantly. Right…
"Well, if they're up for it, I'd like to take Alto and Zara to get all their clothes, equipment, and weapons. If we have time, I'd also like to stop by the adventurer's guild with them and get them registered. If you want recommendations for yourself…check on the elves and help them get the things they need. If they want to leave their rooms safely, then getting them some cloaks would be good." (Mizuki)
I also tell Ilina and Klaus the rooms that the elves are staying in, so they can go meet with them. They thank me, then leave the room with their cloaks donned.
I turn to Nina, Alto, and Zara.
"So, I think we should go shop for your clothes first. Demi-humans roam the city, but an elf will raise eyebrows. Elmesia is supposed to be safe for all races, and the slave trade isn't legal here, but I'm still a little worried for Alto. I think getting her a cloak just in case is a good idea, but I'll support whatever decision she wants to make about her anonymity. Alto, what do you think?" (Mizuki)
Alto looks like she's thinking about it carefully for a while, then she speaks up.
"I'd like to stay more under the radar for now. Would you mind taking Zara for clothes and equipment shopping without me, and getting me a cloak and basic set of clothes like what Ilina wears? In addition to whatever equipment you wanted me to get, of course. I'll take a bath in the meantime, and you can meet me back here before weapon shopping?" (Alto)
I look at her in surprise, that was surprisingly frank of her. Asking for favors like that isn't something I'd have expected her to do. Nonetheless, I'm not bothered by it.
I smile back at her and nod my agreement.
"Of course, Alto, please enjoy your bath! You've earned it. Zara, are you ready to go or would you like a bath first, too?" (Mizuki)
Zara shakes her head in response.
"No, I can bathe later tonight. Let's go." (Zara)
I nod my acknowledgement, and we make our way to Zevy's shop.