After I teleported Alto and I back to my room, I sent her on her way and climbed into the bath with Nina. We were currently relaxing while we chatted about the upcoming Elven Kingdom trip.
"So, Mizuki, what is it you're wanting to get done before we make our way to the Elven Kingdom? I'd like to discuss these things quickly and get on to our other plans for the night. I think I've been quite patient with all our errands today." (Nina)
I can sense anticipation mixed with mild frustration from Nina, and it probably didn't help that I took off earlier with Alto.
"Well, I want to learn those spells from Ilina. Being able to store whatever I want would be useful for us. I also need to train Alto and Zara and see their combat skills in action before we go. Alto especially. As the only elf in our party, I'm worried about her. Honestly, I think one day should be enough for me to understand their respective skills. I think, due to actual weapon skill, you'd be better equipped than me to spar with Zara in her swordplay. If you don't mind?" (Mizuki)
"Fufufu…no, I can train the little wolf. I've been wanting to train myself more after that human bested me during our guild test. Well then, I guess we will plan on departing to the Elven Kingdom the day after that. How would you like to travel, and what is our plan when we get there?" (Nina)
"Yes, day after tomorrow would be good. I actually think that you flying us is our best bet, if possible. How long would it take you to fly ten people on your back from Elmesia to your nest, at a pace you could keep up all day?" (Mizuki)
"Fufufu…yes, I don't mind. I'm glad we finally get to fly together in my dragon form! As for how fast I could go with that many…hmm…I'd say it would probably take a couple of hours at a pace I could keep up all day." (Nina)
Okay, that's not bad. It's outside my range for magic sense, but I'd estimate that the eastern edge of the Elven Kingdom is two to three times as far from Nina's nest as the wolf-kin village was. So, maybe 2,000 km? Nina could get us there with about thirteen hours of flight. I think we're getting maybe nine or ten hours of daylight, so it'll have to be a two-day trip.
"Hmm…in that case, if I'm doing my math right, we'll need to make it a two-day trip with around 7 hours of flight each day. That gives us a few hours extra of daylight to stop for meals, bathroom breaks, and whatever else. We can camp one night in Gelrod's Pass, and if it's too dangerous I could always teleport us back to the inn for the night. Is all of that fine?" (Mizuki)
"Yes, that should be okay. As for when we get there, how do you want to handle our relationship with the elves?" (Nina)
"Well, we should avoid any antagonism, if possible. As for the hierarchy, I think we should say that I am your direct subordinate, and Alto and Zara are my trainees. For simplicity, you can say that you trust me to speak on your behalf if you want. That way they don't try and execute me for speaking around the elven queen." (Mizuki)
"Fufufu…if they actually tried that I'd kill every elf in that room, Mizuki. Foolish indeed." (Nina)
Yeah…she's a loose cannon. That's definitely not avoiding antagonism.
"Yes, I'm sure you would, and I'd like to avoid that. So, let's just make it clear that I'm your representative and speak on your behalf. That will allow me to pivot in our conversations more easily. Ilina will likely be under a lot of pressure, and we shouldn't pile on. She'll return home to her country she was never supposed to have left, carrying freed slaves, and with a human, wolf-kin, and Elder Dragon as unannounced royal guests." (Mizuki)
"I suppose so, but we are ultimately going there to benefit her. So, I think a bit of extra work is what she signed up for." (Nina)
"Even so, I'm not going solely as a favor to Ilina. I'd like to know what's going on with the demons and elves, and the elves are our gateway to that information. I have contingencies for if the elves refuse our information gathering, but those are a last resort." (Mizuki)
Nina smiles and raises her eyebrows when I mention having contingencies. She does love being part of my schemes. Isn't this the same dragon that waggled her finger at the concept of lying when we first met?
After a moment, she sighs deeply and speaks up again.
"Fine, fine, I'm on board with all of that. After all, I'm quite curious why Veyron is involved. Before our contract, he was the second strongest Elder Dragon. I'm not sure whether I'm stronger now, but I think he deserves to be humbled for all the times he mistreated me!" (Nina)
Hmm…is Nina a vindictive woman? It's possible, so I'll need to remember that. For now, I'll just tease her.
"Oh my, thinking of another man while we're together in the bath like this? Should I be concerned?" (Mizuki)
Nina's eyes narrow at me.
"Well, if it's bothering you, then perhaps you should occupy my thoughts with something else, hmm?" (Nina)
I respond with a playful smile, but she silences me with an aggressive kiss that matches the impatience I sense from her.
I guess our evening plans are starting here.