"Nina, if you didn't have plans until tonight, could I ask you for a favor?" (Mizuki)
Nina raises her eyebrows in surprise.
"Oh? You rarely ask me for favors that take up my evening, Mizuki, I'm intrigued. What is it?" (Nina)
"If I did my math right, you should have time to fly to the edge of the demon continent before dark. Would you mind doing that? I wanted to take a trip there with you tomorrow afternoon, just the two of us and possibly Zara. If you go today, and I pick you up, we can teleport straight there tomorrow. While you're out flying, if you see anything interesting that you'd like to visit together later, I'll come mark that too." (Mizuki)
Before Nina can answer, Ilina interjects.
"Mizuki are you insane!? They're literally preparing an army right where she's headed!" (Ilina)
"I only plan for her to make it to the very edge as a reference point and then immediately return with me. The only thing that's even remotely capable of seriously hurting her on that continent is Veyron, and I'm not sure that even he could kill her after our contract. I'll be able to tell for sure when I finally get on the same continent as him." (Mizuki)
"Fufufu…what Mizuki says is true, Ilina, you need not worry. Mizuki, I'd be happy to do that for you. I assume that you'll pay me back later?" (Nina)
Nina's reassurance seems to calm Ilina. From Nina, I'm sensing very suggestive emotions, so there's no misunderstanding her either. However, I have other things on my mind right now. I know she can probably sense me become deathly serious, and I sense her confusion in return.
[Nina, I know you don't like Veyron, and I don't doubt that you could probably beat him. However, if there is any chance that I might lose you, I'm not going to risk it. If you notice Veyron in your vicinity, promise that you'll call me immediately. When the time comes, I'll let you attempt the fight alone, but I want to be there. I can't revive the dead or rewind time, so if I lost you…I might wipe that entire continent off the map. I'm not joking.] (Mizuki)
I sense the slightest twinge of fear from Nina at the severity of my words, but it passes quickly.
[You have my word Mizuki, I understand.] (Nina)
I breathe a sigh of relief and try to exude a more positive attitude.
"Of course. Alright then, Nina, safe travels!" (Mizuki)
Nina smiles and heads away from Ilina and I, leaving us alone.
[Fufufu…Mizuki, by the way…I don't give my blessing yet for mating with Ilina, but anything else is fine. Just make sure it doesn't affect us spending time together when I return.] (Nina)
I push amusement and annoyance to Nina through our connection, but I can't deny that was funny. I turn my attention to Ilina. I think I've finally made up my mind, and I only have my favorite dragon to thank for that.
I walk over to Ilina so that we're only a couple of feet apart, and smile at her. She gives a polite smile back, but it's obvious that she's still upset about how we left our conversation. I have some work to do.
"So, Ilina…what's your plan to get your mother and country on board with recognizing our relationship?" (Mizuki)
Ilina gives me a puzzled look, and I think I detect a hint of annoyance even. I might deserve that.
"I don't have one, Mizuki. You've flatly refused to circumvent Nina, which I understand, but you also haven't given me any indication that you'd agree to being married even if it was an option. Our relationship is completely platonic, with no promise of anything more from your end. Scheming to fix the things in its way seems pointless right now." (Ilina)
"Well, I guess we could get married if you want, though I really don't want to be king. However, I can assure you that us not being in a romantic relationship would disappoint me. So, we better get to doing what you do best and scheme to fix your country's issues. We only have ten millennia together after all, and I'd hate to waste them over elven prejudice." (Mizuki)
Ilina's eyes go wide in shock, like she's trying to process what I'm saying but can't quite manage it.
"Mizuki…you mean…" (Ilina)
Before she can say any more, I close the distance between us and kiss her. I feel a squeal of surprise from her, then she wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me more tightly. Eventually, we break apart, and she's wearing an unusually stupid grin that's a mix between satisfaction and disbelief.
"Mizuki, I don't understand. What about what Nina said?" (Ilina)
I can see that she's now equally as nervous as she is happy. I shrug at her and smirk.
"What about it? Like I told you, I'd never do anything that Nina didn't approve of." (Mizuki)
I fix her with a knowing smile, and the realization dawns on her. Ilina smiles without reserve for a few moments, then her smile transitions into a devious grin.
Before I can think too long on it, she grabs me by the shirt and pulls me into the nearest guest room.