"Has there been any communication between you? Have the demons sent an emissary, or have you sent one to gather intelligence about what's going on and what their intentions are?" (Mizuki)
"No, the demons are isolated on that continent. We've had virtually no communication with them over the millennia. However, they don't maintain large sailing vessels, so they'd have no way to send an emissary ahead of ship completion. Still, waiting for them to finish building an entire invasion force in the hopes they send an emissary first would be foolish of us." (Dargo)
"So…what about sending some of your own people to determine what's going on?" (Mizuki)
Dargo nods his head solemnly.
"The ship that noticed the demons sent three soldiers ashore to contact them, and they planned to return to the ship the following day. After three days without word from the soldiers, the ship reported back to our kingdom. We're sending a larger group of soldiers to investigate soon, but it was debated heavily first, and mobilization to the coast is time consuming." (Dargo)
Hmm…again, that definitely seems to support their suspicions.
"Okay, what about Veyron's involvement? I've been hearing that's why you're so concerned and wanted Nina to help you, but how do you know he'll actually be a problem?" (Mizuki)
"Well, my understanding was that dragon-kin are completely loyal to the Elder Dragon their bloodline derives from, and a number of fire dragon-kin were seen among the demon soldiers' camp near the coast." (Dargo)
As Dargo says this, he glances at Nina, like 'right?'.
"Yes, that's correct. Such dragon-kin would be fundamentally unable to disobey an order given by Veyron, and they feel a strong sense of reverence for him no doubt. His very blood was used to create them or their ancestors, after all." (Nina)
Was this all they had to go on? I'd say it's totally plausible that Veyron isn't a threat to the Elven Kingdom at all.
"Still, and I mean this with all due respect Dargo, that's poor evidence that Veyron is joining a war effort. It sounds like the dragon-kin could still help the demons as individuals. Also, if all you did was see them in the demons' camp, you don't even know that they were aligned. They could have been captured by the demons, they could have been attacking the demons, we just don't know, do we?" (Mizuki)
Dargo raises his eyebrows at me.
"Well, I wouldn't stake our lives that Veyron is coming to the Elven Kingdom to attack us. However, if we assumed he is and then were wrong, any war is just easier than anticipated. If we assumed he wasn't and then were wrong…we're effectively wiped out. We are responsible for the people of this country's safety. We have to respond to even minor possibilities of total annihilation seriously, Mizuki." (Dargo)
Ah…right. I'm treating this like an academic exercise, but they have very clear stakes for their assumptions. They can't afford to weigh evidence neutrally. That was naïve of me.
"You're right. Elira, Dargo, I apologize if that came off as critical. As you can tell, I'm not exactly accustomed to ruling a country, and I didn't have the same sense of caution that you did." (Mizuki)
Elira gives me a surprised expression.
"That's frank of you to admit your shortcomings like that, Mizuki. We're not offended. As for you lacking the same caution…well, that's not strange given that nothing can really hurt you it seems." (Elira)
"Yes, as my Queen said, we're not offended, Mizuki. So, now that we've answered all your questions…what do you think? Will you be assisting us?" (Dargo)
"Oh, absolutely not. There's no way I can start promising anything with such flimsy evidence for even the intent, and no knowledge of the motivations." (Mizuki)
Dargo's face goes stiff, and Elira seems to smack her lips bitterly. Ilina glances back at me with…amusement!? Ah…she must know that I'm just being dramatic. The members of my party seem similarly amused, but I expected them to know better.
[You sneaky elf…you know what I'm going to say next don't you? That's no fun.] (Mizuki)
Hearing my thought message, Ilina smirks.
"So, I guess I'll just go have a little talk with the demons this afternoon, and I'll get all the answers I need from their leader." (Mizuki)
Elira's and Dargo's eyes go wide in shock.
"Alone!? M-Mizuki, you can't be serious!? From what I recall, there's thousands of them! Also, what if Veyron shows up!?" (Dargo)
"Fufufu…no, I'll bring Nina. That way I have someone to talk to for the trip, and to blame my abilities on if need be. As for the numbers, that doesn't matter – as you noted, none of them could even scratch me. If Veyron shows up…well, I'm a reasonable guy. If he's not too belligerent, I'll let him live. However, Nina might not be so kind. My understanding is that they have a bit of an unsavory history." (Mizuki)
Dargo's mouth is hanging open in shock, but Elira is shaking her head in amusement.
"Why do I get that feeling that your casual indifference to killing an Elder Dragon is not an act, Mizuki? Very well, best of luck. We look forward to hearing about what you learn." (Elira)
I give them a nod and stand up to leave, and my party follows suit.
"Oh! One more thing. Zara, I can't promise that it will be safe, but would you like to come? I haven't offered you many opportunities here aside from sword training with Klaus, but if this interests you then I'll allow it." (Mizuki)
Zara's eyes shoot open in surprise, then they transition to gleaming with excitement.
"Yes, Mizuki, I'd very much appreciate the opportunity. I promise that you won't regret it." (Zara)
I chuckle internally…she's such the stoic soldier type.
"Alright, I'm glad to hear it! Go prepare whatever you need, it will just be a day trip. Come find Nina and I at her room when you're ready. Ilina, if we get back and there's enough daylight left, then we can go do our rounds in Avalon and start desensitizing people to me." (Mizuki)
Zara nods excitedly then exits the room. Ilina smiles at me and nods her agreement.
"Sure thing, Mizuki, be safe. You too, Nina. You all can go ahead. I'm sure my parents would like to discuss some things with me privately, so I'll stay behind for now." (Ilina)
I nod my assent, then Nina and I leave the conference room with the others. I can't help but smile.
I'm finally going to meet some demons!