Ilina looks at me puzzled, but when my expression doesn't indicate that I'm joking, her face contorts in shock.
"Mizuki…that's…you're telling me that Azazel, the god of Azura, paid you a personal visit? What could you possibly have discussed with him?" (Ilina)
"Yes…but before I tell you that, you should know that him and I came to a number of agreements. One of those agreements was that I'm only allowed to share what I learned with three people at a time. If I tell you what we discussed, you wouldn't be able to mention it to anyone else except me, Alto, and Nina. Not your parents, not Klaus, not anyone. That rule is so absolute, that I'd be bound by my agreement with Azazel to kill you and whoever you told if it's broken under any circumstances. So, do you still want to know?" (Mizuki)
Ilina's face goes pale at the mention of me murdering people over the information, and she appears to quietly contemplate my offer for several minutes. Eventually, she seems to recover and speaks.
"What kinds of consequences could I expect if I wasn't one of the three people you mentioned?" (Ilina)
Wow…she's really considering not having me tell her, huh? At least I know she's taking my warning seriously.
"Regardless of whether I tell you more, I think you're already one, and you can't repeat what I've already told you about magic. You need to pretend that magic works exactly how the elves always thought that it works. If you want to avoid being further implicated, you won't learn any more magic or knowledge from my world, and there may be times in the future where I have to take actions in your kingdom without explanation." (Mizuki)
"If you tell me everything, what are the benefits…and the consequences?" (Ilina)
"In terms of benefits, you wouldn't have to be in the dark about any actions I need to take in your country, and we'd have truly no secrets between us. Also, I'd be able to teach you all the personal magic and knowledge from my home planet that you want. I think the worst consequence you may face is a situation where sharing the information you learn could ease your people's suffering, but you'll be unable to do so." (Mizuki)
Ilina is quiet for several more minutes.
"What decision do you think I should make?" (Ilina)
I shake my head at her.
"If it were me, I'd choose to know everything. Regardless of whether I tell you, your people can't have this information. However, you could become stronger and more knowledgeable, and intercede directly. On the other hand, living with knowledge your people and family can never have might be more than you can bear. If the latter affects you strongly, the correct decision for you could be different from mine." (Mizuki)
Ilina seems to steel herself, then looks at me with resolve in her eyes.
"In that case, I want you to tell me everything, and I promise not to betray your trust. I'm sure if I have you on my side, and we work together, I won't have to watch my people suffer. I'm very clever, remember? So, we can figure out solutions without violating Azazel's rules." (Ilina)
By the end of voicing her decision, some of Ilina's normal demeanor has returned, and she's gazing at me confidently.
"Alright, I'll start from the beginning then." (Mizuki)
I recount for Ilina my entire revelation about magic on Azura, my meeting with Azazel, and the conditions that him and I agreed on. I also explain why I felt that Alto was the only one Azazel would grant agelessness to. By the time I'm done, Ilina is wearing a serious expression. She takes a deep sigh before responding.
"Well…I think I'm overall glad that I know now. I won't pretend that keeping this all a secret from other elves will be easy, but…I don't necessarily disagree with Azazel's assessment of how dangerous the combination of magic and natural theory could be. Still, I can't help but wonder if the incantations were the best way to go about protecting this world from itself." (Ilina)
"I'm glad you don't regret your decision. As for the incantation system, I think that's a matter of your priorities. If you prioritize allowing people as much free will as possible, I think the incantation system was kind of genius. I can't think of an alternative that I'm sure would work better." (Mizuki)
After our respective statements, we just sit in comfortable silence for several minutes. Eventually, it's interrupted by a thought message.
[Hey, Mizuki, I can sense that you're probably with Ilina, but I'd like you to join me at the hot springs soon. Please apologize to Ilina for me, but I think she's had you to herself long enough this evening.] (Nina)
"Fufufu…sorry Ilina, but Nina has asked to see me, so I'll need to take off now." (Mizuki)
Ilina smiles and nods her understanding, but she responds with a teasing tone.
"Fufufu…leaving your date so soon? You're free to go, I guess, just don't make it a habit." (Ilina)
I shake my head at her in exasperation, then give her a mischievous grin.
"Of course, Princess Ilina, I promise to serve you better in the future." (Mizuki)
I see Ilina's face turn murderous at my sudden jest, but before she can react further, I teleport away to safety.