Honestly, I'm interested, but I should confirm the worst-case with her.
"So, as a royal, are you that certain the Elven Kingdom hasn't earned the wrath of the demons? Or are you resolved to accept my actions even if that's the case?" (Mizuki)
Ilina fixes me with a look of complete resolve.
"It's both. If elves have really done to demons something as terrible as what humans did to Alto and the other elves, and that's the reason for this impending threat, then I'll even assist you in punishing the responsible parties."
I look at her for a while after her statement. I see nothing but sincerity in her expression. So be it. I smile at her, and I nod my agreement.
"Okay then, I accept. I'm really honored, so allow me to make a similar promise. I won't act like a tyrant, and I won't abuse my friend's trust. I will collect as much information as I can without causing problems for you. Then, I will tell you what I'd like to do before acting. If you disagree with it, I will listen to your concerns, and we will come to a compromise. Finally, if elves are blameless victims, I'll stop the demons myself." (Mizuki)
That seems to bring Ilina no small amount of relief. Good, I hoped it would. To my surprise, she leans over on the couch and hugs me tightly.
"Thanks, Mizuki, I'm glad that we're going to be friends." (Ilina)
She pulls away from the hug and smiles at me warmly. I smile back for a moment, then respond.
"Me, too, Ilina. So, I'd rather you not go sharing all my secrets with people. I'm not threatening you, just telling you what I'd appreciate. I trust you to inform Klaus as needed, but make sure he keeps it confidential. With that out of the way, can we consider our super-secret confessional session finished?" (Mizuki)
Ilina's rolls her eyes at my flippant characterization of this otherwise touching moment, but she nods her agreement.
"Yeah, I'm sure Klaus and Alto ran out of things to discuss already." (Ilina)
I break the silencing spell and we stand up from the couch, then we return to the table where Alto and Klaus are. Seeing our approach, their eyes go wide with anticipation. Klaus is the first to cave to his curiosity.
"So, Ilina, what happened? Is he actually some kind of monster? Are we going to be at war with him? Did you confess your feelings to each other and decide to become lovers instead?" (Klaus)
I'm expecting Ilina to get worked up again by Klaus's teasing, or to become outright violent, but instead she directs him an annoyed gaze and responds evenly. Alto looks shocked that Klaus would say something like that to Ilina.
"No, he's human. No, we've decided to become friends and trust one another. Finally, maybe you should learn how to talk to women and get a wife instead of trying to live vicariously through me." (Ilina)
Alto, in very likeable fashion, chuckles with an amused look on her face. Klaus is looking at Ilina like he just heard his baby swear for the first time. I share Alto's feelings on the exchange and interject.
"Ooooh, sick burn there, bestie!" (Mizuki)
I look over at Ilina with a smirk, and I hold out my hand for a high five. Ilina looks between me and my hand repeatedly with a puzzled expression. Oh…right.
"Ah, sorry, where I'm from it's a way of congratulating one another between friends. You use your palm to slap my palm." (Mizuki)
She gives me an amused expression with a smirk that says, 'I hope you know that's stupid'. However, to my surprise, she gives me the high five anyway. I direct a pleased expression at her, and she smiles and shrugs, like 'I was feeling generous'.
Klaus is shaking his head in exasperation, looking between the two of us in disbelief.
"I don't know what happened to you two, but somehow I like this less than the way things were before. It feels unnatural." (Klaus)
Surprisingly, Alto speaks up first.
"Fufufu…I believe Klaus is just upset that Mizuki will be helping Princess Ilina make fun of him now, instead of the other way around." (Alto)
Damn…what a savage. I almost can't believe the shift in her personality. She was so serious when we first met. However, towards the end of our time in the forest earlier, and especially after I brought her here to Ilina, she's really relaxed.
Klaus changes the subject quickly with a very unconvincing cough.
"Ehem…so, jokes aside, what did you two discuss? It was quite a long time, you know." (Klaus)
Ilina answers first.
"Well, I've decided that it will stay mostly between us. Like I said, Mizuki and I are going to trust each other now, so you have no reason to know any secrets he told me. However, aside from us being friends, there is one other subject of the conversation that you should be aware of. Alto may be interested as well." (Ilina)
Klaus and Alto raise their eyebrows expectantly, but they remain silent. Seeing this, Ilina continues.
"I will be bringing Mizuki and Lady Nedonera to the Elven Kingdom as my guests. Together we'll be investigating the reasons for the demons' recent activities, and they're going to help me resolve any issues." (Ilina)
Klaus lets out a squeak of pure shock, and he seems like he's about to start launching objections at Ilina. However, she fixes him with a terrifying glare, and he falls silent with his head hung in despair.
Alto's reaction is more unexpected. She looks shocked at first, then becomes very serious and addresses Ilina.
"Princess, so the rumors of a potential invasion by the demons are true?" (Alto)
Ilina nods confirmatively to Alto, and Alto furrows her brow. Then, she turns to me.
"Mizuki, why did you agree to go to the Elven Kingdom? Please, be honest with me." (Alto)
Alto watches me with apprehension.
"Don't worry, my promise for honesty with you is still in effect. The truth is, I need to know more about the demons' plans and motivations, and about the elves, before I decide what role we will play in this impending conflict. This was Ilina's solution to my hesitation in answering her request for aid." (Mizuki)
Alto nods worriedly.
"In that case, would you please let me join you and Lady Nedonera on your travels from now on, including to the Elven Kingdom?" (Alto)
All of us look at Alto in surprise.