I am awoken the next morning by a knocking sound. From what I can tell, someone is knocking on my guest room door. Light is streaming into the room, and it appears to be shortly after sunrise.
I quickly grab my clothes and teleport inside my own room from Nina's, then respond.
"Yes, may I help you?" (Mizuki)
"Ah, Mizuki, it's Dargo, I was wondering if you'd join the Queen and me for breakfast, along with Princess Ilina. We'd like to smooth over last night's unfortunate incident, and then start discussions about how we can help you come to a decision about aiding us." (Dargo)
"Of course! Please give me a few moments to get ready, then I'll be right out." (Mizuki)
I quickly get dressed, and make sure to place the assassin's dagger into the sheathe instead of my normal one. After, I meet Dargo outside my room, and he walks us back to the same conference room as before.
Inside, I see the Queen and Ilina, and their respective royal guards. Klaus is looking at me nervously, so I smile at him. This appears to stress him further. I give a deep bow to Elira.
"Your Highness, I appreciate you graciously inviting me back after last night's unfortunate events." (Mizuki)
I move forward to a spot on the couch next to Ilina, and the same maid as last night pours me tea and sets a scone in front of me. I thank her once again and she seems surprised, but this time I catch the hint of a smile as she finishes her duties.
"Mizuki, please do not feel the need to apologize. You were quite courteous to us, given Alara's behavior. Dargo informed me of what you said last night after leaving the room, and that you graciously didn't bother Lady Nedonera with it. I assure you that we have no intention of letting Alara's behavior bother you or Lady Nedonera anymore. We won't tolerate further transgressions on her part." (Elira)
I smile at them both appreciatively.
"I am deeply humbled by your reassurances, Your Highness. If it is as you say, this would put our minds greatly at ease. I assume that I have both your and King Dargo's words on those points?" (Mizuki)
Elira and Dargo nod enthusiastically.
"Of course, Mizuki, you have my word. Can we consider this matter settled then?" (Dargo)
That's perfect. Now, if I was an entitled princess who couldn't find my bodyguard after sending him to do something shady, I'd be looking for him everywhere this morning. I wonder how long I'll have to wait for her to show up here.
"Certainly, that's all I needed to hear! What would you like to discuss first, King Dargo?" (Mizuki)
Dargo looks relieved.
"Wonderful. First, we were wondering if y-" (Dargo)
Dargo's statement is cut off by a commotion outside, and a menacing voice resounds as the conference room doors are shoved open.
"Move, you fool! I said get out of my way!"
I suppress a vicious smile. There's no way that I'm this lucky, right? I barely even had to wait.
Alara comes bursting into the conference room hurriedly.
"Mother, have you seen Bayron this mor-" (Alara)
Alara stops abruptly as she makes eye contact with me. I smirk to send her over the edge, and she practically squeals.
"Human!? How are y-" (Alara)
Alara seems to realize what she's saying and stops her statement.
You're shitting me…was she really about to ask how I was alive? Out loud? Oh, this is gold.
"Alara! You were explicitly forbidden fr-" (Dargo)
Dargo is furious, but I cut him off.
"King Dargo, that's quite all right, I don't mind. Princess Alara, you honor me with your presence again so soon. Please, continue what you were about to ask me. How am I...what?" (Mizuki)
Alara stares at me menacingly, but she remains silent. Dargo and Elira look confused and a little nervous.
"Is it possible that you're looking for that faithful bodyguard of yours? I'm guessing him name is Bayron?" (Mizuki)
The Queen interjects at this point, and she's starting to look nervous.
"That's correct, Mizuki. What is this about? Do you know something?" (Elira)
"As a matter of fact, I do, Your Highness. You see, I had an assassin visit me in my room last night and try to kill me. Unfortunately for him, Lady Nedonera is quite protective, and he touched a barrier that instantly disintegrated him. I suppose that man must have been Bayron, sent to kill me at Princess Alara's behest. When you came in, you were going to ask how I'm still alive, right?" (Mizuki)
The Queen's and King's faces go pale, and they turn to face Alara.