Chapter 22.2 – Unreasonable Demands

The Queen speaks with menace dripping from her voice.

"Alara?" (Elira)

To her credit, Alara is a pretty good actress, and she recovers from the accusation quickly.

"Tch…Mother, are you really going to go entirely off the word of some human? We don't know that Bayron was this alleged assassin – I'm sure there are others that despise this human. Don't you find it a little convenient that all evidence of such a crime is unable to be recovered due to this mysterious form of death? Maybe this human is trying to frame me with this story because I recognized what a threat he is yesterday." (Alara)

The Queen turns back to me with a bit of doubt on her face.

"Mizuki, I'm sorry to ask, but Alara's correct. Do you have any evidence that Bayron was involved with such a crime?" (Elira)

Oh ho! This is more fun than I thought, those are very good points! Fortunately, I gave Alara more credit than she gave me, and I've come prepared. I smile and nod at them both, then pull out my dagger and set it on the table between us.

"As it happens, when my assailant tried to stab me and touched the barrier, he dropped this. Now, I'm betting that a royal guard like Bayron has a pretty distinctive weapon, right? Is this it?" (Mizuki)

Dargo's face goes pale, and he looks at the Queen. She's staring at Alara in exasperation. Alara is fuming, and in disbelief, but she stays silent.

"King Dargo, there's no need to answer. I can tell from your face that I'm correct. If you'd like to deny it, I could let my Lady know about the situation and she has ways of tracing weapon ownership magically. Shall we do that?" (Mizuki)

That's a flat lie, of course, but as far as they're concerned an Elder Dragon is practically a god. For all they know, it's true.

"No…that won't be necessary. I can confirm that this is Bayron's weapon. Mizuki, I certainly hope you know that we had nothing to do with this. We condemn these actions, and she will be dealt with." (Dargo)

"Of course, you'll recall that I said I only judge people as individuals. If you deal with this matter in a way that is fair, I have no reason to assume that you were complicit. So, regarding fairness, and your commitments to it that I received just a few minutes ago...what do you think is a proportionate response to my attempted murder? What would your laws dictate if one noble elf attempted to kill another noble elf?" (Mizuki)

Alara makes herself heard again.

"Impudent little human, how dare you talk like you have the same rights as an elven noble!" (Alara)

"SILENCE, ALARA! If you move or speak again, I will silence you myself by force." (Elira)

Alara's eyes go wide in shock, but she shuts up. Elira sighs deeply and hangs her head. I feel bad for her…this was no fault of hers.

"Mizuki, this has obviously gotten out of hand, and you can quit worrying about formality and just be direct with us. Obviously, I think you know that if this were a normal situation like you describe, Alara would live a torturous existence the rest of her days, if not be killed for such a crime. Unfortunately, that's not going to happen. She's the heir to the throne and the Queen's oldest daughter. Please…while what you propose may honestly be fair, we ask that you make a more agreeable suggestion." (Dargo)

Alara is smirking at me, comfortable in her safety. We'll see about that.

"Very well, directness it is. I have a very agreeable alternative. Remove Alara from the royal family and grant her a nobility to live out her days peacefully elsewhere in the country. Make Ilina the heir to the throne instead. You can use the excuse of her having saved several elven slaves and recruited an Elder Dragon to save your country. Personally, I think she's a much better candidate for Queen, and I'd have trouble trusting anyone that insists that Alara is fit to be ruling a country." (Mizuki)

Elira and Dargo are gaping at me in shock, but Dargo recovers quickly and shakes his head.

"Unfortunately, while that's also reasonable, if not generous, of you, we can't accept that either. I'm sorry." (Dargo)

Not surprising, based on what I've learned so far. If their reservation is what I think, then it's almost time.

[Ilina, I hope you're ready, because the decision will be in your hands soon.] (Mizuki)

I feel Ilina go tense next to me, but I don't have time for that. I narrow my eyes at Dargo in fake exasperation.

"May I have an explanation of why you can't accept it?" (Mizuki)

[Nina, it's your time to shine, please make your way to me quickly. Enter calmly, though.] (Mizuki)

Elira and Dargo look at one another, conflicted, but Alara can't keep her mouth shut.

"Stupid human…Ilina is weak. We can't have a pathetic Queen who can't even defend herself. Our nobles and our people would never accept such a thing." (Alara)

Before Elira or Dargo can do anything to Alara for her outburst, I respond.

"Very well, then how about we make a wager – a non-lethal combat match between you and Ilina. If Ilina wins, she proves she's strong enough to be Queen and you step down to nobility. If you win, I will submit to a deathmatch with you. If I'm killed in our deathmatch, Lady Nedonera would promise to not retaliate, and to help you with Veyron without further delay. So, what do you say?" (Mizuki)

Dargo and Elira squeak in surprise, but Alara lets out a bloodthirsty smile.

"I accept, and I look forward to killing you painfully for your insolence." (Alara)