"Well, um," Aila thought about it. "Maybe write a note saying that you want my hand in marriage would be best. I'll give my signature and also write a couple letters saying I want to be with you, and then I'll send it directly to my parents. That way I'll be able to make my case directly to them while making my cousins less interested in you. Oh and before I forget; they also have a magical familiar that looks like a small deformed cyclops." So that's what that thing was. "I'll send you a letter when it's the right time to introduce yourself." Aila gave made a humming noise. "Now that I say it out loud, I might need an artifact to make my cousins get off my trail..."

While you still held some private reservations, your perception told you she knew how to maneuver around these two cousins of hers from experience, which might be another story you looked forward to easing out of her. You half wished Ruby and Mel were here, since they'd doubtlessly have more ideas you could bounce off of.

Your mind went back to Ruby. You could practically hear her add some more convoluted steps to every suggestion made, simultaneously making it worse and better and leaving you to iron things out and plug any holes in her scheme.

"I could just make a small airship for you to travel from my estate to the Academy." You offered.

"That's not a bad idea." She said. "But I'd need someone to drive it... although I have always wanted to pilot an airship."

"I can take you. I have a couple of wives that are decent pilots too. We can show you how to fly after enough times."

"I'd like it if you taught me." Aila beamed, but then she frowned. "But, well, it'd definitely make suspicion go up if they find me coming out of an airship. But then again, I was given a few illusion-granting artifacts that can hide my voice and appearance." Ponnamie had a voice changing artifact as well, you recalled. "I was able to successfully hide myself so far while using it." Your elf said. "It's ironic that they're being used against the very people that gifted them to me."

"Are there any other options?" You asked.

"We could always do my original plan and elope to your estate," Aila twiddled her thumbs "They can't afford going after me — my father has been trying to keep Elfalior out of Westphalia's grasp, so them sending any military stuff to Centria or searching unknown lands could jeopardize that. But then again my dad is the type that would send an envoy protected by military guards if they locate us to demand an explanation. It wouldn't be the end of the world, but it definitely won't help if you want to make a good first impression."

"I have a telegraph station back at my estate." You decided to reveal this useful piece of information. "And Eulia also comes by once a week."

"Eulia? Are you talking about Cyan, that famous mail harpy?" Aila asks, and you confirm it with a nod of your head.