Chapter: 579
According to legends passed down through the ages, fairies are said to be pure, pristine beings. Those who carry such a white heart greet others with innocent laughter, or so the tale goes.
But until today, Karia envisioned a delightful scenery. The reality, however, is cruel and vicious.
“Our conditions regarding the Fairy Forest are as follows. Firstly, we plan to establish a church of the Lord nearby,” she stated.
“I have no reason to refuse. After all, I too am a devotee of the great Lord. In fact, I might even find myself asking you for help!” the Fairy Queen replied with a smile.
“Well, that sounds good. Moving on, we need to discuss the development near the Fairy Forest. Currently, the kingdom’s territory is adjacent to it…”
“I’d like to show my consideration, but my children can be a little mischievous. I’m not sure what kind of pranks they’ll play on the human visitors entering the forest…”
In the heated battle of interests between the two, the word “purity” had no place.
What lay between them was simply cunning aimed at extracting as much as possible from the other.
Utilizing nearly all the information on the fairies, the Fairy Queen attempted to toy with the First Queen.
In the midst of this manipulation, the First Queen, realizing the previous lies, allowed her doubts to surface.
After apologizing for a misstep, the Fairy Queen then pointed out the rudeness the First Queen had displayed at the start.
Wow, that’s dirty. The way they’re assembling each other’s hand cards in real time while simultaneously depleting the other’s resources is no small feat.
You wouldn’t find such cunning even during transactions between nations!
Thank goodness it’s not me dealing with those two. Sure, I could make a sizable fortune disappear for most folks, but I wouldn’t want to face off against those two.
They’d definitely try to pressure me by leveraging even my thoughts, it’s quite clear.
“Hmm. In this matter, we aren’t gaining enough,” the First Queen finally expressed discontent during their conversation. It seems she found it acceptable to voice her grievances since the Fairy Queen had turned her down far too many times.
I agree with her on that. After all, we supported the forest’s salvation, yet the Fairy Queen is showing a rather obstinate attitude.
Of course, if it’s just about sheer force, the Fairy Queen could easily suppress an entire kingdom. While her personal strength is a factor, the existence of fairies is remarkably tricky.
But then again, it’s not like they’re completely unbeatable. If public opinion is well managed and neighboring countries are brought into the fray, things could turn interesting.
I doubt the scheming black Fairy Queen is oblivious to this. She doesn’t seem eager to see the forest go up in flames just to secure a victory.
What’s her goal, anyway?
“Knights might be satisfied with the glory of having fought and won in the mythical age, but I cannot afford that. From the standpoint of managing a country, one cannot only chase dreams. So I’ll say this: reconsider the matters mentioned previously or suggest alternatives,” the First Queen continued, her expression stern.
“How much do you know about fairies?” the Fairy Queen asked.
“I believe I know as much as anyone else, but why do you ask all of a sudden?”
“I need this to explain the alternative you desire. So please elaborate.”
After a moment of consideration, the First Queen’s explanation didn’t differ significantly from Karia’s knowledge. However, it was evident she lacked the depth of knowledge the Fairy Queen possessed.
A certain bitterness seemed to seep into her true feelings.
“In the past, fairies were sometimes referred to as spirits. Those who wield powers beyond regular humans were distinguished from the playful nature of fairies,” she continued.
Spirits. Like fairies, they’re beings routed in myths and passed down through stories. Could it be that these two, so distinctly described, are actually the same?
While Karia internally gasped at such an unexpected revelation, the Fairy Queen continued.
“The spirit magic we once wielded has faded into the abyss of the past. Now, reviving that magic is within reach. Of course, we offer the opportunity to stand at the forefront of this, and for those who participated in this war, we will assist in safely attempting the contracts that old mages risked their lives to forge.”
There it is, a solid incentive! According to the lore, spirit magic is an immensely powerful force that even the great mages of the mythical age desired.
Borrowing power from beings that are almost conceptual feels akin to worshipping gods, but it’s closer, more personal, and much easier.
This proposal not only rewards those who participated in the war but also strengthens the kingdom—it’s truly enticing.
“My hero belongs to this kingdom, so I present this generous offer.”
Moreover, she added that she had no intention of making similar offers to other nations.
Perfect! Even if it’s slightly disadvantageous, this is an offer we must accept.
There’s no way the First Queen would refuse such a proposal.
“May I ask one thing?” she queried.
“Yes, of course.”
“Who do you refer to when you mention your hero?”
“You know, don’t you?”
The Fairy Queen’s certainty felt almost like a direct indication of a specific person, even though she didn’t explicitly name anyone.
Her words hinted at who could possibly be the most radiant person meant to save her.
And if you were to ask me who shined the brightest in her rescue, naturally, it would be our employer.
“Is that so? Very well, understood. I gratefully accept your proposal. I will send the operational team later, so we can clarify the details then.”
“Understood, First Queen Soladin. I hope we can establish a good relationship moving forward.”
“Hehe. I believe we can. You and I seem to be of a similar kind.” “To be precise, we’ve become alike.”
Just as Karia was about to go out of the tent following the Fairy Queen, she was called back.
“Karia.”
As the First Queen summoned her, Karia braced herself.
“You understand that I have no intention of harming you, correct? For that would earn me the ire of Lady Alrn.”
“So you mean I should stay close to the Young Lady?”
“Exactly. You’re sharp.”
“Sharp enough to almost get erased for it though.”
Despite the biting remark, the First Queen didn’t waver in her smile. Seeing that, Karia clicked her tongue inside as she stepped outside the tent.
*
Spirit magic!?
Upon hearing what Erginus mentioned, I completely forgot I was nestled in Karl’s embrace and jolted upright.
Spirit magic!? That word totally strikes a chord in a man’s heart!
What does that mean? Can I learn it too?! I’m practically best buds with the fairies, so I should be a natural fit!
“Of course, since you’re someone who is liked by the fairies, you can learn spirit magic.”
Seriously?! For real?! How do I go about it?! Just sign a contract and I’m in?!
Can I use proper magic as long as I contract with the three individuals floating around me?!
“However, it won’t be very efficient. After all, you’re the Apostle of the Lord.”
…Huh?
“Why do you question it? Look, the fairies are now harboring some of the darkness of their deity. It’s essentially opposed to the light you possess from the Lord’s side. Isn’t that right?”
– True. I love being around Lucy because she’s so pretty, but a contract sounds iffy.
– She’s so bright that I feel like I’d burn up.
So true!?
The three who had been clinging tightly to me were now looking glum as they contemplated rejecting the idea, at which point Karl and the knights started fussing about to comfort me.
[Hmm? It doesn’t sound entirely impossible.]
‘Come on, Grandpa, don’t go there. If I build up false hope, I’ll only end up sadder.’
[It’s not about comfort. This is a pragmatic discussion. After all, weren’t you blessed by the Lord with the powers of acceptance? ]
‘…What does that have to do with it?’
[Acceptance means having the strength to embrace the other. It’s different from accepting only what you can do or allowing only what you desire.]
Grandpa explained that acceptance involves willingly enclosing even things that are entirely different within one’s embrace.
That sounds quite reasonable. Using the power of acceptance, I could embrace even the dark nature of the fairies and forge a contract!
As I trembled at the unlikely possibility, I suddenly realized a fatal issue.
The problem is that I have no idea how to use the power of acceptance!
[Well, isn’t there a solution right in front of you?]
The first thing to catch my eye was Erginus standing before me.
That’s it! Erginus, who has reached the powers of deity through human effort, can surely teach me how to wield the power!
Not only that! There are also the two beasts who became the owners of the forest and gained powers before me!
This is definitely the best place to learn about the power of acceptance! Way better than that pathetic god!
“Hey, Mr. Sad-Sack Dude, do you know who my glorious pathetic perv is?”
“I know. That great name is one you can’t just erase from your memory when you wish to.”
“That perv asked to be embraced while giving me something weird! But honestly, whether he intentionally seeks mockery or not, he doesn’t explain anything properly!”
“If it’s a power that even you can grasp, it must be a miracle.”
Thanks to the Mesugaki skill, providing a clear explanation was tough, but thankfully Erginus interpreted my words with his brilliant wisdom.
“Well, in truth, you do qualify to receive that power.”
“Wait, did the Young Lady receive the Lord’s power!?”
The moment the word “power” was uttered, the perverted Apostle, who had been sulking against a tree, sprang up.
“What kind of power are we talking about!?”
“From the mention of embracing, it’s likely to be the power of acceptance.”
“Acceptance! It’s one of the powers endowed with light! The Lord must surely cherish the Young Lady!”
No! Can you not have such a fun discussion without the main character in the room? Please consider the one it concerns!
As I protested with a pout, both of them burst into laughter simultaneously.
What’s going on? Why’re you looking at me like that, thinking I’m adorable or something?!
“This is something better explained by you. I only understand it from a divine perspective.”
“Got it.”
The perverted Apostle stepped forward, cleared his throat, and spoke again.
“To put it simply, it’s not much different from handling divinity. In fact, it’s even easier. Since the master of the power acknowledges you, the power is already prepared to follow you. All you have to do now is give commands.”
So where do I go about giving these commands, huh? You perv!
You’re not a genius flaunting yourself; how can you just gloss over it like that!?
And Erginus standing next to you doesn’t just nod and go along with it; add in some details!
[Look, we know you’re irritated, but why not try it out first? ]
‘You have no idea! Grandpa doesn’t understand the feelings of us dullards!’
[Would you love to share that sentiment with your academy buddies?]
Having taken a shot from Grandpa, I bit my lip in frustration before exhaling heavily. How the heck do you even give commands in the first place?
Since it’s the power of acceptance, do I just casually announce that I’ll embrace even darkness? If I do, will the power just activate on its own…
– What. What’s happening?
– This is lame!
– Why is it only you who’s sparkling?!
– I wanna sparkle too!
– Me too! Me too!
…Wait a second?
[Now, what did you just say? Dullard? Who would that be? Was it you? ]
‘M-Maybe we could pretend I never said that?’
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