Chapter: 579
According to legends, fairies are said to be pure and immaculate beings. They are described as having hearts so white that they face others with innocent smiles.
Before today, Karia had imagined a joyful scene, but reality was cruel and harsh.
“We have some conditions we wish to discuss regarding the fairy forest. First, we’re thinking of establishing a Jushin Church nearby.”
“No reason to refuse. I too am a believer in the great Lord Jushin. I would rather ask for your favor, actually.”
“That’s great to hear. Now, moving on, let’s talk about the development near the fairy forest. Currently, there’s a territory of the kingdom close by…”
“I’d love to show some consideration, but my kids can be a handful. I can only imagine what tricks they’d play on the humans who enter the forest…”
Between the two people fiercely clashing over their interests, the word “innocence” felt utterly out of place.
What lay between them was nothing but treachery to obtain even one more gain from the other.
Using the fact that information about fairies was almost put into practice, the Fairy Queen was trying to toy with the First Queen.
In that trickery, the First Queen realized the previous lies and expressed her doubts.
The Fairy Queen, apologizing for a slip of the tongue, turned the tables by pointing out the First Queen’s earlier rudeness.
Damn, it’s really dirty. The skill of stacking each other’s hands while making the opponent’s hand reduce is no joke.
Even when trading between nations, it’s rare to find this level of treachery, right?
Thank goodness I’m not the one dealing with those two.
I’m pretty confident I could leave most folks broke, but I don’t want to face those two.
Those two would certainly use my ability to read their thoughts to pressure me.
“Hmmm. In that case, we’re getting too little from this.”
During the conversation, the First Queen showed her discontent for the first time. The Fairy Queen had refused so many things that this time she must have felt it was okay to complain directly.
I agree with that. After all, we supported the salvation of the forest, yet the Fairy Queen’s attitude is too standoffish.
Sure, if we’re talking about pure force, the Fairy Queen could crush a kingdom. Her personal strength is impressive, but the presence of fairies is a huge issue.
But it’s not like they can’t be suppressed at all. If the public opinion is managed well, we could pull neighboring countries into this and create quite an interesting scenario.
I doubt that dark Fairy Queen is unaware of this. It doesn’t seem like she wants to win after the forest burns down.
What is she aiming for?
“While the knights may be satisfied with the glory of having participated in the wars of the Age of Myth, I cannot afford to do so. As someone managing a country, I must not just chase dreams. So I will say this: please reconsider the aforementioned issues, or propose alternatives.”
“How much do you know about fairies, First Queen?”
“I think I know as much as anyone else. But why are you asking this all of a sudden?”
“To explain the alternatives you desire. So I need you to elaborate.”
After a brief pause, the First Queen’s explanation did not differ much from Karia’s knowledge. However, it clearly had a significant gap compared to the knowledge of the Fairy Queen.
The bitterness in her inner feelings was quite evident.
“In the past, fairies were sometimes referred to as spirits. Those who could wield powers that ordinary humans could not were distinguished from the playful nature of fairies.”
Spirits. Like fairies, they are beings passed down only as stories from the Age of Myth. But these two, described so differently, were actually the same existence!?
As Karia gasped internally at the unexpected revelation, the Fairy Queen continued.
“Now, the long-lost past, along with spirit magic, has disappeared. Therefore, it is now possible for spirit magic to be revived. I offer you the opportunity to lead this revival, and for those who participate in this war, I will help them securely attempt the contracts once bravely undertaken by ancient wizards.”
So, there was something to rely on. According to legend, spirit magic was a formidable power that even wizards of the Age of Myth coveted.
It felt somewhat similar to praying to a deity, but it was much more familiar, closer, and easier.
With the rewards for those participating in this war, it is also a proposal that could benefit the strength of the kingdom.
“This generous offer is because my hero is aligned with the kingdom.”
On top of that, she added that she had no intention of making similar offers to other countries.
Perfect. Even if it’s a bit of a loss, I have to accept this offer.
This is a proposal that the First Queen can never refuse.
“May I ask one thing?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Who exactly are you referring to as your hero?”
“You know, right?”
The Fairy Queen’s confident words felt like she had identified someone without saying their name.
It was as if she were asking if someone so brilliant could go unseen.
And if someone were to ask who shone the brightest in saving her, I must answer: our employer.
“I see. I understand. I will graciously accept the proposal. I will send the practical team later, and we will discuss the details at that time.”
“Understood. First Queen Soladin. I hope we can maintain a good relationship in the future.”
“Hehe, I think we should be able to do so. It seems that we are of a similar nature.”
“Actually, we’ve become similar.”
Just before Karia stepped out of the tent following the Fairy Queen, the First Queen called out to her.
“Karia.”
“As you know, I currently have no intention of causing you harm. Otherwise, I would incur Lady Allen’s displeasure.”
“So, you are telling me to stay close to the Lady?”
“Exactly. You really are competent.”
“Thanks to that competence, I nearly got wiped out.”
The First Queen’s laughter didn’t falter at Karia’s sharp remark. Seeing that, Karia clicked her tongue internally and stepped outside the tent.
*
Spirit magic!?
Upon hearing what Erginius mentioned, I suddenly forgot that I was nestled in Karl’s arms and jumped up with shock.
Spirit magic! What a term that strikes a man’s heart!
What is it!? Can I learn that too?! I get along well with the fairies, so my aptitude must be top-notch!
“Of course, since you have won the favor of the fairies, you can learn spirit magic.”
Really!? Really?! How?! Is it just a matter of doing a contract?!
If I contract with the three who hang around me, can I use real magic!?
“However, it won’t be very efficient. You are an Apostle of God.”
…Huh?
“Why the confusion? Look. The fairies have now taken in part of the deification of the God of Darkness. It’s the opposite of the light of the Lord you embody. Isn’t that true?”
– Right. Lucy is so pretty that I always want her by my side, but a contract is a no-go.
– She’s too bright; I feel like I might burn up.
Seriously!?
The trio who had been stuck to me didn’t even consider refusing, so they slumped down, while Karl and the knights started to comfort me in a flurry.
[Hmm? It doesn’t seem entirely impossible, does it?]
“Don’t you start too, Grandpa. Having false hopes only leads to more sadness.”
[It’s not about comforting you; it’s a realistic discussion. Didn’t you receive the Authority of Embrace from the Lord? ]
‘…What does that have to do with it?’
[Embrace is the power to kindly accept the other. It's different from merely accepting what is possible or permitting only what you desire.]
Grandpa explained that embracing means willingly incorporating even completely different things into your arms.
That sounds pretty plausible. If I use the Authority of Embrace, I can accept even the darkness possessed by the fairies and form a contract, right!?
As I trembled with the possibility, I realized there was a crucial problem here.
The problem is that I don’t know how to use the Authority of Embrace!
[Isn’t there a solution right in front of you?]
My gaze turned toward Erginius, the first thing to catch my eye.
Right! Erginius, who has touched the Authority of God through sheer human effort and now possesses the deification of the God of Darkness, could teach me how to handle the authority!
Not only that! There’s also the Perverted Apostle, who must have had similar concerns before me! Plus, the two beasts who became the masters of the forest and gained power!
This is the best line-up to explain the Authority of Embrace! Way better than that Shoddy God!
“Hey, Sympathy Loser, do you know who my Shoddy Pervert is?”
“I know, of course. His great name is something you can’t just erase from your ears.”
“That pedo said he wants to be hugged and gave me something strange? But it seems like he deliberately doesn’t explain it properly, maybe to be ridiculed.”
“If you can’t understand the power that even miracles can handle, it must be an authority.”
Due to the Mesugaki Skill, it was tough to give a proper explanation, but thankfully, Erginius interpreted my words with his remarkable wisdom.
“Well, you do have the qualifications to receive the authority.”
“Did Lady Allen receive the authority of the Lord!?”
The moment I heard the word authority, the Perverted Apostle, who had been gloomily leaning against a tree, sprang up.
“What authority is it!?”
“Considering the mention of hugging, it would probably be the Authority of Embrace.”
“Embrace! Is it one of the powers possessed by the light? It’s clear that the Lord cares for the Lady!”
Um, excuse me. Can you stop having a merry conversation among yourselves while leaving out the person concerned? Please think of the involved party!
When I protested with a sulking face, both of them burst into laughter simultaneously.
What’s going on?! Why are you looking at me like I’ve done something commendable?!
“I think it’s better for you to explain this yourself. I only know the perspective of a deity.”
“Understood.”
The Perverted Apostle stepped forward, cleared his throat, and opened his mouth again.
“To put it simply, it’s not much different from dealing with divinity. In fact, it’s easier. Since the master of that power recognizes you, the power is now ready to follow you. All the Lady needs to do is issue commands.”
So where the heck am I supposed to command?! You shifty little bastard!
You’re not exactly bragging about being a genius, so how am I supposed to deal with this?!
And Erginius, standing next to me, instead of nodding along, should be supplementing the explanation!
[You’re clearly annoyed, but how about just giving it a shot first?]
‘You don’t know anything! Grandpa, you don’t understand the feelings of a dullard!’
[You want to tell that to your academy friends, don’t you?]
After getting hit with a reality check from Grandpa, I shut my mouth and trembled, then sighed heavily. How in the world am I supposed to issue commands?
Since it’s the Authority of Embrace, can’t I just say something like, ‘I’m going to embrace even the darkness’? Then the power should activate on its own…
– Huh. What’s happening?
– That’s unfair!
– Why are you the only one shining bright?!
– I want to shine too!
– Me too! Me too!
…It works?
[So, what did you just say? Dullard, you called yourself?]
‘Could we just agree to pretend I didn’t say that?’
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