NOVPUBAccording to the traditions passed down through generations, fairies are pure, snow-white beings. They are said to possess such a pure heart that they greet others with innocent laughter.
Before today, Caria had imagined a joyous scene, but reality was cruel and brutal.
"The conditions we have for the Fairy Forest are as follows. First, we intend to establish a Church of the Creator near the forest."
"I see no reason to refuse. After all, I too worship the great Creator. In fact, I might even ask for it myself."
"That’s fortunate. Moving forward, I wish to discuss the development around the Fairy Forest. The area surrounding the forest is currently part of the kingdom's territory..."
"I would like to show some consideration, but my children can be a bit mischievous. I can’t even begin to imagine what tricks they might play on the humans who enter the forest."
Between the two of them, there was no trace of the word "pure."
The only thing present between them was a cunning determination to gain something, anything, from the other.
Using the near-exhaustive information on the fairies, the Fairy Queen tried to manipulate Queen of the First Kingdom.
In the midst of the manipulation, the First Queen noticed the previous lies and raised her suspicions.
The Fairy Queen, apologizing for her mistake, quickly turned the conversation back by pointing out the rudeness of the First Queen.
It was truly filthy. Watching in real-time as they built up their own hands while shrinking the other’s hands. Their skill at it was no joke.
Even in international negotiations, you wouldn’t find such cunning as this.
I’m just glad I’m not the one dealing with them.
I’m confident I could make anyone go bankrupt, but I really don’t want to face these two.
With these two, they’ll likely use my ability to read others' thoughts against me to apply pressure.
"Hmm, this deal is turning out to be too little for us."
During the conversation, the First Queen showed dissatisfaction for the first time. She had rejected so many proposals that she felt it was okay to voice her complaints now.
I think she’s right. After all, we supported the salvation of the forest, but the Fairy Queen is coming at us with too much arrogance.
Of course, if we were to judge by pure strength, the Fairy Queen could easily crush a country. Not only is she personally powerful, but the fairies themselves are tricky to deal with.
But still, it's not impossible to subdue her. If we manage the public opinion well and bring neighboring countries in, we could turn the situation around.
The Fairy Queen, with her dark nature, probably doesn’t think it’s possible for her to win this way.
What is she trying to achieve?
"While the knights may be satisfied with the glory of having participated in the mythical era’s wars, I cannot be. As someone responsible for managing the kingdom, I cannot just chase ideals. So, I will speak plainly. Please reconsider the terms I’ve mentioned, or offer an alternative."
"How much do you know about the fairies, Your Majesty?"
"I believe I know as much as anyone else, but why do you ask all of a sudden?"
"To explain the alternative you seek, this is necessary. Could you please explain in more detail?"
After a brief pause, the First Queen’s explanation wasn’t far off from Caria’s knowledge. However, it was clear that there was a significant gap compared to the Fairy Queen’s knowledge.
Her true thoughts showed through with a faint bitterness.
"In the past, fairies were sometimes called spirits. Those who wielded powers that ordinary humans could not control were distinguished from the fairies’ mischievousness."
Spirits. Like the fairies, these were beings passed down through stories of the mythic era. These two beings, described completely differently, were actually the same?
Caria couldn’t help but gasp inwardly at the unexpected revelation, and the Fairy Queen continued.
"Now, the magic of spirits has faded into the past. But now, with the return of spirit magic, it is possible for its revival. Of course, I will offer you the chance to be at the forefront, and for those who participated in this war, we will help them safely attempt the contracts once made by ancient mages, even risking their lives to do so."
I see there’s some confidence here. According to legend, spirit magic was a power so formidable that even the mages of the mythic era coveted it.
Borrowing power from a being close to a concept, like spirits, seems almost like worshiping a god, but much more familiar, intimate, and accessible.
This might be a proposal that helps not just with rewards for those involved in the war but also with the kingdom’s national power.
"This generous offer is because your hero is affiliated with the kingdom."
In addition, she added that she had no intention of making similar offers to other countries.
Perfect. This is an offer that must be accepted, even if there is some loss. 𝓃ℴ𝓋𝓹𝓊𝓫.𝒸𝓸𝓂
There’s no way the First Queen would refuse this offer.
"May I ask one thing?"
"Of course."
"Who exactly do you mean by your hero?"
"You know him, don’t you?"
The Fairy Queen’s confident response wasn’t the name of the hero, but it was as good as identifying someone.
She was saying, “How could you not know the name of such a brilliant person?”
And if you ask who shone the brightest in saving her, the answer should be our employer.
"Really? I see. I understand now. I will accept your offer. I will send a practical team, and we can have detailed discussions then."
"I understand. Queen of Soladin, I hope we can continue to build a good relationship in the future."
"Hehe. I think that will be possible. It seems we are of a similar kind."
"To be precise, we’ve become similar."
Just before Caria left, following the Fairy Queen outside the tent...
"Caria."
The First Queen called her.
"As you know, I have no intention of harming you at this moment. If I did, I would incur the wrath of the Alrn noblewoman."
"So, you’re saying I should stay under the noblewoman?"
"Exactly. You’re quite competent."
"That competence almost got me erased, though."
Even with Caria’s sharp remark, the First Queen’s smile didn’t waver. Caria clicked her tongue and walked out of the tent.
Spirit magic!?
Hearing Erginus mention it, I forgot that I was being carried by Carl and immediately jerked my body upright.
Spirit magic! That’s the kind of thing that would stir any man’s heart!
What is that? Can I learn it too?! Since I’m super close with the fairies, I should be perfectly suited for it!
"Of course, since you’re someone who has the fairies' favor, you can learn spirit magic."
Really!? Is that for real?! What do I have to do? Do I just need to make a contract!?
If I make a contract with the three fairies around me, can I use real magic?
"However, it won’t be very efficient. After all, you are an apostle of the Creator."
...What?
"Why the doubt? Look, the fairies now carry a part of the dark god's divinity. For you, who carry the light of the Creator, it’s almost the opposite."
What!?
The three fairies who were always sticking by me seemed to be the ones rejecting it, and I couldn’t believe it. I drooped in disbelief, and then Carl and the knights hurried to comfort me.
<Hmm? It doesn’t seem entirely impossible.>
‘Grandpa, don’t start too. If you give me false hope, it’ll just make me sadder.’
<I’m not comforting you. I’m just speaking realistically. After all, didn’t you receive the power of the Creator’s blessing? You should be fine.>
‘...What do you mean by that?’
<“Embrace” means accepting things with generosity. It’s different from accepting only what you can handle or want.>
Grandpa explained that embracing something means willingly taking even something completely different into your arms.
It sounded pretty convincing. If I use the power of "Embrace," I can accept even the darkness the fairies carry and make a contract with them!
Just as I was getting excited about the possibility, I realized the critical issue.
I have no idea how to use the power of "Embrace"!
<Well, don’t you have a solution right in front of you?>
Turning my gaze forward, I saw Erginus.
Right! Now that he’s a god who has touched divine power through human effort, Erginus could teach me how to use the powers!
Not just him! There are the perverted apostles too! And the two beasts who became the owners of the forest and gained divine powers!
This is the perfect place to learn about the power of "Embrace"! Way better than the useless Creator!
"Hey, you pathetic loser. Do you know who my perverted master is?"
"I do. His great name isn’t something you can erase from your ears just because you want to."
"That perverted god gave me something strange, saying I should embrace him too. But the idiot didn’t explain anything properly!"
"If even a god who handles miracles can’t explain it to you, how are you going to understand this power?"
The explanation was difficult due to my lack of understanding, but fortunately, Erginus, with his great wisdom, helped me understand.
"Well, you’re qualified to receive divine power, after all."
"Did you say the noblewoman received the Creator’s divine power!?"
At the mention of divine power, the perverted apostle, who had been sulking against a tree, jumped up.
"What kind of divine power is it!?"
"Considering you mentioned ‘embracing,’ it’s probably the power of ‘Embrace.’"
"Embrace! Is it one of the powers that light possesses? The Creator must really care for her!"
No, hey! Can you stop talking about me while I’m right here? Be considerate of the person involved!
I protested with a grimace, but both of them burst out laughing at the same time.
What!? Why are they looking at me like that, as if I’m some kind of oddity!?
"You should explain this yourself. I only know the god’s perspective."
"Understood."
The perverted apostle stepped forward, cleared his throat, and began to speak again.
"Simply put, it’s no different from handling divinity. It’s even easier. Since the master of the power recognizes you, the power is already prepared to follow you. All that’s left for you to do is issue commands."
Well, I don’t know where to give commands, you pervert!
You’re bragging about being a genius, but explaining like this, what am I supposed to do!?
And Erginus, don’t just nod your head! Add to the explanation!
<You’re frustrated, but why not give it a try?>
‘I don’t get it! Grandpa doesn’t understand how frustrating this is!’
<Would you like to share that with your academy friends?>
Having been smacked down by Grandpa, I closed my mouth and let out a sigh. What am I supposed to do? How do I issue commands?
Is it because of the power of "Embrace"? Should I just say, "I’ll embrace even this darkness"? And then the power will activate on its own...
...It works?
<So, what was it you just called yourself? A fool? Who said that? You? >
‘...Can we pretend you didn’t hear that?’
