Chapter 910 – The Ways of the Fairy Council

000

Ninianne, who had once lowered her head, raises her body and first places her palm toward Dandelion, who is sitting on one side of the table.

“Once again, please allow me to formally introduce you. The person over here is Dandelion, the highest councilor of our fairy kingdom and one of the three great fairy nobles. To the residents of the Fairy Kingdom, he is called by another name, ‘Demon Craft’.”

＂Magic craft?＂

When Sasha repeated his nickname, thinking it was an unusual title, Nini Anne nodded slightly and continued her explanation.

“Nobles, you are in charge of assisting the operation of the great circus run by His Majesty the Fairy King. And the Master of Demonic Beasts, among others, is the top manager in charge of procuring, raising, and training various magical beasts used in the circus.”

For a title or position of nobility, I think they were doing quite simple work, so Cleon and his companions said nothing for a while.

“Hey. You guys… Now, are you thinking that my work is nothing special?”

Looking at the group’s gaze, Dandelion reacted immediately, widening his eyes and asking if he thought the group was ignoring him.

＂No… That kind of thing… ＂

Of course, Amelia shook her head, saying she didn’t think it was that rude, but Dandelion snorted and looked at the group.

“There are many magical beasts in Fairy Village that are so dangerous that you cannot even think of them with the common sense of the human world. And the only one who can deal with such magical beasts is a fairy like me who was born strong and brave. I am a fairy who stands at the top of such strong fairies. Do you understand?”

＂…＂

Dandelion’s words seem quite proud of his own skills.

However, even Cleon, looking at him, could tell that those words were not bluff.

First of all, the structure of his body may have been the same, but since he was a fairy with more magical power than humans, the magical pressure felt from him was considerable.

However, it would be closer to say that the magical power does not belong to a certain attribute, but rather is an expression of a naturally occurring desire to win.

Should I say that it is similar to the technology used by Riomes and Demis that converts life force into magic power?

If you had to give a name to that type of magical power, you could call it ‘speculation’.

The story of a fairy at the peak of strong fairies is probably not a complete lie.

“I saw you while heading this way from that big tent… Are you saying that you captured all the caged demon beasts?”

“Okay. To be exact, it’s not just me, but with the subordinates I lead. Well, since he’s a noble, there are some noisy guys who say it’s better to bring him to least an escort, so I had no choice but to take him.”

Dandelion continues her story by brushing her own mane as if she is annoyed.

“Even without those guys. Whether there are 10 or 100 demons here, I can wipe them out without a problem.”

She is incredibly confident in her own strength… No, maybe it’s arrogance.

Somewhere, it even seemed like a formidable use.

“The existence of demonic beasts becomes a problem of living space for fairies. The Beastmaster and his subordinate Beast Rulers… The Beast Hunters also play the role of maintaining public order and protecting this country.”

“Ah… It’s a similar position to the Kingdom’s Minister of Defense.”

When Amelia spoke while nodding her head as if she understood, the image of Persis, the Minister of Defense, and his daughter, Aruru, naturally flashed through Cleon’s mind.

“If you understand, be polite. Because your rudeness has been getting on my nerves for a while now.”

Compared to Lord Percy, the man in front of me was much more of a ruthless person than a nobleman.

“Hey, it would be fun to talk to Dande. Wouldn’t you like to introduce this side soon?”

At that time, another fairy came in from the side and stroked Amelia’s cheek.

Would it be better to call her the Scarecrow Lady?

She was looking this way, her eyes beyond the veil bent like a crescent moon.

She looks beautiful on the outside, but when she realizes that what’s inside is made of straw, she feels something creepy. Amelia is reminded of the feeling of her cheek that she felt a little while ago, and a shiver runs down her spine.

＂Excuse me.＂

Nini Anne bowed and apologized to Care Claw, then changed the hand she was holding and pointed towards her Care Claw.

＂The person over here is Mr. K-Claw. He is a member of the Fairy Council on par with Dandelion, and one of the three great dukes is called ‘Acrobat God.'”

＂Acrobatics…＂

This time, unlike the name of the position of Masugong, a title came that was a bit difficult to understand.

＂If you think of it in relation to the precedent of Demonic Crafts and the circus, can you think of it as managing the acrobatics performed in the circus… ＂

“Yes. To be precise, the person who manages the staff performing the acrobatics… In other words, you can think of it as the manager of the circus members.”

Nini Anne spoke, adding her own flesh to Laila’s reasoning.

“There were candidates for step ball or unit ball, but those are too old-fashioned, right? Anyway, one or two of the members here have to know how to do acrobatics~ So, it would be cute to be called an ‘acrobatic artist’.”

“… And you, like Masugong, have something to do not only for the circus but also for the country.”

At Cleon’s words, Care Claw nods his head and claps his hands.


However, when the hands made of straw hit each other, all that was heard was a ‘rustling’ sound.

“Yes, that’s right! You’re smart, girl! I manage not only the circus members. All fairy residents spread throughout the fairy kingdom. Well, all the residents of the Fairy Kingdom are potentially members of our circus~”

“Joy. If you say management, it sounds good. What you’re doing is ‘surveillance’, right?”

However, she doesn’t seem to like Care Claw’s cowardice, so she talks to her.

“Either way is the same, right? Before we think about strange things, we have to cut the buds… And chase away the bad birds that fly into our fields.”

On the other hand, Careclaw seemed to have no intention of correcting his words, as if he didn’t care about Dande’s words.

Her surveillance… With her scarecrow-like body, it might be the perfect job for her.

Considering that the scope is the entire Fairy Village, it can’t be said to be that easy.

＂And… The last one of the three nobles who is not here right now… ‘Chopper’. He is called the ‘Tinsmith’ and is in charge of the management and production of various equipment used in the circus.”

“Even though other nobles were in a meeting, you didn’t show up?”

When Lyla asked, remembering the story she had heard from Ninianne before she came here, Ninianne would look towards Dandelion and Care Claw.

Then Careclaw laughs, and Dandelion frowns while talking.

“He is a strange guy who prefers to stay in his room and play with toys rather than come out here and talk and exchange opinions. I don’t understand why His Majesty lets that guy do as he pleases.”

“Calm down, Dande-kun. Because her role can be fulfilled without having to go out like the rest of us. As long as she sticks to her role, no matter what she does, she will be forgiven. Isn’t that the privilege of us fairies?”

Despite Care Claw’s words, she clicked her tongue loudly as if she didn’t like it.

“… Chopper is creating inventions that are helpful to the entire Fairy Village, aside from the equipment used in the circus. The only time he comes out of the room is when he presents the invention.”

“It’s quite leadern. Can you tell me what inventions there are?”

When Lila spoke as if she was interested, Nini Anne kept her mouth shut for a moment.

I didn’t know if she was organizing her thoughts or wondering if it would be okay to speak.

Soon, she opened her mouth once again, and as Lila had asked, she put into her mouth some of the inventions that Chopper had developed.

“For example… A fully automatic pie maker, a machine that controls blood flow so that you can sleep even while hanging upside down, a button that makes poisonous mushrooms bloom somewhere in Fairy Fragrance when you press it, but causes the nearest chicken to lay an egg… Etc. ＂

＂…＂

It was something that gave me a bit of a headache.

Are they really helpful inventions, are they…

“Wait a minute, Ninianne~! Besides those fun things, there are more representative and great inventions, right?”

＂… A greater invention…?＂

The party’s attention will be focused on the words Careclaw spoke while stopping Ninianne.

Then, Care Claw smiled, nodded his head, and spoke with that eerie smile still on his face.

“Yes… It is one of the most important inventions in the current Fairy Kingdom. Thanks to that invention, the current Fairy Kingdom is much safer than the chaotic times before.”

＂…＂

Perhaps it had something to do with his territory, but Dandelion crossed his arms and said nothing.

＂… You really care about giving the right answer. What is it? What is that invention?”

When Lila can’t hold back and speaks, Careclaw bursts out laughing and then speaks.

“It’s an execution tool. All executions currently carried out in the Fairy Kingdom use the execution tool invented by Chopper.”

＂?…＂

Everyone there, including Niniane, fell silent for a moment.

… I was a little shocked that there was a fairy who committed a serious crime worthy of execution, but if you laugh at it and say it is a representative invention.

Careclaw himself has used that execution tool many times and has benefited greatly from it.

Her job is to manage the residents – that is, executions are also her responsibility.

“Oh my, it’s so scary, guys. Lighten up your face~”

＂No… Even if I tell you to relax your face. If you laugh when the story of execution comes up, that’s just it…”

Kuon shook her head at Care Claw’s words, but Care Claw continued her words with a smile.

＂I don’t like it, man~. “The method of executing our fairies is far from the barbaric methods you might think of, such as cutting off the neck or tying the neck with a rope and hanging it?”

She calls the method of human execution barbaric.

“At least we don’t take lives.”

“Under? Then it’s not an execution, right?”

When Lila tackled her without realizing it, Care Claw shook her head, still smiling.

＂Ugh. You could call it an execution. That’s right… Because you end up becoming something other than your original self.”

＂…＂

Something eerie.

When the entire group was silent, a ‘chit’ sound was heard.

＂Care Claw. “You talk so frustratingly, trying to gauge everyone’s reactions.”

“To? But it’s fun. When I tell this story, people get scared.”

Care Claw responded to Dande’s words as if something was wrong, and Dande slammed his fist on the table as if he didn’t like her.

＂That spinning around is annoying! And listen carefully, human. The most important thing in our fairy kingdom is… ‘Engaging in one’s given role.’ My job is to capture and manage magical beasts. This scarecrow woman manages the fairies. Ninianne’s job is to guide the beings who visited this old Fairy Kingdom to our nobles… All fairies are given a ‘role’ that can be said to be the meaning of their existence.”

Just because he didn’t like Careclaw’s attitude, he gave the party a straight explanation as they wanted.

“And not being faithful to that role. In other words, it goes against the meaning of one’s own existence. Anyone who breaks the most important rule of the Fairy Kingdom has no choice but to be executed. Otherwise, no other fairy with that role will be born.”

Every fairy has a unique role, and no other fairy is born with the same role.

Therefore, even if a fairy abandons her role, no additional fairy who can perform that role will appear.

To prevent that, the fairy who abandoned her role is executed.

In order for this world to run, is it an inevitable choice?

“In the past, they tried to persuade you to fulfill your role, but if the persuasion failed, your life was actually taken. However, thanks to a tool invented by the tin guy, instead of taking his life, he was able to take his name, appearance, and role and give that role to another faithful fairy. That way, you don’t have to wait for a new fairy to be born.”

＂… Take away my name and appearance… Wait, that’s- ＂

Lila listened to Dandelion’s words and looked at Buvre hanging behind Amelia’s back.

She was originally a fairy called ‘Melusine’, but she lost her name and appearance and was cursed with corruption to become a demonic beast called Vivre –

“Do you understand now? The demon beast you brought was originally a fairy. However, he is a sinner who committed a crime and was executed, losing his name and appearance.”

＂…＂

In Dandelion’s words, why did the fairies in her party fear and loathe her so much? I could understand the reason.

Buvre was a sinner.

And he was executed according to the laws of the Fairy Kingdom.

No – maybe.

＂… One thing. I have a question.”

＂What is it?＂

“The demon beasts you said you captured earlier… Are they all originally fairies?”

In response to Cleon’s question, Dandelion closed her mouth for a moment, then looked at Cleon and answered.

“Okay. These guys were all executed and reduced to magic beasts. And when they become demons, they lose their original memories and reason and just attack like animals. Some break through the siege and escape… But most are subdued by me and my men. And they are given a new role as magic beasts. Just like other beings who live in this fairy village.”

At Dandelion’s words, Sasha and Amelia held their breath.

Even considering that fairies’ common sense and moral values ​​are different from humans, the story goes that they turn their people into beasts and use them as entertainment.

＂Such nonsense-＂

Naturally, Amelia tried to say something in response.

However, the one who prevented it was Cleon, who asked Dandelion a question.

“Calm down, Amelia. … This is Fairy Village. Whatever laws they set, they have no right to argue with us, neither residents nor fairies.”

＂But…!＂

“One more thing. Dandelion Ball.”

Cleon stopped Amelia and looked at Dandelion at the same time.

Cleon’s voice was lower than the question just before.

＂Is it possible to use that execution tool… To turn a human… Into a magical beast? ＂

＂…＂

＂Cleon, what-?＂

Cuon spoke as if he didn’t know the intention of Cleon’s question.

However, Dandelion does not answer Cleon’s question right away, but pauses as if thinking about something.

When you think there was a long silence in the huge hall-

“No. I don’t know. Ask the designer, Chopper, about that. But… Why are you asking that?”

Dandelion could only answer while shaking his head.

“… I see. No, there is no particular reason.”

I don’t know if he was just playing it off or if he really didn’t know, but Dandelion’s silence must have had meaning.

Just when the group was about to get nervous, thinking that something was going wrong.

“This time, I’m the one asking the questions, human. Why did you visit Fairy Village and bring that demon beast before us?”

On the contrary, Dandelion was asking Cleon a question.

＂… It’s a variety of things. I heard that Buvre is a demonic beast from Fairy Village. It was dangerous for us to keep him, so we just tried to take him home.”

“Indeed. In that case, let us take care of that demon. I don’t know how he escaped to the human world. Because that guy is a sinner.”

“Now, wait a minute. So you’re saying that Vuvre is used in the circus?”

＂… That is still unacceptable.＂

Sasha and Amelia reacted to Dandelion’s words.

“It won’t change even if it’s released somewhere in Fairy Hyang instead of me. We will find him, bring him in, and train him. What. If you prepare such entertainment to kill our time, I might respond.”

＂Kuh…＂

Amelia seemed to be angry at Dandelion, who already saw Vuvre not as a fairy but as a complete magical beast – as prey.

“That’s not the only business, right?”

At that time, Care Claw comes in from the side.

At her intervention, Lila let out her sigh.

If she hadn’t been there, the fight with Dandelion could have started right here.

“A little before us, there was a human who came to Fairy Village through the Fairy Circle. We’re looking for her. She said I heard you might have some information…”

“Human being…? Well, then, you are not so lucky.”

＂… What?＂

When Lila feels uneasy at Careclaw’s words, she responds with a smile.

“The only person who can follow the traces of humans entering Fairy Village is our Queen, Fairy King Dorothea. But unfortunately, he is absent right now.”

＂Where is the fairy king?＂

“I don’t know. She’s always up and coming. I don’t know if it’s because she’s the type of person who enjoys surprises, but she doesn’t show up unless it’s something that would pique their interest.”

Dandelion also speaks as if he is tired of the Fairy King’s behavior.

＂…＂

That seemed to be true, because Careclaw shrugged his shoulders and then shook his head.

“… What should I do?”

“I didn’t expect it to be this mess, but… I have to meet the Fairy King somehow. Because we also have to return to our original bodies.”

When Lila nodded with a serious expression on her face, all of her companions nodded at her.

＂Yes~Yes~. Well then, I have a good idea~♡＂

At that time, Care Claw raised her hand to her group.

“You mean His Majesty the Fairy King? I don’t know about anything else, but I definitely come to see the circus performance.”

“… A performance taking place in a huge tent outside?”

“Okay! Then, we invite the staff members who stood out the most during the performance and hold a dinner party. Including us nobles, there are only so many opportunities to properly meet the king.”

At her words, Cleon felt more and more anxious thoughts creeping out of her head.

“Therefore. If you want to meet His Majesty, you too will join the circus. Then you will be able to meet Her Majesty in person… And if you do well, you might even receive Her Majesty’s favor? Yes, yes! That would be great!”

Careclaw was clapping and laughing as if he had a brilliant idea.

On the contrary, the party had no choice but to remain silent.

Of course, there was no record of appearing in a circus performance.

No matter how many adventurers do work that is close to menial labor, I have never received a request to participate in a circus performance.

If you think about common sense – it would be best to refuse.

However, looking at the nobles’ attitudes, it seemed like it was true that it would be difficult to meet the Fairy King.

If you miss this opportunity – you never know when the performance will be held next, or when you might get a chance to meet the Fairy King.

＂… Cleon. What do you want to do?”

Although she may have been tempted to refuse, Lila asks her leader, Cleon, for his opinion.

＂… I can’t help it. Although I don’t feel like it. It is also true that in order to find Nagi, you must meet the Fairy King and receive his cooperation. I had no choice but to somehow participate in the performance and stand out…”

In response to Cleon’s answer, Lila sighed and shook her head, as if she thought so.

“Good! Then, the performance is right around the corner, so let’s get ready right away!”

Careclaw getting up from his seat.

As she walked ahead with her tall stature, Nini Anne led her group and began to follow her.

＂…＂

Dandelion was glaring in this direction with his eyes fixed on the group moving away – especially Cleon.

Cleon was deliberately avoiding his gaze, trying not to be read by him.

So as not to notice the very fact that they are suspicious of him and the Fairy Council.