Chapter 919 – Bread and Circuses

000

Under the circus tent, where the cages of the demonic beasts that had been moved and returned were displayed.

Even after that big incident, many fairies were busy cleaning up after the big performance and preparing for the next one, and the companions were also slowly moving forward in sync with their steps to get used to being back in their original bodies.

Once again, the large Cleon stood in the lead, but he actually looked as if he was lost in deep thought.

Then, Sasha, who was walking right next to him, would ask him a question.

“Mr. Cleon? “Why are you doing that?”

“Cleon is concerned about what Careclaw said before leaving the council room. Right? “

Before Cleon can answer anything, Lila explains and Cleon nods his head.

＂Ah… I thought I guessed ‘two’ of what she said… But I’m still stuck on ‘one’.”

“Since it’s a riddle about such a strange king, isn’t it a nonsense problem in the first place? It’s better not to think too complicatedly, Cleon. If you care too much, will you go bald?”

Lila crossed her arms while speaking to Cleon.

＂Oh.＂

And this time, after confirming that his arm was not tied to his chest, he finally felt like he was back in his own body.

“But… Her Majesty Dorothea’s attitude and words were a bit disturbing. Really, even though she rules like that, her fairies respect her and follow her?”

Amelia said with an expression that she still had doubts about the way Dorothea was ruling her country.

Then, Kuon looks back at Amelia and speaks.

＂It may not be a problem externally… But maybe she is trying to prevent such thoughts. Are you saying that you paralyze the thoughts of the residents by putting on spectacular performances every day that make your eyes hurt and your mind dizzy?”

＂Because Bread and Circuses is a type of democratization policy that has been around since ancient times. Telling the fairies to ‘don’t think too deeply and just stick to your role’ might be to protect one’s power?”

＂…＂

The king of this land, which has a fantastic atmosphere like a fairytale country, is such a dictator.

Amelia couldn’t easily shake off her sense of discomfort, feeling as if her gears were greatly misaligned somewhere.

“What. No matter how Fairy Village works, for now, let’s focus on what we have to do. Of course, it’s a big deal here, but it’s also a big deal in our world.”

＂… Yes, that’s right…＂

When Amelia nods her head as if she understands Lila’s words, she makes eye contact with a fairy passing by the group.

Even though the fairy was not recognized on this side, the other side seemed to recognize this side and bowed its head in greeting as it passed by, and I could feel a kind of respect or favor toward the group.

“Ever since a while ago, everyone has been saying hello to every fairy they come across. I feel like I have become a celebrity.”

When Cuon said that, Cleon shrugged his shoulders.

“He must actually be famous. Because I did a lot of things during that big performance. What. I guess it’s fortunate that I’m a celebrity in a good sense.”

Sasha also nodded her head.

“It seems like their gaze on us has become much softer than before.”

＂Is it more favor than curiosity… Well. Naturally, I feel good when the latter is receiving attention.”

Amelia nods her head in agreement, and then they walk forward again in silence.

As we continue to move our steps while looking around, Cleon finally spots a cage and stops.

That was the cage that the fox demon beast – no, Nagi – was originally in.

＂This is it. But-“

＂… There isn’t any? Could it be that that lion’s head fooled us?”

When Laila said that and looked into the cage, it was empty and had nothing inside.

If what they said about moving it here was a lie, should we go back and show them the taste of Cleon’s lightning fist?

Even though he was worried, he couldn’t help it. Cleon spoke to the fairy who was passing by and tried to say hello again.

＂Over there-.＂

“Ah, yes! What’s going on? Human guests.”

Cleon asked the fairy, whose attitude had clearly improved compared to before, about the whereabouts of the fox.

Then the fairy nodded, as if she understood something, and spoke to Cleon.

＂If it was the fox that you were performing with, someone else took it away a little while ago.’

＂… Before? “How long ago was it?”

＂After the performance was over… It wasn’t long after we returned to our original cage with the other demon beasts. ＂

When the fairy answered Lila’s question like that, Cleon wrinkled his eyebrows.

“Is it okay to just take a demonic beast like that? First… There is a perception that they are dangerous beings, right?”

“Of course it is. Because the one who took you is the one who took you. No one said anything.”

The fairy laughs and answers.

I’m not in the mood to laugh.

Kuon, who saw the stress gauge rising behind Cleon and Lila, hurriedly steps forward.

＂Hey, over there. So, who took you? We have some business to attend to that fox demon beast.”

＂It’s Chopper.＂

＂Chopper?＂

When Sasha replies, “I heard that name somewhere,” Lila is silent for a moment, then turns to Sasha and speaks.

“That scarecrow woman was talking about earlier, right? One of the Fairy Council. In other words, she’s a noble like those two guys. He said he didn’t show her face and stayed in her room.”

“… And, they said they made an execution stand.”

Cleon must have remembered Careclaw and Dandelion’s words and suddenly felt uneasy.

I knew very well that it was rude to have such sentiments toward someone I had never seen in person, but considering the personalities of the fairy nobles I had seen so far, it was difficult to expect general sentiments from the last remaining one.

“I want to meet Chopper. “Where should she go?”

＂Since her Chopper doesn’t always come out of her own lab… She can go there. Unfortunately, we cannot provide directions…”

“Just tell me the location, and I’ll find it.”

To Cleon’s words, the fairy replied, “That’s right…” And briefly explained the way to the laboratory after leaving the tent.

I was a little doubtful whether I would be able to follow the instructions in an unfamiliar country, but with Sasha, a ranger, and Laila, a genius, I’m sure it will work out somehow.

“… Thank you. Then, I’ll go right away.”

“No. Thanks to you all, the major accident was able to end without anyone getting hurt. Thank you so much.”

The fairy turned as she answered, and Cleon also left the tent as instructed and headed toward Chopper’s laboratory.

Until the appearance of a new magical beast entered his gaze.

＂Wait!＂

Cleon raised his voice and called out the fairy who was trying to walk away.

Because the voice was so loud, the fairy was startled and stopped in his tracks, and the other party members also looked at Cleon with a slightly surprised expression.

＂Why, why are you like that?＂

Cleon could not help but believe his eyes.

Therefore, he asks him a question, hoping that he is mistaken.

Hold up your finger, we are at the tip of your index finger.

Inside, sleeping, is a sturdy ‘tiger’-shaped magical beast.

It was because Cleon felt something familiar about that magical beast.

＂… That demon beast. It was during a performance earlier, wasn’t it before?”

＂Ah… Yes.＂

The fairy looked uncomfortable at Cleon’s words, as if she had committed some crime.

From that reaction, Cleon would have had no choice but to almost confirm the identity of the tiger.

“Tell me honestly. … That magical beast…”

“… Yes. This is Tohen.”

At the fairy’s answer, Cleon thought that he was mistaken, but at the same time, he was shocked.

“Why did Tohen become a demon? Could it be that he was executed?”

“Yes. The accident in which the demonic beasts’ necklaces came off occurred because he was not faithful to his role of training and managing the demonic beasts. … Is Careclaw’s opinion.”

And, to the fairies, the fact that he was not faithful to his role meant that he was not satisfied with the reason for living.

The result was that a fairy named Tohen was executed and turned into a demonic beast.

＂Such…＂

Cleon once again had no choice but to hold his fist until it hurt.

“No one could tell that it was an accident. What if the necklaces of one or two of the beasts had come off? The necklaces of all the demonic beasts that were performing had come off at the same time. It can’t happen unless someone manipulates it…!”

Moreover, Cleon saw.

I knew very well what kind of thoughts he had in taking care of the demon beasts.

The necklace was not only used to suppress the demonic beasts, but was also a device to prevent the demonic beasts from being afraid to even when standing in front of the fairies, who were their original kin.

He even carried around several necklaces himself.

“Maybe. I needed someone to take responsibility. In the end, no one was hurt. In the end, it was only possible because we were there… And it wasn’t strange even if a large amount of damage occurred.”

Lila also seemed to be in a bad mood as she spoke.

“And at the same time… ‘Why did the demonic beasts’ necklaces come off at the same time?’ – So that the fairies don’t have the same difficult thoughts. To make…”

Amelia also murmurs as if she agrees with Lila’s words.

The beginning of the matter – Rather than finding the real culprit, ending the incident roughly as an accident can paralyze the fairies’ thoughts.

Did you decide that way?

Is that the way of this world?

＂Care Claw…＂

As expected, most of the unpleasant events happening in this world right now seemed to be closely related to Careclaw.

Of course, the fairy queen was quite evil, but she was in charge of managing the residents, and it was she, her queen, who could use her execution platform,

“Calm down, Cleon. Right now, getting Nagi back comes first.”

“Ah. I know. And now we haven’t even gotten back the luggage we left with Ninianne.”

At Lila’s words, Cleon nodded his head, as if he could still keep his cool.

The fairy is getting a little restless looking at the group like that.

Cleon was silent for a moment as he looked at him, and then he asked quietly.

“… Sorry. But I want to ask you something. What do you..? Think about this?”

“Yes? I…”

The fairy closes her mouth at Cleon’s words.

And I will look at the Tohen within us for a moment.

“… Tohen is a kind person not only to our staff fairies but also to the demon beasts. As Dandelion was so passionate about the council’s work and hunting down demonic beasts, Tohen’s role was important. … I don’t think such a person would have neglected the care of the necklace. … This execution-“

Before the fairy could say another word, Cleon grabbed the fairy’s wrist.

Then, he puts his index finger in front of his mouth and tells him to save his next words.

Careclaw may be listening to this story somewhere.

If he put it into words directly and said it, there was no way to know what would happen to his life.

“… Your thoughts are right. … I’m sure there are other fairies who think like that too. Please don’t stop thinking like that. That’s… Probably for Tohen.”

The fairy quietly nods her head at Cleon’s words.

While sending him back to work, Cleon talks.

“… Not everyone can just be a pure fairy. No… Maybe fairies originally had normal thinking skills or sensitivity.”

＂As expected, the current Fairy King?＂

“… Well. For now, let’s get moving. About Tohen, you can ask them again later.”

It was doubtful whether they would obediently listen to what they said.

But- this was a group that had endured a lot to come this far.

Even if they were at odds, if they didn’t say what was wrong – it seemed like everything they had done so far against the exiled church would become an object of ridicule.

001

Cleon and his group, remembering the guidance given by the fairies, came out of the huge tent and walked through the streets of the fairies.

Fairies passing by still recognized the group and waved their hands or bowed their heads in greeting every time.

“… It really seems like all the fairies around here were gathered in that tent.”

＂If it’s such a big tent… It is. Because my eyes keep focusing on me, it feels uncomfortable to move…”

As Kuon said that, his expression darkened as if he felt a little burdened.

“Shall we walk in four directions with Kuon at the center?”

“Wait a minute, Lila, that wasn’t a joke.”

Lila tells a joke to lighten her mood a little.

In her head, if she really stands and walks in the form of a cross with Kuon in the middle –

No. There is a gap in the defense.

Sasha and Amelia’s height was not appropriate to cover up Kuon.

＂Heh.＂

Cleon let out a small laugh as he thought such an unusual thought, and Kuon hit Cleon on the back with his fist.

＂Sorry, sorry.＂

“Really, Cleon… Where has the serious atmosphere from just now gone?”

“Ha, but rather than being nervous, I think it would be better to relax a little.”

When Sasha said that, Cleon nodded as if he agreed.

“Ah. I don’t know what kind of guy I’m meeting from now on. Rather than being stiff and tense, it might be better to have a light mind. It’s a world that isn’t even funny.”

Refreshing my dark mood.

So that you can make a good impression on the other person as well.

With that thought in mind, the party arrived in front of the research institute.

And-

＂…＂

In front of the laboratory, the group’s expressions became stiff once again.

＂… This, a research lab?＂

“Should I call it a research institute? Is it a building…?”

When Lila raised her finger in disbelief, Cleon looked at the building in front of her as if dizzy.

What should I say?

There was a big tofu.

A cubic structure with a pure white, smooth surface.

Of course, the material was not the same as tofu, and since it was made of metal, it looked rather hard.

It was about the size of an ordinary inn, and there was nothing that looked like a door.

There’s just a small hole visible in the wall near the road.

In terms of location, this would be the right place, and if you look around, the atmosphere is very different from the tents around, so this building is probably the laboratory the fairy was talking about.

＂Can I come in…?＂

＂You should try…＂

In response to Sasha’s words, Cleon walked to the front of the laboratory and placed his hand near the hole.

＂… What should I do here…＂

Since he has never seen this type of building before, Cleon focuses his eyes in the hole.

Then-

[Beep. This is an uncertified iris.]

＂!?＂

A voice coming from inside.

Cleon is a little surprised and takes a step back.

＂… What’s wrong?＂

“No. I heard a voice from inside. I was wondering if anyone would come out.”

After waiting for a while and no one came out, that was the moment when Cleon tried to put his finger into the hole.

Shake! As the sound opened, the part of the wall with the hole opened.

＂Wow…＂

If Cleon had put his finger there, he might have broken it because the door had just opened.

‘Everything, I’m glad…’

As I barely manage to calm my racing heart, I look through the open door.

Squeak, squeal.

With the sound of a door needing to be greased opening and closing, someone was walking out from inside.

Is he as tall as Lila?

She, with her long white hair pulled back into twin tails, was looking at us expressionlessly.

There was no light in her gray eyes, and the clothes on her barely curved body were rough.

Sleeveless T-shirt and wide pants.

The clothes that resemble those of men working at a construction site and the cute appearance do not harmonize.

Rather, it seemed like she would fit the gothic loli-style clothes that Careclaw was wearing.

However, since it is sleeveless, her shoulders and arms are exposed.

It was a little different from that of humans.

On the surface, there was something like gold, which shows that her body is made of metal.

On top of that, they probably painted it with the same apricot color as a human – or something else – to make it look like a human.

“Ah. “You’re here.”

As if she had been waiting, she spoke while looking at Cleon and her companions.

A voice that is lower and quieter than it looks.

Her voice made her feel somewhat helpless, and her Cleon was looking at her with wonder.

“… I don’t think staring at people’s faces like that is a very good hobby.”

“Ah, ah… I see. Sorry.”

Cleon turns his head slightly at her words.

“… What. It doesn’t matter though. Come in.”

＂Wait!＂

Cleon tried to enter her building as she said, but soon came to her senses and called her to stop.

＂…?＂

＂… Are you Chopper?＂

“… Ah. Yes. Is this your first meeting? Introduction. If you don’t do it.”

She spoke while shaking her head and looking at her companions as if she had forgotten.

“That’s right. I’m Chopper. First, a noble belonging to the Fairy Council… The Tin Woodman, whose role is to contribute to the fairies by making inventions.”

＂… Woodcutter?＂

When Cleon expressed her doubts about something not matching the roles and titles, she turned and walked back into the lab.

“First, come inside. There’s a lot to talk about, this and that. Also about your friend, the fox.”

＂!＂

At her words, which clearly refer to Nagi, Cleon turns to the group and nods his head.

And then, everyone walked carefully into the big tofu-like building.