Chapter 926 – The Witch’s Way

000

＂What is this?＂

It was a vision that appeared in front of Chopper and Careclaw without any prior notice while they were heading to the council room.

What’s written and the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ circles that seem to be explicitly clicked.

Care Claw stopped, looked at the circle, and frowned.

“I think this is Dorothea’s magic. Are they trying to decide Dandelion’s treatment through voting?”

And Chopper spoke quietly while analyzing what appeared before her eyes, and she seemed to be thinking for a moment as she placed her hand on her chin.

However, right after Chopper said that, Dorothea’s voice echoed in the two people’s heads.

[Don’t think deeply, make an honest decision…]

＂Ugh…＂

The two people must have held their heads at the same time and seemed slightly dizzy.

That voice just now wasn’t just telepathy.

A little deeper… A voice that seems to be speaking directly to their soul.

Somewhere, when her irresistible voice came to an end, Care Claw came to her senses and moved her fingers to touch the vision before her.

＂…＂

Of course, her finger must have been in ‘no’.

“What you just said… Was Dorothea manipulating us?”

“I guess so…”

She shouldn’t have been that surprised by the fact that she chose no, but it seemed like she couldn’t easily shake off the shock of her previous experience.

I knew very well that the power of the Fairy King existed to rule over the fairies of the entire Fairy Village.

Still, she thought there would be a limit.

But just what is it?

She instantly transmitted illusionary magic to their location without even seeing it with her own eyes, and in addition, she sent a voice into her head and controlled her will.

Of course, she wasn’t completely brainwashed or anything, but even just looking at how many types of magic she used at the same time, it would have seemed like there was no limit to Dorothea’s power.

＂…＂

Care Claw’s body is like a scarecrow. In other words, because she’s made of straw and a little bit of wood, she doesn’t sweat.

So, even if he encountered a situation that was beyond his cognitive limits, he would never have experienced cold sweat.

However, Care Claw was certain that if he had had a body like a living being, he would have had cold sweat dripping down his back and forehead right now.

＂Care Claw?＂

When Care Claw’s expression, which had been in a good mood until a moment ago, confirmed that her rebellion plan was going smoothly, Chopper turned to her and called her name.

Chopper would have felt the same way – but the results would have been conflicting.

“… Chopper, are you okay?”

＂… What do you mean?＂

If we say that Careclaw was suddenly overcome by a sense of crisis and anxiety about Dorothea’s endless power –

Chopper had no doubt that even though Dorothea was an omnipotent god, she was trying to do the right thing.

There is no such thing as changing one’s mind about what needs to be done.

The two people just looked at the other’s face, unable to understand each other’s emotions.

But right after that.

The illusion that unfolded before the two people’s eyes changed into something different.

Just a moment ago, the illusion that gave choices changed to what seemed to be a bar-shaped graph showing the results of the vote.

It was immediately after that the graph, which had been swinging around the center, stopped, as if indicating that the voting results were equal.

As a result, after it was shown that there were more votes that chose ‘Yes’, Chopper was showing somewhat complicated feelings on his face.

Care Claw frowned and didn’t seem very convinced by the results.

Chopper, seeing that expression, immediately shook his head and spoke to Care Claw.

“With this, Dandelion’s fall has been moved to the next opportunity.”

First, I said that to avoid getting suspicious of Careclaw, and Careclaw just clicked his tongue and looked at the illusion.

＂After all, having to rule over idiots is tiring… ＂

Care Claw would have tried to turn his head away from the illusion as he said that.

Unless you notice that the graph moves ever so slightly right after that.

The side that was dominant until now becomes inferior.

The result of the vote was overturned with the majority not supporting Dandelion.

I don’t know who put in the last vote, but the vote that came in a little late turned the fate around.

And-

＂Ta-da-!＂

The illusion that appeared before my eyes changed.

A new scene was reflected in the illusion that had only shown questions and graphs just a moment ago.

It was the scene of the hall of parliament.

There, on the council table, Dorothea was sitting, holding something in one hand.

A kitten with its eyes closed – or is it a lion?

Dorothea, who was clutching the back of its neck, which had bright yellow fur without a mane, was talking with a somewhat happy expression.

＂Will everyone sees well? Thanks to everyone’s precious votes, I was able to make my decision safely! Thank you so much~!”

Her actions of saying such things in a light voice.

“And? This little lion-shaped beast here is Dandelion, whom I was able to punish thanks to your votes! It turned out really cute, didn’t it? From today, I plan to bring joy to everyone, not as a member of the Fairy Council, but as a circus troupe’s magician.”

“Dandelion… Is a demonic beast…”

Of course, it was Chopper and Cleon’s plan to subdue him.

So, I was somewhat prepared no matter what he would look like – we have been friends and colleagues for over 200 years.

It was also true that Chopper was quite shocked by him being reduced to such a state.

Dorothea, perhaps aware of Chopper’s feelings, lightly kissed the unconscious Dandelion’s head.

It seemed like she was not thinking of herself as a person, but as a magical beast – that is, a beast or a pet.

＂Thank you until today!＂

While saying that, Dorothea threw Dandelion up into the sky, and Dandelion was engulfed in a large puff of smoke and disappeared on the spot.

＂Phew! One thing solved! Then! I’m also busy thinking of a new show for you fairies to enjoy. Enough! See you again at the next performance~＂

After pretending to wipe the sweat from her forehead, she waves her hand and the illusion before them disappears completely.

Chopper and Careclaw stood silently looking at the spot where the illusion had been floating in front of them for a while, unable to move.

＂…＂

Dorothea finally cut Dandelion.

There, she didn’t seem to have any regrets or even the slightest hesitation.

This vote itself was not done to decide his treatment, but rather as a show to use as entertainment.

Is it because of my mood that I got that impression?

＂Care Claw.＂

Chopper called her name.

It was also a question at the same time.

＂…＂

Care Claw was her chopper’s call and did not answer her questions or even look back at her.

Inevitably, Chopper moved in front of her, and she looked at her face and-

Chopper couldn’t help but be surprised when he looked at her face.

Her eyes seemed somewhat empty.

Inside, Chopper felt something similar to Careclaw’s fear.

A rare scene where a scarecrow who scares birds away is feeling fear from an incomprehensible being.

It’s such an irony that if Dorothea saw it in person, she would hold her stomach and burst into laughter.

＂Care Claw!＂

Once again, Chopper called her name.

This time, with more certainty and force.

If I didn’t do that, I felt like Careclaw wouldn’t come back.

The sound of straws trembling and hitting each other is heard, and then it stops at the sound of Chopper’s voice.

And then, as Care Claw raised her head and looked into Chopper’s eyes, she immediately took a step back with unsteady steps.

＂I…＂

“First… Let’s go to the council room. We still have to do what we have to do as nobles of the Fairy Council.”

Chopper spoke to Care Claw, who seemed to be unable to move her body properly, and started moving her steps.

Chopper, who still seems unable to shake off his fear, holds Careclaw’s wrist and leads him.

Those steps did not have heavy shackles like Careclaw’s feet.

001

“Okay then. The remaining two fairy nobles will be arriving soon… Shall we wait a bit and talk until then?”

This time, Dorothea spoke to Cleon and his party while sitting at the table instead of the throne.

She, who had disposed of Dandelion before her eyes, did not seem to mind it at all.

Just dispose of a small piece of dust, trash, or bug in front of her, wrap it in a tissue, and throw it in the trash can.

The trivial incident that happened just now will gradually be forgotten as a pale memory as part of daily life.

No, maybe I’ve already forgotten.

As the diamond-shaped pattern appeared in her eyes and began to shine, she had a premonition as she looked at the group.

＂A story?＂

As Cleon, I wanted to tell Era Nagi to return to her original form right now.

Considering the fear she must have felt as she watched Dandelion become her demon, she did not want to have a word with Dorothea.

However, it is not possible yet.

According to the plan with Chopper, when she activated her execution platform to restore her Nagi to its original state, Chopper would intervene in the control of her execution platform and take away her powers from her. Br〉

“Okay. Don’t you get bored just waiting quietly? Dande, the person I was talking to, also disappeared.”

＂… She took care of it herself. ＂

Lila muttered as if Dorothea’s words were absurd, but Cleon nodded, just to take her time.

＂… I’ll do it if you’re at least a conversation partner. Unless it’s something too absurd.”

“Good! It should come out like that! I guess you got some stress relief after hitting Dande a few times?”

As she smiled and clapped her hands, there was a popping sound, and with the now familiar smoke screen, a sofa appeared that was just at the height of the group’s hips.

“Now, sit down. Let’s sit back and talk. Because I want to talk on an equal footing.”

Dorothea shows a smile on her face as she says that.

Of course, the group could not simply accept this as a favor.

Considering her personality, I couldn’t tell what kind of trap she had planned.

That’s why, when everyone is reluctant to sit down.

“What’s the matter? Don’t you want to sit down? “Why?”

＂… It’s not like they put some strange magic on the chair.＂

When Cleon threw a fastball exceeding 200 km/h, Dorothea looked surprised as if she had been hit, and then burst into laughter.

＂Ahahaha! I never thought I would ask you that directly from the front!”

＂…＂

Cleon’s face crumpled, as if the laughter was unpleasant.

As soon as she saw it, Dorothea cleared her throat, huffed and puffed, sighed, and continued her story.

“Oh, no. I just… Wanted you to sit comfortably and talk~ You didn’t do anything on the chair? Yes, really!”

The way she spoke apologetically made me wonder if she was really the same person who mercilessly disposed of Dandelion earlier.

＂It must be true…＂

“Huh! Really!”

Although Cleon could not completely trust her words, Dorothea seemed to want to have Cleon and his group sit on her chair at all costs.

Inevitably, when Cleon first put his butt on that soft-looking chair, as Dorothea said, nothing remarkable happened.

Instead, it seemed like a chair of just the right height allowed me to rest my tired legs and body from the battle.

＂How are you, Cleon? Are you okay? Doesn’t the bottom of your butt suddenly get hot or do thorns stick out?”

“If that were the case, I would have jumped up already…”

When Lila asked that, Cleon shook her head as if she was dumbfounded, and only after hearing that answer would Lila sit comfortably in her chair.

After she and her other colleagues took their seats, Dorothea nodded her head as if she was satisfied.

“Ego. Then. What will we talk about until Chopper and Careclaw come…”

She looked a little worried, then looked around at her group.

Then, she asked Amelia, who looked the youngest.

＂The blonde girl over there?＂

＂… Is it me?＂

When Amelia is a little dissatisfied with her sudden call, Dorothea nods her head.

“Okay. I’m asking you, who looks the youngest here… As expected. Is this party, that guy’s harem? Are you even mating?”

＂… Yes!?＂

“For a moment! Why are you asking Amelia that…!”

Amelia’s face turns bright red at Dorothea’s sudden question, and Kuon raises his voice as if to protect her.

Then Dorothea lets out a long, interested voice, rests her chin, and speaks.

“It’s fun, right? So, which one? As expected, you guys over there are also in a relationship with that guy?”

＂I won’t hit it…!＂

＂Coo, Mr. Kuon!＂

Sasha tries to calm her down to stop her yelling at her out of embarrassment.

However, what she said was also an admission of some of what Dorothea had said.

“Haha! Also! I thought it would be like that just by looking at it! There are many handsome men among the fairies who live here, but it is common for each man and woman to have one partner. You guys have a more advanced sense of ethics than the fairies.”

Wow, Sasha was indignant, but she couldn’t strongly deny those words.

“Is there a need to delve into other people’s private lives like that?”

“Why, aren’t they all kids and it’s fun? Ah, there were children. Sorry, I didn’t see it clearly.”

＂…＂

Could it be that my mind is really going back and forth?

Or is this just an attempt to make fun of Sasha and Amelia?

No, maybe the facts in front of her seemed different to her.

Through the patterns that appear in those eyes – something else… For example – something essential.

For example, Sasha could be seen as a giant wolf, and Amelia could be seen as a crusader with her body covered in pure white armor.

“A fun human being who embraces many things more than the circus troupe I created. It would be a bit of a waste to send it back like this.”

She stuck out her tongue slightly, licked her lips, and then looked at Cleon with narrow eyes.

The gaze was like a snake staring at its prey.

＂…＂

Even though Cleon received that gaze, he didn’t move a single glance or a finger, but the other party members seemed different.

Her face was frowning at her words, as if she was blatantly checking her.

However, Dorothea speaks to Cleon without showing much of a reaction, as if threats from people other than Cleon have no effect.

“Yes, brother. By any chance, aren’t you interested in a noble position?”

＂… What?＂

Cleon answered with an expression that made him not know what he was talking about all of a sudden.

“No. There just happened to be a vacant seat in our country’s nobles, right? Thanks to my brother for defeating me. If the successor is stronger than the predecessor, I and the fairies will feel at ease. Isn’t that right?”

＂…＂

In other words, she was telling Cleon if she had any intention of becoming a noblewoman of Fairy Incense after Dandelion.

“… I’m sorry, but I am human. It’s not a fairy. I don’t live as long as you.”

“There is no problem with that part. Because there is a way.”

Did she not understand the rejection, as Cleon said, or did she press on even though she knew?

I don’t know which side it was, but it was something that Cleon could not help but feel uncomfortable about.

“Did you not understand what I said? It means I don’t intend to do that.”

＂Eh~? Why? “If I go back to that world, it won’t be long before everything collapses, right?”

＂… What?＂

She responded that she did not understand the meaning of Cleon’s choice, and among them, there was something that bothered Cleon as well.

“Well… It’s still in that world, right? ‘Father of all things’.”

＂How can you say that name?＂

The name Father of all things is the name used by the Exiled Church to call Adam.

In other words, it was an unknown name unless the person had something to do with the Exiled Church.

“Huh? That… Uh… Where was it…”

Dorothea puts her hand to her forehead, looking a little confused by Cleon’s question.

After saying that, she kept her mouth shut for a moment, and then the diamond pattern in her eyes clicked and turned 90 degrees clockwise.

Then-

As if the wind had blown somewhere, Dorothea’s hair rose slightly and then sank.

“Ah. That must have been a story I heard from a human I happened to catch. When was it? Was it more than 1000 years ago… Um… More than that? Either way is not accurate.”

＇… What is it?＇

I feel something is out of place.

Cleon felt that her tone of voice had become a little humbler and gentle, rather than the light tone from before.

And-

＂… A thousand years ago?＂

“Yes, a thousand years. Because we are beings who live a life that is close to eternity. Even if you live that amount of time, it wouldn’t be surprising.”

＂No, what surprised me was…＂

I heard from Chopper that she was definitely a human who came here 200 years ago during the time of Fairy Village.

It made no sense for her to have heard the story from someone 1,000 years ago in Fairy Village.

＂What surprised you?＂

“No, it’s nothing. … So, do you know what the Father of all things is planning to do?”

At Cleon’s question, she blinked for a moment and then-

The diamond in the eye turns 90 degrees clockwise once again.

“The power and knowledge of the Father of all things are enough to rule the world and cover it with his laws. No matter what the process was… He will cover the human world with his own laws in order to become the throne lord.”

‘The atmosphere has changed again.’

“But. As for Fairy Incense… If the Fairy Circle closes and never opens. You will be able to escape from his control. On this planet, it becomes the only free paradise.”

Cleon frowned at her words.

In other words, she doesn’t really know what the Father of All Things’ plan is, but she is scared by it and chooses to confine herself to it.

That was the exact opposite of what Cleon was aiming for.

＂If you only send the demon beast you brought with you… ‘Vivre’ back to the original world. There are no other conditions. “I’ve never scouted like this before?”

She talks playfully while closing one of her eyes.

＂Ah, if you want, others too-＂

＂I refuse.＂

Cleon answered without listening to her until the end.

I guess she decided it wasn’t worth listening to anymore.

“I have been fighting to prevent Adam from devouring our world. Now that I have been presented with a way to escape, I have no intention of responding to it.”

＂…＂

This should be enough of an answer.

Dorothea looks at Cleon and slowly changes her expression.

And, the pattern in her eyes bends once more.

＂! Nidahashimu euluiho my ! Ganin silver same boba＂

＂Ha?＂

Dorothea suddenly says something incomprehensible.

＂! Jiyaachat Eulseoknyeo rd Eulsin Captain ! Daiheung Daiheung＂

It was a childlike voice, but it was pronounced as if the voice was being played backwards, so I couldn’t understand its meaning.

＂… Cleon.＂

And Lila, looking at her like that, brings her face to Cleon’s ear.

“Did you notice? That guy, his personality changes every time the pattern in her eyes rotates. It’s not just the tone that changes. Should we say that the nature of the magical power contained within, or more accurately, the magical power flowing outward, is changing…”

Cleon nods.

＂Dorothea… Maybe that woman… ＂

And it was at that moment that Lila tried to put her guess into words.

Squeak… Slowly, the Fairy Council’s visit came – Doorwood let out a voice as he opened the door.

＂Careclaw and Chopper have arrived…＂

When the party turned towards the open door, Careclaw and Chopper were clearly there, passing through the door and entering the room.

And next to Chopper, Ninianne with the group’s baggage and Vuvre-

She, one of the most important key figures in this plan, was also there.

“Ah! You two are here! Well then, we have to start the farewell party for the humans, so everyone come inside! Oh, you checked everything about Dandelion, right? Ah, there’s no way I wouldn’t have done it! Because everyone voted!”

Ahaha~! Dorothea’s healthy, smiling voice was heard.

That was Dorothea’s voice itself that I heard earlier.

It was the voice before it changed into a strange tone.

Then, Cleon gets up from his chair as if story time is over.

I suspected there might be some trick to getting up, but Cleon’s butt fell off the chair easier than I thought.

＂Then… We will have to return that fox girl to a human… But before that… ＂

Dorothea got down from the table she was sitting at and looked like she was thinking about something for a moment, then she smiled and looked at Care Claw.

＂Care Claw.＂

When his name was called, Care Claw’s body flinched and trembled.

Looking at Dorothea with an expression of not knowing why she was called, she was talking.

“Don’t you have something to tell me? For example- “

Shake! And the door of Doorwood closes.

When everyone except Careclaw turned around at that sound, the place where the door had been a moment ago had become an ordinary wall.

＂The door…!＂

Sasha makes a surprised voice, but Dorothea smiles and tells Careclaw not to panic.

“Yes. Hiding in the fairy council. Who is the traitor? Care Claw.”

＂…!＂

Dorothea was putting into her mouth a truth that should never be known.