am-books Chapter 182
Chapter 182
[-Humans may fear and call that child a monster, but in truth, the Dullahan is closer to being a fairy. It’s only that it’s fallen far after being bound to the underworld. Even so, it takes its duties seriously and occasionally helps us with our requests. Besides, it doesn’t harm lives without reason. It’s not a bad child, hehe.]
"......."
The knights weren’t sure whether they should be shocked at the revelation that the Dullahan was actually a fairy, or at the Spring Spirit’s casual way of treating and commanding it as though it were a child.
Yet, as Ihan witnessed the fragments of the fairy’s power, he couldn’t suppress his growing curiosity.
“...I don’t quite understand. Why was the Spring Spirit captured by a bunch of spellcasters? With your strength, couldn’t you have overpowered them before they caught you?”
“What insolence!”
“I-it’s just a question...”
For some reason, it seemed the Spring Spirit couldn’t harm humans directly. However, it was evident that she had the power to easily outmatch them in other ways. When first released from her seal, she had turned the mages’ mana into nutrients for the earth, and simply summoning the Dullahan would have decimated most of the spellcasters, including that rotten Archmage of 400 years.
So why hadn’t she resisted?
[Oh, is that what you’re curious about? It’s nothing too complicated. You don’t need to be so cautious about asking.]
The Spring Spirit’s tone was lighthearted, as though this were a trivial matter she was happy to explain.
[You see, the way we fairies use our power is rather... particular.]
"??"
[To put it simply, we can’t exercise authority beyond the role we’ve been given. If we misuse our power, it could cause the collapse of the natural order.]
The fairy shrugged lightly and continued.
[There are also restrictions and promises imposed on us by the gods... but even without those, wielding our power carelessly would lead to some truly ‘unfortunate consequences.’]
"......."
Ihan dared not ask what those consequences might be. He had a feeling the answer would be far worse than he could imagine.
[Even for the Dullahan, it faces many conditions and restrictions when using its power in the mortal realm. However, it can exercise its abilities freely on the dead. That’s why it was able to help with our request.]
“Then, does that mean... you couldn’t act against the mages either?”
[Exactly. That’s why I said, ‘We’re truly grateful to you.’ If you hadn’t punished the mages, we still wouldn’t have been able to do anything. To put it in terms you’d understand, because of your actions, the causal relationship was established, and we could finally intervene.]
The Spring Spirit traced a circle with her finger.
Flash!
A glowing ring of aurora appeared, as though she were illustrating the cycle and laws of the world. While it seemed complex, Ihan managed to understand the gist of it.
‘So, because I and that thing were in the process of punishing the mages, the fairies were able to step in as assistants.’
In hindsight, the fairies had only nullified mana and turned the remains of the dead into nutrients for the earth. They hadn’t directly harmed the mages, despite their obvious frustration. Their restraint likely stemmed from the catastrophic effects their power could have on the world if misused.
‘Terrifying.’
They were beings so powerful that their mere intervention could overturn the laws of nature. That such entities existed under such severe restrictions was both awe-inspiring and chilling.
However...
‘They’re genuinely kind.’
Their kindness, mercy, and nobility were palpable. Ihan couldn’t help but feel respect toward them.
‘They could use their power at any time.’
Though bound by restrictions and promises, it was clear they could harm humans directly if they chose to. Yet, the fairies refrained, fully aware that their actions could bring about humanity’s destruction.
That made them sacred.
Despite possessing the majesty and mystery worthy of being called gods, they abstained from abusing their power.
While they seemed as innocent as children, they were, in truth, far more thoughtful and compassionate than anyone.
‘No wonder they were worshipped as gods.’
Such mercy and nobility could not have gone unnoticed by the ancient people.
‘Even I can’t help but admire them...’
For the first time in his life, Ihan felt that someone truly embodied divinity.
The Great Fairy.
Today, Ihan fully grasped why they bore such a name.
"Truly remarkable," he muttered, nodding his head.
To this, the Spring Spirit responded:
[Oh my, you’re making me blush. It’s been so long since I’ve received such praise....]
"...?"
[You really are a fine human, hehe!]
“...Just wondering... Do fairies also read people’s thoughts?”
It was an offhand question, prompted by how embarrassed she seemed despite him saying so little.
The fairy simply smiled.
[-That’s a secret.]
"......."
[You shouldn’t take my job from me, hehe.]
“Y-yes, ma’am...”
When had she arrived?
The Spring Spirit was standing behind him, her gaze meaningful.
[...You’re someone ‘she’ called upon, aren’t you?]
“!!?”
[Hehe, don’t worry. I won’t go around spilling anyone’s secrets. I just find it... intriguing.]
"......."
Gulp.
Derrick swallowed nervously.
Fairies truly were something else.
‘I feel like she can see right through me...’
There was no hiding anything—not just from him, but seemingly from...
[Those two over there are interesting as well. Hehe. It seems ‘she’ has been up to something amusing. Well, things like this do happen occasionally.]
“Occasionally...?”
Summoning his courage, Derrick asked the question. What exactly did she mean by “occasionally”?
[Cases like yours, of course. They happen roughly once every few centuries. It’s all to make the world more abundant and enjoyable. What do humans call it? An ‘event’ or a ‘festival’?]
"......."
...A few centuries was occasionally?
[Don’t worry. The gods aren’t manipulating or using your fate. If they meddled, the world would lose its charm. They usually just observe and let things flow naturally.]
"......."
[Hehe.]
“...Should I feel honored by this, or insulted...?”
[Enjoy the world. Otherwise, you’re the only one who loses out. Cheer up!]
"......."
Derrick stared at the fairy, who cheered him on with an adorable smile and playful gesture, unable to keep his expression in check.
As cute as she was, her age was...
[You’ll be punished.]
“...My apologies.”
Derrick immediately bowed his head.
“...Please stop tormenting my pupil.”
[It’s because he’s adorable.]
Ihan sighed as he watched the Spring Spirit playfully tease Taechang, who was still doing push-ups in the flower field. The fairy only smiled mischievously.
It was easy to see why fairies were said to be natural pranksters.
“Enough. We don’t need any healing or anything. We’ll recover on our—”
[-Your lifespan has been shortened.]
"......."
[It happened while you were saving us, so it’s only right to reward you.]
“...That’s not—”
Ihan wanted to argue. He didn’t regret it, nor had he acted solely to save her.
And as for his shortened lifespan, well, a few potions from the royal lady could easily fix that.
Tap.
[You talk too much.]
“W-wait, hold o—mmph!?”
Before he could resist, the fairy suddenly embraced him. He froze, unable to move or even protest.
And then—
"Huah!"
“Mmm.”
“...Wow.”
—she stole his lips in a fiery kiss.
Ironically, Ihan’s first “experience” in his 30 years as a knight was not with a human but with a fairy.