Ch.6262. Fairy (2)

After two hours flew by in an instant, the time had finally come.

[I sparkle and shine, singing brilliantly! Who am I, who am I?]

The incantation used to summon fairies must be recited like a song, with both pitch and rhythm perfectly matched for the intended summoning to succeed.

So Sofia chanted as if singing, for about 10 minutes and several dozen seconds.

Around that time, Sofia’s incantation concluded, fulfilling the conditions and opening a “door” in midair.

Of course, while called a “door,” it wasn’t actually in the form of a real door.

From beyond what could be described as a dimensional passage, a small humanoid fairy revealed itself.

It was about 40cm tall.

The Fairy Princess wore a green dress that wasn’t particularly elaborate, had three pairs of insect wings, and aside from her small size, looked just like a child with short teal hair.

Despite the grand title of princess, she had an innocent expression that seemed far from dignified.

“Are you… ahem, are you the one who summoned this princess?”

This small child, visibly trying desperately to imitate a haughty attitude, must be a Fairy Princess—one of the few fairies who had reached this special status through exceptional talent.

“The Oracle affirms, Fairy Princess.”

“…!”

She broke into a wide grin just from being called a princess, then startled, quickly corrected her expression.

Looking at her like this, this tiny princess might seem like just an adorable little child, but one should never let their guard down in this situation.

Even though she barely exceeded 40cm in height, if she wanted to, she could threaten our lives at any moment.

That’s why I stepped forward personally.

“Excuse me, Fairy Princess.”

“Y-you are…?”

When I, who had been standing back observing the situation, stepped forward, the Fairy Princess’s eyes widened.

The emotion in the Fairy Princess’s eyes was none other than surprise. Perhaps she was startled by my size after living among tiny beings?

“Humans are… big. Yes, big.”

As if confirming my suspicion, the Fairy Princess muttered something briefly, then raised both hands to her waist and declared proudly… cutely:

“Summoner, state your purpose for calling me.”

“Settlement invitation, the Oracle answers.”

“Settlement…?”

Perhaps it was different from what she had expected as the reason for her summoning.

The Fairy Princess tilted her head questioningly at Sofia’s words, and I provided the answer in Sofia’s place.

“This is the Small Aleinos Forest. A small paradise situated on the back of the moving fortress Tarasque. Unfortunately, the number of residents living in the forest is woefully insufficient.”

“I-is that so…?”

“Yes, it is.”

Trying my best to summon manners I had almost forgotten from disuse, I attempted to persuade the Fairy Princess using a buttery, overly polite tone.

“As the (acting) manager of this beautiful forest, I wish to welcome residents worthy of the forest’s status. In that sense, I would like to invite the Fairy Princess and your people to this forest.”

While I was squeezing out what little eloquence I had to persuade the Fairy Princess.

She, who seemed dazed by my blatant flattery and unable to properly collect herself… at some point began to show signs of serious consideration.

“I have a question, human.”

“What is it?”

“I don’t currently feel any reason why my people and I should remain in this material plane. Why should I bring my people to this material forest?”

I was honestly impressed by the Fairy Princess’s words. Truly impressed.

For someone like me who knew all too well how selfish and self-centered fairies could be as a species, seeing a fairy who seriously negotiated and considered the pros and cons for others rather than just herself was quite remarkable.

Of course, due to the limitations of fairy nature, it might be possible to deceive her if I wanted to. But why would I?

My goal is to recruit fairies who will contribute to the defense while living in this “Small Aleinos Forest of Tarasque.”

In other words, I need allies who will build mutual trust and combine forces, not a relationship between a scammer and a mark bound by deception, which would be utterly useless.

So, kicking away the bad thoughts emerging from one corner of my mind, I began calmly explaining the benefits to her as one leader to another.

“Fairy Princess, beings from other dimensions like yourself can grow stronger simply by staying in this world. Eating material food, breathing, and interacting with this world’s magic makes you stronger.”

“I… know that. But I still want to ask.”

“Then, let me explain step by step.”

I corrected my approach. Returning my flexible tongue to its normal state, I tried to persuade her using more intuitive and easier-to-understand language.

“Fairy Princess, in the fairy realm, you may be a rare existence, but not exceptionally powerful. Rather, despite your rarity, your lack of outstanding strength probably makes you a target of hostility from other fairies.”

“I… cannot deny that.”

According to what my mother told me, while the fairy realm might appear to be paradise on the surface, if you look more closely, it’s literally a hellscape governed by survival of the fittest.

The criteria by which fairies judge everything are impulse and self-desire.

Except for the extremely few fairies with social awareness, most are no different from children who want to do whatever they please, and the fairy realm is filled with such fairies.

Whether you like it or not, they are literally “pure” creatures, so it’s not surprising that fairies would feel jealous of a rare Fairy Princess and try to bully her.

“Especially since you are a princess (Fairy Princess) who could potentially become a Fairy Queen if you somehow survive. How many fairies have tried to attack you out of jealousy or to check your potential?”

“…”

“In contrast, I am different from them. I need the power that you and your fairy subjects possess.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes. My position is different from other fairies. To other fairies in the fairy realm, your very existence is a threat, but I need your strength. In short, I’m proposing we make a contract through negotiation.”

“…A contract, you say.”

The Fairy Princess responded to me, who was several times her size, without showing the slightest fear, quite confidently yet calmly.

Although she looked cute due to her size and chubby cheeks, behind that was the responsibility befitting a ruler.

“We will provide you (Fairy Princess) and your fairy subjects with a safe home, sufficient food, and an environment where you can be resurrected in this forest even if you die.”

“Then… what do you gain?”

“We protect our home through the combat power of you and your fairies. Also, having fairies reside here would enhance the mystical nature that’s somewhat lacking in this artificial forest.”

With that, the presentation of the deal was complete. All that remained was the decision.

As everyone present focused their attention nervously on the Fairy Princess, she also appeared to be considering deeply.

Of course, her heart seemed to be leaning slightly in our direction.

But perhaps due to the circumstances, the Fairy Princess seemed to be wavering and unable to yield her opinion…

[Now is the time, comrade.]

“Then, let me give you this as an advance payment.”

The moment Sofia’s secretly transmitted message reached my mind.

I took out the “bait” I had prepared in advance for the Fairy Princess.

“T-this is…”

“It’s pudding, as a contract deposit. I swear on my soul I didn’t do anything strange to it.”

What I had diligently prepared since morning was none other than custard pudding.

Not only was it topped with caramel syrup, but it was also finished with a generous amount of whipped cream and a cherry—my masterpiece.

With taste buds similar to a child’s preference for stimulating flavors, and especially given fairies’ obsession with sugar’s sweetness, there was no way she could refuse.

“…!!!”

After a while of focusing intently on eating the pudding with the spoon I handed her, her eyes sparkling.

The Fairy Princess, finally unable to resist the sweetness… would she surrender?

“…How often can you provide something like this?”

“At least once a month, for all of you.”

“Then, very well. I, Fairy Princess Tristia, will live on your land.”

After much deliberation, Fairy Princess Tristia finally decided to settle in our “Small Aleinos Forest of Tarasque,” judging that she couldn’t receive better treatment elsewhere.