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Chapter 102
Fun, isn’t it?
At my intense reaction, Isidore narrowed his eyes. His gaze was sharp enough to make me flinch.
I quickly changed the subject.
“W-why are you asking if I kissed him or not?”
“Because that’s a very important matter for fairies.”
“Does something happen to a fairy if they kiss someone?”
“Something like that.”
I had just thrown out a random question, but to my surprise, Isidore’s expression turned deadly serious.
“When a fairy gives their heart to a human, they start to lose themselves.”
“Lose themselves? You mean… like, their lifespan shortens or something?”
I couldn’t believe fairies had such a huge secret.
Could I die from that?!
I imagined all sorts of horrible outcomes, but thankfully, it didn’t seem that extreme.
“There’s no need to be so frightened. It’s not related to lifespan. To be exact, it means a fairy’s power weakens.”
“W-why does it weaken?”
That was bad news. My fairy powers were basically my only weapon.
They’re the only thing I can rely on!
I’d worked so hard to strengthen them.
“No one knows why. I don’t, either. I’ve just seen it happen around me. That’s why I asked if you suddenly kissed someone.”
Isidore’s deep blue eyes hardened.
“Because your power has grown very weak.”
“Well, it could be because I was cursed,” I said.
“…Cursed?”
“Yes. The trees told me someone’s been stealing my fairy power little by little.”
Isidore placed a hand gently on my head. The caring touch made me oddly shy.
W-what’s he doing?
He shook his head slowly.
“Well, that might have some effect too, but it’s a bit different. When a fairy falls in love with a human, their power changes in another way.”
“So what should I do now?”
“Just avoid physical contact.”
“Isn’t there… some way I can keep my power even if we touch?”
Our eyes met. His gaze softened.
“Do you love that human so much?”
Maybe because we were both fairies, but the way he looked at me felt like an older brother scolding a naïve little sister.
It was mortifying—like exposing my love life in front of family.
“I-I don’t know if it’s that much.”
“At the very least, you’re in love.”
I couldn’t even hide my flushed cheeks as I asked,
“Is it that obvious?”
I’d thought I was pretty good at keeping my expressions under control, but Isidore casually replied,
“Your reactions tell me enough. You clearly have no intention of changing how you feel about him.”
Maybe a few days ago, I wouldn’t have been able to answer that question at all. I’d been busy denying my feelings back then.
But it’s different now.
“Yes. I love him a lot. I don’t think I can change my heart.”
If my feelings were that flimsy, I never would’ve made up my mind in the first place. Not even seeing Johan’s frightening side had shaken me.
“That man sounds unpleasant already.”
“You haven’t even met him yet.”
“That human’s name is Johan? Hmph. Even his name is annoying. But if the last fairy loves him that much…”
Isidore frowned, then sighed softly.
“I’ll help you preserve your fairy power as best I can. That’s part of why I stayed behind in this world, anyway.”
I knew there’d be a way!
“Thank you! But… will I be able to learn everything in just one visit?”
“Don’t worry. I still have enough power left for a few more meetings. You can reach me again the same way.”
Behind him, a tree swayed its straight branches. Blue-green leaves fluttered down like petals.
He’s using fairy power.
I couldn’t fully understand what that power was, but I could feel it—the invisible force that made the leaves fall was unmistakably fairy power.
Where each leaf touched the ground, sky-blue flowers blossomed instantly.
“Wow…”
So that’s how a fairy can use their power.
I had never truly used mine before, so I couldn’t help being amazed. Isidore said flatly,
“It’s nothing to be surprised about. Each fairy’s power manifests differently. Mine happens to channel destructive energy into plants.”
The tree behind him slid between us.
—That’s why this fellow was the guardian of fairies.
A voice suddenly echoed in my mind, and I jumped.
“Y-you can talk?” I asked the tree.
—Of course. All trees can talk.
“Well, yes, but…”
The tree let out a hearty laugh.
—You two fairies looked so moved by your little reunion, I just had to interrupt.
“It wasn’t that touching.”
—Wasn’t it? I could feel how excited you were to see her again.
“Quiet. I have a mountain of things to teach her, so don’t interrupt.”
—Aw, don’t be shy.
I blinked at Isidore in surprise.
He was happy to see me?
I supposed I’d be happy too, if I met the last fairy.
Still… his face is so cold and expressionless.
If not for the warmth in his eyes, I never would’ve guessed he was glad. His expression was that intimidating.
—Don’t worry about Isidore’s grumpy face. He’s more delighted than anyone to see you. You won’t have much time here, so go ahead and be a little spoiled.
“As you can see, trees tend to spout nonsense. Tezevia here has been stuck with me too long, so she says strange things.”
“Tezevia?”
—That’s my name. Thanks to Isidore, I became a tree with a name.
The longer I stayed here, the more fascinating everything became.
This is an amazing opportunity for me.
There were almost no records about fairies. Even the trees only knew about fairy power in theory—they didn’t know how to use it.
If I can learn about fairy power here, it’ll be priceless.
Isidore tapped the tree trunk with his fist, then looked back at me.
“Anyway, the most important thing about fairy power is what kind of ability you possess. Did the trees tell you what yours is?”
“Yes. They said I have the Eyes of Truth.”
“…The Eyes of Truth?”
For some reason, his reaction was odd.
“Is something wrong?”
“No, it’s just… when I checked your aura earlier, I sensed a different kind of power. Now that I think about it, that’s strange. Have you ever used multiple powers at once?”
I thought hard but shook my head.
“No, never.”
“Really? Then why do I sense several types of power in you? I can even feel another fairy’s presence…”
“Is that a problem?”
His reaction was so serious that I had to ask, but Isidore quickly denied it.
“No, don’t make that face. It’s not bad. Having multiple powers means you hold great potential.”
I studied his face closely.
Why does he look so flustered?
Feeling mischievous, I ducked my head and said in a small, gloomy voice,
“It’s fine. You can tell me the truth. What’s wrong with me?”
“N-no, it’s not that. It’s just…”
He swallowed hard, his expression conflicted.
“I’m not good at talking to young fairies. If I said anything strange that upset you…”
Then, with a deadly serious face, he asked,
“Would you like a candy?”
“…What?”
Just how young did this fairy think I was?
* * *
In the Imperial Palace, trials were heavily influenced by royal politics.
Before the actual court even began, nobles were already visiting the Emperor to press their opinions.
“Your Majesty, Duke Blanchet’s actions have been too tyrannical. The crown must reassert its authority—”
“Regardless of her behavior, the Saint’s power is genuine. It might be wise to side with the Holy Nation—”
Some supported the Saint, while others argued otherwise.
“This trial bears the imperial name, Your Majesty, as well as the Crown Prince’s. Every procedure must be clean and fair.”
“Indeed. If we blindly side with the Holy Nation, the Empire’s honor could be damaged. We must remain neutral as mediators.”
The Emperor rubbed his aching temples.
Things have gotten messy.
Especially after Johan suddenly countersued Luigi, dragging another case into the mix. The Emperor called in his closest aide, Chancellor Orteca.
“What do you think?”
“In my opinion, Your Majesty, it’s best to gather more information before passing judgment,” Orteca replied calmly.
“A hasty decision always leads to a foolish one.”
* * *
The next day, the Emperor summoned all nobles involved. Since most were connected in one way or another, the hall was crowded.
This is turning into a bigger deal than I expected.
Johan’s unusual silence bothered me.
He’s clearly plotting something…
He hadn’t told me anything, and now he was running late to the trial, which was even stranger.
He’s never the type to be late.
That could only mean one thing—he was preparing something dramatic.
What on earth are you planning, Johan?
I had prepared some things myself. I’d gathered every witness statement about Luigi maliciously slandering me.
“Don’t worry, my lady! I’ve lived for this day!”
“Indeed! I’ll mobilize every connection I have to drag that brainless girl down!”
“We’ll crush that count’s daughter who dared pick a fight with House Blanchet!”
Honestly, with Petricia, Betty, and Erich working so hard, I barely had to do anything.
Just releasing these testimonies will ruin Luigi’s reputation.
Up until now, she’d been able to gossip freely because nothing was ever recorded. But imperial trials were different—every word would be documented.
Being branded a gossiping lady? She’ll never survive in high society again.
“-At that time, Lady Luigi deliberately brought up the Duchess of Blanchet’s name before Princess Diana to insult her.”
“What exactly did she say?”
“She alluded to the duchess, saying she was of ‘low-born common blood.’”
Gasps echoed through the room. That was the kind of insult no noble could overlook.
Some nobles even looked at me with worried faces.
Well, it’s not wrong, I thought wryly.
I had been adopted into the Duke of Libertan’s family, but once they were executed for treason, that title had become meaningless.
Luigi will probably use that to justify herself.
The lady testifying glanced at me.
“It’s true Princess Diana’s actions were rough, but it was Lady Luigi who first acted improperly. I hope that will be taken into account.”
Just before Princess Diana was called, Luigi stepped forward with a pale face. Gone was her usual glamorous appearance—she looked miserable.
The Emperor addressed her.
“Do you admit to insulting the Duchess of Blanchet?”
“…I…”
Luigi bit her lip.
At that moment, I noticed the Saint, Stella, surrounded by holy knights, standing nearby with sorrowful eyes. She dabbed at her moist eyes with a handkerchief.
Good. She doesn’t look like she plans to save Luigi.
Luigi shut her eyes tightly, then looked up at the Emperor.
“I admit it. I maliciously slandered the Duchess of Blanchet.”
“Were you aware of how serious that offense was?”
“Yes, I knew. But… I had no choice.”
She suddenly turned and shouted toward the Saint.
“All those nasty rumors—I heard them from the Saint herself!”
The Saint staggered, her face turning white.
“L-Luigi!”
“So I don’t think this is all my fault!”
All eyes in the hall turned to the Saint and Luigi. But I looked toward the entrance instead.
And there, standing casually as if he belonged there, was Johan.
He caught my eye and silently mouthed the words—
“Fun, isn’t it?”
