LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 295.2
Chapter 295.2. The Hunter
“Now, let’s summon Titania. Is there anything to be cautious about… Why is Sachi preparing a box of oranges?”
“…Probably necessary. This orange box is wooden and has character.”
Sachi puffed out her flat chest with a smug expression. I looked at Shizuku for an explanation.
“Ah~. It might indeed be necessary. Don’t worry about it, Sakimori-san. Let’s summon her.”
For some reason, Shizuku clapped her hands and nodded in understanding. I glanced at Serika and the others with a questioning look, but they all avoided my gaze. Only Sei tilted her head, likely being from a generation that didn’t know Titania.
“Well, I’ll understand once I summon her, I guess.”
It didn’t seem dangerous, though Shizuku’s mischievous grin was a bit concerning.
“[Summon Titania].”
With a click, a three-dimensional black magic circle appeared in the air. The lines of the circle smoothly formed a complex sphere, completing the design in a short time.
Then, as the figure of a girl appeared within the sphere, the magic circle shattered like glass and disappeared into the air.
The girl, hugging her knees and closing her eyes as if asleep, slowly descended and opened her eyes.
Her wavy platinum blonde hair reached her shoulders, and her gleaming golden eyes were more beautiful than real gold. Her slender frame resembled Shizuku’s, and she was short. She looked like a young girl, far from the image of the Fairy Queen I had imagined.
“Wahhh! A monster! A monster! The Demon King has appeared!”
For some reason, she teared up and trembled, looking around frantically before noticing the wooden box Sachi was holding. She hurriedly approached and hid inside it when Sachi handed it over.
“I-I am the Fairy Queen Tit-t-t-t-t-t-t—I bit my tongue! Titania!”
A timid, tearful voice came from the box, leaving me bewildered. Huh? What’s this? She’s the Fairy Queen, right?
Everyone averted their eyes, and Shizuku awkwardly explained on their behalf.
“She is the Fairy Queen Titania. I told you, humans have never seen her true form.”
“Ah, you did say that.”
“She’s socially awkward. She always spoke through avatars. You know how some people are completely different online versus in real life? Like those cool, kind characters in games whose players are nothing like that. It’s the same with her avatars—she speaks confidently through them.”
“I see. So that’s how it is.”
Somehow, I felt deeply disappointed. Maybe it was because I had high expectations after such an intense battle.
“But she’s kind-hearted, Sakimori. …Well, at least she’s kind-hearted.”
Serika’s half-hearted reassurance made Titania glare at her.
“Those kinds of half-hearted compliments hurt more, you know, Serika.”
Just because someone has bad traits doesn’t mean adding ‘but they’re kind’ makes it better. The person being described would still feel hurt.
“I was so scared… The feeling of having my life drained… Abababa.”
“Looks like someone left a deep scar in her heart, huh?”
“I don’t regret it.”
The box shook violently, and Titania’s terrified sobs made the situation extremely awkward. If I had held back, I would’ve died, so it couldn’t be helped.
“Titania is confused. Here, have some candy?”
“Should I cast a calming spell?”
Mikoto gently offered candy, and Sei suggested healing magic. I felt even more awkward, but I couldn’t back down now. Sorry about this.
“Titania, the game’s over. Guide us to where the Fairy Machine cores are stored.”
“Wahhh! Scary! It’s scary! But I’m the Fairy Queen. I have a duty to protect the other fairies. I won’t send my comrades to their deaths again!”
Titania cried out but still defied my orders. I thought she’d act normal once I said the game was over, but she genuinely seemed scared. Was she not acting? This was getting more awkward.
…But to protect her fellow fairies… I can’t agree with her methods, but she has a noble spirit.
“Don’t worry. Humanity’s defeat was decided in the previous world, right? In this world, victory is within reach. To ensure that victory, we need your help. We’ll pay you properly and provide good benefits.”
“Y-you can’t win against the dungeon. Humans can’t do it.”
“It’s fine. Sakimori-san will seize victory. Look, does this person look human to you? Besides, you can refuse if you want. Sakimori-san will give up his admin rights.”
Shizuku pointed at me, who clearly looked human, as she spoke to the timid Titania. Was this an American joke?
But for some reason, the box stopped shaking, and a questioning voice emerged.
“R-really…? You can win? You’ll really give up admin rights?”
“I told you, victory is within reach, right? It’s a better choice than hiding in this dark place. Of course, I’ll give up admin rights. Can’t you tell by looking at Shizuku and the others?”
I spoke confidently to Titania. After a brief silence, she responded.
“O-okay. I’ll guide you. It might be the better choice. You’re the kind of person who can defeat me one-on-one, after all.”
With that, the box rattled and began to guide us.
“The possibility of ending a half-century-long war… The battles we’ve fought—”
“It’s time for our three-year struggle to be rewarded!”
“That’s right, Shizuku! Let’s walk the path of hope!”
Shizuku and Serika shouted loudly, drowning out Titania’s voice. It felt like they were covering something up…
“Sakimori-shan, we’ll protect you!”
Sachi, who had somehow reverted to a child, climbed onto my head and raised a hand, full of determination.
Well, she’s a fairy. Even if she’s older than me, it’s fine, I thought with a wry smile as I followed behind.