"Can I really go back to the Fairy Realm?"
"Provided this place actually has a connection to the Fairy Realm, that is," I replied.
Roro’s face lit up the moment I explained the effects of the Fairy Queen’s Invitation. I didn't want to rain on her parade, but I felt I should manage her expectations just in case. If it didn't work, the disappointment would only be that much worse for her.
"Everything will be fine! Tort’s the one who pulled the item out now, after all!" Halfa chirped.
I think so too! Shiroru added.
Neither of them had any real evidence to back that up, but they seemed convinced it would work.
Using the invitation wasn't difficult. All I had to do was open the envelope in a specific spot. Once everyone gathered around, I peeled away the seal. A brilliant light overflowed from the envelope, swallowing us whole in an instant.
As the glare faded and my vision returned, I found myself standing in a vast field of flowers. The dim, gloomy forest was gone.
"I'm home! I'm really back!" Roro shouted, darting around us with joy.
There was no doubt about it—this was the Fairy Realm. Looking closely, I could see small figures watching us from a distance; they were likely other flower fairies like Roro.
"Look at the pretty flowers~!"
"You're right, Halfa-chan. There are so many rare species here, too."
Halfa and Spira were already frolicking through the flora. The vibrant colors of the blooming flowers were breathtaking. It was certainly beautiful, but my mind was already elsewhere. Like Spira said, a place this lush had to have rare plants—specifically, ones used for high-level potions. I’d have to ask later if I could do some gathering.
First, though, we had to see the Fairy Queen. It would be rude to ignore our host after using her invitation. Once Roro finally calmed down after her celebratory flight, she led the way toward the Queen.
On the way, many mysterious plants caught my eye. The most common were massive lilies-of-the-valley. Some of them weren't just large but even had doors and windows; Roro explained that those were the homes of the flower fairies. It looked like something straight out of a fairytale.
Past the Lily-of-the-Valley Residential Area, we reached the heart of the Fairy Realm. It gave off the impression of a human city, mainly because of the well-maintained roads. Flying fairies like Roro didn't need them, but there were ground-dwelling fairies as well.
The types of fairies we passed by also began to change. I saw cat-like fairies and others dressed like guards. They were larger than Roro, suggesting they might be mid-tier fairies.
"The Fairy Queen is this way."
Led by Roro, we arrived at a mysterious palace. It was large enough for us to enter comfortably. The walls were a pure white, but they didn't feel like stone; they appeared to be made of massive, overlapping flower petals. The floor looked as though it had been woven from thick stems. I stepped onto it cautiously, but it was surprisingly sturdy. It felt like I could run or jump without worry, though I obviously refrained from doing so.
In the center of the palace was a large room that served as the Audience Chamber. Rather than being imposing, it felt more like an elegant salon. There were no thrones, just several stylish tables and chairs. It felt like a noble's tea party was about to begin.
"Welcome to the Fairy Realm. It has been quite some time since we’ve had guests. You are most welcome here. And thank you for returning Roro. I am Letiluca, the current Queen."
The woman sitting in the host's seat greeted us with a graceful curtsy. I wondered if the person of higher status was supposed to do that, but cultures differ, and I wasn't an expert on etiquette. She was about Halfa’s height and had a very gentle, striking smile.
I fumbled for a response, but Halfa stepped up and returned the greeting with a similar, perfect gesture. She looked remarkably dignified.
"Halfa-chan is so cool," I whispered to Spira.
"She really is," Spira whispered back.
"Honestly! I can hear you, you know!" Halfa snapped at us. The Fairy Queen also chuckled.
"Please, don't worry about etiquette. Even though I am a Queen, I am different from the kings of humans."
I was grateful for that; stiff greetings weren't my forte. Lowell and the others looked equally relieved.
"Since we have guests, let's have some tea."
At the Queen's word, cat-like fairies walking on two legs efficiently prepared cups and a teapot. The brew poured from the pot smelled like herbal tea. We took our seats as invited and took a sip. The relaxing aroma brought a sigh of relief to my lips. It was crisp, refreshing, and delicious.
Once we had caught our breath over tea, the Queen broached the subject.
"Once again, thank you very much for bringing Roro back."
"No, we might actually be the ones responsible for her getting lost," I said, feeling a bit awkward. If it was a phenomenon caused by the Attraction Slip, then the fault lay with us.
However, the Queen shook her head without even asking for details. "No, the cause lies on our side... or rather, with the Spirit God."
"Is that so!?" I blurted out.
But a moment later, an even greater surprise struck us.
"I shall explain that directly."
Just as an unfamiliar voice rang out, a man I'd never seen before seemed to materialize behind the Fairy Queen as if he were bleeding into existence. He was a tall, well-built man with a dignified face and a perfectly toned physique. For some reason, his upper body was bare, with only a thin, translucent cloth wrapped around him. Based on his outfit alone, he looked like a suspicious individual, but he radiated a mystical, divine presence.
What surprised me most, however, were the Queen's next words.
"Spirit God!? Why are you in a place like this!?"
...Wait, this guy is the Spirit God?