Chapter 887
As a result of accepting Redra, Shirou acquired Coral.
Even more easily than expected, Aurora readily handed Coral over to Shirou.
She's the number two person in Salisbury, no matter what. Could it be... that Aurora all along?
"This is a statement regarding the need to replenish supplies. Please confirm."
As he spoke, Coral handed over a stack of documents. Although he complained, he didn't seem that dissatisfied.
"Thank you, Coral. To be honest, you've been a great help. It's so good that you came."
"If it were just Harobaromia alone, the paperwork would be far too much to handle."
Shirou took the document and glanced through it, finding that she was very diligent in her work. No wonder Aurora didn't get along with her; he inexplicably began to understand.
"Because only the troupe leader and I can handle the affairs. Because the Theater Company is just too popular, and it's almost reached its limit."
Harobaromia was working on documents nearby, didn't stop what she was doing and nodded deeply.
Coral looked at the blond Wind Clan and a somewhat wistful expression appeared on his face.
"I never expected to meet you again in this way, Harobaromia."
Although Shirou had a vague idea, the two of them did indeed know each other.
Harobaromia is Wind Clan, and judging from his speech and abilities, he must have once been a high-ranking official, so this is not surprising.
"Hmm? Who are you? I'm just an unknown Theater Company manager from the Nameless Forest."
Hearing him say that, Coral lowered his eyes slightly.
"I understand, let's leave it at that."
She felt guilty towards Harobaromia.
This man once became Aurora's servant thanks to his exceptional work ability.
However, he was alienated because he was too serious and liked to preach, and was stripped of his wings after being falsely accused.
After that, Coral took over.
She's one of the few fairies with independent thinking skills; she works diligently while learning from Harobaromia's experience...
However, it's almost reached its limit.
Aurora has recently started to find her a bit annoying.
Coral looked at Shirou with a complicated expression.
"I had been wondering if it was true, but after seeing Harobaromia, I'm certain."
The reason you took me away from Aurora is, as expected, because—"
Shirou raised his index finger to her lips, stopping her from continuing.
"I want someone to help me with the Theater Company's paperwork. Let's just leave it at that for now, that's all."
Shirou glanced at Redra was listening nearby.
The monster horse reared up and neighed, then spoke.
I know nothing.
I will tell Aurora that the captain said Coral is very hardworking and that the captain is very grateful to her.
Despite being a monster, it is surprisingly kind and compassionate.
Shirou patted Redra on the shoulder excitedly: Could this guy really be Red Hare's alternate-world counterpart?
"... I see. Well then, let's do as you say."
However, I still have to thank you, and also...
Coral lowered his head deeply.
"Please forgive me for the many harsh things I said to you in the Grand Cathedral."
"..."
Shirou was somewhat surprised.
I thought Coral was a serious and stubborn fairy, but I didn't expect her to abandon her dignity and admit her mistake so quickly.
I'm sorry to call you a racist woman.
"Don't misunderstand, I have no intention of retracting my views on humans as an inferior race."
Coral said indifferently, "Ultimately, the only one who changed my opinion of him was Mr. Shirou."
"Tsundere?" Redra couldn't help but complain, then received a fierce glare that made her crimson fur stand on end.
After thanking and apologizing to Shirou, Coral went back to work.
Redra also pulled the carriage, moving towards the indicated location.
After they left, Harobaromia whispered.
"You always pick up all sorts of things like this."
His tone was filled with deep emotion.
Lately, Shirou has noticed that the fairies in the Theater Company are starting to look a bit more like humans.
The inclination was particularly pronounced among Harobaromia, Onfamu, Duojia, who had more opportunities to interact with him.
Harobaromia said, "Someone like the captain must be a true human being."
In this sense, the humans of the Fae Kingdom, and the fairies who depend on them, may all be imposters.
"Then you're wrong."
Shirou abruptly interrupted his self-reproachful words.
"This country is indeed very twisted, and so are the people who live here."
Even so, your existence should not be dismissed as false.
Ultimately, this distortion wasn't entirely the fairies' fault.
However, the mistakes and crimes you have committed over the long years are ultimately your own.
"...!!"
Harobaromia's eyes widened, then he wore an expression of sudden realization.
"He's definitely a serious guy, "Shirou thought to himself.
I'm so glad I didn't go on a killing spree in the Nameless Village.
There are fairies like him who grow little by little...
Morgan's efforts and perseverance over 2000 years were not in vain.
Although this rotten world will eventually be destroyed.
But perhaps... the journey to the end can be a little less frustrating and despairing.
It took two days for the Theater Company to settle in Gloucester, and preparations for the performance were largely complete.
With some free time, Shirou finally had some personal time.
That noon, he and Artoria walked the streets of Gloucester, gathering intelligence and relaxing at the same time.
In a sense, Gloucester is the city that best fits the name "Fae Kingdom," its scenery resembling a fairytale dreamland.
"Isn't it incredible? When I first arrived, I felt the same way as Shirou."
Things that are far away appear large, while things that are close up appear small.
Sometimes pink rain falls, and many rainbows appear in the streets.
Boys will become girls, and girls will become boys.
In short, trends here are constantly changing.
Artoria walked along, excitedly introducing the exhibits.
"But seriously, is it alright? Everyone else in the group was on standby, and only the two of us came out to play."
"Hmm, it's alright... Besides, it's not for fun, it's for gathering intelligence," Shirou corrected.
Because of the mandatory contract of the "Fae Domain," he doesn't need to worry about the tragedy of fairies killing each Theater Company like in Tintagel.
Artoria said thoughtfully, "That's true. Everyone listens to Shirou because they're happy being with you."
Isn't it because of the coercive effect of the contract?
When Shirou heard her say that, he realized that although the members of the group complained at first, they had gradually become more energetic and happy to work.
They were clearly being bossed around unilaterally.
"Being with Shirou, you can learn a lot, and the fairies will never get tired of it."
Moreover, whenever there is a performance, you can see smiles and enthusiasm, making every day very happy and fulfilling.
Because of Mors, what should have been a difficult journey became possible, thanks to Shirou's protection, even allowing for leisurely enjoyment of the scenery.
I see.
For fairies who crave fleeting pleasures, boredom is their greatest enemy.
Therefore, being with Shirou is the most effective way to escape boredom.
The Paradise Fae smiled and said:
"And most importantly, Shirou really values fairies who become his own people, right?"
That smile that struck Shirou right in the heart left him speechless for a moment.
It was a dazzling smile, a mixture of joy and pride, brimming with a myriad of emotions.
Artoria never imagined that she would fall in love with the Fae Kingdom again because of a human.
She had started the pilgrimage because of negative emotions, but without realizing it, her mood became more positive.
Shirou said, "I just want to fulfill my responsibility as a leader."
But that's right.
Although he wouldn't admit it, Shirou couldn't deny that he had indeed developed feelings for the fairies he had taken care of as a member of the group.
"If you play a prank, you'll be punished by not being able to eat Shirou's cooking."
If you work hard, you can get a snack as a reward.
The Paradise Fae placed her hands on her chest, closed her eyes, and said.
"Unlike the master-servant relationship in the Fae Kingdom..."
In a sense, this could be considered the true relationship between fairies and humans.
Today, it exists within the Theater Company that Shirou created.
Then, perhaps to hide her shyness, Artoria relaxed her expression slightly, lowered her eyebrows, and gave a somewhat embarrassed, wry smile.
"I think Shirou is amazing. He easily accomplished something that no one else has been able to do until now..."
"Yeah?"
"Yes, that's really amazing."
The Paradise Fae nodded seriously.
"Shirou clearly has such great strength, yet he can make the fairies obey him simply through his leadership charisma."
Is it the demeanor of a king, or...?
... They really are sisters.
"Artoria and Morgan really do look alike, "Shirou sighed softly.
The Fae Queen only cares about the survival of the Fae Kingdom and her own rule? That's not the case at all!
They knew perfectly well that fairies were no good.