The next day, the organization of the birthday party progressed with great effort. The Hero was very upset that he was lied to, when he asked the airy fairy if it was okay to have a cake and something small since he didn't really have time to organize something better, she revealed that his birthday was not the day after his fight but in two weeks. Jacob had lied to him so that he felt enough implied in the project so that he does not give up it in the course of wheel, it is for that that today, he made them slave as in a galley.
A performance platform, stone benches, tables, musicians to whom he gave a well-defined list of music to play and then they could improvise. The planning was organized with the support of Caemgen who was, and I quote, "the minister in charge of this crap". Of course the meal was done according to everyone's taste and there were little corners for boys and girls and a place to gather them all. According to what he had planned, he could very well do it before his fight, but well, now you know the legendary feneticism of our hero.
He let the princess send the invitation letters otherwise there would be too many, but on the other hand by letting her do it, they would be too many for her to claim to know them all - she was clearly going to show herself.
The following week, the cooks were still working on the meals, but the rest was ready, which gave the Hero time to prepare his belongings for his big departure. Queen Audiselia visited him in his apartment between urgent meetings.
- So we prepare for the big departure, says the queen.
- Yep.
- And does the princess know?
He didn't answer, continuing to pack his things into bags.
- It's not a good thing that you're not telling her about it.
- If I did, she'd hold me back, and if I gave in, maybe I'd do what my mother did to you and Sawyer.
- He told you about it.
- Of course. Besides, it's not like I don't know what it takes to interfere with the capricious Will of this old hero of mine.
The queen sat down on the Hero's bed before lying down completely on it. She stared at him.
- Has your hatred for him not diminished?
- Not even close. But at least I understood a few things.
- Like what?
- The importance of what it embodies for each of you and I will try not to forget it.
He closed his bag and then took another one to put all the holo-discs he had requested from the queen.
- I would have liked to be a better mother than that...
- Y... you already have more than my real mother so don't be discouraged. And as for what you... asked my mom... Actually, never mind.
The queen raised her chest and placed her hands on her smooth knees, twisting her pastel hair with her fingertips.
- This pro...
The queen's communication crystal began to ring, she acted as if nothing had happened, but the hero urged her to answer.
- Answer, it could be urgent.
- You're right... Anyway, I have to go back to the castle with the end of the fanatics and the general reorganization of the ministries, there is a lot of paperwork to do...
As he spoke of these latest events, the Hero sensed a hint of sadness in the Queen's voice. It was normal to see her in this state when one knows that Globox was one of her best friends, even abnormal given the overreaction she had when she was more ignorant of the fact that Elena was dead. The Hero hoped that the kingdom would not disappear under the queen's wrath.
She stood up and waved to the Hero to take the road to the castle. Suddenly, she felt something from her back, she looked at her pelvis and saw two arms embracing her tenderly. She turned around and took the hero in her arms.
- You never stop consoling an old shrew like me...
- You're not old, you even look younger than my mother. And I have to return the favor.
- You really can't keep your mouth shut, can you?" said the queen, "and just so you know, there's no such thing as giving me back, I care about you and as much as you need my help, I'll help you.
- Thanks, Mom.
She stroked his head inside his hood and then let him finish preparing for his departure.
Back at the castle, the situation was simply complicated, but it was a headache! Important ministers were in prison, many noble families were linked to the fanatics, the head of the spies had been killed, who knows what he might have revealed about the secrets of the kingdom... The queen had no idea how to unravel all these problems without going to bloodshed. The only decision she had made was to pardon Beneltig at the request of the Hero, Lin and Mina, but her family was another story.
Although all this was important, she wanted to settle something with a certain person who was the source of all these worries. But on this date, she was not yet awake.
A week passed, the kingdom's troubles were not yet over but the nameless princess's party was successful: the decorations, the food, the guests, the corners, the musicians the aerial dancers - it looked like something obscene since some of these dancers were some kind of cage, but not only the Hero will refrain from commenting on it but so will I... Everything was there as the Hero had asked.
The only thing left to do was to wait for the main attraction of the evening: Princess.
And she did not wait! Dressed in a white dress surrounded by golden circles, her hair loose, beautiful almond pumps and wearing an oremi flower with a touch of gloss on her lips, that's how she presented herself to them. The Hero would not have believed her to be dressed so soberly, she who was so bawling and extravagant, it seemed to him more than strange, nevertheless, it had to be said that this outfit made the most beautiful effect on her, and did not leave indifferent the Hero.
It was this redheaded girl from Marinanélia who was in charge of "paying homage" to the Fairy when she came, the Hero didn't see himself taking part in the exercise, preferring to do the only job he was assigned to. But against all odds, Marina also paid tribute to the Hero, talking about his exploits in the arena, his kindness and the respect that the citizens of Sylvania should have for such a battered being who has nevertheless fought against tough enemies. This touched the Hero, he hardly expected to be complimented.
- So, I am a tough enemy? said Avelilinélia who suddenly appeared behind the Hero.
- Apparently.
- Otherwise, are you ready for the show?
- It's up to you. I manage everything in the back.
She nodded with a mocking smile.
- I admit that with your undead voice, it would not be easy for you to sing.
- Just so you know, dear lady with bulging abs, I was an altar boy before I was... me.
- Oh! exclaimed the lowland fairy, too bad I don't know what it is otherwise I would have congratulated you.
- You're boring.
- I'm just messing with you a little bit, that's all.
- And you?" asked the Hero, "are you okay with singing for the woman who routed you
- First of all, it is you who defeated me, and secondly, I am a woman of my word: I told you that I would come to do a musical performance, I am coming. Especially since we practiced during the two weeks of preparation for this anniversary, so that in the end you sing, so...
The fairy noticed that the Hero was no longer listening to her, he was staring into space, his hands trembling.
So even heroes can have stage fright? laughs Avelilinélia, a hero who has stage fright even though he doesn't participate in the performance.
She held his hand to reassure him and calm him down, which worked moderately, but at least it allowed the Hero to stop being apathetic.
The lights outside softened and the stage lights came on. It was time for her to enter the ring. She let go of the Hero's hand and left a kiss on his cheek.
- A small lucky charm, said Avelinélia.
Then she left for the stage. But just before, she stops at the curtain and turns to the Hero, she smiles shyly at him.
- I want to talk to you about something later.
Then she, and the musicians, appeared on stage, which marked the beginning of the birthday concert of the Fairy. The Hero didn't see her at the beginning because they were in the dark, but Avelilinélia was resplendent, her hair done up, wavy, her lips flushed, a beautiful purple and gold dress, beautiful long glittery gloves - she might have been altruistic, but it had to be said that with the money given to her by the Hero, she had really indulged herself. Seeing her like this, the Hero couldn't help but find her incredibly lovely and her athleticism enhanced her beauty - by Hero standards, I can see you in the background chuckling. But what struck him was her mastery of singing, the Fairy said she had trouble singing but to the Hero's ears it sounded fine, but regarding the skimpy fairy of the Nether, she was in a whole different dimension, it was honey flowing into her ears and perfuming her black heart of hatred to soften it.
An enchanting song worthy of the most beautiful sirens. He only heard such beauty when the queen sang her melancholy song on the roofs of the kingdom and her lullaby to put him to sleep.
He touched the cheek where she had kissed him and felt his face heat up. Feelings were beginning to grow for this princess worthy of admiration.
The concert went beautifully, the iconic voice of the fairies had nothing to prove in the field of singing. Avelinélia and the musicians went through several musical registers, and according to the Hero's wish, who also wanted to enjoy himself, they sang a little gospel which pleased the people.
Seeing the princess of the Netherland singing and dancing made the Hero admit that she didn't have an ounce of resentment in her, she may have been fearful but she was ruled by joy, selflessness and forgiveness. He had never heard her resent her attackers, nor the queen, nor the people of the upper districts for what had happened to her, she was angry that the situation in the Nether did not change and that the queen did not act, but she had never resented him for the fact that the Nether was like this. She was different from him, who was only driven by resentment and despair... He reconfirmed it: she was worthy of being the hero of the legend.
Suddenly, the Hero is interrupted in his reverie by the arrival of Mana.
- From what I can see this little birthday party in honor of this gro... Princess is going great.
- Did you come to play the cartoon villain?" laughed the Hero.
- "Dice breasts anime hedges"? What are you talking about?
- Let it go. Human stuff. You know my princess will fart if she sees you.
- Let her come, I'll beat the crap out of her.
- You can't have a cordial relationship.
- We ignore each other, I think that's enough.
- I guess so. But really, why did you come?
- To see you.
- If it's not nice, is it to declare your love for me?
- Oh no, you're not my kind of guy.
- Let's hope so. You're as annoying as my princess.
Not to say "stupid", said the Hero.
- No, I came to see you because I want to apologize to you in a more honest way.
- Al-Ryanis sent you.
- How did you guess that? she was surprised, not only that, I wanted to do it myself. It must be said that a lot of time has passed and we didn't have time to discuss it concretely and I imagine that afterwards, given your duty, we won't have time to do it.
- That's right.
Then Mananélia Diasiré bowed his head and said:
- So please accept my apologies for my behavior towards Jacob. I knew very well why he did it and I blamed it on you, even though you probably didn't know about it. This is unacceptable behavior for a pretender to the throne of Sylvania, so I must ask for your forgiveness, and using your humanity to not do so is an unacceptable thing that...
- I understood Princess Mananélia, he said, touching her head.
- You can call me Mana, you know.
- Mana, he rectified himself, I understood. Don't worry, I don't blame you. However, I have a question.
- Yes.
She raised her head and stood up to the Hero.
- Why do you hate the winged princess?
Except that she is more beautiful than you, he said to himself with a mocking tone.
- She plays too much the innocent with you, as if she didn't see that you too were beings with hormones, it's less obvious with fairies, but with mammals, it's so obvious, and she seems to play it with all of you, that's why all men are infatuated with her.
- Aren't you going a little too far?
- If not that then why do such schemes to make her the queen. Schemes where champions of all races and fairy princesses from all over the kingdom put their honor on the line and she would enjoy a greater privilege than the rest of us.
- Well, because her friends just want her to win. I don't see how...
- Heroes, remember that we all grew up together, so I too found myself having to compete with my friends through my champion, yet none of us considered passing up the opportunity to have the place of queen in honor of our classmates.
- Maybe they just didn't feel up to it...
- Do you think Queen Audiselia was?
This last sentence marked a pause in the Hero's mind. He had been watching the queen since she came, and although she worked hard for the kingdom, he never felt she was happy with her status. She even seemed happy, deep down, to be able to leave him behind. The Hero looked down and did not know what to say.
- It is an honor for all of us, a status that honors the families that have welcomed us, but also a duty that we cannot let go for a yes or a no. The queen is being scorned for abandoning her role because of the legend of the hero of the legend, of YOUR legend. Do you realize that? We know that the queen helps her a bit like they help all of us according to our needs, but to pretend to lose is intolerable. So when it's one of my closest friends...
- I understand...
- And it's not just that. Her friend Mina exasperates me.
- Because your names are almost alike," he smiled.
- No. She played Jacob like he was nothing, and then she takes refuge in the skirts of her mistress like the dog that she is.
- Don't you dare!" said the Hero.
The fairy took a step back, then sighed.
- You know, that's what I love about you. Your undying loyalty and the fact that even though you show us certain aspects of your story, you remain true to your actions. Like for example, the beautiful gesture of defending our great niece.
It is true that according to the configuration of the sylvan royalty, the fairies from Java-Aleim are all daughters of the three Fighter-Kings.
- Don't change, kind human Nalo. I think the concert is coming to an end, I'll leave you. You may be one of those mutts, but you're the one I respect the most.
- I guess that's a compliment, since as you said, we're friends," he assumed.
- That's right. Finally, you're not leaving with my horse?
- No. The Queen's cab is back from where I want to go so I want to take it. That's for another time, then.
Then she left, leaving the Hero alone with his questions. What was she getting at?
After an hour and a half of interrupted singing, they took their leave and let the musicians and other choristers do the background music.
The Hero thanked the chorus, the musicians and his singer, but the singer had to run away because apparently she had left Lelelitio with the children. They will talk later about what she wanted to tell him.
Returning inside the party, the Hero perceived Lin in the half-light, so he joined him, who was observing the Moon which appeared again that day. The hero couldn't help but feel a certain anguish when he saw the same moon that had been present on the day of Thoosa's death. However, this night was a new day.
- What are you doing here all alone? Did my band break your ears that much?
- Of course that not. I would have liked to hear you sing besides, pointed out to him the elf.
- No way. I refuse categorically. I imagine that Princess will ask me the same thing, he sighed, at the same time, I have my lips closed out of here.
Lin laughed at his friend's desperation.
- Otherwise, why remain reclusive compared to others?
- I just wanted to get some fresh air... A lot has happened since you arrived.
- I know...
- Oh but don't take it as a derogatory remark, Lin reassured him, it's just an observation. Besides, if you hadn't been there, what would have been the future of Princess and the kingdom...
- You say that, but I only allowed a lone voice to be heard a little better. I didn't even participate in the assault.
- Don't worry, we did fine without you.
- Speaking of which, how was the Beneltig case?
- He's been yelled at, almost beaten up, but only the three of us know about his shenanigans.
- It's better this way. I swear that if I had been bad, I would have told his princess everything and stolen his sweetheart.
- Why don't you do it?" asked Lin.
- Swing it?
- Steal it Princess.
The Hero raised his eyebrows with an incredulous look, mouth gaping.
- Me, dating the winged fairy? You're kidding. She's a pain in the ass, and not that beautiful, and you've seen her thighs, she has a gigantic chest, she might squeeze mine, plus you've seen how she talks and...
- Despite all this, if we admit that it is true, it didn't stop you from spending time with her and having fun.
He had to admit it, he had greatly enjoyed himself at the side of the winged fairy, he could see himself bickering with her and teasing her for anything and everything, their video game sessions, him making the effort to go to her ball games - NO! OF VOLLEY! It had to be said that even though not everyone liked her because of her humanity or other aspects he didn't know about and didn't care about, he had had an amazing time with her. Yet, even though his stomach tingled every time she touched, he told himself that given the trying life Avelilinélia and Lelelitio were living because of her human blood, he didn't want her to go through the same thing even though they had the support of Queen Audisélia, but more importantly, there was a thought that told him he was wrong.
- Maybe you're right, I would love to be her new companion, but first of all, I have someone else in mind, but more importantly, do you really think she would fall in love with a human? Besides, I promised a friend that we would get married when I grew up.
- I can't answer your first and last questions, but the second one, yes...
He looked around, then raised his arms to his ears and took off a part of them revealing to the human's eyes that his elf friend was nothing more than a fellow human.
- How?" exclaimed the Hero.
- And yes. I am as human as you are.
- But how come? Nobody burned you?
- "Burned out"? You mean no one revealed to me that I am an impostor? No, but it seems that Lelelitio and Helmir had doubts about me, the queen revealed the truth only to Helmir.
- Does the queen know?
- Yes, because it is her who took me in. The kingdom where I come from was a human kingdom which is in the north of Francilia, beyond the borders of this country. All the story I told them is true, just my human origins were a lie created by the queen who could not bring herself to leave me dying in this barrel.
- But that's incredible," said the Hero, not believing his ears, "and the fairies never spotted you? They knew right away that I was human.
- Yes, many times, but in the end, it became an open secret and they said that I just had a different magic from my fellow creatures, saying that I was a mutation. But to come back to our little story, I had a love affair with Princess, she knew afterwards that I was human and it didn't bother her more than that. Of course, she was angry with me, even more so when she learned that Mina had found out before her, even though I had not told her.
- A real investigator this dwarf.
- That, I do not say it to you, sighed the elf, but here, you have your chances with the winged fairy, Beneltig hardly returned that it returned to its stupid habits.
It will never change...
- So take a chance, Nalo!" the fake elf urged Lin.
The Hero sighed.
- We'll see... I'll settle outside the kingdom first, then we'll see about this lover-lover thing.
- As you wish.
- Anyway, nice talking to you, but I'm going to see if the party is going well.
Lin greeted him and the Hero went back to the heart of the birthday party, he saw everyone dancing and having fun, but did not see his princess. So he went towards a person he knew, Mina, who was happily chatting with girls taller than her.
- Oh the dwarf! he heckled her.
She turned to him and told his company that she was going to speak with the champion of the Fairy. Mina went furiously towards him and tried to put a blow to him, he stopped her by tending the hand on the forehead then put a pichenette on this same forehead.
- What do you think you're doing against the hero of the legend, kid?
- You're lucky this is your night, otherwise...
- He retorted, if not, your evening is going well?
The two had not started their friendship on the best of terms, with Mina greatly distrusting this human who quickly became attached to her best friend whom she considered her sister - unlike many in this realm, she was aware of the tragedy that had befallen the last Grave descendant. Nevertheless, as time went on, she came to understand that there was no reason to distrust this extravagant fellow despite some of his outbursts of anger - none of which reached the spike of anger where he removed much of the stain that covered his body and the fight against the queen -, they ended up getting along to the point where the Hero considered her his "right hand" - of course he wasn't going to take her along in the worst screwed up schemes that constituted his lifestyle, that was more of an honorary title - and she, for her part, liked him enough to think that she might well confide in him her filthy secret for which Mana Diasiré hates her and which goes against her faith. But the Hero was not stupid, he had observed her well, he guessed what it was about.
- This is a very nice party you've organized for us," Mina said.
- I have no taste for aesthetics, it was the squires who helped me. But it wouldn't have looked the same if you hadn't succeeded in attacking the old-fashioned fanatics or whatever.
- I doubt it, I doubt it," she repeated.
- So congratulations, Miss Mina, he said in Franca, I should perhaps also go to congratulate Lin, I have c...
The Hero saw her pensive, she seemed to want to tell him something but didn't know how to tell him, if he had the queen's powers he would have searched her mind and known if he was going to answer her question or leave her in the dark. But since he didn't have them, he found himself having to ask her the question and possibly having to answer her.
He sighed and asked her what was on her mind.
- Tell me, with as much sincerity as possible...
She didn't need to tell him more, he knew what she was going to ask him and he was already blowing away.
- ...do you like the princess?
- Lin already asked me that question. You might find something else to ask me.
- Do you want us to talk about the wounds you showed in the arena?
- No.
- Then answer my question!
He sighed again and pulled the dwarf's cheeks.
- It's really not bad to look at and I'll make my four hours out of it.
- How you talk!
- That way you won't ask me the question anymore.
Mina removed the Hero's pinches and grabbed - miraculously - the Hero's collar.
- I want you to answer seriously.
- Why? You think a little about what you're asking me. This question is useless since she is with Beneltig, if in addition, not so long ago, I still advised him on how to manage his couple whereas I know nothing about it, he hissed while looking at side with a dry smile.
- What if I told you that she might drop it...
The Hero gasped, his heart nearly leaping out of his chest.
- No kidding..., he let out.
He had just implied to Lin that if the opportunity arose, he wouldn't let her get away, right? He shook his head and removed the dwarf's hand from his robe.
- She's pretty, but no thanks. I prefer the other big fairy you didn't want me to get involved with.
- Stop it. You didn't really want to get with her," Mina said with a smile.
The Hero did not answer him.
- It's better that there is nothing between the airy fairy and me, we are different. And then anyway, you would be against it.
- Of course not!
- Right?
- A man, and a man at that, who defended my best friend, whom I consider my sister, who made her go to the finals, who went in search of her killers and who, despite his love for the people of Basfonds, made her win against their champions. Plus, you threw him this amazing birthday party. I can't see myself being against you.
The Hero didn't know what to say, he couldn't imagine Mina being so grateful to him. It almost embarrassed him.
- So are you going to tell him how you feel?
- Oh my! You're getting on your big hair, stopped the Hero, I just said I liked her, not that I had feelings for her. Stop the slander, the distortion...
- What a baloney argument to say slander to counter an argument, the dwarf smiled snidely.
The Hero scratched his head nervously as he lowered his head, then said to him with a serious look and a determined tone.
- Whatever happens Mina, if I have to tell her, I'll tell her myself. At least I didn't lie to you when I really wanted to by saying things like, "Me? Dating her when there's this gross vampire hanging around? No way!". I was honest so keep that secret to yourself.
- Mouth sewn.
Suddenly someone blocked his view.
- Who is it?
- With this voice of ogre and the two shells which sticks me the back who of other that can well be that Mananélia.
The Fairy kneed him before grabbing his torso from behind.
- Will you dance with me?
- I've already made the effort to throw this party so dancing, no thanks. I'll just sit back and wait for this birthday to be over.
- Come on.
- But I say no.
The Fairy took him with her, waving to Mina as she went, but her embrace was short-lived as the Hero went to sit on the nearest available chair. The Fairy dragged herself behind him, clinging tightly to him. The Hero thought she was drunk, but he remembered that she was not drunk, she was just overexcited. She finally let go of him and the two of them sat down at a table where there were only the two of them. He called a waiter to serve them two drinks and then found himself alone with her who was staring at him with a big strange smile.
- What is happening to you?
- I'm just glad you stayed.
- It's because I was lazy to organize your birthday, otherwise you would have had it two weeks early.
- I know you like I do and I knew you wouldn't get down to business on day one.
- See, that's why you get on my nerves, you keep trying to trick me!
- Is it my fault that you are so gullible?
- The audacity!
Both laughed before just settling in comfortably next to each other to watch the crowd dance to what would look like a slow dance.
- To think that it could have been both of us, if you weren't such a jerk..., whispered the Fairy.
- Me?
- No, Benji. He came back like a flower after months of disappearance on an unknown mission and instead of spending time with me, he prefers to play with his friends and talk to other girls.
- Don't worry," the Hero reassured him, "next time we'll both dance. Maybe I'll even sing you a little serenade that I particularly like.
- Is it true?
- Yes, but not today. Tonight, I don't feel like it, besides, I'm not a very good dancer.
- I'll take your word for it, you better keep your word.
- That's it...
He wrapped his arm around her and she laid her head on his shoulder while thanking him for everything he had done, then she said something surprising to him as she began to doze off.
- I love you, my hero.
He felt stunned by this announcement and didn't know which way to take it so he took this statement as a joke and replied:
- I love me too.
The Fairy chuckled and said to her, before falling asleep:
- How annoying you can be...
She too seemed tired from all these events.
The Hero waited until the end of the party to take her home, on his back, he laid her on his bed and covered her with his flower blanket.
- Sorry kiddo, but obviously our dance will be for another time... in another world.
Then he fled out the window of the princess' room, leaving her sleeping with a tear running down her cheek.