Chapter 9

※ Third Chapter of the Day

The room beyond the door was a dimly lit library.

The bookshelf at the very back was a hidden door, and when opened, it revealed a spiral staircase leading down. The light from what seemed to be fairies illuminated the steps, allowing Prince Clovis to descend slowly.

"Although it has been forgotten now, the main deity of the Erlanger Kingdom is actually a fairy. The country was created when a god and a king fell in love and tried to build their own paradise. The royal family has fairy blood, and especially the direct descendants with strong fairy blessings are more likely to bear beloved children."

"So, Prince Clovis is one of them, right?"

The history of the Erlanger Kingdom is ancient. The country's name and the landscape of its territory have changed over time, but the royal bloodline has continued unbroken. It is said that the history spans over a thousand years.

"Yes. Among the royal family, those with strong fairy blessings, like me, are given the role of the caretaker of the Green House—protector. That's why I live here rather than in the palace. And this is the reason I must be wary of others."

We had passed the first floor and were probably in the basement by now.

When we reached the bottom of the stairs, Prince Clovis unlocked and opened an iron door.

The scene that greeted me took my breath away.

The not-so-large space was filled with large crystal formations, like icicles. At the center of the room, a particularly large crystal stood, and inside it was a woman with transparent wings, just like in a fairy tale, her eyes tightly closed.

"She is the root fairy of the royal family, the queen of the main deity. As the current protector, I am tasked with guarding her sleep."

"Is the queen...?"

"She is still alive. It is said that she awakens to correct the royal family's mistakes and to save the country in times of crisis. I cannot risk angering her by inviting someone untrustworthy into the house. In that regard, Miss Nadia has passed the test."

I understood the reason for Prince Clovis's strong caution.

Only someone who could keep this secret could serve as a maid. It was necessary to test their loyalty, even if it meant making unreasonable demands. Cleaning was one of those tests.

But in my case, it was more about wanting to be independent from my family. I felt a twinge of guilt.

"Is it really all right to tell me such a secret just for cleaning?"

"I wouldn't tell a maid who only passed the cleaning test. But you have already been favored by the fairies, who are sensitive to malice, and you are a beloved child. I would have told you eventually, whether you were a beloved child or not, because I like you too, not just the fairies."

"I am honored."

I felt ticklish from the excessive praise.

"The baptism ceremony is a ritual to deepen the connection with the fairies. By awakening the dormant power, the beloved child awakens. Shall we begin? Please kneel and assume a prayer position."

"Yes."

I knelt as instructed, clasped my hands below my chest, and closed my eyes.

Prince Clovis's low, soothing voice echoed through the room.

"Our goddess, I introduce a new believer to you. Grant your blessing to those who vow to dedicate their hearts, with your great heart—Miss Nadia, touch the crystal and state your name."

I gently touched the crystal where the queen was sleeping.

"My name is Nadia Masquar."

'A dear Nadia, I recognize you.'

A soft, clear voice resonated directly in my head.

An indescribable emotion welled up from deep within my chest, and I pressed one hand to my heart.

At that moment, the scenery changed.

Around me, many small children with wings, about the size of a palm, were flying. There were far more than the light balls I had seen earlier, and each one was clearly visible.

"Are these the fairies?"

As I murmured, the fairies surrounded me.

"I'm Tachito, can we talk?"

"Yes."

"We helped with the bucket, praise us!"

"Bucket..."

"I, Hane, fulfilled Nadia's wish by bringing the wind. Whoosh!"

"Wind... Could it be..."

It seemed that the bucket floating with water and the wind that flowed at my feet when I finished cleaning the second floor were the work of the fairies.

"Thank you. I'm sorry I didn't realize. So, the sheets in the closet were also the fairies?"

"It was us! We checked if you cleaned properly."

"Well, I'm glad I noticed. You all are excellent examiners."

"Of course! We protect Clovis."

The little boy fairy puffed out his chest.

I hadn't imagined that the fairies protecting the one called a fierce dog would be so adorable.

When I stroked the head of the little boy fairy with my fingertips, the other fairies also poked their heads out, so I stroked them one by one.

Ah, this is so soothing.

As I played with the fairies, I heard Prince Clovis's chuckle.

"I'm sorry, I was talking to the fairies without your permission, Your Highness."

"It's fine. Some beloved children are startled by suddenly appearing fairies or reject the foreign power, but it seems Miss Nadia is fine."

"Yes, they are all so adorable, and I want to be friends with them."

"You really are someone I can't take my eyes off, in every sense."

Prince Clovis said this with a smile.

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