429 An Old Ally [Pt 1]

Lu arrived not long after, having a luxurious board trailing behind him.

The floating platform had sofas constructed on them, allowing passengers to sit while it took them to their destination.

‘It’s clearly for important persons…’ I thought as I stared at the glimmering piece of Fairy Technology.

“Please, get on board.”

The door that blocked us in from the waiting room was opened, allowing us entry into the Fairy Nation itself.

Excited sounds came from a few people behind me—namely Bradford and, surprisingly, Maria.

While she did her best to adopt a stoic facade, it was clear that she anticipated traversing the Fairy Sanctuary.

As we stepped out of the room, we entered the floating board that was waiting for us.

There was no ground beyond the room—since Fairies didn’t need them.

As a result, the platform we would be utilizing was our only viable means of transportation.

‘Magis is permitted for residents, but visitors aren’t allowed to utilize it…’ That meant we couldn’t fly.

The boards were truly made to be the only viable means of transportation.

“W-whoah, it’s so comfortable!” Bradford exclaimed as he made himself at home on the floating platform.

The seats were bigger than the bodies of Fairies, so one could surmise that it was designed with delegates of other nations in mind.

Every member of our team was able to secure seats, and their expressions made it certain that the sofas they sat on were comfy.

“I’m satisfied you find our reception comfortable.”

I didn’t take the Fairy on his offer, deciding to stand instead. It wasn’t out of anything in particular—just personal preference.

And so, the platform began moving—detaching itself from the building we were previously in.

>VWUUUUUUUUU<

It initially started as a slow, smooth ride. However, as time went on, the pace picked up and the board sped.

No one was bothered about their safety since Lu already explained how completely secure the experience of traveling with boards was.

Even Fairies, who could freely fly, preferred to use their Floating Boards rather than soar through the vast expanse themselves.

A Magic barrier prevented anyone from falling out, and the wind pressure was completely eliminated.

This provided for a smooth and comfortable ride.

To be honest, I enjoyed the trip.

*********************

We eventually arrived at the location called the Green House.

Before reaching the tall monolith that seemed to ascend to the peak of the Fairy Sanctuary’s ceiling, we had passed through quite a bunch of Fairy Settlements.

This allowed some of our members to enjoy the sights around them.

While we didn’t have the time to spend, preventing us from fully appreciating their peculiar structures, the interest of my allies seemed to have been satiated a tiny bit.

The Floating Board came to a slow halt, connecting to the edge of our destination.

Once it was parked properly, we were all able to step out of the vehicle.

Lu followed after us, and then swiftly arrived at everyone’s front.

“Alright, everyone. I certainly hope you enjoyed your short trip using the Floating Board. If you have any complaints that warrant concern, please speak up so we can work on it.”

No one could speak because the ride was perfect.

“Excellent. Then, shall we proceed?” Lu smiled sweetly, showing us his back as he glided through the air.

Our group simply followed him obediently, taking good looks around us.

‘It looks a bit different—renovated, maybe?—still, this is the Palace I remember.’ My thoughts lingered as I observed the giant tower.

It was so massive, yet it managed to remain suspended in the air.

I often marveled at this sight back when I was still Lewis Griffith, but the trick behind it slowly lost its luster as time went on.

“Please, come with me,” Lu spoke more as an instructor than a tourist guide.

Maybe it had something to do with the fact that he was originally a researcher—not into affairs like tourism.

‘The females were the ones who did these sort of things in the past.’

However, considering the change in technology and governance, having Lu as our Supervisory Officer didn’t surprise me any longer.

There were no guards stationed at the Palace Gate, and the moment Lu approached it, a System Window popped up.

It identified the Fairy, and then the gates were automatically opened to all of us.

We walked down the large hallway, looking around as we strolled.

“U-um, where do you think the Throne Room is?” Bradford murmured, whispering to Serah Crimson.

The red-haired woman shrugged. Apparently, she didn’t care.

I observed that the Fairy’s ears pricked the moment the bushy-bearded man said this, smiling internally.

I was also slowly understanding the situation. The situation seemed a bit strange, but I finally figured it out.

‘They don’t run the Royal System any longer, uh?’

It all made sense.

This was now called the Fairy Nation. The Public Policies seemed too liberal for a monarchy, and the elective system I was seeing was a foreign concept.

‘The fact that this Lu is working as an Immigration Officer rather than a female shows that that guy is no longer in power, uh?’

The Fairy Palace was now called the Green House as well.

If I wasn’t mistaken, then had the Fairies somehow adopted a republican system of rule?

‘This is weird.’

“Please step into this contraption.” A Magic Elevator awaited us.

Once we all stepped in, the vehicle took us above, until we got to the second highest floor.

Our group encountered a door the moment we stepped out, and Lu bowed slightly.

“Our President will be waiting for you inside.”

‘President, eh?’ It seems I was right.

A System Window popped up the moment we drew closer, but we were instantly recognized and the luxurious door parted for us.

“We, delegates of the Eastern Kingdom and the Elf Kingdom seek an audience with the Head of the Fairies.” I declared.

“Do come in.” A voice that resonated with my soul sounded.

My body was fine, but my insides churned for some reason.

‘What’s going on?’ I thought in shock.

However, since it was no time to dawdle about it, I decided to let the matter slide.

We glided into the place—meeting a finely furnished room with a strange aesthetic that was different from the Throne Room everyone was used to.

For one, it seemed more like an office than anything else—though it was quite big.

However, that wasn’t what shocked me the most.

>Ba-dum! Ba-dum! Ba-dum!<

Reverberations echoed in my Soul as I stopped dead in my tracks—looking at the person who sat behind the desk.

She also stared at me in the same way.

The Fairy’s eyes widened and her jaws nearly fell. Both our gazes met each other, and we entered into perfect sync.

“J-Jane…?”

“Lewis?!”