30 Years After Reincarnating, It Turns Out This World Was A Rofan?! novel Chapter 182

[-Humans may fear and call that child a monster, but in truth, the Dullahan is closer to being a fairy. It’s only that it’s fallen far after being bound to the underworld. Even so, it takes its duties seriously and occasionally helps us with our requests. Besides, it doesn’t harm lives without reason. It’s not a bad child, hehe.]

"......."

The knights weren’t sure whether they should be shocked at the revelation that the Dullahan was actually a fairy, or at the Spring Spirit’s casual way of treating and commanding it as though it were a child.

Yet, as Ihan witnessed the fragments of the fairy’s power, he couldn’t suppress his growing curiosity.

“...I don’t quite understand. Why was the Spring Spirit captured by a bunch of spellcasters? With your strength, couldn’t you have overpowered them before they caught you?”

“What insolence!”

“I-it’s just a question...”

For some reason, it seemed the Spring Spirit couldn’t harm humans directly. However, it was evident that she had the power to easily outmatch them in other ways. When first released from her seal, she had turned the mages’ mana into nutrients for the earth, and simply summoning the Dullahan would have decimated most of the spellcasters, including that rotten Archmage of 400 years.

So why hadn’t she resisted?

[Oh, is that what you’re curious about? It’s nothing too complicated. You don’t need to be so cautious about asking.]

The Spring Spirit’s tone was lighthearted, as though this were a trivial matter she was happy to explain.

[You see, the way we fairies use our power is rather... particular.]

"??"

[To put it simply, we can’t exercise authority beyond the role we’ve been given. If we misuse our power, it could cause the collapse of the natural order.]

The fairy shrugged lightly and continued.

[There are also restrictions and promises imposed on us by the gods... but even without those, wielding our power carelessly would lead to some truly ‘unfortunate consequences.’]

"......."

Ihan dared not ask what those consequences might be. He had a feeling the answer would be far worse than he could imagine.

[Even for the Dullahan, it faces many conditions and restrictions when using its power in the mortal realm. However, it can exercise its abilities freely on the dead. That’s why it was able to help with our request.]

“Then, does that mean... you couldn’t act against the mages either?”

[Exactly. That’s why I said, ‘We’re truly grateful to you.’ If you hadn’t punished the mages, we still wouldn’t have been able to do anything. To put it in terms you’d understand, because of your actions, the causal relationship was established, and we could finally intervene.]

The Spring Spirit traced a circle with her finger.

Flash!

A glowing ring of aurora appeared, as though she were illustrating the cycle and laws of the world. While it seemed complex, Ihan managed to understand the gist of it.

‘So, because I and that thing were in the process of punishing the mages, the fairies were able to step in as assistants.’

In hindsight, the fairies had only nullified mana and turned the remains of the dead into nutrients for the earth. They hadn’t directly harmed the mages, despite their obvious frustration. Their restraint likely stemmed from the catastrophic effects their power could have on the world if misused.

‘Terrifying.’

They were beings so powerful that their mere intervention could overturn the laws of nature. That such entities existed under such severe restrictions was both awe-inspiring and chilling.

However...

‘They’re genuinely kind.’

Their kindness, mercy, and nobility were palpable. Ihan couldn’t help but feel respect toward them.

‘They could use their power at any time.’

Though bound by restrictions and promises, it was clear they could harm humans directly if they chose to. Yet, the fairies refrained, fully aware that their actions could bring about humanity’s destruction.

That made them sacred.

Despite possessing the majesty and mystery worthy of being called gods, they abstained from abusing their power.

While they seemed as innocent as children, they were, in truth, far more thoughtful and compassionate than anyone.

‘No wonder they were worshipped as gods.’

Such mercy and nobility could not have gone unnoticed by the ancient people.

‘Even I can’t help but admire them...’

For the first time in his life, Ihan felt that someone truly embodied divinity.

The Great Fairy.

Today, Ihan fully grasped why they bore such a name.

"Truly remarkable," he muttered, nodding his head.

To this, the Spring Spirit responded:

[Oh my, you’re making me blush. It’s been so long since I’ve received such praise....]

"...?"

[You really are a fine human, hehe!]

“...Just wondering... Do fairies also read people’s thoughts?”

It was an offhand question, prompted by how embarrassed she seemed despite him saying so little.

The fairy simply smiled.

[-That’s a secret.]

"......."

She pressed her finger to her lips and winked, leaving Ihan with a faintly exasperated expression.

‘Why are there so many women around me who can read minds?’

Even without a direct answer, her reaction said enough.

*****

Da-da-dak, da-da-dak.

The sound of hooves faded into the distance as the two knights watched, their gazes fixed on the retreating figure.

"......."

For reasons unknown, both felt an inexplicable premonition that they would one day face the Dullahan in battle.

It wasn’t a logical thought but a deep, unshakable intuition.

And then—

[------.]

Fwoosh!

The Dullahan’s glowing blue eyes, ablaze with ethereal fire, turned back toward them. The intense heat emanating from its gaze sent tingles through their bodies.

Despite the overwhelming pressure, the knights didn’t avert their eyes.

No matter if it was the Reaper of Death itself, if they were to clash one day, they simply had to win.

“See you again,” Ihan said, his words laced with a provocative undertone.

[-------.]

The Dullahan seemed to shift slightly, as if suppressing a laugh.

Da-da-dak, da-da-dak.

The Dullahan gradually disappeared into the distance, carrying the souls of hundreds with it.

The knights silently watched its departure.

Da-da-dak, da-da-dak...

Soon, the figure of the Dullahan vanished entirely, swallowed by a fog that seemed to materialize out of nowhere.

With the oppressive presence gone, Ihan and Raq collapsed to the ground.

Thud.

“...I’m so damn tired.”

“You reckless brute! What was the point of provoking it at the end?”