Chapter 69: The Ancient Fairy in Ketsuyama
As they stepped further into Ketsuyama, Yuki led the group through the heart of the village. The streets were paved with carefully arranged stones, and sturdy wooden houses lined the paths, their rooftops layered with dark tiles. The crisp mountain air carried the scent of burning incense and freshly cooked food, creating an atmosphere both tranquil and lively.
Despite the village’s peaceful nature, something else filled the air—an undeniable curiosity.
Whispers followed them wherever they walked.
“It’s Yuki! She’s back!”
“But who are those with her?”
“Look at that girl’s wings… so radiant…”
“A fairy? Here?”
Lyra could feel dozens of eyes glued to her back, their fascination clear. It wasn’t just because she was an outsider—her wings shimmered under the sunlight, their soft, ethereal glow unlike anything the villagers had ever seen.
Children pointed excitedly, while warriors—many hardened and scarred from years of training—paused to admire the otherworldly beauty of her wings.
Ella chuckled, nudging Lyra with her elbow. “You’re causing quite the scene.”
Lyra sighed. “I can tell.”
A little girl, no older than five, tugged on her mother’s sleeve. “Mama, is she an angel?”
Her mother smiled. “No, sweetie. That’s a fairy.”
Another villager, an elderly woman carrying a basket of herbs, bowed slightly as they passed. “Such rare beauty… I’ve never seen a fairy in my lifetime.”
A group of young warriors whispered amongst themselves.
“She doesn’t just look beautiful—there’s something regal about her.”
“She must be powerful to be traveling with Yuki.”
Lyra, unused to such admiration, felt her cheeks grow warm. She wasn’t one to crave attention, but it seemed inevitable.
Yuki, on the other hand, was enjoying herself. “You guys are acting like you’ve never seen someone with wings before,” she teased.
One of the warriors, a young man with spiky black hair, smirked. “We haven’t. Not like that.”
A middle-aged woman nodded. “There are old stories about fairies, but none of us have seen one. At least, not a real one.”
Lyra decided to say something before the rumors spiraled out of control. She stopped walking and turned to the small crowd gathering around them. “I appreciate all of your kind words. But I want to clarify something.”
The villagers leaned in, eager to listen.
Lyra folded her hands in front of her and spoke calmly. “I am not just any fairy. I am part of the Ancient Fairy Race, the original fairies that once flourished in this world before humans came into power.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Lyra continued, her voice steady. “I am also a direct descendant of the Fairy Queen—the ruler of the fairy race from long ago. Unlike most fairies that exist today, I have no human blood in me. This,” she gestured to her wings, “is how true fairies used to look.”
Silence followed.
Then, an older man with a thick white beard spoke. “You mean… you’re a pureblood fairy? Not a mixed-blood like the ones in noble courts?”
Lyra nodded.
The crowd erupted into murmurs.
“Incredible…”
“A true ancient fairy still exists?”
“I thought they had all vanished from this world.”
“Does this mean the old fairy bloodlines aren’t truly gone?”
Yuki raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t think my village would be this interested in fairies.”
An elderly woman shook her head. “The Fairy Queen was once revered across all lands, including our village. We may be warriors, but we know the old tales. The fairies were a race of power, grace, and wisdom. If you are truly her descendant, then you carry a great legacy.”
Lyra took a deep breath. She had expected curiosity, but she hadn’t expected reverence.
Yuki smirked. “Alright, alright. That’s enough staring at her like she’s some goddess. We have somewhere to be.”
She motioned for the group to continue walking, leading them toward the village’s largest house—the home of the elders.
The Elder’s House
The elder’s home sat at the highest point of the village, resting on a slightly elevated platform that overlooked Ketsuyama. The building was large but simple, built from dark wood with intricate carvings along the pillars. A small stone path led to its entrance, lined with flickering lanterns.
Yuki stepped forward and knocked on the heavy wooden door.
Seconds later, the door creaked open, revealing an older man with deep wrinkles and sharp, intelligent eyes. His hair was mostly gray, tied in a neat bun at the back of his head. He wore a dark robe with a red sash—a mark of his status.
At first, his expression was neutral, but when his gaze landed on Yuki, his eyes widened in shock.
“…Yuki?”
Yuki smiled. “Hey, old man. Long time no see.”
The elder’s mouth fell open slightly. He took a step back, almost stumbling. “You… you actually came back…”
His hands trembled as he reached forward, almost as if he didn’t believe she was real. “It’s been so many years… I thought… I thought you wouldn’t return.”
Yuki rubbed the back of her head. “Yeah, well… I figured it was about time.”
The elder composed himself quickly, clearing his throat. “I see. And your companions?”
Yuki gestured to the group. “These are my friends. And this,” she said, motioning toward Lyra, “is Lyra Everleaf.”
The elder turned to Lyra—and froze.
His eyes widened further as he took in her wings, their radiant glow casting a soft light across the entrance. His gaze flickered to her face, recognition dawning in his features.
“You…” His voice was barely a whisper.
Lyra met his gaze. “I am Lyra Everleaf, a descendant of the Fairy Queen.”
Silence filled the air.
Then, in a move that stunned everyone, the elder dropped to one knee and lowered his head in deep respect.
Ella’s jaw dropped. “Wait, what?”
Yuki was equally surprised. “I… didn’t see that coming.”
The elder’s voice was solemn. “A descendant of the Fairy Queen stands before me… This is a historic moment for our village.”
Lyra quickly shook her head. “Please, you don’t have to bow. I am not royalty.”
The elder looked up, a small smile on his lips. “Perhaps not. But to us, you represent something lost to time. The return of the true fairies is a blessing.”
Yuki crossed her arms. “Well, this trip just got interesting.”
The elder stood and gestured for them to enter. “Come inside. There is much to discuss.”
As they stepped into the elder’s home, Lyra couldn’t shake the feeling that her journey was about to take a turn she hadn’t expected.
What do you think?
Total Responses: 0