"Can you break this crystal and chains? I will repay you with riches if you do so."
"If you behave when morning comes, I will let you go. Until then, be quiet."
As I stared at the tiny fairy, it struck me that, unlike me, a fairy wouldn't be locked up for no apparent reason. Fairies were known for their mischievous nature, and it was likely she had pranked the wrong people one time too many. There was no telling what kind of trouble she might bring if I let her loose.
For a moment, I considered freeing her. The chains and the box seemed cruel, even for a prankster. But I quickly realized that it was better for us to go our separate ways. She was trouble, the kind that I didn't need on my shoulders right now.
Still, I couldn't completely shake off the pang of guilt. Leaving her chained in that box felt wrong, no matter how much she might have deserved it. Yet, a part of me also saw the potential in the situation. When morning comes, she could be a good diversion, a bit of chaos to cover my own tracks.
"Wow… you just met me, and you are already thinking of using me. How devious…"
The fairy annoyingly moved her body as if she were trying to cover her body from a pervert. She was twenty times too small for me to see her in that kind of light. In the end, I sat on the box and kept it locked for a while longer.
"I am sorry; please don't do that again."
The fairy looked at me with upturned eyes filled with tears. She couldn't have tried to look more suspicious, even if she had. I dislike people acting like that to make others do what they want.
"This time, I am really sorry… it is a force of habit to try to get people on their good side."
"... Just stay silent where you are, and you will be free in a couple of hours. Don't blame me if you annoy me and leave me behind; this atmosphere and your attitude are more than a little annoying."
"At least break the crystal; this is draining my magical powers. If you do that, I can help you escape with a bit more ease. I can create sleeping power, which will come in handy for your escape."
That made sense, but I felt even more suspicious of her. She could try to put me to sleep, too, and then call the guards when she escapes. Lately, I have turned into a machine that doubts everything and always considers the worst-case scenario. It's not the best way of living, but beggars can't be choosers after almost experiencing being burned alive. Maybe I should just forget that instead of bringing it up every single time. No one likes a person who only complains.
"As long as you stay in the box and do nothing, are we clear?"
"Yes, sir."
The little fairy saluted, and I let out an exasperated sigh… that wouldn't work, but I at least had to keep my word. The crystal didn't look that sturdy, so I was able to smash it with my hands. It didn't hurt my hand either; it just turned into dust until it vanished… I wonder where that kind of thing came from.
The fairy began to fly in circles, feeling a lot better, but soon, the chains wore her out. She looked at me, waiting for me to take the chains, but I ignored that and returned to the front of the staircase.
"All right, all right. Geez… humans are so gloomy nowadays."
Before long, I facepalmed when I saw the fairy dragging out the box toward the staircase… she was still technically in the box, but no one likes a smartass. She smiled, but at least she didn't say anything when I raised my eyebrows.
"The smell in the back is the worst, you know. By the way, my name is Serana. You must be Leon Maxwell."
"What about it?"
"I had heard that the royalty of the human realm had a different aura, but I didn't expect that it would be like this. I also heard that they had been executed recently, but I didn't know how recently since I have been locked in here for a while."
I was curious about the kind of aura I had. It shouldn't be normal that the body isn't mine, and I have the power of the whole royal family with me now. It should be a pretty weird mix, to say the least.
"If you remain with such a grim look on your face, you will only attract grim things in your life, you know. I am not saying that you need to be go-happy-look after losing your family, but looking like that won't change a thing.
"I am only looking like that because I can tell this night will be long if you keep blabbering."
"How rude."
"I am something like royalty myself, you know."
"And I am something of a scientist myself."
"Humans confuse me a lot. Was that supposed to be funny?"
There seemed to be scientists in that world, but she obviously didn't get that reference. I was aware that I was being a moron, thanks to circumstances, so I let out a sigh to calm down a bit.
At the same time, Serena began to flap her wings, and some golden dust began to fall from them. Still, she soon stopped.
"Sorry, this is too tiresome. Is this enough for you?"
"I guess I am justified in regretting now freeing you."
While sighing a lot, Serana began to work again. She took some pauses, but at least the dust was piling up nicely. I still had no idea how I should use that or if I would have to use it anyway, but it was better to start thinking about it.
Time passed in the dungeon, and I remained on high alert despite the stillness. I didn't find any signs of the guards returning to check on the place. No footsteps echoed through the area, and no voices carried through the damp air. Yet, my tension didn't go away. I couldn't let my guard down. My eyes remained fixed on the entrance, scanning for the slightest movement, the faintest sound. The silence was both a comfort and a curse, heightening my anxiety with every passing second.
Eventually, I felt that it was time to check the outside. The unease that I couldn't shake off compelled me to ensure everything was still clear. I needed to confirm that the coast was still clear, that I hadn't missed some subtle sign of impending danger. Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself. I began to move cautiously towards the entrance, every sense on high alert for any hint of a trap or ambush.
Still, I soon stopped when I realized that I needed to take the sleeping power… but Serana had fallen asleep on the box thanks to it.
"What the fuck…"