beast chapter 12

Judging by the strangely beautiful scenery and their perpetually clean bodies, it seemed, as he said, that fairies still resided in this labyrinth. If so, perhaps all of this was truly their doing.

But a question still lingered. What possible reason could the fairies have for doing this?

“Have you… offended the fairies in some way?”

“Certainly not. I’d have every reason to maintain amicable relations with them.”

“But then how did…”

“In any case, you’re not a fairy, are you?”

Ariette nodded rapidly, her eyes reflecting not only innocence but also a hint of indignation.

“No, I’m really human. Why do you keep suspecting I’m a fairy?”

“I just naturally assumed you were.” For a fleeting moment, his red eyes gleamed sharp as blades. “Just as you instinctively knew I was a beastman.”

Judging by that look, Beelzebub still suspected she was a fairy.

“I really am human…”

“But it’s strange, isn’t it? Why, of all times, did the first change occur the moment you appeared?”

“.…”

“My powers were completely sealed upon entering this labyrinth. There’s no other explanation than that someone used magic. But the day you appeared, a key fell from the sky, and the restriction on my powers was temporarily lifted. Thanks to that, I was able to visit you in your dreams. Now, however, my powers are sealed again.” Beelzebub smiled faintly. “Isn’t it odd? My powers returned and disappeared only when you were involved.”

His gaze lingered on the floating numbers for a moment before returning to Ariette.

“And that mission… only you can complete it.”

“…I understand why you suspect I’m a fairy, but I really am human.”

The indignation in her eyes seemed too genuine to be a lie. A gentle smile touched Beelzebub’s lips.

“Hear me out.”

He slowly scanned Ariette’s figure: her small face with its delicate features, a mature figure contrasting with her adorable appearance, sky-blue hair cascading to her waist, eyes the same color as her hair, and the faint, refreshing scent that emanated from her. Her appearance and fragrance were exactly like a water fairy.

“At first, I thought you were a fairy toying with me. I thought if I played along, you’d release me. But—”

“But…?”

“Now, I see you’re just an innocent victim caught up in the fairies’ game.”

“Th-that’s right! I’m a victim…!” Ariette exclaimed, waving her hands in the air. Her agitated gestures clearly showed how much she struggled to accept this situation. “Who could have imagined that mission would suddenly appear? To melt those chains with… with that kind of fluid! If the penalty for failure wasn’t death, I would have just given up…”

Silence fell between them as Beelzebub offered no reply. For a long while, only the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds filled the void. Then, a soft voice drifted on the breeze.

“You have a kind heart, Miss.”

It was his usual melodious voice, but perhaps because it sounded unusually gentle, Ariette’s shoulders trembled slightly.

“You could have ignored the life of a stranger you just met and simply walked away.”

“H-how could I…? Life is precious. Of course, you’re a bit suspicious, and you say strange things so casually that it’s quite disconcerting… but still, a life is a life. Besides, you asked me to save you. I think anyone would have reacted the same way.”

“No, you possess a particularly warm heart. If everyone were like you, the world would be a much more peaceful place.”

Ariette awkwardly averted her gaze. She was used to being told she was too assertive or that her emotions were too easily read, but this kind of praise was a first.

Should she say thank you for the compliment, or should she modestly wave it away? Before she could decide, Beelzebub changed the subject.