Chapter 71

“Are you the king of this country?” “Hohhohho…”

(Three days ago, I moved into a boarding house with three roommates. But then I remembered that I'm actually a loner who can't deal with other people, so I moved back yesterday.)

(tl note: title reference)

Binah-sama once said.

Daat was a motherly presence to the Ten Archangels of Sefirot and is a “Primordial” born in an era even older than theirs.

As an original protagonist, words like "primordial" and "zeroth" are very fascinating, but I'll set that aside for now.

This time, an opponent is an opponent. After all, it's the final boss of the anime Fairy Savers. Careless words and actions could have a greater impact on the entire world than even the protagonist, En, and the others.

In other words, this is the highest position for an original protagonist to get involved with.

I also like fanfictions where the original protagonist intervenes in the original work as a third force in the antagonism between the original work’s protagonist and the final boss, positively influencing both sides. Of course, it depends on the original work, but I love those true happy endings where even the final boss is saved.

That’s exactly why Eight-chan set that end goal back then.

To attach the “Keter Salvation” tag to the fanfiction Charon-sama wrote.

Thus, I have to put it into practice. To acquire the passion—the preciousness I felt when I revived Chesed!

『Keter!』

Oh, it's Binah-sama’s entry.

I see, she was watching through Kabbalah-chan’s eyes. The moment she noticed Keter's arrival, she used teleportation and rushed from who knows where, clearly flustered.

『...Binah, huh.』

『I never expected you to come in person… As the island’s administrator, should I have properly welcomed you?』

『No need.』

Keter glanced briefly at her face, which looked exactly like mine, and knitted his brows slightly. I had heard about it, but he really does dislike her...

It seems he isn’t pleased that she disobeyed his orders and showed her true face. Binah-sama’s had an easygoing attitude, but her cheeks were stiffer than usual. To me, she looked like a daughter afraid of her bad-tempered father.

That’s not good.

“Don’t shrink away, Binah. You’ve hidden your true face for many years. That punishment should already be enough.”

『Eight…』

The story goes that Binah started concealing her true face because she had fight with Keter, but from what I’ve heard, I don’t think she deserved that treatment.

Besides, if she’s faithfully obeyed his command for hundreds, thousands of years, surely it’s past the statute of limitations by now.

Of course, it’s easy for me to say, since I’m not a related party, but considering that she’s as good-natured as she is, I want him to display some kingly magnanimity.

“Right, King?”

『…』

When I protested with my gaze, Keter answered with silence, lacking any expression. No, what kind of emotion is that face supposed to be?

Still, the fact that he didn’t plainly refuse suggests he might not be that angry.

Of course, the reason that he only gave Binah a sharp look was because he recognized me, who was nearby, as “Daat.”

…Yes, that's the biggest issue for me.

If that dream was a true story of Fairy World a long time ago that the goddess-like Charon-sama showed me, then the archangel “Daat” seemed to have been very close to Keter when he was still a very young child.

What I saw in my dream seemed like a heartrending farewell scene, but… to me, it felt like Keter’s attitude toward her felt more like that of a boy looking up to his respected older sister.

I had an older sister I respected as well. Based on the rule of thumb, I could more or less understand those emotions.

『…Why… did you come back?』

Keter removed his gaze from Binah and fixed her eyes on mine—after an extremely long silence, he asked.

No, aren’t you… a little different from the anime?

Certainly in the anime Fairy Savers, he had lifeless, dead eyes, but in my memory, he spoke in a brisk manner. Hmm… is this just how he is in the new production, Fairy Savers ∞?

Keter was undoubtedly an important character in the story, but since he was the final boss, his appearances were few. In that sense, he was a character with diverging interpretations on what kind of character he is.

Okay, Charon-sama. I get it. If that’s how it is, I’ll match your rhythm.

When dealing with a quiet and slow-speaking, it’s important to smile, backchannel, and patiently wait for them to finish at their own pace, without rushing or pressing them. Even if you don’t fully understand what they’re saying.

In my previous life, when backchanneling old men I got to know at the hospital, at first, they’d speak slowly but gradually become more talkative. Fufufu, I’m a good listener. Tsubasa also seemed to find it easy to talk to me, so it must be effective.

『Why, are you here?』

As expected, Keter maintained his serious demeanor, but the pace at which he spoke gradually increased.

However, this is…

『Why are you siding with the humans? Why…』

“...”

Overwhelmed by the sober, handsome voice bombarding me with an unrelenting barrage of whys, behind my smile, I was at a loss for a response.

Hmm, even if you ask me why… I’m an original protagonist. If anything, I should be the one asking why you, the final boss, are here. If we think about the timeline of the original work, Keter should have already reached the depths of the World Tree──the location where the Holy Dragon Ein Sof is.

That’s right—he’s the final boss with an ancient and honorable origin, faithfully waiting at the final dungeon, the World Tree Sefira.

The fact that he personally went to another island was completely unexpected for me.

『...Why, at this stage…』

…Hmm.

What should I do… I’m feeling some absurdly heavy emotions.

A poor reply could set off a troublesome flag. If this were an adventure game, choices that lead to death flags would probably pop up. If that’s the case, I have to be even more careful with my reply.

I had something like a mind shield up to prevent him from reading my thoughts, but who knows how effective it really was… The way his eyes staring intently at mine felt like I was staring into the abyss, and to be honest, it scared me.

“…Because the world called for me… I guess?”

So, I decided not to lie in front of him. I would answer his questions sincerely.

Of course, I wouldn’t reveal everything, but I also wouldn’t cover things up with a pack of lies either, so it’s just my usual meaningful and mysterious play.

『The world…?』

“The world prayed for a new possibility to be born. Right now, a story that one woman is trying to weave… I just thought I could help her, even if only a little.”

『The will of the World Tree...Did you meet Charon?』

“Yes.”

This guy… he instantly understood Eight-chan’s mysterious language…!?

A-as expected of the final boss… I seriously shouldn’t lie to him.

But, you were acquainted with Charon-sama after all... She’s from this world too, so it’s not that strange. I even saw it in my dream.

Still, not even Keter also has knowledge of the original work, right?

The fact that meta-knowledge of the original work is spreading among the locals is not a good development fanfiction-wise.

The reason is the same as in fanfictions where multiple reincarnators with knowledge of the original work. It makes the world setting chaotic and difficult to control.

...Hmm, but I'm starting to lose track of what position Charon-sama holds. I'll have to confirm that with her later.

『...So that's how it is.』

Yeah, that's how it is.

I don’t actually know, though.

Naturally, I can't go so far as to say I’m an original protagonist of a fanfiction and the like, so I'll just have to get them to accept this wording for now.

I have no idea what kind of relationship Charon-sama and this guy have, but if they're acquaintances, then I'll just dump any trouble I don't understand onto Charon-sama. Making her cover for me for about that much shouldn’t incur divine punishment. That’s fine, right, Charon-sama?

「Eight! Binah-sama!」

Oh, En’s group has arrived. Good morning.

With Tsubasa, the fastest of them, taking the lead, En, Chouta, Mea-chan, and Chesed descended from the sky in that order.

Like Binah, they must have rushed here in a hurry. The familiar trio had already activated their Fairy Burst.

「What on earth is...!」

『...Saviors... Visitors guided by Daat, huh.』

Keter glanced at each one who joined us and muttered dispassionately.

It’s the long-awaited meeting of the protagonist team and the final boss.

That's nice...This kind of development makes me feel like the story is finally reaching its climax, and it's very exciting.

When they noticed the white archangel standing before us, their expressions showed vigilance under the overwhelming pressure radiating from him.

In the midst of this tense atmosphere, Chouta, clad in ice armor, asked.

「Are you the king of this world?」

There it is! The cliche line!

I believed in you, Chouta! I knew you'd definitely say it!

Indeed, it's a phrase you'd want to say at least once if you met a king in another world. In fantasy RPGs and web novels, it's a classic for a cheat (OP) protagonist from Earth to rudely question the identity of the king as their first words upon an audience with him.

And then, their retainer would scold the protagonist for his insolent language, only for the king to hold up a hand and chuckle, saying, "Hohhohho, good. What an interesting man," acknowledging the protagonist. It's a golden trope that has persisted through the ages.

──this situation was no exception. As in enraged by Chouta's words, the king's retainers came flying in from the sky.

「What...?」

「!... That’s...!」

Four pillars of light rained down from the sky one after another.

Emerging very cheesily from within were the Ten Archangels of Sefirot, each with eight wings.

Hod, the eighth archangel who bears the name of “Glory.”

Malkuth, the tenth archangel who bears the name of “Kingdom.”

Chokmah, the second archangel who bears the name of “Wisdom.”

Among the archangels we had met before, was Gevurah, the fifth archangel who bears the name of "Severity," appearing for the first time.

Gevurah was a tough, bearded old man befitting the image of "stern severity." He had the most god-like appearance, looking like he was giving a verdict or a warning.

As the four of them surrounded us and landed with a shubaba like a squadron of heroes, Chokmah spoke as their representative.

『You ill-mannered insolent man…You’re before the king! Restrain yourself!』

Ohh! Good, this is a good course of events.

After this, if King Keter could gently admonish the fuming Chokmah, it would be a straight flush, but…

『...』

Ah. Yeah, never mind.

If Keter were a mild-mannered character, he wouldn’t have attacked the human world in the first place.

But isn’t it okay to have a little hope…? Don’t make such a scary face.

This is slightly downhearted Eight-chan.

『...』

Still, for seven out of the Ten Archangels of Sefirot to gather in one place… even I couldn't have predicted that almost everyone would be there.

Having this many named characters gathered makes it difficult to read novel-wise, but it’s also a spectacular sight that may never be seen again. What a blessing.

Each and every one of them has great visuals. This is such a sight for sore eyes as a Fairy Savers fan.

However, this is not a good situation for the Savers.

Keter, just staring at me in silence, his true intentions unable to be seen.

Chokmah, with a displeased aura at full throttle, radiating the urge to kill and looking like he’s about to attack at any moment.

The handsome Binah, stepping forward as if to obstruct Keter’s gaze, showing me her reliable back.

Chesed, perched on Mea-chan’s shoulder in the form of a small bird, waiting for the right moment to speak.

Gevurah, not as much as Chokmah but still giving a strict, scrutinizing gaze.

Hod, standing by and watching with arms folded.

Malkuth, shifting her eyes between Keter and the Savers, looking uneasy.

…Yeah, just by looking at their expressions, I can guess each of their stances regarding us.

The archangels we’ve met so far in this world don’t seem eager to come forward, but the three we haven’t encountered before seem to harbor intense hatred toward humans. At least that makes things easy to understand.

But one thing they all have in common was that they were all shocked to see the small black bird on Mea-chan’s shoulder.

Malkuth knew about it, but the others, well, of course, they’d be surprised. A comrade they thought was dead had come back to life, turned into a black bird.

『Hmm… So the name of Mercy has really been revived.』

Gevurah muttered, stroking his thick beard with a deeply intrigued expression.

The one who coolly responded to those words with『It’s not surprising,』was the armored Archangel Hod, who was giving me a glance with a know-it-all attitude. I’m really not good with the guy. I like him, though. He’s a knowledgeable, well-informed character, which overlaps with my own, so I wish he’d restrain himself a bit. I like him, though.

The perpetrator who arrived at this miraculous resurrection, the Angel of Mercy, Chesed, replied,

『Thanks to the humans you all hate, along with Malkuth and Eight-sama. My form may have changed a little, but as you can see, I’ve been resurrected.』

『At this point… you still side with the humans? Hmph… It seems idiots can’t be cured even if they die.』

『Chokmah, not all humans are evil. That’s why I can’t approve of your methods.』

『How foolish… Even after taking on such a pitiful form, what are you still prattling about!?』

Grr… Don’t call him pitiful! He’s cute!

When Chokmah saw Merciful Chesed-kun, who was currently in energy-saving mode, he showered him with his bitter impressions, which offended me internally.

His vessel, "Merciful Phoenix," may be weak compared to his original self, but he was still my greatest masterpiece.

As the creator, I couldn't accept being ridiculed like that, ignoring the circumstances.

But at that moment, there was someone even more irritated than me.

『…Chokmah… Are you dissatisfied with the vessel Daat made?』

『My King!?』

Unexpected!

It was actually Keter who admonished him. No, if anything, he’s probably the kind of character who would be the first to give a candid advice to Chesed. This was a misinterpretation.

As if saying, What was with the lack of expression just moments ago? the "King" of the Sefirot openly displayed his displeasure toward Chokmah's attitude.

Seeing Chokmah have the ladder pulled from under him* was somewhat amusing, and I felt satisfied. (tl note: idiom meaning “something that causes one to be isolated from their peers”)

What, Keter is actually a good guy!

While my eyes widened at this unexpected side of him and inner thoughts were somewhere else, Keter turned to face En’s group for the first time.

And then, he spoke unexpected words.

『Human visitors, first of all, I thank you for protecting this town.』

“!?”

This final boss just said thank you like normal.

Eh? You’re quite admirable, aren’t you? Just like a king, not, what’s wrong with you?

In the anime Fairy Savers, he felt like a character whose entire thought process is on a different dimension, making it hard to understand him… But in the new ∞, has he become a bit milder to fit the times? I personally don’t like relatable character modifications in remakes.

...But if we’re confronting this as a real world situation, then, this version is certainly a lot more convenient.

Similarly, the honorable Savers were also surprised by Keter’s words.

“Y-yeah…”

“That’s unexpected… He seems more sensible than I heard from the rumors…”

En and the others, not expecting to be properly thanked by the leader of the hostile forces, were feeling very bewildered.

Even I was surprised, so they must have been even more so. Ah, but Malkuth alone looked relieved. You’re really bad at hiding your emotions, aren’t you? …I’ll forgive you because you’re cute, though.

…But if Keter is a king that’s open to discussions, unlike in the original work, then maybe we can communicate without relying on Ein Sof as a mediator at this point in time? Eight-chan is suspicious.

Hmm.

If things go that way, it wouldn’t be exciting story-wise, but if everything can be resolved peacefully, then maybe I’ll just watch over. I like uproars, but it’s not like I want to cause them.

Eh, you're asking why I’m not persuading him personally?　

Well... I thought now wasn't the time yet.

It felt wrong for me to intrude on the place where the original work’s protagonist group are. That’s the way of the original protagonist.

──Therefore, leader, I leave this to you!

When I made eye contact with Akatsuki En, the protagonist of the original work, he gave a firm nod and stepped forward.

But when Keter saw that, he shot him a glare for some reason. Did he, get a little angry just now?

Since he’s a usually expressionless man, even a slight change really stands out.

I could only tilt my head in confusion toward this mysterious reaction from one of the Ten Archangels of Sefirot, .

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