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(Fate) Chapter 275: The Trickster Finally Becomes the Trick (2.5k words)
🕑 Added 2025-01-30 20:15:30 +0000 UTCThat night, Vivian confirmed something,
Promise was indeed mysterious.
And he truly was dazzling.
Like a shooting star streaking across the dark night sky, drawing all eyes to it until the moment it finally fell.
"I think I finally understand why the gods care so much about you... If it’s you, you might even be able to quell the wrath of the god Cernunnos."
Bathed in moonlight and the soft glow of the lantern, Vivian couldn't help but sigh as she gazed at Promise.
Cernunnos
He was the deity who had been slain by the Six Primordial Fairies.
His flesh had become the very foundation of this Lostbelt’s Britain.
He originated from Celtic mythology, belonging to the same mythological lineage as King Arthur and Cu Chulainn, the Child of Light of Ireland.
He was a nature god—the son of the earth mother goddess Danu.
In the early days, he presided over nature, the sun, death, rebirth, and fertility, so overall, he was a crucial deity in early Celtic myths.
The reason this god had first appeared before the Six Fairies of Original Sin was because he wished to guide them, to make them understand their mistakes and correct them, restoring the proper flow of history.
But in the end, they poisoned him and took his life.
Afterward, a curse descended upon Fairy Britain, endlessly killing fairy after fairy.
The source of that curse?
It was none other than Cernunnos himself.
However, even though he was murdered by poison, this benevolent god had never been angry about his own death.
What truly enraged him and the reason he unleashed his curse upon all fairies, was the death of the priestess who had accompanied him.
This world held no true humans.
The so-called “humans” here were nothing more than constructs, created by the Six Fairies using the priestess’s corpse as raw material after they had murdered her.
Because she came from the Inner Sea of the Stars, Vivian knew the truth.
That’s why she believed Promise might truly be able to gain the god’s forgiveness.
After all, he was a real human.
And on top of that, he was deeply cherished by the gods themselves.
Upon hearing this, Promise simply smiled and gave Vivian his answer:
"I hope so. And I would be honored to help that kind-hearted god... to finally rest in peace."
Vivian listened to Promise’s words, watching the gentle smile on his face, his clear emerald eyes reflecting the light.
"I think... the future me must have very complicated feelings about you.
She must want to thank you... but at the same time, she must fear you."
Vivian suddenly spoke.
After all, she would be grateful for everything Promise had done.
Yet, she would also fear that he would rewrite everything.
"Compared to her, I think I actually have it much easier."
Vivian chuckled as she said this, standing up and walking toward Promise before her bright eyes stared directly into his.
"Because I have yet to experience everything she has. I am not as strong as the future me.
In fact... I’ve been wavering all this time."
Ever since she received the knowledge from Morgan of Proper Human History, she had been trapped in fear and confusion.
After all, right now, she was still a fairy who had never experienced hardship.
She had been raised in kindness, carrying dreams of a fairy-tale kingdom within her heart.
"That’s why... I can’t refuse you.
Besides, you’ve already proven to me that fate isn’t set in stone—it can change.
And when it does... it can become something truly beautiful."
As she spoke, Vivian turned her head, gazing out the library window at the Land of Rain, bathed in moonlight.
This place, to her, was the most beautiful and warmest place in the world.
Then, she looked back at Promise once more.
And, just like before, she extended her hand toward him.
"So, please... lead this lost and confused me forward once again.
I will fulfill my mission.
And I believe—the future you have shown me... will be just as beautiful as this moment."
Upon hearing this, Promise reached out and took her hand once again.
"Then let’s go together... and once more, humiliate the goddess of fate!"
Vivian grinned mischievously.
"Let’s make her witness everything!"
The moment her words fell—
"Alright. I will bear witness."
A calm, melodious voice echoed.
Like a perfectly crafted doll, delicate and flawless—yet just as emotionless, showing neither joy nor sorrow, Clotho, the Goddess of Fate, appeared before them and Promise couldn't help but cover his face.
The moment he heard Vivian’s words, he knew something was wrong but he didn’t have time to stop her and this girl just spoke whatever.
Vivian, on the other hand, blinked in confusion at the sudden appearance of the girl before her.
And then... she felt a divine presence radiating from her.
…Wait. Who is this?
Vivian’s expression stiffened as she turned to Promise for answers.
The gave a slightly awkward smile.
"She’s the most adorable person in the world.
Oh, and also... her profession happens to be ‘goddess.’
She’s the Goddess of Fate who weaves the threads of the future."
Vivian: …Wait, what?!
Well, Clotho was the most adorable goddess to ever exist and since he had humilated her many time, Promise could speak these words without hesitation..but that was Promise.
As for others.
Some Time Later…
Outside the Library, Under the Moonlit Paths of the Fairy Kingdom
A short distance away, Merry, with her white hair and violet eyes gleaming under the moonlight, was laughing so hard she could barely breathe.
She clutched her stomach, her laughter so uncontrollable that it hurt as she rested a hand on Promise’s shoulder for support.
Because right now, not far from them, Vivian was circling Clotho repeatedly, desperately trying to apologize for her earlier offense.
After all, not many people in history could say they had blatantly insulted a goddess with such confidence—
Except for Promise.
To Merlin, this scene was hilarious.
After all, this girl Vivian, was still Morgan at her core.
"Stop laughing."
Promise shot Merry a sidelong glance.
Since he already knew she was just like Hermes, someone who thrived on causing trouble, he unconsciously spoke to her the same way he did with Hermes.
As he asked with a hint of irritation, "How’s the task I gave you going?"
"You mean meeting this world’s Artoria?"
Merry barely managed to suppress her laughter and, after steadying her breathing, smiled at Promise.
"I’ve already seen her.
But... there’s something nasty by her side."
"Something nasty...?"
Promise thought for a moment before giving his answer.
"You mean the ‘Abyss Worm’?
The final catastrophe mechanism created by Britain—
Oberon Vortigern?"
The moment he said those words, Merry’s expression stiffened.
But after looking at Promise’s face for a second, she realized she shouldn’t be surprised.
After all, the man before her was the beloved of countless deities—
The follower of Athena,
The cherished one of Hera,
The favored of Themis,
And the one who always had the Goddess of Fate by his side.
It only made sense that he would know everything.
So, nodding, Merry sighed.
"Yeah, that’s him.
When I met Artoria, I almost got discovered because of that thing.
Good thing I ran fast..."
Then, narrowing her eyes in curiosity, she asked, "Speaking of which, what’s your plan?"
As she spoke, Meili blinked her eyes and curiously asked,
"This side is actually easy.
Vivian and that Dragon Fairy have already become your companions.
And in addition to this, the god’s curse is far weaker than it will be in 2,000 years, so this isn’t the hardest part.
But what about Morgan’s era?
The one where she’s already Queen?"
"She won’t be as easy to fool as this little girl here.
Not to mention the Fairy Knights under her command, that Oberon, and the god overflowing with curses...
How exactly do you plan to handle them?"
Then, before Promise could answer, Merry suddenly clapped her hands together as if realizing something.
"Ah, you know what?
Never mind. It’s not my problem.
Anyway, all you have to do is whip out your paintbrush or just throw a painting, and with a few strokes, everything will be solved!"
"Ahh, truly... coming here was worth it!
I even get to see the legendary ‘Greek God of Painting’ paint in real time!"
Merry grinned as she spoke.
But then...
She suddenly noticed the way Promise was looking at her.
That awkward, yet polite, smile.
Seeing this, her laughter died down and expression twisted slightly.
"…What’s with that look?"
Merry tilted her head in confusion.
Promise thought for a moment, then subtly leaned closer to her.
"Miss Merry, you heard what I just told Vivian, didn't you?"
"This time around, my goal is to accompany the fairies from Paradise on their pilgrimage.
And in the Inner Sea of the Stars, I will forge the Star Holy Sword.
Through that... I will ascend to the Throne of Heroes."
Merry nodded.
Of course, she had heard him.
Promise leaned in even closer.
His voice dropped slightly, as if he was sharing a secret.
"So, you see... those paintings and brushes you mentioned?"
"I—probably, most likely... actually can't use them at all."
The moment he said that, he was already right beside Merry.
"…Can't use them?"
Merry didn’t fully process his words at first, instinctively repeating them.
"What do you mean you can’t—"
Then...
She noticed something.
Promise had already grabbed her wrist.
And...
He was still smiling that warm and polite smile.
At that moment, Merry's instincts screamed at her that something wasn’t right.
Promise gently blinked, facing her narrowing, scrutinizing gaze, and said with innocence written all over his face
"Simply put…
I’m not exactly the same Promise from the Age of Gods."
"I’m Promise of Fairy Britain!"
Merry froze as she lowered her head slightly, deep in thought.
A long silence followed.
Then, finally, she lifted her gaze, giving Promise a very strange look.
"Wait… don’t tell me...This ‘Promise of Fairy Britain’ you're talking about—he’s just as weak as your current disguise, isn’t he?
No magic circuits, no mana… and his body is as fragile as a flower?"
"Mmm..."
Promise tilted his head thoughtfully.
Then, he flashed a bright, cheerful smile.
"Thanks for the compliment!"
WHO'S COMPLIMENTING YOU?!
Merry gasped, her eyes widening as the realization hit her.
And then—
Everything clicked in her mind.
She finally understood why Clotho, the Goddess of Fate, had gone so far as to leave the temple of destiny just to accompany Promise.
It wasn’t just because she cared about him...
She was worried sick about him!
No..
Wait.
Hold on.
Hold on a second.
Something worse just came to mind.
"Wait a second!"
Mary suddenly thought of some very bad things, and looked at Promise, who had now reached out and was grabbing her smiling face..
Her cheeks twitched...
Her eye twitched.
Her entire existence twitched.
"Since that's the case... can I ask something?
In your plan... exactly who is supposed to deal with the Lostbelt King, the Fairy Knights, Oberon, and the Cursed God?"
Merry took a deep breath.
"I assume you are reluctant to send the Goddess of Fate into battle.
Besides, she doesn't know how to fight.
So..."
She slowly raised her hand and pointed at herself.
"...Don't tell me.
You’re planning to send ME?!""
In response, Promise didn’t answer immediately.
He simply smiled and tightened his grip on Merry’s hand.
"…No way.
No way no way no way NO WAY.
I’M OUT!"
The moment she fully processed what was happening, Merry almost leaped out of her skin.
She spun around, wanting to run, but found that Promise was holding onto her tightly.
Though with her strength, she could easily break free with a bit of effort…
She also couldn’t guarantee that she wouldn’t accidentally hurt Promise in the process, so, she didn't dare to act rashly for the time being..
"Promise, let me go!" Merry shouted.
"Nope!" Promise shouted back.
"If I let you go, who's supposed to do it?!
Surely you don’t expect the lovely goddess Clotho to take the battlefield?"
"Why are you grabbing ME?!
I only came to watch and have fun! I didn't say that I want to become the fun!
And you—
You're really okay with this?!
Watching someone as cute and beautiful as me getting caught by them, thrown to the ground, and… utterly ravaged?!"
As she spoke, Merry tilted her head slightly and gazed up at him with teary, pitiful eyes.
A classic damsel-in-distress look.
…Unfortunately, it didn’t work.
Promise remained completely calm.
Then, he smiled gently and nodded.
"Of course...I'd be totally okay with that."
"YOU BASTARD—!!"
Merry glared at him fiercely, then rolled her eyes before she suddenly grinned.
Not a playful grin.
Not a frustrated grin.
But a full-fledged, seductive grin.
Then—
She didn’t try to run anymore.
Instead, she leaned closer.
Pressing against Promise.
Her breath was warm against his skin as she whispered:
"Oh, my dear hero… How about this?
I’ll stay with you.
Not just for one night—
For many nights.
I’ll give you everything I have—make you lose yourself in pleasure…
And in exchange, you just let me go."
As she spoke, Merry fluttered her lashes, flashing him a tempting look.
Promise blinked..well looking at her seductive look, although he didn't buy it but he smiled.
A playful, knowing smile.
Then, in full view of Merry’s slightly surprised expression—
He actually nodded.
"Alright, how can I refuse such a good thing? But... tell me, beautiful fairy of Avalon…
Are you ready to face a precision strike from the Goddess of Wisdom?
And the divine wrath of all the other goddesses watching me?"
Merry’s body stiffened as her face turned pale again.
For a full five seconds, she didn’t move.
Then..
"…You know what?
Maybe fighting Morgan isn't such a bad idea after all."
Her face fell into utter defeat.
Her entire posture slumped.
Seeing the expression on her face as if her last hope was shattered, Promise thought for a while and simply smiled before speaking.
"Merry…
Let me warn you now.
If you try to slip away the moment I’m distracted—
Or worse…
If you even THINK about selling me out to future Morgan…
I swear…
Your name is going on my Grudge Log
And it will be at the very first page of it."
"And at that point—"
"Let alone escaping into the Inner Sea of Stars even if you fled into another parallel world, it wouldn't matter.
I would still find you."
Promise glanced sideways at Merry as her expression froze..
"Hahaha…"She laughed dryly, turned her head away, and said without daring to look him in the eye: "Oh, Promise, you silly guy!
What are you even talking about?
We’re friends!
Why would I ever betray you?
Hahaha…"
"…Damn it."
Merry looked depressed.
At last, she accepted her fate.
She finally understood that she was fooled by Promise.
She wasn’t the one who had found the fun.
She had BECOME the fun.
