Inside the most opulent house in Fairy Tale Town, the flower fairy's explanation had given everyone a general understanding of the island's dire situation. Once, only residents of Fairy Tale Town had lived there. Then, out of nowhere, a giant appeared, seemingly having climbed a massive green vine. With no intention of leaving, the giant decided to build his own castle and force the residents of Fairy Tale Town to make him their king.
Fortunately, Fairy Tale Town had a flower fairy with a magical harp. Her powerful magic repeatedly repelled the invading giant. Frustrated, the giant tried every possible method to steal the flower fairy's harp. One day, the fairy went out for a stroll, and when she returned, the harp was simply gone. Given the giant's size—over thirty meters tall—he couldn't have stolen it unnoticed. Thus, she suspected that he had bribed a resident of Fairy Tale Town. After the flower fairy lost her harp, the giant grew increasingly audacious, appearing intermittently to rob the town's residents and even seizing the goose that laid golden eggs. Yes, the goose was also a resident of Fairy Tale Town.
But the giant's actions always stopped short of outright violence. He wanted to force the residents to worship him as king, and what was a king without his people? He also dared not kill indiscriminately, lest he cross the flower fairy's bottom line and incur her wrath. Though not necessarily fatal, the consequences would certainly be unpleasant.
...
"Alas, that damn guy has been getting more and more presumptuous lately." The flower fairy flew down to perch on a potted plant, swinging her legs dejectedly. "He not only declared everyone in Fairy Tale Town his citizens, but he also has designs on me!"
Tom considered the thirty-meter giant, then glanced at the flower fairy's diminutive form, barely twenty centimeters tall. Was he seriously considering her?
"Hey! I can sense you're thinking something inappropriate!" The flower fairy's little face flushed. "I know exactly what you're thinking. Yes, a perfect woman like me is very attractive! But he just wants me to be his court musician and sing for him!"
"And even if he did have those kinds of ideas, he knows it's impossible!" The flower fairy glanced at Tom. "At least, he can't do it with me!"
For some reason, Cassandra and the others suddenly felt annoyed with the flower fairy. Was this Snow White wannabe trying to tempt Tom again? Cassandra looked at the flower fairy's petite size. No, she's not threatening at all.
"Eh! Though that annoying big guy doesn't deserve it..." The flower fairy flew to Tom. "If you can help me steal back the harp, I'll be your exclusive musician. I sing and play the piano very well!"
As she spoke, she felt several unpleasant gazes fall upon her, sending a chill down her spine.
This little witch is really eager to promote herself, isn't she?
Though no one voiced the thought, the flower fairy felt as if she had heard it. She knew Tom was strong—though she didn't know how strong—certainly much stronger than she was with the harp. So, she was confident he could help her retrieve it, and she meant what she said about being his musician.
...
Tom didn't answer immediately; he was considering his options. The harp must be taken, and whether to return it was another matter entirely. He suspected the harp might be a quest item. "Yes, but I don't need a musician. Is there some other reward?" Since they were both "promising" each other things, Tom saw no reason not to get what he could.
"No…" The flower fairy looked unhappy. "Okay, then, take these!" She extended her hand and sprinkled glittering dust.
Tom produced a small bottle, and all the dust flew into it.
[Item: Flower Fairy's Dust]
[Quality: Excellent]
[Function 1: Can be used to confuse the enemy]
[Function 2: Can be used to refine potions]
[Introduction: Special materials from the magical creature flower fairy. The quality is not outstanding, but it is absolutely rare. It may be used to refine some special items.]
"Sorry, I have nothing else but these." The flower fairy seemed to realize her offering was inadequate. "You're clearly not interested in ordinary things; your magic is stronger than mine, and you probably look down on my spells… But I'll compensate you!"
"Magic?" Tom perked up, ignoring her talk of "compensation." "That's it, just teach me your magic."
The flower fairy fell silent. She had been wondering if Tom would make some "excessive demands" and how she would respond. But… the tables have turned.
Cassandra and the others nodded in sympathy. Hateful Tom, always pushing things too far!
"What? Can't you?" Tom frowned slightly. Did she expect him to help for free?
"Yes!" The flower fairy gritted her teeth. "Of course!"
"Good. Teach me first, then I'll help you get the harp back."
"No! You have to help me get the harp back before I teach you any magic." As if finding a way to retaliate, the flower fairy looked smug.
Tom thought for a moment. "Then teach me half first. I'll bring back the harp, and then you teach me the other half."
"Deal!" This time, the flower fairy didn't hesitate. It's something for nothing, anyway.
Tom prepared to leave Fairy Tale Town and confront the giant. But before he could even step out of the house, a blue-and-white bird flew in through the window. "Lord Flower Fairy! I just saw an unknown human in the forest!"
"Someone else climbed up?"
"Who? Jack?" Harry and Malfoy speculated in hushed tones. Whoever climbed the vine, it could only be Jack.
The flower fairy didn't react. "Humans are humans; what's the fuss? Aren't these guests also human?"
The bird's tone became more urgent. "No! He ran into a passing giant and was captured!"
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