The Mirror Clan were fairies born with the purpose of "serving and protecting." Because of that purpose, every Mirror Fairy possessed the ability to see the future. They could weave the futures they glimpsed into poems and prophecies—a gift so extraordinary that, among all fairies of the Fairy Kingdom, it stood far beyond comparison.
To Shiomi, this ability was something like a fairy's version of Gilgamesh's Clairvoyance.
However, unlike the King of Heroes' power, theirs carried a curse: once a fate was confirmed, no matter how tragic the outcome, it could never be changed.
"So that's why," Shiomi said, "even though you foresaw the Rain Clan's annihilation, you—who were once close allies of theirs—chose not to warn them, and simply watched their destruction unfold?"
When Shiomi and Aesc reached the northern lake district where the Mirror Clan lived, they were received personally by the clan's chief. After explaining the nature of the Mirror Clan, the chief was met with Shiomi's sharp question.
As rumors claimed, the Mirror Clan were peaceful fairies, much like the Rain Clan had been. Even knowing of the two visitors' arrival beforehand, thanks to their foresight, they made no unusual move.
"Such is the way of prophecy," said Ainsel, the Mirror Clan's chieftain—a girl in appearance, but carrying an air far older than her years. "There were fairies in our clan who once tried to fight against fate. But even the previous chieftain, who wielded power on par with Sub-Bell, could not resist destiny. To survive the great calamity that strikes once every thousand years—that alone was the limit of what we could do."
Her tone sounded calm and detached, yet beneath it lingered a quiet helplessness. The Mirror Clan had witnessed countless tragedies and wars between the fairies of Britain, powerless to intervene. They had long since abandoned futile struggles.
"How convenient," Shiomi said with a sneer.
"In truth, Sage from foreign lands, you have already experienced this for yourself," Ainsel replied as they walked. "Even after giving your all, all you achieved was ensuring that the united armies of the four clans perished alongside the Rain Clan. That, too, is an unchangeable fate."
Shiomi suddenly stopped. "From the way you speak, you clearly know who Aesc is—and that we are deeply connected to the Rain Clan, don't you?"
"More than that," Ainsel said calmly, "we also know that the fairies from the Garden of Paradise have come here, intending to ring the Pilgrim's Bell."
Even sensing Shiomi's hostility, Ainsel remained composed, continuing to lead the two toward the Bell Hall.
"Once the Pilgrim's Bell kept by the Mirror Clan is struck, its sound will echo across Britain again," Aesc said. "And you may share the same fate as the Rain Clan. Does that truly not concern you?"
"There is no prophecy of destruction," Ainsel replied without hesitation. "The other clans still don't understand what the Pilgrim's Bell truly signifies. So no matter what the two of you do, it makes no difference to the Mirror Clan."
Shiomi halted again, his mana surging violently, on the verge of turning into destructive Magecraft.
"Is that so? Then if I were to destroy your Mirror Clan right here, that would also make no difference?"
"Tenkei?" Aesc cried out. "The Mirror Clan hasn't done anything wrong! There's no reason to—!"
"They have the power to see the future," Shiomi said coldly, "yet they've stood by and watched every disaster in Britain unfold, justifying their inaction with 'fate cannot be changed.' If we were to accuse them of the crime of indifference, wouldn't that be perfectly fitting, Aesc?"
"...Even so..."
Aesc knew she could stop Shiomi, could stand before him and protect the Mirror Clan. But—
"Do as you wish," Ainsel said slowly. "If the destruction of the Mirror Clan today is our fate, then for fairies blessed with foresight to have failed to foresee it—our end is only natural. In any case, such destruction would be preferable to endless, unending calamity."
Compared to the terror of annihilation, release from centuries of suffering almost seemed merciful. That had always been the Mirror Clan's way—and what Ethel expressed now was precisely that conviction.
"That's pretty pessimistic. Is that the price of seeing the future?" Shiomi stopped channeling his Mana and gave Aesc an apologetic smile. "I was just joking. Did I scare you?"
"Not scared—just not quite in agreement." Aesc shook her head.
She could see it clearly: Shiomi's words were half true, half false. They could easily become reality in the next instant or fade away as an unfunny joke.
It was her first time witnessing words balanced on such a delicate edge—truth and lies layered atop each other. Without her Fairy Eyes, she might have believed him completely.
"That's how fate works. Just like the inevitable bond between you and the Witch," Ainsel's voice remained low and calm, as if none of it concerned him. "Besides, if you truly meant to destroy our Mirror Clan, you wouldn't have intervened in Mors's calamity when you arrived at this lake district."
Shiomi turned to Aesc with a wry smile. "So, to the fairies of Britannia, we're such kind and convenient beings?"
"...That's not exactly it," Aesc said with a hint of helplessness.
Fairies were fairies, and calamities were calamities.
If a disaster threatened the Mirror Clan and would hinder their future plans, then it was necessary to act. Even if that ended up benefiting the clan, Aesc didn't think much of it. That was all there was to it.
"Up ahead lies the Pilgrim's Bell safeguarded by our Mirror Clan," Ainsel said, pointing toward the bell hall in the distance. "It is the Bone Bell formed from the remains of our ancestor Sub-Bell, thousands of years ago. Though it suffered through many upheavals, it has remained preserved to this day."
Unlike the Rain Clan's bell hall, this one was perfectly maintained, showing no signs of ruin.
Shiomi thought that the other clans' Pilgrim's Bells must be much the same.
"Before that, I'd like to ask something of the Mirror Clan, who possess the gift of prophecy," Shiomi said, halting his steps. "About Britannia's history—about the myths of creation—does your clan have any records?"
Ainsel looked somewhat surprised at the question.
"There are no written records, but the myths of creation have been passed down through generations in our clan as oral songs. If the Sage and the Witch wish to hear them, I can recount them to you both."
"That would be most welcome."
Aesc nodded.
...
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