Collector’s Cage - Chapter 20

With a blank expression, his impression was sharp as a blade. But the face he showed Hermie was very different. Flushed like a drunkard, his eyes soft and unfocused, his expression dazed.
Looking at his foolish face, Hermie was gradually letting go of her worry and tension.

‘Rumors really aren’t to be trusted, after all.’

That he was so heartless he kicked his own family out with nothing? That he was so principled he once reported an acquaintance? That he was such a cold-blooded perfectionist he wouldn’t keep people close?

To Hermie, none of that seemed true. How could someone so soft and gentle, who was beside himself trying to take care of her, who was no bigger than his palm, possibly have done such things? It seemed she could afford to loosen her guard a little.

But that was enough for today.

Not being greedy, Hermie was satisfied with their brief interaction and turned her back.
Watching Hermie’s back as she slipped into her hideout house, Froy let out a disappointed sigh.

“Hermie. Don’t you want more cookies? This one is delicious?”

With a regretful heart, he kept calling her name, trying to tempt her, but there was no sign of her peeking out. After staring at the cage for a long time, Froy turned away with a disappointed expression.

‘Does he think a fairy would be that easy?’

Hermie, who had by now synchronized with the fairy persona, snorted to herself.

Touching a finger, nodding her head. What action should she show next? Hermie pondered while eating her cookie.
Even in the evening, she was eating her meal before his hand, not just taking the cookie and retreating. Should she look at Froy and try giving a look asking for more? Just as she was about to…

His finger moved. And then, he tapped the top of Hermie’s head.

“Eek!!”

Startled, Hermie immediately scampered away. From inside the hideout house, she peeked out just her head and glared up at Froy. Just what were you trying to do to me?! her eyes screamed.

“I wasn’t trying to hurt you. The top of your head was just so cute I gave it a little touch. Don’t be too startled.”

Froy hurriedly made excuses, trying to calm Hermie down.

But it fell far short of soothing Hermie’s ruffled nerves, who felt like her heart had dropped. Hermie glared at Froy with a reproachful look and opened her mouth.

“You idiot!”

Then she hid back in the hideout house. It was a small voice, but Froy heard her shout clearly.

Good heavens, she could be this cute.

Froy stood frozen for a long time, stunned by the shocking level of cuteness.

The fact that she had called him an idiot meant absolutely nothing. The only thing that mattered was that Hermie had spoken to him for the first time.

‘She talks, too.’

The fact that Hermie spoke human language so well was surprising, and it ignited a thirst to see the fairy chattering away as soon as possible.

When would she open her heart? Froy, looking forward to the day Hermie would open up, lay down in bed with a happy face.

Lately, he felt good before falling asleep. His face always wore a smile as he looked at Hermie before lying down in bed.

He rarely slept well due to insomnia, but listening to the rustling sounds from the cage, he would find himself falling into a deep sleep.

To think a single warmth transmitted from that tiny creature could allow him to end his day so peacefully. It was nothing short of a miracle.

A small miracle bestowed upon his utterly dry life like a gift.

***

Seeing Froy, who only giggled even after being scolded, Hermie grew bolder than before.

‘It’s okay to do anything, right?’

Not only was he firmly convinced she was a fairy, but he was clearly deeply infatuated with the very idea of fairies.

Considering his actions one by one, there was an element of utmost sincerity that went beyond a mere collector’s greed.

So, Hermie relaxed and acted like a real fairy, melting Froy’s heart in the process. First, acting like the sensitive fairy she was, she went on a hunger strike.