NOVEL NEXT ch13 - Look up at the night sky
13: Look up at the night sky
The meal for the two of them was already finished.
Pure raw meat. Fenrir had gnawed on the whole reindeer, claiming his mouth was washed in a winter river. Graya, in his human form, had eaten the raw meat that was cut off.
“Do you want some dessert? Let’s make a tree!”
I planted the pearls I had earlier into the ground. Although we’re in a cave, the floor was covered with soft, blue-green grass. The pearls quickly grew into a small bush. I picked some round fruit and handed them to Fenrir and Graya.
“Such an extraordinary feat…”
We all enjoyed the fruit together, and it was three times as delicious. The fruit tasted like fresh green apples, just as I hoped! It was perfect for cleansing the rich, oily taste of the meat.
I thought about brushing my teeth, but there wasn’t a toothbrush around. At least I would rinse my mouth later.
“I’m so full I could fall asleep~”
“Again?”
“Just kidding. Oh, Graya’s face looks scary. Since I slept so deeply earlier, now I’m wide awake.”
With wide-open eyes, I drew attention to myself, and Grea stared back, saying “Royal Blue Sapphire.” I felt a bit embarrassed, but I understood. I really like the appearance that Fenrir’s magic helped me achieve. It’s no wonder Grea enjoys looking at me—after all, I’m a fan of Fenrir too.
＜It’s a perfect moment. El, if you’re not sleepy, would you like to take a walk? It’s night now＞
“…I’ve been asleep that long!?”
＜You looked so comfortable, I didn’t want to wake you＞
“Well, that’s because! Fenrir’s fur is just amazing!”
Fenrir nodded contentedly. I stood up, feeling a bit cold when separated from the warmth. The clothes have thermal properties, but I miss the warmth and fluffiness. As Fenrir started walking slowly, I stayed close, careful not to bump into his powerful legs. Wow, those claws are impressive! Oh, I saw the pads for a moment… I definitely want to touch them later!
As I switched between serious expressions while looking at the claws and grinning at the pads, Fenrir’s back shivered. He’s quite a laugh-loving beast, isn’t he?
＜Look at the sky＞
“…!!”
I was left speechless. The starlight scattered across the night sky was so beautiful. I don’t think I would have ever seen such a sight if I had lived in Japan.
＜Isn’t it beautiful?＞
I nodded silently. If I opened my mouth now, I’d probably only produce silly exclamations. The quiet silence was pleasant.
There are so many stars, but the constellations are completely different from those on Earth, so I can’t recognize any. …Maybe I could just make some up.
Looking up at the night sky, I moved my fingers and connected the stars in my mind. I chose the stars that shone the brightest… Oh, I did it.
“Fenrir Constellation”
＜What’s that?＞
“I tried connecting the stars to see if they would form a shape. It turned out to be the shape of Grea, the unicorn. The stars have a purple hue, so it looks nice. Don’t you know about constellations?”
＜I don’t know＞
“It’s like drawing pictures in the night sky?”
“Your explanation is terrible”
“As usual, it’s awful. Geez”
Oh, right. I created a thin ice window in front of them. Their eyes widened. Impressive? Thank you!
Through the window, I was looking at the stars, so I froze the space between the stars, creating thin lines. I drew on the ice canvas and said, “Ta-da! The Fenrir Constellation and Unicorn Grea Constellation are complete! How’s that?”
＜Excellent＞
Being praised so enthusiastically by them made me blush. Feeling encouraged, I decided to create more constellations: Snowman Constellation, Squirrel Constellation, Tree Constellation…
Fenrir also started creating an ice window, following my lead. As expected, Fenrir seems to be much better at using magic as long as he has an idea.
We enjoyed making constellations, and Grea, who was watching, seemed to be recording them in his mind. He said he would later write them down on paper. As Fenrir’s assistant, it’s clear that he’s very smart.
Fenrir listened carefully.
＜I don’t hear any trouble in the forest. Let’s head back to the cave we were in earlier＞
“Okay”
Since we were enjoying ourselves, I decided to walk back through the night without riding on Grea. I thought my feet would sink into the new snow, but since it was snow I had summoned, it was slightly compressed and supported my weight gently. It was easy to walk.
The moonlight reflected off the pure white snow, providing a faint illumination. Also, it seemed that my eyesight had improved since becoming a demi-human.
ーーThings have really changed.
My appearance, the environment, and even the world itself… Come to think of it, my name has changed too. It’s quite a nostalgic feeling.
Caught up in the mood, I suddenly remembered that I had called winter just now. Transferring to another world, becoming a Fenrir, having a beloved daughter, using magic to call winter, and patrolling the snowy mountains. Isn’t that a lot?
We returned to the cave.
It was a pleasant temperature inside, likely thanks to the igloo effect. Although grass was growing, there were no animals around, and it was very quiet. I was looking forward to sleeping soon!
Suddenly…
ーーBeep beep beep beep beep beep beep beep echoed through the cave.
ーーMy heart started pounding.
This… Could it be?
Instinctively, I frantically rummaged through my bag.
【Incoming Call: Company】
ーーーーーーWhat!?
Blood drained from my head, and my body started shaking uncontrollably. Am I being reprimanded for unauthorized absence? But I got fired from the company. And this isn’t even Japan—why is this happening!?
…After a while of silently clutching my phone, the ringtone stopped.
It was so quiet that it was almost painful to my ears. I was sweating uncomfortably. Fine pearls scattered across the floor.