NOVEL NEXT ch14 - Incoming Call
14: Incoming Call
＜What’s that, El?＞
I jolted at Fenrir’s voice.
“…It’s a smartphone. It can do various things. Take photos, play music—it’s quite handy.”
＜What about the sound earlier?＞
“…It was a phone call…”
Yeah, of course. If it was that obvious, it would be concerning.
＜What’s a phone call?＞
“…It’s a form of communication. It lets you talk to people who are far away…”
＜From where? From whom?＞
My throat tightened, and I struggled to find words. It felt like being abruptly woken from a beautiful dream. The words that I couldn’t express felt like they were wreaking havoc inside me. I felt suddenly unwell. Ugh, it’s making me feel sick…
＜Graya＞
“Understood.”
…
Graya, called by Fenrir, sat down next to me.
“Give me your hand.”
Confused, I took Graya’s hand, which was then guided to their forehead. Oh, is that where the unicorn’s horn is?
I felt a gentle, pure magic flowing through me. It felt like I was being cleansed of something bad… It’s so comforting… Graya, you’re amazing.
“Your complexion has returned to normal.”
“Thank you.”
Graya let out a small sigh and removed their hand from my forehead. However, we continued to hold hands, and I was still being gradually cleansed. I must be causing them concern.
“…Um, the call was from the company…”
The voice I managed to squeeze out was very small. Oh no! This isn’t how it was supposed to go…
But both of them twitched their beast ears and seemed to be listening carefully. Oh, I need to explain about the company…
…
＜Is it hell that’s tormenting El?＞
Wait, do you know about this?
I mean, Fenrir’s voice is so ominous, it sounds like it’s coming from the gates of hell! I’ve never heard Fenrir’s voice this low before…
Seeing my beast ears bristle in alarm, Fenrir cleared his throat with a “whoops.”
＜Let me borrow that item.＞
“Fenrir… your claws… they’re really out and… glittering…”
Oh, he clicked his tongue. It seems like he definitely intended to crush the smartphone. He’s quite worked up.
I… gazed at the smartphone in my hand, hesitating. Why?
Even though it’s no longer necessary for life here. I can’t bring myself to hand it over. It’s connected to something unpleasant…
A ping, an electronic sound.
“Ah.”
It’s an email.
…From Dad?
My fingers tremble. Could it be that there’s been contact from the company…!?
But the gaze from Fenrir and Graya pushes me to act. Dealing with unpleasant things quickly is one of the few useful things I learned as a working adult.
I tapped the screen.
It’s been two years since I graduated from junior college and started working. Do your best as a working adult for at least three years.
“Uuuuuuuu…!”
I groaned and buried my face in my knees. Right now, I’m in a perfect pose for wallowing in self-pity.
＜What’s going on!? More about the company!?＞
Fenrir’s voice crackled with intensity. Graya moved closer and peered at the smartphone screen. But I can’t lift my face because I’m making such a strange expression.
“I can’t read what’s written…”
＜El, won’t you tell us?＞
Fenrir’s tail gently brushed my cheek, as if trying to comfort me.
＜My beloved daughter. Is this something you can’t even tell your parents…?＞
…Ah, this is really complicated…!?
Yes, it’s about my parents. Slowly lifting my face, I saw Fenrir and Graya with drooping ears. Oh, I’m really causing trouble.
I’m no good. I’m making them anxious, even in terms of my personality.
“W-wait a moment. I’ll explain properly.”
I see. In that case, I will wait for as long as it takes.
Fenrir curled his body like a cat, enveloping us with his white fur. It felt reassuring. I took a deep breath to calm myself.
“My dad… asked about work. He’s worried if I’m busy and all…”
The two of them listened quietly.
“I… didn’t call home much. I pretended to be capable. I was overloaded with work at the company and wasn’t managing well. I missed deadlines and got scolded many times. I came home late every night and didn’t even have time to call home…”
No, I definitely didn’t want to say anything about the company because I knew I’d disappoint them. My parents always said I was capable.
I spoke in a trembling voice, sharing what I could.
“Because, you see, in a previous email, I boasted that I enjoyed the challenging work because it was busy. But despite all my efforts, I ended up getting fired. I didn’t leave anything behind…”
The weight of my words echoed heavily in my chest.
“I’m pathetic… I’m scared. It’s painful to be disappointed. Uuuu…!”
Graya squeezed my hand. Pure magical energy flowed through. I was starting to calm down from my hyperventilation.
“…I’m sorry. My mind is all muddled. I don’t know what to do or what’s going to happen… I don’t understand anymore!”
Even though my impulsive emotions had calmed down, my explanation was still clumsy. I haven’t come to terms with being fired from the company. I’m confused. I’m rambling, and the two of them are troubled.
I’m sorry.
At 22, I can only express myself like a child. I can’t convey my feelings, and I’m crying noisily and feeling powerless. I’m sorry, I’m sorry.
“I’m… a failure, Fujioka Noel is a failure…”
“El!”
Fenrir’s loud voice made me flinch and look up. …Huh!?
“W-What, ice!? Why…!”
Fenrir’s soft silver fur was cracking with ice! Sharp ice began to sprout from around me. Graya’s hand was also turning white with frost.
“Please, melt…”
I begged, placing one hand against the ice, and it all melted. One hand remained firmly held by Graya. Reluctantly, I brought our joined hands to my cheek, and the frost disappeared.
“Listen, El. It’s fine if you freeze my fur a little. But when Fenrir is overcome by rage, winter becomes tumultuous. Please try to remain calm and composed.”
“I understand… I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize like that. You can grow from this. You’ve only just been reborn.”
I felt a pang, even though Fenrir probably didn’t mean anything by it. My inner feelings were hurt…
“I’ll teach you. How to live.”
“How to live…”
“I think you don’t know how to live. Not in terms of breathing, eating, or talking, but how to live each day with a rich heart.”
“…I might not know.”
Another wave of indescribable shame and self-deprecation surged, but this time Fenrir’s fur didn’t freeze. It seemed Fenrir was relieved about that.
“Sleep well, eat well, laugh often, play often, and be loved.”
Oh, that’s painful to hear…
I was sleep-deprived, subsisting on jelly drinks, my facial muscles were dead, and I had been working through 20 consecutive days with no rest, wondering what a two-day weekend even was. My salary was just a pittance, less than minimum wage when converted to an hourly rate.
Love… Perhaps knowing my parents’ affection was the only thing keeping me alive.
The smartphone on my lap felt heavy, as if burdened.
“Your stomach should be satisfied. Next, make sure to get plenty of sleep.”
There was no sarcasm from Graya about oversleeping. Fenrir’s voice was soothing and gently enveloping.
Exhausted from crying, I leaned into the peaceful space and fell asleep once again.