The story of how I, who became the beloved child of Winter Fenrir, was healed from despair

ch16 - Encouragement



Chapter 16: Encouragement

The bed felt like it was swaying gently… Is there an earthquake?

I jolted awake.

“Good morning, El.”

“Good morning, Lord El.”

“…………Good morning… Oh, there are two of you. A big wolf and a beautiful purple person… Oh, right. I’m in another world.”

“Once again, you’ve slept too long… A big wolf? Please refer to me as Fenrir-sama!”

“Wait, Grea, Grea, my ears are ringing…! Not gentle when waking up. Too close!”

“El-sama didn’t let go of my hand.”

I looked at my right hand and saw it was still held by Grea.

Hmm… Let me think back to yesterday. Ah, right, well…

A smirk of disdain.

…Isn’t it a bit like Grea subtly held my hand?

I’m a little unhappy about it, aren’t I?

“Fenrir, help me!”

Oh, Grea is in a panic. But his ears are drooped. He seems unwell.

…!

I just asked for help so naturally.

I’m stunned.

…Accepted.

“Fenrir-sama!? I didn’t mean to cause any trouble; I just wanted to show my respect and gratitude to Fenrir-sama! …El-sama? Why are you laughing?”

Huh?

Grea and Fenrir are looking at me with round eyes.

…It’s just that the atmosphere is so gentle and reassuring. I feel happy.

“Well, I really do respect and appreciate Fenrir. It might be expressed differently than with Grea.”

I gently stroke Fenrir’s silver fur and bury myself in it.

“Thank you so much.”

It felt like the tears at the corners of my eyes were absorbed by the fur.

I heard Grea’s conspicuous sigh.

“That’s really true. Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Grea said proudly.

“I understand El-sama’s feelings. However, please be cautious with your words outside. Everyone admires Fenrir-sama. Your expressions might provoke unnecessary criticism.”

“Oh, you mean the ‘wolf’ thing. I’ll be more careful. Are you talking about forest animals and fairies?”

“That, too, but also the people of the Felsnow Kingdom. They have honored Fenrir-sama since ancient times.”

Right, there’s a kingdom with people living in it.

“Well, consider that there are about ten thousand followers like me.”

“That’s harsh!!!!”

Oops, my true feelings slipped out!

Grea looks really angry!

Somehow, he’s not reprimanding me, which is even more unsettling… Is it okay to be angry here!? What is going on!?

“Fenrir—!”

I asked for help again.

Fenrir, meanwhile, is visibly shaking with suppressed laughter. It’s so obvious!

<I’m relieved to see El in better spirits. Grea is also studying emotional control.>

Huh?
“Grea, too?”

<Remember last night when El emitted sharp ice?>

“U! S-sorry…”

I felt awkward and my ears drooped. Fenrir blew a gentle breath, and the cold made my ears perk up.

<I warned you about that, remember? To maintain calm and work on controlling your emotions. Grea is trying to grow in the same way.>

“Is that so?”

I looked at Grea with surprise. He does seem to get angry a lot.

“Yes. Maintaining composure.”

“You’re making such a funny face. You’re holding back your anger too much.”

I’m sorry for saying it was harsh.

<Mmm!>

“Fenrir, you’re quite the laugh addict, aren’t you?”

“Being in a good mood is fine. It helps with using magic more effectively.”

Is that so? Then I should make sure to laugh a lot. I tried to face off with Grea, making silly faces. Fenrir clearly won this round.

<Grea. I didn’t say to suppress emotions other than joy. What’s important is control.>

“! I’ll remember that.”

Grea’s face went serious, and I realized I might be in trouble. I quickly turned to Fenrir for help.

“Hey! What about the Felsnow Kingdom? Is it the place I saw from the mountain top yesterday?”

<Exactly. We might have another opportunity to visit. We need to discuss the arrival of winter and other matters. Though, it might be faster if a messenger comes from there. Usually, before we finish patrolling the winter forest and head to the kingdom, a confirmation messenger arrives.>

“Wow… so they’re really important people?”

“Ugh. I might not be good with important people. It reminds me of my boss… No, no, I need to switch gears. I’ll imagine myself howling at the sea.

Shut up!!!!

Get yourself together!!!!!

Forget about the past details!!!!”

…My brain isn’t refreshing well. Maybe it’s because of yesterday. Ugh, I want to feel better soon.

“…Yeah. I’m okay.”

Fenrir and Grea look at me with great concern. So, I’ll force myself to smile and pretend to be full of energy!

“Haha! You two have droopy ears!”

<“And so does El (sama)”>

…Oh no!? When I touched them, their beast ears were droopy and wouldn’t stand up. Come on, pull yourself together! How does the mind and body always connect so easily?

I forced a wry smile. I need to get better at switching gears…

<Alright! Let’s change the mood! Grea!>

“Yes!”

“Eh!?

Grea pulls my hand and stands up. Then, transforms into a unicorn and kneels down.

…Well, I’ll just get on for now.

<Do you prefer a meal or some playtime?>

“That’s what Fenrir mentioned yesterday, right? What about sleeping?”

<Don’t you remember what you were doing just a moment ago?!>

“Just kidding… Haha!”

Ah, this might be just the change of pace I needed. My stomach rumbles with a growl.

<Then let’s go hunting. I’ll be enthusiastic for my beloved daughter.>

<Prepare yourself, El-sama!>

“Noooooo!?”

I wanted fruit or something! But the beasts increase their speed and dart away.

Ugh, seriously!

For breakfast, we had a blue-furred boar. Isn’t that a bit heavy for the morning?”

 


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