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

21: The Sound of Bells and the Way Home

We’re stationed close to the mountaintop, a bit away from the forested area. We ride up the slope on Glea.

“Can Levi walk all the way…?”

There are places where we cross on an ice bridge… Even if the temperature is now more comfortable, Levi still feels hot and might be scared. Besides, Levi seems to be getting tired.

< Hmm, what should we do? >

< Is it too much to ride double on Glea? >

< I’m melting my winter fur due to the heat, and all I can do is walk… Should I set up a hot spring here? >

I’ve made things difficult for Glea and caused Levi to feel down… It was my idea to have us all go together, so I feel responsible. Ugh…! I’d like to take Levi as close to the base as possible since Levi gets lonely.

“I wish we had a sled or something.”

One that won’t melt.

< Humans use them, but there are none here. >

Fenrir looked troubled too. Ice magic doesn’t mix well with Levi. When ice water mixes, it lowers the temperature of the hot water and can make Levi sick. Hmmmm!

< …! >

Fenrir suddenly looked up and stared into the distance. What’s that? Glea made the same gesture.

< I hear the sound of sleigh bells from afar. >

< Yes. >

“……Is that so?”

I don’t really get it. I can’t hear it. Oh, Glea, stop making that mocking face! I’m still learning!

< It seems the kingdom’s people are coming. It’s a tribute to Fenrir, who called winter. >

“Eh! Does that mean we’re meeting important people?”

< Something like that. They’ll ask me about the current situation and also come to pay respects to the new Winter Princess. >

“Pay respectsーーーーーー!?”

I’d really rather not! Ugh, that’s so awkward. I’m starting to feel a bit ill. Important people… I’m not good with them… Oh no, I’m weak… As my beast ears droop,

< If you don’t like it, you can stay behind me. As a parent, it’s my job to protect my beloved child’s heart. >

“Ugh. Let me think about it…”

< That’s fine. >

Fenrir nuzzled me with his fluffy, silvery white fur. I love it. It’s so soothing. I basked in the happiness with Glea, who was also being comforted.

< El, focus on the distant sound and listen carefully. Imagine picking up sounds from the wind. >

“I’ll try. …Ah! I heard the bells.”

They chimed lightly.

< Well done. That’s the sound of the envoy’s sleigh. When that sound is heard at the forest entrance, it means the forest animals won’t attack. And it’s a promise that I’ll create a path through. >

Fenrir howled and stamped his foot. Magical symbols stretched long, forming a path of ice.

…Gulp. The envoys will come through here.

Listening carefully again, I heard cheers: “Fenrir-sama has responded!” “This powerful voice… has he regained his strength!?” The voices sounded unusually young. Was that a girl’s voice too? Did I mishear? Hmm.

I’m happy that Fenrir is so cherished.

“Ugh. A thousand believers (Glea)…?”

< What’s wrong? >

“Nothing, just confirming.”

It’s exhausting. But there’s no point in worrying.

< The envoys will likely arrive tomorrow. They’re rushing with reindeer pulling the sleigh, but they should camp out for the night. >

“Is that so?”

So we don’t need to meet them until then. I looked at the troubled, fidgety Levi. I was about to give up and try to set up a hot spring here.

< …Winter Princess… Please come and soak in the hot spring again… >

“Levi… Are you okay? You’re crying… Oh, right. Hey, Fenrir, what if we made this our base for today?”

< What do you mean? >

Fenrir tilted his head. Even though he’s a big wolf, his gestures are cute.

“Levi, you’re lonely, right? So, let’s stay here for the night, and when the envoys come tomorrow, I’d like to borrow a sled!”

< I see… I hadn’t thought of that. It’s not impossible. >

Fenrir seemed to consider it, his gaze thoughtful.

“That’s great!”

< Yes. The envoys will likely be happy to lend us a sled. >

“Is that okay?”

< Yes. I’ll talk with them as well. >

Yay! I raised my arms in joy, and Levi, overjoyed, hugged me. Oh, her tears are so warm! But… I’m really glad she’s happy.

< It seems you really like Levi’s hot spring. >

“Yeah. I’d like to go every day.”

< Winter Princess! I’m honored! >

Levi’s skirt gently enveloped me. So warm.

< We don’t mind, but won’t you catch a cold if you spend the night exposed to the outside air? >

“I think if we make an igloo here, it will be as warm as a cave.”

< Igloo? >

Oh, you don’t know? Let me show you. I’ll make a big, ideal igloo inspired by my dream of snow countries! I’m so excited.

I moved away from Levi and stomped my feet. Manipulating the snow. Mixing ice to make it sturdy and prevent it from collapsing… done!

“Here’s the igloo. Come in and try it! Actually, I want to go in first!”

So excited! So excited! I was the first to enter the igloo. Heeheehee.

Inside was spacious. It was a giant igloo. The pure white ceiling was my dream come true.

“…It’s pleasantly warm. This is amazing.”

Glea, in his human form, expressed his admiration. Hmph! He said he turned into human form to check if the temperature was suitable for me not to catch a cold.

< This form fits comfortably as well. It’s thanks to El’s consideration. >

Oh no! Wasn’t this my chance to see Fenrir in his human form!? Maybe I should have made the igloo smaller instead…

< You should sleep comfortably in the igloo tonight, El. I’ll be by your side. >

The enchanting silvery fur was so fluffy! I can’t resist this temptation… I really want to sleep wrapped up in Fenrir’s wolf form… Human form can wait for another time.

When I stepped outside, the cold wind made me shiver a bit. So…?

“Levi—! I want to get into the hot spring!”

< Sure! >

Smiling brightly, Levi hugged me and created the hot spring. I ended up collapsing and sitting in the hot spring. It’s incredible how the hot spring is coming to us. I’m amazed even now.

< I’ll go hunt for food for El. >

< Please look forward to it…! >

The beasts who had some free time were waiting. Just a moment. Please wait. Can I at least place an order? Glea’s expression seems a bit dubious… Is it okay for the unicorn to smile so mischievously?

I asked for something light to eat after the hot spring. Fruit would be great…!

Then, Glea returned carrying eggs. No wonder he was in his human form. He was being so careful with them. Fenrir came back after finishing his own meal.

“I can make hot spring eggs!!”

My eyes must be sparkling. I love hot spring eggs! I even have soy sauce and a plate in my emergency bag. Heeheehee.

Excitedly, I dipped the eggs into the hot spring and kept an eye on them. Levi peeked in with interest. She doesn’t eat, though.

“…By the way, I’ve been curious about this for a while, and I hope you don’t take it the wrong way, but… Fenrir, you protect the forest animals, right? But is hunting separate from that?”

< It is separate. >

Wow, that was a simple answer.

< Fenrir maintains the order of the forest. Caring for the animals’ winter coats is part of that. However, as a carnivorous beast, I need to eat. Fighting to eat or be eaten is a natural part of the food chain. >

I see. So, it’s a bit like the philosophy of a certain lion king, perhaps? Yeah, that makes sense.

Fenrir doesn’t order animals to sacrifice themselves. And animals that manage to escape from Fenrir receive blessings. Normal animals can even become sacred beasts. Interesting! It’s one of the mysteries of the magical world.

“Oh, the hot spring eggs are ready!”

My serious expression suddenly turned into a grin, making Fenrir shiver. Oh, I guess I made him laugh.

There were two large eggs. Fenrir doesn’t really like eggs, huh? I see…

“Glea, let’s eat. Don’t give me that look like you’ve never seen such a strange thing… It’s hot spring eggs. Here you go.”

I cracked the egg, letting the soft white wobble on the plate… Ahhh, this is it! This is it!

“I’ve never had this before.”

Glea took a bite of the hot spring egg with a serious expression. Hey, it’s not a taste test or anything.

Then his expression changed. Yes!

“Delicious, isn’t it!?”

“Well, I’ll admit that.”

“I forgot to put soy sauce on it. Here you go.”

“——!? Wh-What is this…!”

“Isn’t it incredibly delicious?”

Hahaha! I wanted to see those twitching ears and the look of delight! Even if Glea is trying to hide it, it’s clear as day! I guess he’s not used to making human-like expressions. Success! This feels so good.

I enjoyed the hot spring egg with soy sauce myself.

“Bliss.”

The combination of the hot spring and the egg warmed me up, melting both my body and soul.

Sleeping wrapped in Fenrir’s warmth is absolutely the best.

I had completely forgotten that the emissaries were coming the next day. Silly me.