NOVEL NEXT Ch23 - Circumstances of the Fenrir Successor
23: Circumstances of the Fenrir Successor
“We’ve gathered here for a situation briefing, so let’s all take a seat. Please.”
I unfolded a simple, portable chair and created a table out of ice. Then, I poured some warm soup into paper cups. I had been warming up the soup packs in Levi’s hot spring—it was just emergency supplies from my survival bag, but this seemed like the right time to use them.
I found the folding chair outside the igloo this morning. The messengers were looking a bit taken aback, which is understandable.
“This is just a little hospitality. Please, help yourselves.”
I offered again, trying to encourage them. The first one to step forward and bow was a young girl. She’s decisive—she might be the type to thrive in society. I should stop overthinking things.
The first to sit down was a young man, though it seemed like the young girl had ceded the first seat to him. Is this young man the most important one here? He was addressed with a title, after all…
Once everyone had taken a seat, I settled myself down on Fenrir as well. Unfortunately, there were only four chairs.
“Princess, aren’t you going to sit on a chair?”
“I like sticking close to Fenrir.”
I rubbed my face against Fenrir’s fur, and he twitched his ears in delight. How cute!
(How can she be so comfortable being that close to Fenrir? Could it be that she’s the successor?) I can hear you, you know?
Glear remained standing, making the messengers squirm uncomfortably. Well, their position is lower after all…
“Thank you for your hard work on the journey here. Your legs must be tired, so please take a moment to rest, even if it’s brief.”
I added some reassuring words. The messengers looked relieved yet awkward. What’s this weird tension? Their feet still seem sore, so I hope they can relax a bit.
“Let’s enjoy it while it’s still warm.”
The young girl smiled brightly, cutting through the awkward atmosphere, and took a sip of the soup.
“It’s delicious…!”
“I’m glad you like it. It’s a potage soup.”
It’s allergy-friendly, so it should be safe for everyone, and it’s a flavor that appeals to the masses.
“It warms you up from the inside.”
“It’s so rich with ingredients… What a luxurious soup!”
“The creamy texture, the deep, simmered flavor, the finely chopped vegetables—all of it makes for an exquisite treat.”
“T-Thank you.”
I felt a bit embarrassed by the praise. It’s just instant soup, though. Emergency food these days is quite delicious.
I heard a faint gulp, so I decided to share some with Glear and Fenrir later. I’d also like to see Fenrir’s human form if possible!
After taking a moment to wet their throats, the four introduced themselves.
“I am Christopher Leia Cielphont, the First Prince of Fellsnow Kingdom.”
“And I am Princess Misheila Leia Cielphont of Fellsnow Kingdom.”
“I am Saiga Larklen, the commander of the knights.”
“I am Jacob Eyas, also of the knight order.”
What the…! I must’ve looked shocked—my eyes probably popped out, and I might’ve even rolled them back.
(They never told me that the prince and princess themselves would come to greet me!?)
I whispered quietly, and Fenrir responded with a beastly growl, leaving me deflated. Well, if he didn’t know, there’s nothing to be done. It’s like a strange winter has come with all this fine powder snow—it’s only natural to be curious.
“This is El, the one from another world who has become Fenrir’s successor.”
Glear introduced me simply. Couldn’t he have elaborated more? The others are just as surprised as I am!
There’s so much to explain—where do I even start?
“I understand.”
Fenrir took over the conversation. He was using Glear as an intermediary to maintain his majestic presence as the guardian beast of the forest and to emphasize that I am special, being the only one who can understand Fenrir’s voice.
“I will explain how she became the successor.”
“Please do. Originally, I, Misheila, was supposed to be called as the successor… However, the teleportation magic circle did not activate, and a winter of unprecedented beauty arrived. Concerned about the situation, I came here myself.”
Princess Misheila looked directly at Glear and me.
“Is that so!?”
I couldn’t help but shout, startled by all this new information. Princess Misheila was supposed to be the successor!? I hadn’t heard that.
The messengers were glancing at me nervously. Sorry for the surprise. Glear was glaring at me, which was scary—sorry about that too. I was just so confused… I’ll just snuggle up to Fenrir for comfort. So soft… Ah, this feels so good.
“W-Winter Princess! If my words have offended you, I deeply apologize… I only meant to say that I was concerned about the situation. Please know that Misheila has no intention of forcefully taking Fenrir from El! I wanted to make that clear.”
“N-No, it’s okay! I didn’t misunderstand it that way.”
Did she think I was being clingy with Fenrir out of jealousy? Hmm, we’re not that close yet, so it’s exhausting when they react to every little gesture I make. It seems like they’ve accepted my explanation, though.
“I’m glad. I’m truly grateful to you, Winter Princess, for bringing us such a wonderful winter.”
Princess Misheila clasped her hands and looked at me with a dazzling smile. Ugh! She’s too cute!
“Fenrir and I both summoned this winter, you know.”
I had to say it—I didn’t want Fenrir’s contribution to be overlooked.
“Is that so!? Fenrir has regained his strength…!?”
“I was just about to explain that, actually.”
Glear’s icy voice abruptly cut through Princess Misheila’s exclamation. He seemed quite displeased at being interrupted during such an honorable task given by Fenrir. Yikes… I’ll probably get an earful later.
“Thank you for the explanation!” Princess Misheila and I both spoke simultaneously. I think this was the best response—sometimes apologizing only makes the other person more upset. Misheila and I exchanged a small, mutual smile. We might get along well.
Prince Christopher seemed about to apologize, but he stopped himself—good for him.
Glear’s calm voice smoothly reached everyone’s ears.
“The current Fenrir could no longer summon winter, and so a successor was to be chosen. The intended candidate was Princess Misheila of Fellsnow Kingdom. However, on the appointed day, the teleportation magic circle activated, and El appeared instead.
El is someone who just happened to ‘fall’ here from another world and knew nothing of our circumstances, but she was found to be compatible with Fenrir’s magic, which is why she is now in a half-beast form. She has demonstrated her abilities as the Winter Princess by summoning winter, aiding the creatures of the forest, and fulfilling her role as the successor.”
Glear finished his explanation, having fulfilled Fenrir’s command.
“Wait a minute.”
“We can’t wait.”
“This is too much—I’m panicking here!”
“It’s exactly as I explained. Everything fits together, doesn’t it?”
“Well, yes, but… Ugh, why didn’t I know about the teleportation magic circle or the kingdom’s involvement until now?”
“You seemed more interested in exploring the forest and enjoying yourself, so we prioritized that.”
“…I admit that’s reasonable.”
I sighed and held my head in my hands. Well, there’s no helping it if a random person from another world gets caught in a magic circle—I understand that. But… it still feels unsettling, though I can’t really press the matter because I’ve grown so fond of this place.
Fenrir spoils me, Glear is gruff but kind, and Levi is waving from a distance. Even if someone asked if I wanted to go home, I wouldn’t nod in agreement. Shaking my head, I tried to clear my thoughts and distract myself from the weight of my smartphone.
“Princess Misheila, you must have been surprised too. What do you think?”
That was such a terrible way to ask!!!
Stupid me…!
“Um, I mean, I thought you might have had aspirations or a sense of duty about becoming Fenrir’s successor, and I kind of just ended up taking it from you. Are you upset or, um, anything like that…?”
Even if she was upset, she couldn’t just say that out loud, right!?
What a lousy question! Yes, it is!! I’m so sorry!!
Sweat was running down my back.
“Glory to Winter Princess El!! I deeply respect your ability to summon such a beautiful winter and am sincerely grateful for your kind words!!”
Wait, what!?
Princess Misheila is reverently bowing to me with an almost divine intensity.
“I-Is that really okay with you?”
“I love the winter that you, Winter Princess El, have brought us!”
“Thank you.”
The conversation was a bit disjointed, but it was clear that Princess Misheila was genuinely delighted.
…Being called the successor is honestly a bit overwhelming and burdensome, but when someone says they’re a fan, it makes me feel like I need to do my best.