NOVEL NEXT ch26 - Exploration in the Snowy Mountains with the Prince
Chapter 26: Exploration in the Snowy Mountains with the Prince
As we approached the summit, a familiar snow-covered mountain came into view.
“It looks like dealing with the Snowmen will be quick. I don’t sense anything unusual here.”
Fenrir surveyed the surroundings as he spoke.
“El, why don’t you give it a try? Fix the Snowmen.”
Me? Well, I guess this is part of my training.
“Alright, I’ll give it a shot.”
I remembered what I had learned so far and took a firm step forward.
I heard the prince behind me exclaim, “What a graceful sound!” … Yeah, I guess this is what it’s like to have ten thousand devoted followers.
A magic circle spread out from beneath my feet, and the Snowmen began to take shape. I didn’t overthink it, just focused on helping them regain their original form by channeling my magic.
In no time, five large Snowmen, stacked in four layers, had formed. Apparently, they had all been buried in an avalanche when one of them crumbled at the peak. It seems even Snowman society has its challenges…
“Thank you, Princess of Winter.”
“Please get used to this fine snow.”
“We’re grateful for summoning this beautiful winter.”
Every time they thanked me like that, I felt validated, and it made me really happy. Hehe.
As I smiled, I heard a strange sound from behind. The prince was covering his face and trembling.
“Are you alright?”
I was worried that his rough ride on the ice sled had taken a toll on him… After all, he injured his leg even before he arrived here as an emissary, so maybe he’s not cut out for survival. But he’s trying his best for his country.
“I’m fine,” he replied with a bright smile. I hope he’s not pushing himself too hard… but since he says he’s okay, I guess I’ll trust him for now.
As expected of a prince, he’s really handsome. …If Fenrir was also royalty, I’m even more curious about his human form! Since he was a princess’s successor, I wonder if he looks like Michelle.
“Princess of Winter.”
While I was lost in thought, a Snowman spoke to me.
“We saw a black trickster at the summit. It was poking your tree. We tried to rush over, but our bodies collapsed.”
The Snowman’s brows furrowed sadly. How cute.
“Fenrir, what should we do?”
“I’ve sent the Snow Fairies.”
“Of course you have!”
His response was so quick!
“The black trickster is likely a black bird monster. It’s known for being mischievous, always causing small troubles here and there. We’ll deal with it later. It doesn’t have the power to do anything major.”
“That’s a relief.”
I let out a sigh of relief.
“However, it’s irritating that it messed with the tree you created for the first time. I’ll have the Snow Fairies capture it with a barrier, and I’ll deal with it personally.”
An extremist!!!! But I’m happy. His growl is terrifying, though! I have such mixed feelings…!
For now, I clung tightly to Fenrir’s leg. Thank you.
Fenrir gently nuzzled his face against me, and I enjoyed the feel of his soft fur against my cheek.
“Ugh!”
This time, there were two strange voices…? Is Glare not feeling well either? Is there a cold going around? But isn’t he supposed to be a healing unicorn? Well, I’ll just shove some Tree Fruits into his mouth later.
“See you again.”
“Goodbye, Princess of Winter.”
The Snowmen departed.
We should head back to Levi too. We left him alone during our discussion, so he might be feeling lonely.
Not that I’m craving the warmth of a hot spring after being chilled by the cold wind or anything… Okay, maybe I am!!
I love hot springs. It’s only natural since I’m Japanese.
“Shall we go back?”
Fenrir suggested at just the right moment.
Fenrir and Glare immediately turned back, but the prince was still staring at the departing Snowmen.
His profile, as I glanced at him, was filled with wonder, his eyes sparkling like he was dreaming.
He really loves the creatures of winter, doesn’t he? I’m sure that’s his true heart, but he’s been walking the path to becoming a king, so he must be conflicted.
Of course. Unlike me, he wasn’t transported to another world, and he still has a castle and a throne waiting for him.
“Prince Christopher.”
“Yes!?”
Whoa!? That startled me. He’s so overreactive.
The prince’s stunning beauty radiated as he turned around. I almost expected to see flowers blooming behind him.
Well, I’ve thought about that enough already.
“I think it’s time to head back.”
“Understood.”
“Are you reluctant to leave?”
“Yes… This is the first time a royal has ventured this deep into the forest. This area is under Lord Fenrir’s domain, after all. It’s an honor to be invited.”
Sorry, I brought you along on a whim. I didn’t think that far ahead. Was it a mistake!?
I glanced back at Fenrir, who reassured me with “It’s fine.” Telepathy, thank you! I’m so relieved! I was sweating bullets there.
“This winter is special. I’m endlessly fascinated by the new sights, animals, and plants I’ve never seen before!”
The prince spoke with the innocence and enthusiasm of a child.
Hearing that made me happy too.
He identified various things, like winter star grass and winter-enchanted fir trees. But to be honest, I knew far less than he did.
I just smiled vaguely and let it slide.
I need to study…!
Should I admit that I don’t know much? Maybe they’ll forgive me because I’m from another world? But they’d probably be uneasy if the Winter Princess seemed unsure. I’m just going with the flow, but my path…
As I was about to get lost in thought, Glare approached.
“Shall we go?”
“Yes, let’s. Levi is waiting, after all.”
That’s the first priority! I realized with a start.
“Prince Christopher, shall we return? …Are you okay with riding the ice sled again?”
The prince’s face tensed a bit. I knew it! That ride must have been terrifying. Sorry about that.
“Understood.”
But since he agreed, I’ll take advantage of it. For now! …Wait, that sounds like something Michelle would think. But there’s no other way.
I mounted Glare and attached the sled’s chain to the saddle.
“Alright then, let’s go,” Glare said as he took off. No mercy, huh!?
We crossed valleys on ice bridges, and I kept glancing back at the prince on the rough terrain.
I could hear small cries of distress as the sled shook.
My sensitive ears picked up the sounds.
He was sometimes scared, but he continued to observe his surroundings with a dreamy look in his eyes.
He’s quite resilient. Maybe it’s because he’s from a snowy country and used to sleds.
If it were me, I couldn’t be that composed on a racing ice sled.
When we returned to our starting point, Levi came running up to us.
“Princess of Winter!”
“Sorry to keep you waiting. I hope you weren’t too lonely.”
“Yes, I was lonely.”
Levi’s straightforwardness is so refreshing.
It’s admirable how she speaks her mind so clearly.
“This person is…?”
The prince asked quietly.
Levi, still clinging to me, looked at him with interest but didn’t seem inclined to get closer.
“This is Yuno Otome, named Levi.”
“I’ve heard of you! A few generations ago, a unicorn from our country spoke of you. Occasionally, our kingdom’s researchers have seen the Onsen Maidens during forest expeditions.
It’s an honor to meet you. You bring spring at the end of winter.”
Prince Christopher knelt down.
It was the same gesture he made when meeting Fenrir, so I guess it’s the highest form of gratitude.
Levi’s eyes welled up.
“No one’s ever said that to me before… It feels strange, but… nice.”
Levi’s temperature rose.
I wanted to tell her that it’s because she’s happy, but I held back and just watched.
“It’s only natural for us Yuno Otome to bring spring. But being thanked for it… Humans are curious beings.”
“Hehe.”
I couldn’t help but laugh a little.
It was such a heartwarming, wonderful atmosphere. And the way she referred to humans just hit the right spot for me.
“Levi, is this your first time talking to a human?”
“Yes. My hot springs were too hot for any creatures to approach.”
Levi looked a little downcast.
Oh no, I’m sorry…! That wasn’t my intention!
“But you, Princess of Winter, said you’d like to soak in my hot spring every day. I’m glad you were the one who found me.”
Levi hugged me tightly.
So warm, even a bit too hot for me. But it’s still bearable.
As I enjoyed the moment, I heard something sink into the snow behind me.