NOVEL NEXT Ch29 - Galloping Across the Snowfield
Chapter 29: Galloping Across the Snowfield
My beloved daughter finally smiled innocently.
It felt like a genuine smile. Ah, I’m so relieved…!
It seems like I’ve kept her on edge since yesterday. I nuzzled my cheek against hers, wishing that she could be healed and comforted.
El has already helped me a lot.
I am grateful, but… as a parent, I want my daughter to live happily.
I feel sorry and pitiful for having exhausted her.
“Thank you.”
Every time El says that, I respond with a “You’re welcome.”
The way she clings to my leg is endearing.
El rides on Grea and leads the way in front of me.
Grea’s purple tail sways, and El’s silver hair flutters.
It looks so much like my own hair color in human form.
I caught sight of Prince Christopher’s golden hair as he ran alongside a unicorn in a sled.
It’s such a dazzling blonde.
Although I don’t remember, all the royal family of the Felsnow Kingdom has this hair color, so I might have had blonde hair before becoming Fenrir.
We emerge from the forest into the snowfield.
The sunlight shines upon us, and the ice decorations reflect the light and sparkle.
The ice cord on El’s pouch shines.
I remembered the communication device, the smartphone, stored inside it and sighed, having forgotten again to reply yesterday.
“Fenrir?”
Oh dear, I was lost in thought.
I quickly masked my distraction as El turned around.
Because we share magical power as Fenrir, we have a sense of each other’s feelings and sensations.
“There are several Fairy Springs, aren’t there?”
“They are scattered throughout the forest. Let’s go to the largest one among them. There are many fairies there, so there should definitely be one that is compatible with El.”
Also, the most powerful fairies gather there. But I’ll keep that a secret.
I exhaled lightly and cast a small ice magic circle.
From it, a snow fairy I had contracted appeared, danced around El, and then disappeared.
El’s giggling reached my ears, and it made me smile with pleasure.
“I’m looking forward to it!”
I want El to spend her time smiling.
Balancing my feelings as a parent who cares for Fenrir’s daughter with those of Fenrir who is troubled by succession issues is challenging.
Fortunately, thanks to El, I’ve regained some of my strength, so there’s no need for an immediate decision.
Grea and that Princess Michela seem to be in a hurry, thinking the time is now, but after living for 300 years, one tends to become patient.
The prince… is still confused about life.
He is similar to El.
I hope they both can objectively view each other’s situation and come to terms with their feelings.
It would be best if they could grow and learn from each other.
The prince is looking around and seriously observing the winter landscape. He has excellent abilities.
His dreamy eyes might be further accelerating his feelings for El through the winter.
Grea seems displeased by that.
Well, if asked if I’m pleased, I’d say I’m not… but since El has no romantic interest, I’m reassured. This is a feeling I can sense because our hearts are connected.
El is still overwhelmed with her own matters.
She might have thoughts about the prince’s attitude, but she doesn’t want to increase her troubles by getting involved in romantic issues, so she’s convincing herself that she’s a “Fenrir believer.”
Will El eventually grow and experience love?
There are no precedents for Fenrir having a partner.
However, it’s the first case where a former prince succeeded Fenrir and where a daughter from another world became a demi-human.
With so many unprecedented events, who cares about precedents?
…Hmm. Oh, I shouldn’t be thinking about that now.
A herd of reindeer is about to cross ahead.
If we continue like this, we’ll collide.
“Gaaaoooooon!”
With a roar, an arch-shaped ice bridge was created, allowing the reindeer herd to run through.
I instructed El and the others, “Keep going straight.”
“Impressive!!!”
Grea’s loud voice almost drowned out El’s “That’s amazing!”
Well, it’s not a bad feeling to be praised. I chuckled.
I let El and the others go ahead because I wanted them to see the Fairy Spring in its entirety.
It’s a very beautiful place, so they’ll surely be impressed.
I remember how amazed they were by the gem cave.
I absentmindedly glanced at El’s pouch again, recalling the items from another world.
My chest feels uneasy… I need to mention the reply soon.
There’s also another concern.
I have a feeling there’s something out of place in the forest this winter.
Something that feels like an otherworldly drop-off, creating a sense of discomfort.
It’s just a gut feeling… but that’s why the uneasy sensation won’t leave.
Unease… unease… Ah, I dislike this feeling.
I’ll need to soothe myself with time spent with my beloved daughter later.
I summoned ten snow fairies.
Two are still missing.
…Snow fairies have a whimsical nature, so it’s rare for them to respond to calls.
This is an unfortunate timing, as my ears drooped.
El turned around.
“Hey Fenrir! Let’s try eating some instant food together at night. I want you to join me too.”
I was comforted. My daughter’s smile has a wonderful effect.
It seems she made this suggestion to brighten my spirits. I’m happy.
To eat that small food… well, a human form might be more suitable.
But I’m hesitant. I worry that if El finds out I’m male, she might distance herself… Hmm… Honestly, I’m not very enthusiastic about it.
In beast form, El will cuddle up to me a lot. I don’t want to ruin this relationship.
The entrance to the Fairy Spring is coming into view.
First, let’s find El’s contracted fairy and strengthen the protection.
I passed through the arch of white roses.
El’s quiet exclamation of joy reached my ears, and I felt very happy.