NOVEL NEXT Ch30 - The Fairy Spring
Chapter 30: The Fairy Spring
We arrived at the Fairy Spring. Wow…! The scene was mesmerizing. A large spring surrounded by black leaves and white roses, with the water surface shimmering like opal. How deep could it be…? It’s hard to tell with just a glance.
As two fairies emerged from the spring, the splashes they created formed snowflake-like crowns. I see, they’re all snow fairies.
The light from the water’s reflection on the black leaves scattered throughout the space, painting it with a dreamlike aura.
The small fairies all bowed in unison. Did they know Fenrir was coming? Maybe they sensed it through some kind of aura, or perhaps the snow fairies Fenrir summoned earlier informed them. Though, all of them look similar in their snow-blue attire, so it’s hard to tell.
The only ones who seemed different were the two fairies emerging from the spring, their blue hues slightly darker.
“Welcome!”
“Thank you for the welcome.”
As Fenrir spoke, the fairies danced around.
“It’s been a while.”
Fenrir gave a wry smile at the greeting. They probably wanted to say it’s been five years. I don’t think they meant any harm, but it’s a bit awkward… I decided to treat Fenrir to two servings of ready-made meals to cheer him up.
“As you all know, winter has come. That’s why the rose arch has formed, allowing us to finally visit this Fairy Spring.”
Fenrir spoke softly. Oh, so it’s not open during summer?
“This is El, who has inherited Fenrir’s magic. And next to her is the unicorn Greya and Prince Christopher of the Felsnow Kingdom.”
Everyone was introduced. The fairies didn’t show any signs of discomfort at the sight of humans. I was worried since it was their first time seeing humans, but they seemed at ease.
Prince Christopher also appeared relieved. His slight trembling was likely due to his amazement at the Fairy Spring. I can understand that! He was also trying hard to control his curiosity, which made me feel a bit closer to him. I’m also trying to focus on the scene in front of me. The two fairies that emerged from the spring kept making eye contact with me…
“Today, you are here to choose your summoning fairy, right?”
The two fairies spoke in unison, as if to answer Fenrir’s statement. I felt a strong approach from them.
“Yes, I want to choose a fairy that is compatible with El.”
Fenrir mentioned wanting to discuss the guardians protecting the tree from the blackbirds and how he’d like to consider them.
“A trip to the mountaintop, huh!”
The fairies chattered excitedly, flapping their wings. How whimsical. It was unexpected since the fairies Fenrir summoned usually worked quietly and returned.
“Let me explain how to choose a fairy, El. Stand in the center of the spring and stretch your hand upwards. The fairies will fly around you. The fairy that touches your hand will be the one most compatible with you. If the magic doesn’t match, the fairy won’t come close.”
“Is that so? Did Fenrir do the same thing?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“How many fairies came close to you then? You usually command many fairies, right?”
“Powerful fairies, about ten, and their subordinates who always listen to my commands.”
“That’s impressive, Fenrir! It’s clear they all really like you.”
Fenrir smiled softly. It’s truly amazing! Everyone must really like you. …I wonder if I can manage to contract with so many fairies. After all, I’m the first half-beastman from the Fenrir clan and from another world.
“Are you worried? Don’t be. You’ll be fine.”
Fenrir always understands my feelings. If you say so, then I’m sure it’ll be alright… I feel encouraged. Hehe. I walked across the ice bridge Fenrir created to the center of the spring.
“Please contract with me!”
I raised my arm. Fairies started to fly around me all at once. Oh my gosh…! I feel like I’m in the middle of a fairy hurricane…! Aren’t they flying really fast!? Isn’t this intense!? They seem so excited!?
As I was about to get dizzy,
“Caught♪”
…Wait a minute. I wasn’t supposed to be the one caught, was I?
The fairies clinging to my finger are the two that emerged from the spring. I had a hunch about it! The other fairies were keeping their distance.
(Did I mess up…?)
(Yes, you definitely messed up…)
Fenrir and Greya whispered to each other, sounding uneasy. What’s that supposed to mean? I don’t want to know.
(To harmonize with the magic of those fairy kings…)
I really don’t want to know!!!
“Call me Orb.”
“Call me Tito.”
…Oberon and Titania?
I tried calling them by the names of fairy kings and queens from Earth. They reacted with a shiver. I knew it!?
Well, they came at me first… and with such sloppy fake names… I can’t ignore it anymore, can I? Then… I give up!
“I am the Fairy King Oberon.”
“I am the Fairy Queen Titania.”
They gave up on hiding their true identities so quickly!? The sweet fairy demeanor vanished, and they now stood with an air of arrogance.
“We are very pleased to meet the powerful Fenrir clan after a thousand years.”
“Isn’t it an honor to be able to contract with us? Isn’t it!?”
Self-introduction done—how straightforward! Well, I don’t dislike this vibe. They’re honest, and while their enthusiasm is high, they’re not as noisy as Greya, and they’re calmer than Levi.
“I think these two are quite fortunate because their playful behavior is really cute. If it were a typical king or queen making such a statement, it would sound rather haughty, don’t you think?”
She glanced at Fenrir briefly.
“Since we have achieved magical harmony with El, there shouldn’t be any issues with contracting with the Fairy Kings. If it strengthens El’s protection, I’m in favor of it.”
“Hmm! Thank you for your concern. I like it!”
“Protection, huh? But I’m more interested in playing. What are the Fairy Kings whispering about?”
These two seem to have quite free-spirited personalities. After all, as kings and queens, they’ve been living here surrounded by their fairy subjects, completely pampered. It could be troublesome if they keep this sense of entitlement outside…
“If these two wanted to contract with me, wouldn’t other fairies have to hold back? What a hosting choice!”
“Alright, let’s make the contract.”
The Fairy Kings smiled and extended their hands. I… returned the smile.
“Although still inexperienced, I wish to work hard with Fenrir to make this winter better. Thank you very much for offering to assist with the contract!”
The Fairy Kings, sensing that the situation was becoming a bit tense, hesitated.
“It is very reassuring to receive help from such incredible individuals like you!”
The other party puffed out their chests arrogantly. Alright!
“Thank you in advance.”
“Very well!!”
The Fairy Kings and the Fairy Queen each took my hand. A crest appeared on the back of my hand.
“Contract established.”
Fenrir exhaled, and a cool breeze brushed through my hair, causing powdery snow to swirl around. The two fairies spun around and transformed into their stunning outfits with crowns and dark blue hair. Wait!? Am I going to be parading around with these conspicuous two!?
I stared at the back of my hand. The contract has been sealed… I can read the magical script without any problem.
“Hmm? It says the contract was made with Orb and Tito.”
“What!?”
The two fairies flapped their wings in surprise and peeked at my hand.
“We were pretending to be ordinary fairies… and ended up being incorporated into the magic…!? What a thing! Our honorable names are being borrowed by El!”
“Eh?”
Is it similar to how Fenrir ate the character “no” from me? Can it be returned?
“I don’t really need the power of names…”
“You don’t need it!? It’s the power of the king and queen! It’s extremely sweet!”
Their confusion was too amusing. Don’t laugh, me. Fenrir is shaking, so hold it together!
Fenrir glanced at Grea. Did he ask for a message? Grea, who comprehends Fenrir’s intentions through mere eye contact, is truly a fanatic.
“Since the contract is made, while El-sama summons the two of you, you will serve as ‘Orb’ and ‘Tito.’ Please excuse… ah, forgive me. Please understand.”
“Well then, let’s consider it a relaxed walk!”
The response was quick!! Orb and Tito puffed up their chests proudly.
“Looking forward to working with you.”
“Yes!”
Since they are motivated, it seems they will work well together. That’s good. I hope they work diligently. By the way, it seems that by contracting with these two, I can command all snow fairies. Is that real?
“By the way, El, I have a request.”
“Winter Princess, we are in trouble.”
The timing of the request is perfect!? Got me! But it’s my role, so it’s fine.
“First, let me hear it.”
“The magic of the Fairy Spring has weakened. Since winter hasn’t come for a long time, the fairies have been holed up in the spring, and the magic has been consumed without replenishment.”
“Could you share some of your magic with us?”
How can I do that? I glanced at Fenrir. …I rely on him a lot, but it’s better than making promises I can’t keep or failing due to imagination alone.
“To share names or a part of El’s body…”
Quite a violent suggestion. If I split my name further, would it turn into single characters like “E” or “L”? That would be troublesome.
“How about a part of the body… like hair?”
“That’s good!”
Orb and Tito were very pleased. Oh, alright. Let’s do that.
“El’s beautiful hair…!”
The guardians were lamenting excessively. The prince was so distraught he was on his knees. Pull yourself together!?
But I can’t cut off things like fur (skirts). Maybe it’s a good opportunity to change my feelings and cut my hair… The hair I had kept long since my office worker days. I have no regrets… none at all. Actually, I’d rather cut it off.
“Well then, let’s do it now!”
The fairies’ true feelings were leaking out too much! With icy scissors, 30 centimeters of hair was cut off, leaving it shoulder-length. The silver hair scattered on the surface of the spring and melted away…
The fairies shivered with excitement.
“Please accept our heartfelt thanks to the Winter Princess El-sama!”
They all bowed deeply. I watched with a bright feeling.
Holding hands with Orb and Tito, we crossed the ice bridge. My role here was done.
“Don’t fall into the spring, El.”
“Indeed. If something other than a fairy falls in, it might cause strange changes.”
“Okay,” I replied, though it was a bit scary. That’s why I hesitated to go to the Fairy Spring. I ended up coming because it was necessary, though.
When I returned to Fenrir, he rubbed his nose against my hair. I feel cherished… My hair is fresh now, so it’s fine. Though I felt a bit reluctant since it was enchanted by him. I’m glad it was useful.
“Please let me trim the ends of the princess’s hair again.”
The prince offered. With a pained expression, as if women cutting their hair is distressing. Is there a custom in the Felsnow Kingdom where women have long hair? Maybe?
He seemed skillful, so I replied, “Please do it later.” Grea, who was competing, looked scary with beast scissors… So I decided to ask the prince this time. He was sulking. Oh well.
I waved goodbye to Orb and Tito. Later, I will summon them as Tree Guardians at the mountaintop. With the magical power of their names entrusted to me, I was told I could use more powerful magic.
I left the Fairy Spring. The air gently brushed against my skin.