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

Chapter 34: A Child’s Happiness, A Parent’s Joy

I wake up… greeted by a world of silver.

“Good morning, El.”

“Good morning, Lady El.”

“Did you sleep well, Princess?”

Such gentle voices. Still drowsy, I squint my eyes in comfort.

“Good morning,” I respond softly.

Today, I’m soaking in the hot springs of Levi from the morning. Ahhh—! This is pure bliss, wrapped in the warmth that makes my whole body relax. “Winter Princess, you really love Levi, don’t you?” Levi said as she hugged me from behind, so I leaned back against the bath maiden and stretched out my legs.

The morning sun shines on the snowy landscape, the white glistening almost blindingly. It’s so beautiful, I thought, as I climbed out of the hot spring and changed from my swimsuit into my usual winter dress.

Today’s meal is thinly sliced meat with a hot spring egg.

“Grea, you like this, don’t you?”

“It’s highly nutritious,” Grea responded in her usual curt manner. The seasoning for the thinly sliced meat is rock salt, something Prince Christopher had, so I sincerely thanked him. I love salt!

“Fenrir, how is it, eating in human form?”

The incredibly beautiful human-form Fenrir is elegantly chewing the meat. The three of us watched with synchronized excitement.

“The flavors are richer, making the meal even more enjoyable.”

“Yay!”

You might not understand why I say “yay” just from hearing a flavor review, but when you see Fenrir’s smile, words just come out of your mouth! You have to experience it. I’m sure everyone would react the same way. I feel a sense of reverence toward Fenrir.

We all enjoyed our meal together. I’m getting used to the habit of hunting our prey.

“!”

As I stood up, my phone fell out of my pouch. It landed on the snow, but the screen didn’t break—phew, that was a close one! Oh no! The other three were more startled than I was, jumping up in surprise. Why? …Ah, they might still be scared after encountering that monster.

“Hey, this isn’t part of a monster! It’s a communication device from another world…”

“I kno—”

Before Grea could finish, she was hit with a lariat by the prince. What!? What is happening!?

“You two get along well.”

“Do we!?”

“Last night, the two of them had a long talk. They agreed to work together to protect the kingdom, the snowfields, and the Fenrir tribe. They even call each other by name now.”

“I see.”

It seems Grea is still the more dominant one in their relationship. But remember, the other party is the first prince in line for the throne, so maybe tone down the playful jostling a bit, okay? I snuck up behind Grea and blew a cold breath on her neck, causing her to jump in surprise. Sorry! Hahaha!

As I was chased by Grea, I bumped into Fenrir. When did he get in front of me!? He cupped my face with his hands, and we looked straight at each other.

“El, that device… previously, a message from your parents arrived on it, expressing their concern for you. You can send a reply, right? You should let them know.”

My breath caught. I had been trying not to think about it…

“If you assure them that you’re happy now, I believe that would bring them joy. That’s how I feel about you as my beloved daughter, too. I hope you feel the same about your current situation.”

“That’s absolutely true,” I immediately reassured him. Seeing Fenrir’s ears droop made me think he might be feeling anxious. Then he gave me such a beautiful smile. It’s comforting.

“I’ll think about what to say in my reply.”

“Let’s do that.”

Fenrir hugged me gently, patting my back. His long hair softly wrapped around me, reminding me of the sensation of being buried in his fur when he’s in his beast form. Even in human form, Fenrir is still Fenrir. His magical energy is so soothing…

I nodded quietly and put the phone back in my pouch. There are some details I haven’t told them… like the part about continuing my work for three more years… well, I’ll think about the wording and reply later, for sure.

“A child’s happiness is a parent’s joy…”

Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I followed everyone outside the cave. In the distance, I could hear the sound of sleigh bells. It seems Princess Michela and her group have arrived.