NOVEL NEXT Ch35 - Consultation about the Monster
Chapter 35: Consultation about the Monster
The sleigh from the Kingdom of Fel Snow approached us. The sound of the bells ringing felt somewhat frantic—were they speeding?
I glanced at the prince beside me. He was staring ahead at the icy path with a very complicated expression. Well, I suppose that makes sense. Remembering his situation, I couldn’t help but smile wryly to myself.
“We apologize for keeping you waiting!”
The sleigh, pulled by reindeer, stopped in front of us, and Princess Michaela gracefully bowed.
“We are grateful for your guidance to Fenrir.”
Behind her were the knights from the other day. Three of them had come today. Princess Michaela gave a brief greeting to the prince, saying, “It’s been a while, brother,” and then immediately turned her attention to Fenrir.
“Thank you for your earlier communication. We have some information to report regarding the strange monsters.”
“Please, go ahead.”
Grea, holding a pen and paper, responded. The paper was made from winter birch trees, and the ink was blue. Important matters were recorded, and then the paper was pressed against the cave walls to transfer patterns, preserving it for future generations. The cave we use as our sleeping quarters is very deep, with the long history of the snowy country inscribed on its walls.
The danger posed by the monsters is a crucial matter that must be passed down to future generations.
“Just yesterday, citizens of the Kingdom of Fel Snow who were hunting and gathering on the snowy plains encountered strange monsters. These creatures emitted a mechanical sheen, unlike anything from our world, and were clearly not living beings.”
“You speak as if you saw them yourself.”
“Indeed. Let me continue. Only one was spotted. It flailed about with a writhing gray tube, sucking up snow, and swallowed people into a box that appeared to be its body.”
…My throat tightened. Did it attack people?
“Fortunately, the monster quickly expelled the people. Two individuals were affected. A girl gathering snow mushrooms reported being spun around inside the box as if something was being confirmed. She was then released.”
As if something was being confirmed… That’s unsettling.
“Afterward, the monster seemed to head toward the snowy mountains. The palace was informed, and I, along with the knights, went to confront it.”
“Michaela!?”
“Please, brother, calm down. It’s winter now, and as someone who can wield powerful ice magic, it was most efficient for me to go. We can’t allow the monster to harm the Kingdom of Fel Snow or Fenrir. What kind of royalty would we be if we didn’t confront such threats with all our might?”
Michaela’s determination was evident in her gaze… She’s fit to be a queen…! The prince, silenced, received a small smile from Michaela, likely appreciating his concern as family.
“I killed the monster with an ice spear.”
An extremist.
“The dismembered remains are securely stored in the Kingdom of Fel Snow. Although there have been no signs of movement, our barrier mages are keeping watch.”
“I understand the situation. It seems you handled it appropriately.”
“Thank you.”
Michaela bowed gracefully.
“And… I’ve brought this snow fairy to you.”
As Michaela turned, the cloth covering a basket held by the knights lifted slightly, revealing a snow fairy peeking out, trembling in fear.
“M-Michaela, Fenrir is asking where you found that snow fairy.”
“It was absorbed by the monster.”
“What!?”
We all exchanged looks, our faces tense, ears drooping. I was probably doing the same.
The snow fairy weakly flew to Fenrir.
<…So something fell into the Fairy Spring. That explains it.>
Ah, I remember something Fenrir once told me. “The Fairy Spring is rich in magic, so if something falls in, it might cause unexpected changes. Don’t play pranks there.” So that’s what happened!?
“Did something from another world fall into the Fairy Spring and turn into a monster!?”
Michaela and the others widened their eyes in surprise at my words.
“This is troubling. The Fairy Spring is a special place, and only a few can enter. But if something from another world fell in, there’s nothing we can do to regulate it…”
“Grea, has there ever been a case where something from another world fell into the spring?”
“None that I know of.”
That’s why everyone’s so shocked. Ugh, what a silly question I asked.
“…That is Fenrir’s command.”
“We are deeply grateful for your assistance, everyone. Also… could you take a look at the monster remains we have stored in our kingdom? We hope it might provide some clues for future measures. We also want to confirm that it won’t start moving again. It’s a matter of national concern, and it’s becoming increasingly burdensome for the barrier mages to keep watch…”
Fenrir nodded.
Michela, looking relieved, bowed her head.
With the mystery of the monster somewhat resolved and a general plan for moving forward, everyone’s spirits brightened.
“El, if there’s something on your mind, feel free to speak up.”
“Huh?”
…So Fenrir can sense it.
I was debating whether to bring it up now, since things had just started to lighten up. But since all eyes are on me…
“Why did the monster attack people in the first place?”
“……”
Everyone fell into deep thought.
“The targets were ‘humans,’ with a particular interest in the ‘girl carrying the snow mushrooms.’ What was it after?”
“The monster we encountered specifically targeted Christopher, the princess, and the human-shaped Fenrir.”
To comfort me as I shivered, the prince gently took my hand.
“I will protect you, even if it costs me my life.”
“Oh, thank you. Um, please be careful.”
“I was a bit flustered yesterday, but I’m capable of using intermediate-level magic of all attributes, so I won’t make the same mistake again!”
That’s amazing! But, uh, there’s a chop from Glare coming at you from behind. I was trying to warn you about that. Sorry.
The prince was knocked out. Michela then ordered the knights to put her brother on the sled.
“My brother’s behavior was inexcusable. His emergency supplies are running low, so I plan to take him back to the kingdom for now. I have also discussed this with the king.”
“And… the prince’s wishes…?”
I asked, feeling worried.
Michela gave a wry smile.
“Of course, his intentions will be made public in the kingdom. We’ve already come to an agreement on that. By the way, has my brother been of any help with sled making?”
Oh right, we did talk about that! Ah, there were so many intense events that I completely forgot…
“Prince Christopher worked very hard! He made an excellent sled, knows a lot about winter plants, and is skilled at hunting—he’s really impressive!”
““We are honored!””
Michela and the prince spoke in unison. The prince looked over at me from the sled with sparkling eyes, so I waved at him. He covered his face like a shy girl, his ears turning bright red. It’s making me feel embarrassed too!
“Then, I shall return soon to consult on a date when Fenrir-sama can visit again. I’m very much looking forward to meeting you all once more.”
Michela gracefully hopped onto the sled to bid farewell. She’s leaving! So fast! I quickly ran over and handed a bag to the prince as a souvenir.
“Princess…! I will definitely come back to see you again. I just said I would protect you no matter what, after all.”
The prince seems conflicted about returning to the kingdom and his own feelings. Whether to relinquish the right to the throne to Michela or to become the king himself. If he shows too much indecision, Michela might just suggest he become a snow mountain researcher instead, with that sharp look in her eyes!
“Prince Christopher, please have a thorough discussion and make a decision you won’t regret. I think it’s best to make a choice that leads to a joyful life for you.”
Those words might be directed at myself as well. The prince’s eyes widened. I saw him clench his fist tightly.
“I will face myself.”
The prince said with a clear smile, despite his lingering doubts.
“Chris, since you’ll likely be staying over again, we’ll leave the bedding as is. Next time, we’re going to observe the unique winter flora and fauna, so please bring a booklet for recording.”
Wait, what!? Glare, when did you… you two have really become close friends, huh? The prince responded happily with a “Yes!” Michela also looked extremely pleased. I see, since Glare is on Michela’s side, having her support in inviting the prince to the snow mountain is very reassuring… She’s so formidable.
As the sound of bells rang, the people of the kingdom departed. Waving my hand, I thought to myself, I hope these past few days have been meaningful for the prince.
“Shall we head to the Fairy’s Spring, El?”
“Yeah… but before that—”
Fluff! So soft! Silky! Aahhh! I hugged Fenrir and stroked his fur, seeking comfort. I’ve got to recharge my positive energy!