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

4: The Demon Wolf and the Unicorn Watching the Beloved Daughter

(From the Perspective of the Demon Wolf Fenrir)

I watch my sleeping white daughter, who looks so content. My eyes soften with a gentle smile. However, tears that didn’t turn into pearls still linger at the corners of my eyes. I nuzzle close and gently scoop them up with the tips of my fur.

As the tears are absorbed into my fur, an extraordinarily sweet magical power flows through my body. It’s as if I’m being revived from the brink of death. What a remarkable daughter she is.

Since I received part of her name earlier, I feel as though I’m gradually rejuvenating. I exhale a breath of cold air. The withered trees around me turn white with frost, their trunks thickening and regaining vitality.

…Has my strength truly been restored? Say, El, you—

< Fenrir-sama >

As I am moved watching El, the holy beast Unicorn appears.

< What’s wrong? >

< That daughter… is she not too different from the norm? >

< Hm. I thought the same. El claimed to be from another world. >

The Unicorn lets out a dramatic sigh. It’s not that they’re suspiciously watching; rather, it’s more of a contemplative gesture.

< Otherworldly beings sometimes slip into this world. While small items have occasionally appeared, there has never been a precedent for humans. What will you do now? The princess of the Felsnow Kingdom, who was to become the “vessel” in the transition of power, has not appeared, and this daughter has intruded. Though she has managed to adapt to your magical power, she is undergoing strange changes. A proper “vessel” should take on a suitable beast form as a successor. >

< Don’t be so huffy. Besides, she is not just any daughter but my beloved daughter. Call her El. >

< I cannot favor a daughter who is disrespectful to Fenrir-sama! >

This individual, who is supposed to assist in Fenrir’s succession, seems to be too emotionally driven. Still immature.

< You are being rude in your judgment of me, Unicorn. >

Upon receiving Fenrir’s sharp gaze, the young Unicorn trembles.

< I-I apologize…! >

< Indeed. It’s left me feeling displeased. However, I have no intention of dwelling on it. >

The Unicorn visibly relaxes. This species is rare and has continuously supported Fenrir with advanced healing magic.

That’s why El is an irreplaceable presence for me. I won’t deliberately deepen the rift between us.

< As I mentioned earlier, this person has already synchronized with my magical power and undergone transformation. This indicates inherent potential. Ordinary people would have already perished. Historically, only highly capable royalty with immense magical power have been chosen as vessels. They would lose their human memories and be reborn as magical wolves after absorbing Fenrir’s power. El, who has managed to retain her own form despite absorbing my magical power, is exceptionally talented. What dissatisfaction is there? >

< …It’s not so much dissatisfaction as it is anxiety toward the unknown. >

Ah, a straightforward opinion has been returned. This individual is concerned about the future of Fenrir’s lineage. Is this the root of their resistance? I think they could relax a bit more.

< I too was an unprecedented male vessel. Historically, vessels were always princesses, but a plague wiped out all the young princesses, so the most capable prince became Fenrir. I lost my memory, but that’s what I was told by the kingdom. Yet, I was able to fulfill my role as Fenrir, right? Perhaps trying new things might lead to success. >

The Unicorn’s expression remains troubled. It’s understandable to have more anxiety about someone from another world than about mere gender.

< Fenrir-sama, as a royal vessel, had training in the use of magic and other matters. This person… is untrained. Can she really perform the role of summoning winter and enriching the land? >

< Sigh. Worrying about the future won’t help. For now, let’s focus on her recovery. >

< …Fenrir-sama, aren’t you being too lenient? >

< She is my beloved daughter. What’s wrong with indulging her? >

The Unicorn gives Fenrir a half-lidded, scrutinizing look. Truly.

< I too have a vague memory of being spoiled as a young wolf three hundred years ago. As the predecessor to the current Fenrir. Though I died soon after, the period was brief… When I became a magical wolf, I lost my human memories. However, it was because of the love from my predecessor that I could cherish this land that was protected by the former Fenrir. El needs affection as well. >

< …I understand. I, Grea the Unicorn, will assist Princess El and observe her growth from now on. >

The Unicorn, Grea, bows gracefully with its front legs. …Grea, that’s right. I almost forgot the name as I age.

< Ah, I look forward to it. Please be patient with El. There is plenty of time. >

< …? Since it is the time of succession, isn’t there a pressing need? >

Well, being treated like an old person is to be expected. In reality, I was supposed to die in about a year.

< Just wait and see. >

Fenrir’s Thoughts:

Exhaling a thin breath, I demonstrate by freezing the surrounding vegetation. Grea, the Unicorn, stares in astonishment as the land beneath the snow and ice begins to rejuvenate.

< …Have you regained your power…!? >

< Thanks to El. It seems that I have recovered and even rejuvenated after receiving part of her name, due to the overflow of magic from my beloved daughter. >

< She offered her name!? >

Has Grea’s gaze toward El changed? A name represents one’s life. I don’t know how names are treated in other worlds, but my beloved daughter, El, transferred one-third of her life force to me. Even so, she retains magical power surpassing my peak.

< So, this El is also a member who adores Fenrir-sama, then? >

Is that so? Well, if Grea interprets it that way while immersed in bliss, that’s fine.

I recall El saying, “Be quiet and turn into a bed,” and chuckled softly.

At that moment, I briefly thought it might have been an Undead that appeared. In this country, the appearance was unlike anything seen before—pitch-black hair and eyes, as if dyed through with night, peculiar black attire, and a sickly pallor. It was a pitiable sight for someone so young. She must have had a good appearance originally; having synchronized with Fenrir’s magic in her sleep, she transformed. Though her appearance might have changed somewhat, her facial structure is based on El.

My beloved daughter is beautiful both in heart and body.

…When I received part of El’s name, I shared some of her memories. In that world with gray, rigid buildings, El had been unjustly tormented. I don’t know the details of her work, but it’s astonishing that her spirit didn’t break under the relentless abuse and malicious criticisms she faced!

< I’m glad I met you >

Ah, truly, I’m glad she’s alive.

Her warm touch was very comforting. She seemed happy when I told her, so perhaps I should tell her again. Her smiling face is precious to me.

< Sleep >

I’ll spoil her as much as I can. El had worked too hard; now she deserves to find happiness and take her time to enjoy it. As for her duties as a magical wolf, I’ll set those aside for now. I simply prayed for my beloved daughter’s happiness.