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

5: The Magic Circle of Winter’s Blessings

While I’m fluffing up and stroking my luxurious white-silver winter fur, Fenrir gazes off into the distance, lost in thought. I’ve changed into my thermal dress, but being buried in this winter fur bed is a whole different level of coziness. I could stay here forever…

A sound came from my stomach. Ah, I’m hungry. Once I realized it, I suddenly craved something to eat. But I don’t want to move. Oh no, these negative thoughts.

< Oh. Are you hungry? >

“Yes.”

Oh, I’m glad you noticed. It’s hard for me to ask directly—it feels a bit too forward, so it’s difficult to ask.

< Shall we go hunting? >

“Hunting!? Um, you’re not talking about hunting living creatures, are you? I’d really prefer something like apples, like last time.”

I do like meat, but hunting would mean I’d have to deal with the whole process, including butchering. I’m not up for that! Fenrir is a beast, so I’d probably be expected to handle the butchering part. Do I even have a knife? I’d really prefer to avoid any bloody scenes!

Besides, the creatures Fenrir hunts must be something serious, like wild boars or something intense, right? Or maybe was hunting something I was supposed to do as well? I’m breaking out in cold sweat just thinking about it!

I stiffened, and Fenrir’s sigh made my hair flutter in the sparkling wind. When the cold breeze met my hair, it created a powdery snow effect.

< The apples you ate the other day were the last ones. >

“…Really!? Even though this forest is so vast?”

< The natural world of this country is currently very weakened. >

Hearing this, I looked around in surprise. Nearby trees frozen in ice had fruits growing within, but they were still small—only about the size of cherries and too sour to eat, according to my instincts. Have I finally awakened my instincts!?

Well, putting that aside… I looked farther afield. On a scrawny tree with dull green leaves, small, wrinkled fruits hung from its branches. Small birds were pecking at these fruits, which didn’t seem very appetizing.

“…”

I didn’t know what to say. But my heart ached. I ate the last precious apple… it was particularly delicious.

< The fruit you ate was a gift from the animals, meant to bring you vitality. So don’t worry too much. >

“…What should I do? I suddenly arrived in the forest and ate the last valuable apple… Is there anything I can do to make amends?”

Feeling apologetic, I lowered my ears.

At this moment, my stomach growled again.

“Ugh, come on!?”

As I pinched my side and berated my stomach, Fenrir nudged me with his nose.

< …El, how about trying the winter healing? >

“…Winter healing?”

Fenrir gazed off into the distance, so I followed his gaze. The farther from this place, the more the land seemed withered.

< Winter hasn’t arrived around this forest for a while—about five years. As a result, the lack of moisture and magic has weakened the plants and made the animals thin. It’s because my power as Fenrir hasn’t been enough to bestow the blessing of winter… >

Fenrir lowered his face. Seeing how distressed he looked, I gently placed my hand on his cheek.

“…Please, tell me more.”

< The winter that Fenrir brings has a healing power. Under the snow and ice, plants gradually regain their vitality. Special fruits that only ripen in winter are packed with nutrients and magic, serving as sustenance for the animals. >

I see.

Fenrir’s blue eyes seemed to deepen with emotion. Was it guilt for not fulfilling his role? …It must be. If I don’t accomplish it, the lives of plants and animals are at stake. The weight of that responsibility must be immense.

I swallowed nervously.

“…So you want me to try the winter healing?”

Fenrir stared at me directly.

< Please. >

The forest rustled softly.

…!?

Uh, um. I feel the gaze of the animals on me…!

The pressure that Fenrir had felt was now affecting me, and I broke out in a cold sweat.

What if I fail at something so important…!?

The fear was overwhelming, and my body trembled. The sudden surge of responsibility left me speechless.

For a while, I could only remain silent, the quietness painfully piercing my heart. Fenrir exhaled deeply.

< I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked so much. >

His gaze turned away.

It felt like a sharp pain in my heart, as though a crack had formed.

I quickly stood up and hugged his nose.

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to make you look so sad…!”

“…I’m scared. I don’t know how to call winter, and it’s such an important task… What if I fail…!?

I want to do something for Fenrir and the others. I’m really happy for their kindness. But… can I really do it? I’ve never used magic before. My world doesn’t have magic.”

Fenrir seemed surprised.

Tears, which had turned into pearls, fell from my eyes and touched Fenrir’s nose, then dropped to the ground, blooming into snowflake-like flowers.

“That was… just a coincidence…? I did it without really understanding how.”

Fenrir’s words seeped into me.

ーーーーーー!

“…How do I call winter?”

Fenrir looked at me intently, then softened his expression, and sat up.

Ah, I love this expression. Even though it’s only for a short time, it’s the gentle face that has comforted my heart many times.

“?”

“ーー!?”

I was so startled!? The voice was right behind me! Is this some kind of ninja!?

When I turned around abruptly, there was a large horse with moon-colored fur and a purple mane. Even after I saw it, its presence was so quietly overwhelming! It was so beautiful.

As I stared in amazement, it looked down at me with half-closed eyes. Hmm? A somewhat unpleasant gaze…

W-what!? No, don’t push me from behind!? I’m scared that those horns might poke me!

“Are you a unicorn!?”

Oh no, I think I saw a vein appear on the unicorn’s forehead.

“Nooooo!”

My true feelings came out in a flash! Maybe it’s because I’ve been pampered by Fenrir, but I really don’t want to be treated strictly again! I’m turning into a useless person who’s become completely soft… but Fenrir thinks it’s fine and treats me like a child… So, what should I do?

I decided to take care of myself and cherish myself. What do I want?

Come on, instincts, wake up!!!!

With sheer determination, I made a big jump and landed gracefully on the unicorn.

“I’m on! I did it!”

Even though Graya, the unicorn, is bouncing around and trying to accommodate me, I’m managing to stay on, probably thanks to the half-beast person’s influence. My athletic abilities weren’t that great before.

“Hey, Graya. I don’t like being too formal or too strict. I’ve decided to do my best to help Fenrir… so please don’t rush me so much.”

Oh no, the unicorn let out a voice of despair. Sorry about that! Fenrir is like a parent to me, so I guess I’m biased. My heart feels lighter.

<…Ugh, this is only for now! Let’s go, Princess Winter El-sama!>

“Just call me El. And, um, Graya.”

This unicorn seems to have some cute traits.

Oh, Fenrir is really fast!?

“You’re falling behind, Graya. Giddy up!”

Graya neighed and then started speeding up. Whoa! Riding through the wind is so exhilarating, and I’m holding on to Graya with all my might. The moon-colored fur is so sleek and slippery that I’m desperately clinging on.

But the purple mane is soft and feels nice against my cheek.

It seems I was letting out a laugh. And Graya isn’t pleased.

“Your purple mane is just so lovely.”

Upon hearing this, Graya stopped complaining. Huh? Was that a compliment… or maybe just an exasperated reaction?

We continued to climb the slope. When we reached a cliff, Fenrir exhaled, and an ice bridge appeared. We continued across without slowing down.

We finally reached the top of the mountain.

Graya lowered his body by bending his legs, so I dismounted.

“Wow…! This natural area is incredible. The forest is really vast. And is that a kingdom in the distance?”

I could see a city with many houses clustered together. In the center, there was even a castle! It was amazing. I’d never seen anything like it before.

“Hold on, Graya, I get it. Don’t push me!”

Graya nudged me, adjusting my position to face the center of the peak.

Is Graya’s attitude gentler now? He’s still as blunt as ever, but his pushing isn’t as rough, and he seems to be more careful with his horn placement, maybe to avoid scaring me.

Fenrir squinted and watched us with an amused smile.

“Really? I don’t know about that…”

Oh, Graya seems to be slumping.

Fenrir slammed his right foreleg onto the ground. From where we stood, magical symbols started to spread out in a circular pattern, forming a magic circle…

…Wait, magical symbols are coming out of my body too!?

I could feel myself resonating with Fenrir. My heart was racing. Wow! I instinctively felt Fenrir’s magical power.

When Fenrir roared, the magic circle expanded rapidly, covering a vast distance. Wow, it stretched so far that I couldn’t see the edges. The entire forest and even that kingdom were probably within the magic circle’s range.

“Oh, good. There’s a ritual to this, not just shouting, right?”

I can do that. I’m from the south, so I only saw snow a few times a year, but I know what it’s like… and because of that, I have a deep admiration for the beauty of winter. Yes, I can clearly imagine it.

A gentle, cold wind blew, rustling my hair and dress. I felt a strange sensation as winter was born from within me.

I had a feeling… this was the right way to do it.

I stamped my foot on the ground. Magic rippled outwards, covering the area like when Fenrir did it. —Slowly.

<—Winter, come.>

The waves of magical power seeped into the land, freezing the ground. The soil underneath was probably becoming rich. Fine snow began to fall, painting the scenery white…

As far as I could see, the entire area turned into a silver world.

Wow, it’s beautiful!

“I did it!”

In my sense of achievement, I couldn’t help but raise my arms in victory.

The half-lidded gaze of Gréa was painful, and Fenrir’s deep chuckle was also distracting, but first and foremost! I wanted to express the joy of having the pressure lifted! Oh yeah!!

So noisy. My ears turned red for all sorts of reasons. My beast ears twitched.

Wha-what’s this? When I turned around in surprise, I saw Fenrir and Gréa bowing their heads.

“You don’t need to do that! …I’ve already received so much kindness. You wrapped me in warm fur and even shared the last apple with me.”

My stomach rumbled loudly. I really can’t get it together!!!!!

I can’t blame Gréa for being exasperated and Fenrir for laughing.

Fenrir made a soft call, and a white owl brought fruit.

“O-oh, is that so?”

“Thank you.”

—Taking a bite, the crisp, juicy texture and sweet-tart flavor spread across my mouth. The warmth in my stomach was probably from absorbing the magical power? I ate eagerly. It was incredibly delicious.

“What about the two of you?”

I was surprised. Fenrir and Gréa seemed willing to wait. They were very admirable. But that meant it was a bit awkward for me to be the only one eating… …So, I decided to take off my pearl bracelet and bury it in the snow. I felt like I could do it. I’d give it a try.

“Here goes.”

Stamping down! Remembering the release of magic from before, I stomped on the spot. Imagining a Christmas tree-like tree. It had a lot of fruit… and, oh, light gently wrapped around it, with a star shining at the top.

A fantastical and whimsical scene sprouted up—yay, I did it!

“Here you go.”

When I handed them the fruit, which shone with a blue glow, Fenrir and Gréa were left speechless. Their mouths were hanging open! Hehe! Such a rare expression! Let’s save the surprise for later!! Really!! I feel the same way!! But for now, more importantly,

“Let’s eat together.”

<…Yes, let’s do that.>

The fruit we shared at the mountain’s summit was incredibly delicious. It felt like it was three times better than the original flavor.