NOVEL NEXT ch6 - The Struggles of the Winter Princess's Aide
6: The Struggles of the Winter Princess’s Aide
(From Grea’s Perspective)
Being the beloved daughter of Fenrir-sama is truly peculiar. It’s a rare incident that an otherworldly person has intruded upon the magical contract circle where Princess Felsnow was supposed to arrive. There is no precedent for such an unusual event. Furthermore, she has been hurling abusive words at Fenrir-sama. I observed in the shadows, and to see her treating Fenrir-sama as if he were a bed…!
Unbelievable. I dislike that girl.
Fenrir-sama, that girl is excessively unreasonable.
These words come from my concern for the future of the Fenrir clan. As a unicorn aide, I must speak up. Yet, the response I receive is:
“Well, it’s not so bad.”
It’s precisely because it is bad that I am saying this!! I want to shout in frustration, but I suppress my feelings and carefully choose my words to plead my case.
Fenrir-sama looks at me with a resigned expression, as if he were listening to a child’s tantrum. This is highly displeasing. It saddens me.
I am voicing my concerns as part of my duties as a unicorn aide and, more than anything, I deeply admire the current Fenrir-sama. I wish to ensure that his reign will be better and more fitting.
My mane is a rare purple, unlike the typical silver-white of unicorns, which are known for their excellence and resemble Fenrir-sama. I have always felt inferior because of this. Even my peers mocked me.
Despite this, Fenrir-sama praised my mane, saying it was “easier to spot in the snow,” which deeply moved me. At that moment, I resolved to serve and revere Fenrir-sama with all my heart.
I honed my healing skills more than any unicorn of my age, and through relentless effort, I finally earned the right to be Fenrir-sama’s aide!
…However, by that time, Fenrir-sama had already fallen ill, and he mentioned that his remaining time was short, prompting thoughts of succession. I tried to mask my despair, maintaining composure while negotiating with the Kingdom of Felsnow in human form and securing a promise with the princess… which was a year ago.
It was extremely painful to switch my mindset and strive to make the succession a grand affair!
But that girl… Princess El of Winter easily overshadowed all my efforts.
On top of that, she is so spoiled and always clinging to Fenrir-sama. Ugh, it’s infuriatingly enviable… not that I care or anything!
…Seeing her cling so closely to Fenrir-sama, and even sleep beside him, the amount of magical energy being absorbed is extraordinary. It’s surprising that she remains in human form. Although Fenrir-sama did not use the succession magic, her actions are almost identical to the magical transfer ceremony performed during succession.
…It seems Princess El has outstanding aptitude for succession, regardless of her personality.
“Like a parched plant desperately absorbing water, she absorbed the magical energy.”
And then… Fenrir the Magic Wolf’s magical power transformed into El’s, and El became a demi-human with extraordinary talents. Her own magical energy surged forth uncontrollably.
I see, I understand now. Princess El of Winter, without even understanding what she was doing, used radiant magic from the start. A child new to magic should only be able to handle a small amount of magical energy… which means her latent magical power is immense. It also means she has a heart as radiant as her magic. I’ve never seen such beautiful magic… though, of course, the current Fenrir-sama is even more beautiful!
That’s how it appears to me!
When I conveyed this sentiment in a roundabout way, Fenrir-sama chuckled softly.
“Isn’t it fine if both El and I are beautiful?”
It’s not incorrect, but I can’t quite keep up with the feeling!
“You really do admire me a lot, don’t you?”
Indeed, I do.
“Don’t forget your duty as a unicorn clan member, alright?”
Fenrir-sama nudged his sleeping beloved daughter with his snout.
…Indeed. I bowed my head.
Earlier, I had gone far to inform the other unicorns about the otherworldly transfer incident, but now, I will be dedicated solely to this girl.
“I will assist Princess El of Winter.”
“I’m counting on you.”
When Fenrir-sama said that, I became incredibly motivated. It may seem simple, but I’m deeply comforted by the current Fenrir-sama.
If this girl’s personality is the problem, shouldn’t I correct it for her? Yes, that’s what I’ll do!
“Eww. I don’t like stiff and formal things.”
I really dislike this. The blatant disrespect makes my anger rise.
Such behavior is unbecoming of the next Fenrir-sama! …Although Fenrir-sama says to look at it long-term, I can’t help but feel frustrated. Oh Fenrir-sama, please don’t look at these children with such a gentle gaze…!
She jumped onto me.
Unbelievable. So disrespectful!
As I stormed off in frustration, she said:
“But, Gréa’s mane is so beautiful.”
…What?
…What did she just say!?
My anger quickly deflated. Am I really that simple?
“Should I call you Lady El!?”
“Ah, yeah, do that.”
Trying to hide my intense agitation, I quickly asked, and Lady El responded with a dreamy tone, nuzzling her cheek against my mane.
Whoa!?
Her slender fingers stroking my neck felt astonishingly pleasant… Not that I’m saying a unicorn should feel such things during important work!
Her affectionate manner was somehow endearing, and I couldn’t bring myself to reprimand her. I could now sense the exquisitely sweet magic she carried and her petting skill… though let’s put that aside for now.
I instinctively understood that Fenrir-sama had been captivated by this. I accepted that Lady El had become a beloved daughter. She is a special existence.
Arriving at the mountaintop, I gently nudged Lady El, who was daydreaming, but made sure not to harm her with my horns. My instincts tell me not to hurt this precious being. Ah, I get it, I get it, calm down, me!
“Winter, come forth.”
Fenrir-sama began the ritual to summon winter. I thought it was the most magnificent magic I had seen in the past 20 years. Perhaps it was because Fenrir-sama had regained strength by absorbing part of Lady El’s name, “No.” For that, I am truly grateful.
After Fenrir-sama, Lady El used magic.
Earlier, she had trembled with fear over “the responsibility,” but now, how would it turn out…?
Even if she fails, I have no intention of blaming her, but I watched her fragile back with concern.
—I am a unicorn. I will continue to trust in Lady El’s proactive question of “How do I summon winter?” and her earnest gaze, and wait patiently.
“Winter, come forth.”
Lady El’s magic activated. With surprising lightness, she struck the ground with her feet.
—Radiant winter magic poured out, covering the weary land with pure white snow and ice, healing it with the magic of Lady El and Fenrir-sama.
The completed snowy landscape was so beautiful that I gasped in awe. The winter within her heart was truly magnificent.
I was moved. Lady El is indeed worthy of being Fenrir-sama’s successor…! …Just as I was filled with admiration, a loud rumble came from Lady El’s stomach.
Wait, that’s so uncool. My respect began to wane. It’s a physiological reaction, so there’s not much I can do about it.
…While I do respect Lady El for summoning such a magnificent winter, the urge to revere her has diminished… She is still quite young.
Therefore, it’s okay for Fenrir-sama to pamper her. The way Fenrir-sama looks at his beloved daughter is endlessly gentle.
…I never had parents look at me with such eyes. Lady El, be aware that your current environment is very fortunate. And remember to revere Fenrir-sama.
As I sighed, watching the child eagerly munch on an apple, Lady El did something astonishing:
“Here.”
She grew a tree by herself and offered us the fruit it bore! The skin of the fruit was a dazzling blue with star patterns, and the round, plump fruit was so large it overflowed from Lady El’s palm.
…Swallow. What kind of taste could this possibly have… I mean, I’m quite hungry too.
“I, I will partake in this.”
———!
The rich flavor and sweet magic exploded in my mouth. I could feel vitality coursing through my body almost immediately. …Could this be something so extraordinary that it would make unicorn healing unnecessary? I felt a mix of awe and complex emotions. I gently nudged Lady El with my head.
“Wh-what are you doing?!”
“Thank you very much for this blessed fruit.”
I bowed my head and expressed my gratitude. The heat in my voice was perhaps a sign of my recognition of Lady El’s power.
“Please, Fenrir-sama, don’t smile like that…”
Lady El’s hand reached towards my mane. What now?
“Hey. I want to stroke your beautiful mane. Is that okay?”
What a straightforward expression of her own desires! Really!
“Please, go ahead.”
No, stop, my mouth!
Lady El smiled brightly and began gently stroking my mane with a loving touch. …Ugh, this feels so good…!
Fenrir-sama was laughing heartily. Oh, this is so embarrassing!
“Later, will you also stroke me, El? I’ve become envious.”
“Oh! Is that okay? It’s fine, right? Also, could you turn into a bed for me? I’m really tired after using magic.”
“Of course. My beloved daughter.”
…I still need to make sure Lady El is corrected a little. At the very least, could she stop referring to Fenrir-sama as a bed? This is a sacred ritual of closeness!
“Gréa, will you also sleep?”
What in the world? This is so unreasonable… but, let’s be flexible. I need to teach her about common sense.
“To be cradled by Fenrir-sama and sleep is Lady El’s privilege as his beloved daughter. Other creatures would suffer greatly from Fenrir-sama’s magic.”
“…Really!?”
Lady El, looking surprised, apologized for inviting me without knowing. Her easy apology to someone of higher status made me involuntarily roll my eyes.
“…Beloved daughter, huh? Hehe. Fenrir, I’m so happy!”
“So am I. Oh, my adorable El.”
Lady El moved away and nestled into Fenrir-sama, who lovingly touched her with his nose, looking affectionate and content.
Strangely, I felt no jealousy. Instead, I felt as if I was sharing in their happiness, and I was filled with a sense of satisfaction. It must be because I’ve done my unicorn duties properly. Yes!
…What exactly are unicorn duties again? Stroking my mane? That can’t be it.
I calmed myself down, feeling a bit confused.
I knelt a little away from Fenrir-sama and waited, keeping watch over the peacefully sleeping Lady El. This is my current job: babysitting, or rather, guarding.