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

(Bonus Story) Cherry Blossom Festival and the Snowy Country – Day of Events Part 4

(Perspective of El)

It’s noon!

Today, we’re distributing bento boxes from the Kingdom of Felsnow.

A creamy potage soup made from meltwater and spring vegetables. Boiled eggs that are pure white, sprinkled with rock salt. Fragrant bread filled with nuts and sweet bread kneaded with candied berries. And a set of pure white steamed buns adorned with cherry blossom patterns.

All of it is neatly packed in a small box, complete with disposable cups and lids for the soup, along with spoons. I was looking for a menu that could be made in bulk without spilling, so it’s a bit unbalanced, but please forgive me.

The townspeople are excitedly receiving their bento boxes.

While it’s common for families to bring bread for outings, this is the first time a meal set has been distributed with nutritional considerations in mind. This was a project I discussed multiple times with the Kingdom of Felsnow based on my Japanese common sense. Ehehe.

“What is this lid? It’s so thin and transparent; it’s fascinating!”

“Even though it’s a paper cup and spoon, it’s surprisingly sturdy!”

That’s thanks to a thin layer of barrier magic.

The talented young princes helped with it, and while the cost is on the high side, they worked hard for this special festival.

“Hehe!”

(El, your tail is lifting your skirt.)

“Oh no! Hah, the potage soup is delicious.”

(El, your tail again…)

“Ugh! It’s reacting to my emotions!”

Just as I was joyfully enjoying the delicious bento, my tail decided to act up. What a bother!

Fenrir is chuckling as he spreads out another bento at the outdoor free table.

Is that his second one?

He must really like it.

Since we’ll be busy in the afternoon, we need to eat up!

“Ugh, my stomach hurts…”

“Lady El… please read my face?”

“I’m being belittled! I’ll just look at Fenrir for comfort.”

“I’ll do the same.”

“You guys are so energetic!”

Seeing Fenrir smile seems to burn off some calories.

My heart is racing twice as fast!

Well, that’s enough resting! Time for the afternoon events to begin!!

☆

Snowmen line the main street.

Gone are their wobbly movements from earlier; now, they stand at attention like guardians with their wooden branch arms saluting.

A collective “ooh…” rises from the crowd.

Naturally, no one dared to approach the snowmen easily.

Keeping a safe distance, the attention of the crowd gathered on the main street.

Then, from Felsnow Castle, a parade float approached.

A gigantic vehicle pulled by multiple moose. It looked like a winter sled, but instead of sliding boards on snow, it had wheels.

The moose were well-trained, walking in sync and at a slow pace.

“…I can’t believe they can do that!” the immigrants gasped in awe.

The people of the Felsnow Kingdom looked proud. The moose were the trademark animals of Princess Misheera.

When she was young, she used to ride a moose when she visited the town.

That was a winter tradition.

Since the new Winter Fenrir was chosen, she hadn’t made an appearance in the town for quite some time…

But now, a new Winter Princess has come to take her place.

Princess Misheera, appearing in town after a long time, let her rich platinum hair flow in the spring breeze, draped in a blue dress that resembled the sky, with soft green fabric over her shoulder.

Her cheeks were adorned with “cherry blossom-colored” makeup, noticeable even from a distance.

Princess Misheera received a bell-adorned scepter from Prince Christopher, who stood beside her.

Laughing, they engaged in conversation.

Then Christopher took a step back and picked up a flute.

A clear, straight sound cut through the air, signaling the start of the performance.

Seated behind the massive float was an orchestra.

The gentle melody complemented Misheera’s voice without overpowering it.

“Good day!”

A traditional greeting of the Kingdom of Felsnow.

The citizens returned the gesture in unison.

Those who didn’t know it yet were taught by the adults around them.

Princess Misheera waited for the crowd to raise their heads, ringing her scepter.

“Thank you for sharing your magic with the snowmen. It is undoubtedly the citizens who have created this beautiful sight.”

When Misheera smiled, the snowmen mirrored her with their own uplifted corners of their mouths—a blissful, “happy” smile that made the onlookers feel joyful.

Then, as the snowmen twirled around, a small snow cloud magically formed above their heads, and it began to sprinkle snow upwards.

The citizens buzzed, pointing at the snowmen. “I gave magic to that snowman with the flower decoration!” “I was the one who gave it that flower!” “Oh, it’s eating the sweets I gave it!?”—everyone chimed in with excitement.

Then they looked at their own hands.

Seeing their ice-colored nails.

Proof that they belonged to the Kingdom of Felsnow.

A boy with black hair noticed that the tips of his green nails were slightly ice-colored.

“…?”

“By eating the ingredients nurtured in this land, embracing the seasons’ climate, and loving it in your heart, living beings can change.”

The platinum-haired prince next to him recited this like a song.

He showed his own ice-colored fingertips.

“See?”

“It’s true… they look similar…”

“Are you happy? I’m happy to be friends with you!”

“I-I am too.”

A small, honest voice whispered.

“I’m happy too.”

Feeling embarrassed, he almost covered his face.

As he looked down, a loud cheer erupted.

Looking up at the sky, an ice spring dragon gracefully soared above.

Riding on the spring breeze—

☆

(Perspective of El)

No way!!!

I’m going to get drunk on the spring breeze!!!

Right now, I’m riding on the ice spring dragon.

It has a little depression, like those kid rides on department store rooftops. Isn’t it amazing?

Thanks to swallowing non-melting ice, I can use ice magic even in spring.

And the one blowing the overwhelming spring wind to move the ice spring dragon is Fenrir. As expected!

Whoa!

The wind is so strong! My stomach is too full! I won’t throw up… but I’m getting dizzy!

Fenrir knows how to create a scene that excites the crowd. Just imagine a huge ice spring dragon making loops in the sky!

It’s an incredibly stable spring wind.

But the speed is just as impressive.

It feels like an unending roller coaster ride that I can’t get off.

Please end this!!

How many more minutes?

Beep beep beep, the stopwatch goes off.

This magical device was made by Chris, inspired by “Lost Items of Another World.”

The parade’s sled was also handmade by him, which is astonishing. It seems he plans to enjoy behind-the-scenes work like snow mountain exploration and magic tool creation from now on.

Anyway, I have my job to do.

“—Spring, come!”

Just kidding!

As the ice spring dragon melts partially, it releases a chill into the air.

The multitude of flower petals contained within it cascaded down onto the town.

It’s the cherry blossom festival.

Everyone is looking up.

Cheers erupted.

A huge success!

Just when I felt relieved,

A cherry blossom petal landed right on the tip of my nose.

“Whoa, Achoo!!”

…Oh no?!

The ice spring dragon continued to melt.

I lost my footing on the ice below and tumbled down.

A cold chill ran down my spine as I found myself floating in mid-air without any ground beneath me.

Desperately trying to create something, my focus faltered, and the magic didn’t take form.

“Fen—”

Fenrir!

—By the time I tried to call him, I was already in his arms.

“El. You did well.”

“…You’re so calm. You’re so very calm. Huh…