NOVEL NEXT ch9 - The Animals of the Forest
9: The Animals of the Forest
Ezo squirrels were falling from the trees, one after another. It was as if the trees had become fruit-bearing with automatic repair functions for the squirrels.
Fenrir grumbled in concern. “They haven’t fully grown their winter fur. They’re still in their summer coats and don’t have the sharp claws needed to climb the frozen trees, making their lives difficult.”
Oh no, the squirrels fell again when startled by Fenrir’s voice!
“C-Cushions!”
In a panic, I called out, and small snow cushions appeared in the air, catching the falling squirrels. The squirrels stopped moving and looked around, seeing many of their fellow creatures in the same situation. Sorry for the surprise!
“I’m glad they’re safe.”
“Lady El… that was amazing… but it’s unprecedented, so I’m not sure how to properly praise you…”
“You followed my lead. Thank you, El.”
Fenrir purred softly in appreciation.
“It seems the animals haven’t experienced winter for some time and are struggling to adapt to their winter coats. The owls over there have grown their winter fur and are preparing their nests in the trees, but many animals, like the Ezo squirrels, haven’t adapted. Their short, light-colored fur is still from summer.”
Furrowing his brows in concern, Fenrir’s feelings were becoming more apparent to me with each shared emotion. He was clearly troubled.
“Grateful for your concern, but it’s not just the squirrels’ fault,” I said.
Gréa scolded the squirrels, causing them to panic and fall off the snow cushions. Oh no…! The fresh snow was dotted with their little impressions. I couldn’t help but find the sight a bit amusing, though I kept it to myself.
“Alright, let’s lift the squirrels up with the snow cushions… and connect them into a large cushion. Or rather, a fluffy snow bed? I’ll place it where the branches split, so they can use it as a home.”
I created a snow cave-like roof for them, turning it into a cozy nest. Hopefully, they’ll be able to stay there for a while.
“Gréa, you know how weakened creatures might fear Fenrir’s magic, right? The squirrels are still in their summer coats, thin, and probably not fully recovered from the cold.”
Gréa looked like he had just realized something. I had a feeling he was so focused on his admiration for Fenrir that he had lost sight of the situation—probably about 90% accurate.
“Being a newcomer, there are things you might notice. Things that might have been taken for granted before.”
“Please, no need for comfort. It’s my lack of study,” Gréa replied, clearly feeling down.
“Oh, that was just me talking to myself.”
I had found comfort in such words, much like how the cleaning lady I met once a month at work had consoled me many times.
But more importantly, look at the beauty of the scenery right in front of me! I almost got lost in my thoughts again. Trauma can be deeply ingrained, so I need to stay focused.
“The past cannot be changed. If good things are happening now, focusing on them will help you stay happy.”
…Ah, Fenrir’s gentle words. What wisdom. Did I say that out loud again? Or did he sense it through our shared emotions?
“It was just me talking to myself.”
“Still, I really love you.”
Fenrir cleared his throat, and a shower of diamond dust swirled around us. Wow, this is…!!
With the magic he had bestowed, all the surrounding creatures had transformed into their winter coats.
“That’s amazing! Fenrir, you’re incredible!”
“…Oh, it’s nothing special.”
Fenrir answered coolly, but his ears and tail were wagging! So cute!
“Fenrir-sama, that magic was wonderful! Your consideration for the creatures of the forest, sharing your magic with them, is so full of love!”
Whoa, now Gria’s ears and tail are wagging too. His mane brushed against my face, which feels nice but makes it hard to breathe!
Fenrir nodded coolly again and looked away. What a stylish wolf!
The squirrels moved away from the tree and began to walk.
“If I wrap them in my magic, they will change to their winter coats. Let’s continue inspecting other parts of the forest. It’s the least I can do to make up for my past mistakes.”
Fenrir said. …Making up for mistakes? He doesn’t need to frame it like that. I understand he feels guilty for not bringing winter for five years, but how should I address that?
The air around us seemed to be freezing with a crackling sound, possibly due to Fenrir’s shifting emotions. Small hailstones began to fall.
Oh, the animals are watching Fenrir with worried expressions. It seems Fenrir is too absorbed in his thoughts to notice.
“…Hey, Fenrir. Cheer up. I think everyone likes you.”
“Look at this sparkling eyes!”
I pulled the reins. “Hi-ho, Gria!” The neigh echoed through the forest.
Fenrir smiled.
When I looked at Gria’s face, I saw how he was gazing at Fenrir with such sparkling eyes that I couldn’t help but be moved… no, I must hold back. It’s too overwhelming.
“Haha! You can see from Gria, right? It’s not about making up for anything. Fenrir is helping everyone.”
“Thank you.”
Fenrir’s eyes softened. A gentle breeze swirled around Fenrir, and as it spread, winter flowers bloomed. It seems like Fenrir’s mood has improved! Awesome!
“When you use magic with a positive mindset, it works better. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“That’s right. I’ll remember that too. Thanks for teaching me.”
Fenrir nudged me with his nose. Since I was riding, Gria, who was nearby, looked incredibly happy.
Well, let’s continue our patrol, shall we? I’m more than happy to enjoy this pleasant flow.