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

Chapter 40: The Altar in the Snowy Mountains

After contacting my father, it didn’t take long for his reply to arrive.

I finally realized how much I had kept him waiting. I was scared to look at the message, but leaning against Fenrir and with Glare by my side, I braced myself on the snowy mountain peak and pressed the button on my phone.

“I see. I’m glad you’re well. I’ve been waiting for Noel Hiiragi to reach out on her own.”

“Haaah—”

I exhaled deeply. Gah, cough, cough! I choked a bit, and Glare looked at me with an exasperated expression. His horse-like ears drooped, so I gave them a pinch to make them stand back up.

Fenrir asked me worriedly.

“Um… he said he’s waiting for me to contact him again and that he’s glad I’m doing well.”

Fenrir smiled warmly, as if it were his own happiness. So did Glare. My eyes grew hot. It’s really thanks to both of you.

“Right now, I feel like I can use an amazing spell! My heart feels so light!”

“Show us then,” Fenrir said, full of anticipation. Alright, watch me!

I stomped my foot firmly on the ground.

From beneath my feet, magic overflowed, expanding into a blue magic circle. With a light tap, snow-colored magical runes floated up, and six ice pillars formed at the edge of the circle. I twirled around, and the pillars curved into an ice path, stretching high into the sky to create a dome.

With a final clap of my hands, a massive ice crystal formed at the top of the dome.

“May it never melt.”

I clasped my hands in prayer, hoping it would become ice that wouldn’t melt, like the kind Fenrir could create. Turning to look at the astonished Fenrir and Glare, I announced:

“Behold! An altar of ice! Fenrir, go ahead, climb on up!”

“You’re the only one for this!”

He seemed concerned about being the first to ascend, but I made this altar just so I could see Fenrir climb it.

Glare’s eyes sparkled with excitement. I’m sure mine did too. With both of us watching, Fenrir ascended the altar.

“Gwooooooohn!”

His powerful howl echoed far into the distance.

It wasn’t frightening at all. Instead, it was a comforting sound that made our ears tingle. Like being at an extravagant concert. Wait, are my senses becoming like that of a snow mountain beast?

Oh well, it’s fine. I handed a handkerchief to Glare, who was moved to tears next to me.

His voice must have reached the kingdom. With everyone practically his worshippers, they’re probably overjoyed right now, don’t you think?

As I thought about this, a blue light shot up from the royal castle, and boom! A blue firework bloomed in the sky.

Is that… Michela?! Wow, incredible!

Fenrir laughed cheerfully. He had been brooding for five years over his inability to summon winter, but he seemed completely restored now. And seeing him happy made us feel the same.

“Absolutely.”

Though he invited me, just then, I received a request for help from the snow fairies. It seemed they’d found an animal that hadn’t grown its winter coat yet. I had to hurry to assist.

So, climbing the altar will have to wait for another time. Having something to look forward to in the future feels good, doesn’t it? Even my dark, despondent days in that room in Japan now seemed like distant memories.

“Nope, I’m totally fine. Let’s give it our best!”

I love this snowy mountain, so I want to do whatever I can for it. Besides, the work here is refreshing and fun, and Fenrir and the others are so kind. It’s the best.

—Once I have more confidence in myself, I’ll tell them: I want to live here as the Winter Princess. That’s what I’ve decided.