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

41: A Souvenir for the Kingdom

Two days have passed since then, and I was able to create ice domes over all the fairy springs. Each spring had a unique landscape, making the process quite enjoyable.

Now, with this in place, nothing bad should happen from any large objects falling into the springs… I hope!

There’s not much more I can do for now, but I hope to come up with more solutions in the future.

After that, even more objects have been found. Surprisingly, things from my room, like bath bombs, towels, combs, and mirrors, also ended up here. I never thought items from my own room would fall here! What’s going on with my room in Japan?

Suddenly, the sound of sleigh bells—ding ding! I knew the princes would be returning soon. My animal ears always pick up these things really well.

“Lord Fenrir, Lord Unicorn, Lady El, we bid you good day,” the four messengers from the kingdom greeted us with a courteous bow, characteristic of this snow-covered land.

“I have informed the Fellsnow Kingdom of the upcoming plans. Everyone is eagerly awaiting Lord Fenrir’s arrival.”

< I see, > Fenrir nodded, his ears and tail swaying happily. Ah, so cute!

“‘When shall we go? I was waiting for the meeting to finalize. Is it better to go sooner?’… is what Lord Fenrir is saying,” Glare translated.

This has been the usual way of communicating with the messengers. Although the prince has seen Fenrir in his human form, for now, Fenrir seems to want to keep this form. Glare looks quite pleased to be assisting, as you can see from that smug look on his face. I bet Fenrir will take on his human form when we enter the castle.

“We would be most grateful if you could come sooner! We’re preparing the decorations and food in a hurry and will have everything ready in time,” the princes replied, their faces lighting up. They’re true devotees of Fenrir.

< Understood. I must also see how the monsters are doing as soon as possible. >

“…is what Lord Fenrir says.”

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”

The kingdom seems to be filled with good news. Michela informed me that “the monster fragments are still not showing any signs of movement,” which was a relief since I had been a bit concerned. I also let them know that “no new monsters have been spotted.”

By the way, I’m quite excited to try the cuisine of the snow country. I wonder if they have something like borscht? I can’t wait!

“The welcome from the Fellsnow Kingdom sounds like a festival,” I laughed, and the prince blushed before responding.

“It’s exactly like a festival. We’re able to host such an event thanks to your visit. We’ll treat you with delicious snow-country food and beautiful decorations, so please look forward to it!”

“Wow!”

This is my first time going to the kingdom. From what I’ve seen from the mountaintop, it looks like a charming town straight out of a fairy tale. The castle was once Fenrir’s home, right? I wonder if there are any portraits of him there. I’d love to see that!

“We would like to bring a gift as well. What do you think, Prince Christopher?”

“What!? You’ve already given us something so wonderful recently!” The prince waved his hands frantically. Haha.

“Was the last gift well received?”

“Absolutely,” the prince began to recount in a dreamy tone.

“When you held the round ice in your hands, it melted, revealing the seed of a pearl. When we buried it in the snow, it grew into a large tree with leaves of smoky green and frosty blue. The tree bore shimmering silver fruits, which are both beautiful and fragrant. I’ve never seen such a plant before. Did you create it yourself, Princess? It’s amazing!”

“Your observation skills are impressive.”

“Thank you. It’s a hobby of mine,” the prince replied with a bashful smile.

The gift I gave last time was a seed for a fairy-tale tree, created from my tears. I encased a pearl in ice, cast a spell, and wished for it to transform into a tree. The fruit it produces is sweet, high-calorie, and perfect for emergency rations. I hope it becomes a symbol of friendship.

“We are caring for it alongside our gardeners,” the prince said.

“Is Prince Christopher also helping with the tree care? Thank you. I’m glad it’s being cherished. You know, that pearl was made from my tears.”

The prince fainted. Oh, Michela revived him with a single blow. That was some seriously powerful recovery magic… probably.

“Lady El! We planted the tree in the most prominent spot near the entrance. Please take a look when you come to the castle. I’d love to eat the fruit with you!”

“Have Michela and the others not eaten the fruit yet?”

“We would never eat it before you. Please, let’s enjoy it together.”

I guess I had only told them it was edible, so they waited. I haven’t tasted it either, so I’m looking forward to trying the special fruit! I wonder if it can be turned into dried fruit for emergency rations. I’m excited just thinking about it! I guess I’m able to think about such fun things because I’m content right now and my heart feels at ease.

< Shall we gather some ingredients from the snowy mountains, El? >

“Yes, Fenrir. Prince Christopher, Michela, we’re planning to gather souvenirs from the snowy mountains. Would you like to join us?”

I invited the messengers too. It’d be nice to hear about the kingdom’s preferences as well.

“We would love to!!!!” The prince was the first to eagerly reply, his face glowing. He really loves nature, doesn’t he?

All four of Michela’s group will be joining us too.

Around Fenrir’s den, there are plenty of winter blessings. You can find mushrooms at the roots of trees, and there’s an abundance of edible flowers and berries. As for meat… let’s avoid bringing anything too bloody this time. I tugged on the hems of Glare and the prince’s clothes to stop them. Seriously, let’s not. The prince fainted and then revived again.

“Oh, I’ve never seen this mushroom before. No… it’s a little different from the existing varieties. Maybe it’s a special variation due to this winter’s conditions.”

The prince gazed intently at a white, thick mushroom that looked like a marshmallow. He took a small bite and immediately spat it out.

“It’s fine. My tongue isn’t tingling, so it’s not poisonous. It’s good to eat.”

“That’s exactly the kind of thing that could get you poisoned!!” I shouted at him, unable to hold back after that dramatic mushroom incident when we first met. The prince looked distant… See!

“As long as you don’t swallow, it’s fine. Really, it is…” he said.

“Please don’t swallow next time, okay? Be careful.”

“Yes,” the prince replied obediently.

Good. Be careful, or I’ll worry.

“What about this one, Chris?”

“Oh, that’s marshmallow grass, and the berries are of the highest quality! Thank you, Lord Glare. It’s a wintertime favorite in Fellsnow Kingdom.”

The prince fell silent. I get the feeling he almost said, “It’s been a while since I’ve eaten it,” but then held back, perhaps out of consideration for Fenrir. Thank you for being thoughtful.

I whispered to Michela, “You passed the test,” which was kind of scary!?

Michela, who was usually outspoken, quietly watched the prince as he talked plants with Glare. I think she’s letting him have his moment because this is when he’s enjoying himself the most. Even though she’s tough at times, it’s clear she cares about him like family… my eyes got a bit teary from the warmth of it all.

“Humans have a culture of documenting things, so they know all the details. We beasts can instinctively tell which things are good or bad, but we don’t know the specifics. Chris, how about we create a new guidebook on the flora and fauna of the snowy mountains together?”

“I’d love that!!” the prince eagerly replied.

Glare and the prince have really become close, haven’t they? They were so prickly at first, but whatever happened between them, I’m glad things turned out well!

Hearing a soft laugh, I turned to see Michela smiling warmly.

“Hey. I hope we can become good friends too,” I whispered to her. She responded with an angelic smile, one that could rival any beautiful girl. Wow, she’s radiant!

We gathered a bag full of souvenirs. The knights who had been watching over us and clearing the snow loaded the bags onto the sleigh.

< We’re ready to go, > Fenrir informed the snow fairies, adding, < I’ll be away for a while. Take care of things here, and contact me if anything happens. >

The bag for souvenirs was filled to the brim. This bag was another item that fell from Earth. It’s sturdy and useful… though, really, too many things have fallen through!

< Shall we head out? >

“Yesss!”

The prince and the others got on the reindeer sleigh, followed by me riding on a unicorn behind them, and then Fenrir in his beast form trailing us.