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

Chapter 45: The Festival in the Town

As the sky darkens, the sunset’s orange and purple hues reflect off the silver ground. Amid the world fading in color, the lights from the lamps blaze brightly throughout the town.

“It’s because today is the festival that there are so many lamps lit up. Usually, it’s a bit more subdued. It’s wonderful, isn’t it?”

The prince and Michela squint their eyes, taking in the scene of the town.

To avoid causing too much of a commotion, I, Fenrir, and Grea had put on robes to hide our beast ears. We ride a reindeer-drawn sleigh, moving slowly down the main street. As expected, the townspeople are staring at us intently, thinking, “Could that be Lord Fenrir?!”

“The arcade Fenrir made is still here,” says the prince. “Yes. It shouldn’t melt during the winter. Perhaps I should have used to make it,” Fenrir responds. “It looks so luxurious!” Michela exclaims. “That’s how much we appreciate the welcome. Perhaps I should come back to reinforce it next time.” “We would be deeply honored!!”

The princes enthusiastically chime in, eager not to miss this opportunity. Who wouldn’t welcome such a proposal?

Grea… I can hear your whispering loud and clear: “To think that Lord Fenrir’s presence will be etched permanently in this era is the best! Kingdom citizens, you should worship it every day. I want to visit every day too!!”

And we completely agree. This is just too much fun.

We laugh softly and arrive at the grand hall with joyful hearts.

“Wow, amazing! A huge tree! It might even be bigger than the ones that grow on snowy mountains.”

It seems this tree wasn’t grown naturally but made with their own power. People who can use green magic gathered trimmed branches to create a massive ornament. It’s adorned with various decorations and looks just like a Christmas tree.

“Each of these decorations has a personal wish written on them,” someone explains.

Is it like Tanabata?

“Oh, the princes have arrived!”

While the adults kept their distance, the children, with their pure hearts, ran towards us. Huh? Those appearances…

“Big brother! Big sister! Thank you for coming!”

They look like the princes’ siblings, with fluffy platinum hair, ice-blue eyes, and dressed in thick, fluffy clothing. They’re so adorably angelic! They came here first to avoid causing a ruckus during the meal at the castle. They tell us to enjoy the cake and fruit later.

“Lord Fenrir, Winter Princess, and Unicorn, you’re beautiful!!” “Uh, thank you.”

With a shy response, they ask to see our ears, their pure, sparkling smiles shining brightly. Since we were planning to remove our robes in the square anyway, why not?

Looking sideways at the princes, they nod in agreement. When we take off our robes, the children’s cheers erupt. The adults, trying to hold back their excitement, seem to have their emotions rise to the surface, and it feels like the temperature has increased by about three degrees…

“Here, take this.”

We receive a map of the town from the children. A representative of the festival approaches us.

“It’s an honor to see you. Thank you for coming to our town, Lord Fenrir. We are very pleased. Please enjoy yourself today.” “Thank you.”

The representative listens to our requests and directs us to the shops. After thanking them, we walk in the indicated direction.

In the shopping district, each shop has its unique lamps lit, and winter-themed wreaths decorate the shops. The flower shop has wreaths made of winter plants, the butcher has long dried meat wreaths, and the clothing store has snowdrop-patterned wreaths… and so on. There are stalls in front of the buildings, offering festival-exclusive, luxurious, and bargain-priced items.

As we stroll and take in the sights, it’s so much fun just looking at the clothes, goods, accessories, and food!

(…Ah. By the way, did I bring any money?)

I whisper to Fenrir. He crouches to listen.

“Hmm, money, huh?” “Isn’t it free!?” “No, the shopkeepers—if it’s a festival, they want to have a good time mutually. How about barter…”

“Lord Fenrir’s autograph is perfect!!!”

As Fenrir was about to take out his wallet, the shopkeeper’s loud voice echoed.

“An autograph?”

Fenrir tilts his head in confusion. Ah… That’s an ultra-rare item! I mean, it’s something that would be displayed in the royal palace, right!? This shopkeeper’s potential is amazing!

“Is that all you want? Fine.” “Such happiness!!!!”

Yes, it would be incredibly happy.

“But… I don’t think it’s fair to sign only at this shop.”

Oh! Fenrir looks around and smiles wryly. When I turn around… the shopkeepers are peeking out from their doors, their eyes gleaming with amazement! No wonder—such intensity!

“Since it would be too much trouble to sign at every shop, would it be alright to use magic for it?” “Of course!” “Then, let’s see. I’ll sign in blue letters on the front door.”

Fenrir says this and closes his eyes. He seems to be grasping the spatial layout of the town. After opening his eyes, he wraps blue magic around his fingertips and lightly taps the shop’s door. The signature appears, floating there. Other shops and houses in the country probably got this signature too. Let’s see…

When we gaze at the doors, we almost collapse.

A blue paw print mark!!!! So cute and unfairly adorable!!!

We ended up silently and passionately shaking hands with Grea. At that shop, we bought some bath additives as a souvenir for Levi.

After that, everywhere we went, there was the blue paw print signature… It made us grin every time. We kept browsing the stalls, feeling the urge to squish Fenrir’s palms.

We ate small bead-like candies, bought delicate lace ribbons to tie up our hair, and sampled thinly sliced pepper bread with cream cheese and honey. Sipping on ginger ale, we continued our festive exploration.

At a certain accessory shop, we stopped.

“Lord Fenrir, Winter Princess, and Unicorn, welcome. If you like, how about matching accessories!?”

We exchanged glances.

“Matching”

I was already wearing a pearl bracelet and necklace.

“Let’s go with rings. Now, which one…”

Fenrir starts choosing a pair of rings, his ears twitching. As the shopkeeper, a smiling woman, watches with tearful eyes, I feel a bit ticklish and look at various rings. Among the many with ice-blue stones, one catches my eye: a ring with black like the night sky and twinkling star-like stones.

“It resembles the color of black hair before El harmonized with Fenrir’s magic. Let’s go with this one.” “Will we really wear them together…?”

“Since we finally found a ring you like, shall we go with it?”

I nodded in agreement, as I had been eyeing the same item. Fenrir received the two rings from the shopkeeper and asked, “Which finger will you choose?” I was taken aback. Well… I’m not sure… “Then, the left middle finger,” I responded, trying to keep it simple. How spineless of me.

The ring smoothly slid onto my finger.

Fenrir put the ring on himself in the same way, on his left middle finger.

From behind, I could feel Grea’s intense gaze… Fenrir and I exchanged glances.

(I have a feeling I know what Grea is thinking.) (Yeah, she’s probably super jealous but trying to hold back, thinking something like ‘How dare the assistant be so rude!’ and all that.)

We communicated with our eyes. We each took a pair of the indigo rings and placed them on Grea’s right and left middle fingers.

“Thank you for always working so hard.” “I vow to always praise and support Lord Fenrir for the rest of my life!!!”

Her excitement was overflowing. Grea’s eyes sparkled like a child’s. I’m glad I gave it to her.

(Speaking of which, unicorns are supposed to receive a birthday ring from their parents… But Grea has never worn one before.) Fenrir whispered. Really!? How sad!

I patted Grea’s head affectionately, along with Fenrir. We’ll celebrate Grea’s birthday with lots of joy!

As we enjoyed the festival atmosphere, we laughed and walked along.

I’ve gotten used to seeing people around us suddenly collapse or kneel. If they’re not buried in snow, I’d say “Good night” and continue walking. The knights seem to be handling it.

The princes bought ribbons from a different stall and tied them around each other’s necks.

“Isn’t that a tie…?” “It’s a charm wishing for good things on the path ahead and that you return safely to your family. It’s a tradition to tie ribbons for safety when heading to the snowy mountains.” “That’s very nice.”

I think these two are wonderful siblings who get along well. I hope they can walk towards their best dreams without any fights.

After browsing several stalls, we made our way back to the plaza.

Fenrir’s profile was beautifully lit by the lamps. A white breath escaped his mouth, and I couldn’t help but be entranced.

“…I feel so refreshed. When I was at the castle, I felt a sense of nostalgia that was comforting, but this city feels brand new, like I’ve never been here before. I wonder if, when I was a prince 300 years ago, I never had a chance to come to the city.” “Really?”

I looked up at Fenrir, who blended into the cityscape colored by the lamps, wide-eyed.

“I’m so happy to experience a pleasantness that I never felt even in the snowy mountains or as a prince, now with El and the others. Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity.”

Seeing Fenrir’s smile made us blush deeply. He is so precious.

“There will definitely be lots of fun things ahead!” “Yes. Will you stay with me, El?” “Yes!”

I feel like this question has come up a lot lately. I naturally responded in a cheerful voice and walked beside Fenrir.

Glancing sideways, his relieved expression was faintly blushing, and his beast ears were moving busily. The shock was so intense that my memory of the journey back was a blur.

—Before I knew it, I was back in the plaza. I seriously don’t remember the way back. This is bad. My heart was too stirred up.

Near the tree, they were distributing a big event dish of stewed grizzly bear. I took a ceramic plate and had a bite. The flavor was rich and somewhat wild, spreading warmly in my mouth. I also ate the red turnips cooked with it, warming up my body.

Listening to local folklore and singing songs, under the light of the lamps in the darkness, I danced a little with Fenrir. Since Fenrir said, “Your body remembers how to move,” I let him lead. The light, high-stepping dance fit the festival atmosphere, and I, having enhanced physical abilities from becoming Fenrir, didn’t trip at all, making it an unforgettable experience.

During the festival, we slipped away and returned to the snowy mountains. If Fenrir stayed, the festival would probably never end.

In the extreme cold and dark snowy mountains—

We were completely fine in the harsh environment. The beast fur was warm, and we could see clearly even in the darkness, walking through the snow effortlessly.

We arrived at the cave. This is where we return.

“It was really fun. I want to go again!” “Let’s do that.” “I’ll accompany you.”

With a very satisfied feeling, I snuggled into the silver fur and slept soundly.