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

48: Christopher’s Resolve
(From Christopher’s perspective)

The Winter Festival, hosted in honor of Lord Fenrir, concluded successfully.

I lost count of how many times I discussed with the castle’s dignitaries how lively and enjoyable this winter had been, unlike any other before.

Everyone, regardless of age, was caught up in the excitement. Even the chancellor, known for the deep furrows on his brow, lightened up and spoke enthusiastically about the festival.

“The townspeople were saying that even cleaning up after the festival was enjoyable, brother.”
“Everywhere you look, you can see traces of Lord Fenrir’s presence—like the blue signs on the front doors or the snow shoveling with snowmen that will keep working until winter ends.”
“Ahaha!”

Michela and I shared a lighthearted laugh. She covered her mouth, saying, “I’m acting like a child, how improper.” Yet, she couldn’t stop giggling.

“…Let’s switch gears.”
“Agreed. Let’s head to the tower.”

We nodded to each other.

From here on, we moved quietly down the hall, minimizing our chatter as we each thought about the issues at hand.

…This information is top secret. There’s no need to dampen the spirits of the excited maids.

“It’s quiet, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is.”

Michela whispered softly. Yes, the person imprisoned wasn’t shouting angrily or thrashing about. As we neared the tower and listened closely using magic, we found it odd. I had hoped to catch something if they made a slip of the tongue, but…

“Wouldn’t it be nice if they were reflecting on their actions?”
“I agree.”
“Do you think they’ll start making noise once you show up, brother?”
“I’ll probably be treated like bait…”
“That’s a joke. Even if they stay silent, I’ll make sure they talk. You can count on it.”
“Reliable.”
“I’m honored.”

After ending our grim wordplay, we both let out a sigh.

The castle corridors were long, and as we reached the far end, it started to feel a bit cold. Our breath was visible in the air.

The prisoner, not being from the kingdom of Felsnow, must find the cold unbearable, so I’ve heard the tower is heated to the point where it feels almost too warm for us.

“What a waste of heating expenses.”
“I understand how you feel, but we can’t let them catch a cold. I’d like them to leave soon.”
“After they pay for their actions, of course.”

Once again, our breaths filled the air with white mist.

Just as we were about to enter the tower,

“What, what’s going on!?”

A large tremor shook the ground.

I quickly grabbed the staggering Michela and braced myself against the wall. After a moment, the shaking subsided.

“What was that…”
“This is an emergency.”

“Prince Christopher! Princess Michela! Are you alright!?”
“We’re fine.”

The maids and butlers rushed over, their faces filled with concern. It wasn’t just us who felt it—everyone had experienced the tremor. The ground had moved significantly. How far-reaching was it…?

What about the snow-covered mountains?

“Is the princess alright…!?”

I threw open the window and looked up at the towering white mountain in the distance. The princess should be near the summit.

Various dreadful possibilities crossed my mind.

The snow here is light, making avalanches more likely. Could something strange have happened to her, being from another world? Is she scared and crying right now?

My mind was entirely consumed with thoughts of the princess. My chest tightened with worry.

“There’s something foreign from another world outside. A finely crafted iron art piece… It’s confirmed, I’d say. We should also consider the effects on the town. There’s no change to the tower’s iron bars, and there’s no magical reaction, so the princess hasn’t done anything strange.”

Michela, standing beside me, calmly assessed the situation, snapping me back to reality.

“I believe Lord Fenrir and the others will protect Lady El.”
“…Michela, I…”

My voice came out strained and pathetic.

“Brother, you were just worried about Lady El, weren’t you?”
“…Yes.”

I turned my face away from Michela’s sympathetic smile and gazed once more at the snowy mountain.

“Your mind is already made up, isn’t it, brother?”
“…It seems so.”

This time, I couldn’t come up with any excuses for myself.

I prioritized the princess over the kingdom’s crisis. When I opened the window, the first thing I looked at wasn’t the town—it was the snow-covered mountain.

“Please leave at once, brother. Handle the situation on the mountain. I’ll take care of the town.”
“Michela. I entrust this to you.”

Finally, the words came out. Not with hesitation, but smoothly.

It was a request to my sister—a plea that should’ve felt weak and pitiful. Yet, Michela’s eyes widened with firm resolve, and she didn’t mock me for it.

“Caring for Lady El and worrying about the town—both are important concerns. There’s no need to rank them.”
“Michela…”
“It’s not about whether one choice is right or wrong. As royalty, we must work together and cherish everything. Isn’t that so?”

Michela’s blue eyes shone with an inner strength, as if radiating light. It was clear to me then why she had been chosen as the next vessel for Lord Fenrir.

“We’re simply dividing our roles. Our hearts are always in the same place, brother. For peace and tranquility, right? No matter where we stand, we’ll walk this path together.”
“Thank you.”

I extended my hand to Michela. Not as her older brother, but as an equal, in recognition of her as a noble leader.

Without hesitation, she grasped my hand. Her brilliance made me squint.

“I’m off!”

I threw on the thick coat the butler brought. When I glanced at him, I noticed he was teary-eyed. He had served me for so long and knew all my troubles, so he must have been worried. I gave him a reassuring smile.

“We’ll accompany you, Prince Christopher.”
“We’ll protect you with all our pride as knights!”

The vice captains had come to escort me to the snow-covered mountain. Given the danger, having them accompany me was a good decision. I nodded and instructed them to prepare a sled.

The knight commander standing behind Michela signified that our roles as siblings had truly shifted.

“Michela… handling that tower will be tough on you.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve long harbored frustrations toward those people. It’s an honor to finally deal with them directly!”

In this situation, Michela’s radiant smile was nothing short of terrifying.

I silently prayed for those in the tower. Well, it’s the consequences of their own actions—they should face their punishment.

The sled was prepared in no time. As I called to the reindeer, an owl flew overhead.

“Is that… a messenger from the mountain?”

If it’s heading toward the castle, there must be political matters to address.

“It’s troublesome, isn’t it? This is the first time I’ve abandoned my duties.”

As I muttered, glancing back at the castle with a heavy heart, I saw my father standing at the entrance.

A radiant crown gleamed above his head. He performed the deepest bow of our kingdom, pressing his fists together and bending his knees in my direction.

“Oh, proud emissary of the snow country, protector of the snowy mountains alongside Lord Fenrir, may your journey be blessed.”

I stood stunned by his words, as the king broke into a wide grin—his fatherly smile.

“This is not a challenge for you siblings alone. Rely on all of us.”
“Father…! Thank you.”

I returned the bow with all my respect.

I sped off toward the snowy mountain, driving the sled with all my might. The ringing of bells echoed sharply through the white, silver world.

Princess, please be safe…!