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

52: Task to Eliminate Poisonous Plants 1
(Christopher’s Perspective)

I rode the ice horse that the Princess had created for me, and together, we traveled across various parts of the snowy plains. A gentle northern wind blew, and while everything seemed like a normal snow-covered mountain, the tremors had caused the plants to be unnaturally covered in snow, and we occasionally encountered staggering animals and monsters. Fenrir-sama called forth snow fairies and entrusted them with the finer tasks.

Our urgent mission was to eliminate the poisonous plants. Fenrir-sama barked softly, as if saying, “Over there,” and stomped his feet, causing a green magic circle to appear in a corner of the forest. Although the land is recovering now due to the healing power of winter, this area had been contaminated for a long time.

The Princess found the poisonous plants under the guidance of the former Green Fairy. Fenrir-sama and Glea-sama could sniff out the faint magic of other countries. They assumed humanoid forms and carefully pulled out the poisonous plants.

As for me, I focused my eyes on detecting the subtle differences between the poisonous plants and ordinary ones, relying on my knowledge to find them.

“There it is.”
“Got one here, too.”

Everyone else kept finding poisonous plants one after another. Honestly, my pace was much slower. By the time everyone had found two plants and started searching the next area, I had just barely noticed a single anomaly.

“I’m sorry for being so slow…” I apologized to Fenrir-sama when he suggested we move to the next spot. He tilted his head.

“What are you talking about? You’ve been very helpful, Christopher, teaching us the proper methods to remove these plants—telling us that some have deep roots or warning us about those that cause rashes when touched. And you’ve also been guiding us on how to burn them with fire. You’ve been invaluable.”
“He’s right! Thank you so much!”

Fenrir-sama and the Princess stood side by side, smiling warmly at me.

“Thank you very much!”
“Hmm?”

They seemed unaware, but being able to witness the two of them standing together like this was a huge privilege. The sight was so precious that I couldn’t help but squint in admiration.

“You’re being too loud, Chris,” Glea-sama’s chop landed on my head.
…But thanks to that, I managed to clear my head. I had been zoning out too much.

“I deeply apologize.”
“Look, Chris, your loud voice is making the snow fall off the trees.”
“That’s impossible!”
“I’m joking.”

I was surprised to be blamed for the snow falling from the trees, but Glea-sama just smirked and turned away. Perhaps he had noticed my mood and was trying to cheer me up…

Fenrir-sama and the Princess were always so close, with no distance between them, their skin naturally touching. I couldn’t help but feel that nothing could ever come between them. My chest tightened with this realization.

At this moment, my deep respect for Fenrir-sama and my burning feelings for the Princess clashed fiercely within me. Internally, it was like a battlefield.

“Chris, do you have any memories you’d like to erase?”

Glea-sama, while gathering the poisonous plants we had pulled out, suddenly asked this. Ah… he must have noticed.

“No, not at all. The good, the bad, the fun, and the painful—all of it is the path I’ve walked. That’s why I’m here today. I don’t regret the past. Although there are many things I reflect on.”
“What a refreshing answer. I envy you.”

He said this with a calm expression.

“Have you ever erased a memory, Glea-sama?”
“Hmm, would you like to know? Alright, let’s talk about it until dawn.”
“Wha—!”
“I’ve got your promise now.”
“Wait—!”

“Unicorns specialize in physical recovery. Don’t worry, even if you don’t sleep for one night.”
“But men aren’t their specialty, right?”
“I know how to make recovery potions, so it won’t be an issue.”

Glea-sama confidently plucked some medicinal herbs, which have long been used in snowy regions, and waved them in front of me. I slumped my shoulders in defeat.

“What are you two doing? It’s so funny!”
“It’s fun to see Glea being playful,” said the Princess and Fenrir-sama as they eagerly joined in our conversation.

I’m truly honored. If they find the interactions between Glea-sama and me amusing enough to want to join, I, as a servant and devoted follower, feel nothing but joy.

Glea-sama and I exchanged glances and couldn’t help but chuckle softly. Before I knew it, my chest felt lighter. He had once again helped ease my emotions.

—Now that I think of it, I wonder if Glea-sama ever fell in love with the Princess?

Even though he’s a holy beast unicorn, he can take on a humanoid form. The Princess, being a half-beast herself, often plays around with Glea-sama. It seems like the kind of relationship where love could easily bloom.

Admiring such a beautiful and kind future master would be inevitable. Since I’m deeply in love with the Princess, I find her irresistible and believe anyone would be drawn to her.

Maybe I’ll ask him about it when we talk tonight. He might roll his eyes, but I bet he’ll give me a serious answer. Though I do worry if it’ll lead to trouble…

Looking forward to such thoughts, I feel like a normal, healthy young man. Experiencing all these feelings, dreams, and emotions makes me feel truly alive. There’s a sense of freedom that comes with it. Imagining the path that Michela has opened for me, I touched the necktie around my throat.

“Look, I found this behind that tree. Is it a lost item from another world?”

Glea-sama was holding up a small triangular pink lace fabric. Wait… is that…!?

“W-What!? Glea, why did you find something like that!?”
“Is it yours, El-sama?”

—I take back what I said. Glea-sama is on a completely different wavelength. There’s no way he’s drowning in feelings for the Princess. I mean, how can he hold a p-p-p…panty without a single expression!? That’s impossible!!

Hearing Fenrir-sama choking and coughing, I felt my nose burn as I fainted.

…Apparently, Glea-sama used some of the medicinal herbs he was holding to heal me. When I opened my eyes, the Princess was blushing and asked shyly, “Did… did you see…?” She was so embarrassed.

I fainted for the second time.

“Get a hold of yourself!”

What a gentle way to be woken up. It was a far cry from Michela’s powerful blows.

Sipping on the sweet juice of a Treefruit, I couldn’t help but marvel at how love really is sweet and sour.

I’m sorry for holding up our search. Let’s gather ourselves and move on. We still have more poisonous plants to find.