NOVEL WEB Ch54 - Finding the Right Mood
Chapter 54: Finding the Right Mood
(Christopher’s Perspective)
As the mountaintop came into view, I noticed some rare trees that weren’t mentioned in any of the literature. Given that snow fairies were guarding them, they probably weren’t anything bad.
Even Lord Fenrir passed by them without any issues. The cold wind still swayed the small fruits, making bell-like sounds.
“Oh, Prince Christopher, this tree is the first one I ever grew.”
“That’s why it looks so beautiful!”
“Really? I’m a bit embarrassed now. The tree fruit you mentioned earlier is also from here. It was my first attempt, so I poured all my magical power into it, and it has particularly high restorative effects.”
The more I heard, the more I realized how extraordinary the things I was being given were. I spoke passionately about the delightful texture of the tree fruit, and both the princess and Lord Fenrir exclaimed, “Oh!”
It was quite embarrassing.
Their beast ears were twitching, and Lady Glea seemed to be struggling to contain her emotions. I almost lost it, but managed to hold back.
At the top of the row of tree fruits, I could already see a bit of the ice altar.
The majestic and beautiful roof…!
I hurried to get a closer look.
“Wow…!”
The sunlight seemed to be absorbed by the ice, causing the altar to shine from within.
The ice altar for Lord Fenrir.
A piece of art crafted with all the princess’s heart.
It was more beautiful than any structure I had ever seen in this world.
“That’s wonderful.”
The only honest reaction that finally escaped my lips was small and unadorned, but the princesses were very pleased and smiled happily.
Lord Fenrir transformed into his beast form and slowly ascended the ice altar. The princess stood by his side.
—A howl.
It rang out clearly, and I was sure it reached the kingdom.
Lord Fenrir, the princess, the ice altar, and the healing winter landscape.
Everything seemed perfect.
I felt a profound sense of acceptance.
The blizzard of love seemed to have calmed, and I felt a spring breeze in my heart.
I had found where my feelings settled.
“Chris.”
When I was called and turned to the side, Lady Glea, in her human form, offered me a handkerchief.
It seemed I was crying.
I nodded in thanks and gently wiped my tears with the handkerchief.
By the time Lord Fenrir and the princess, who had been chatting, turned around, I was able to smile.
I tried to return the handkerchief to Lady Glea, but she said, “This is a precious item woven by the snow mountain’s vine. Please keep it as a memento.”
Could this be the legendary item mentioned in the Felsnow fairy tale!?
I decided to graciously accept such a wonderful gift.
In return, I gave Lady Glea a magical pen made by the kingdom’s artisans, which she was delighted with.
Then, we all prostrated ourselves before Lord Fenrir and the princess as they returned from the altar.
“W-wait a minute!?”
Their flustered reaction was also adorable!!!!
Ah!! I am so happy!! Tears of emotion welled up.
“I thought the ice altar was the perfect place to honor Lord Fenrir! I would love to preserve the scene we saw earlier for posterity. Maybe a painting would be nice…”
I suggested we might draw a painting, and the princess clapped her hands.
“Oh! In that case, let’s take a photo!”
“A photo?”
“It’s a device that can capture and record images. It’s from another world… this machine.”
The princess awkwardly took out a device called a smartphone.
W-what is that!?
I felt a bit uncomfortable, and both Lord Fenrir and Lady Glea and I subtly averted our eyes. The princess seemed to have realized her slip-up and smiled awkwardly.
“Um, don’t worry. It’s just for taking pictures. Let’s try it.”
Encouraging herself, the princess stepped back a little and looked at us through the device.
I felt like I might faint.
The princess moved her fingers on the device.
Click, an unfamiliar sound.
“Okay. It’s done.”
“It’s done…?”
As everyone seemed puzzled, the princess hurried over and showed us the other side of the device.
We all gasped.
The scene was captured in such detail, more vividly than any painting.
“Is this like a painting function?”
We finally understood from the princess’s explanation and were captivated by the device.
“It captures even a single strand of hair vividly. What happened in that brief moment?”
“I can’t explain the device’s structure in detail. But there was an incredible person who created it, and in my world, it’s mass-produced and used daily.”
“Wow…”
So many of these. Even without magic, this other-worldly Japan is amazing.
The princess, saying “Okay, smile and smile,” stepped back to take another photo.
“Princess, could you teach us how to operate it? Instead of just taking pictures of us, let’s take one with you in it as well.”
“Oh, right. Let’s do that…”
The princess blinked and nodded as if realizing something.
From this reaction, we somehow inferred the situation.
“It seems like there have been many instances of only taking pictures lately, and I’ve completely forgotten how it feels.”
Her muttered words reached our ears, and we harbored some black resentment thinking (Wasn’t that company excluding the princess?).
We pretended not to hear Lady Glea’s mumbling about “something.”
Punishment fitting for the crime. It’s a matter of national common sense.
“Let’s use the built-in camera mode and capture everyone…”
The princess’s initial awkwardness faded, and as Lord Fenrir snuggled next to her and Lady Glea played around, I did my best to talk, she gradually showed her usual wonderful smile.
We all huddled together.
I had only thought of machines as troublesome before, but right now, I wanted to revere and be grateful for them as if they were treasures…! The closeness was luxurious!!!!
The princess started enjoying the photo session.
She took pictures of the snowy mountain scenery, the ice altar she created, and Lord Fenrir gracefully standing there.
The tree fruits, snow fairies, and even the distant Felsnow Kingdom were captured by the device.
The sun began to set.
The sky, painted in orange and pale pink hues by the sunset, reflected those colors onto the white land, making the whole area softly glow.
“I love this scenery too.”
As the air began to chill against my cheeks, the princess said this and snuggled close to Lord Fenrir, seeking warmth.
This must be where she can truly relax and feel happy.
If that’s the case, then I want to support her so I can see as many of her smiles as possible.
Even if we’re not bound by love, I’m glad I chose to be part of the snow mountain expedition, standing close to her and protecting the same scenery.
Thank you for giving me this choice, Michela.
I gave a deep bow to the red-tinted Felsnow Kingdom.
“Let’s head back to the cave for dinner.”
“That sounds good. Shall we go hunting?”
“You’re so energetic!? Even after working so much today.”
“The prince’s work often involves physical strength. I’m confident in my endurance. Leave the meal preparations to me. I’ve brought plenty of seasonings.”
“I’m really looking forward to it!”
I’ll enthusiastically prepare the meal!!!! The princess’s smile is the best source of energy!!
I hunted with the ice sword, carefully prepared the game, grilled the meat with pitchka fruits, and seasoned it with rare spices. We all enjoyed the meal and had a great time.
It was like a barbecue! The princess’s laughter made us all feel healed.
Night fell.
We didn’t go to sleep yet.