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

56: Monsters Reign Over the Snowy Mountain at Night

We race across the snowfield.

It might be the first time that these snowy mountains feel so ominous.

The air clings strangely to my skin, buzzing around me.

The unusually active animal cries only add to my growing anxiety.

“For now, I’ve instructed the Ice Horse to follow Glare. Prince Christopher, are you alright?!”

I glance back and raise my voice.

I imagine he’s far more anxious than we are. After all, deep within the snowy mountains, on a night like this…

“I’m perfectly fine! I’ve enhanced my vision with physical strengthening magic, so I can see as clearly as all of you even in this darkness.”

“I’m glad you’re the one conducting this investigation.”

When I sincerely say that, I hear a sudden intake of breath in the dark, followed by a soft voice saying, “I’m honored.”

Thanks to our conversation, the darkness feels a little less frightening.

Apparently, the royal family is trained to survive and return even if they get lost in the snowy mountains, Glare had told me. Isn’t that amazing? What even is royalty…!?

“We’re heading straight for the Fairy Spring. It’s just ahead.”

“Understood.”

“…You, stay back a little!”

Fenrir accelerates, quickly distancing himself from us.

He approaches the Fairy Spring alone.

The ice path Fenrir created ends abruptly. I guess he really doesn’t want us to come any closer.

I narrow my eyes and spot a creature emitting an unusually bright light in the darkness. It doesn’t seem very large.

“That one’s no problem, Lady El.”

As we watch, Fenrir’s large silver figure disappears, leaving behind a white figure that glows against the evening darkness. His hair flows in a fantastical manner.

I see… Since the creature attacks people, Fenrir transformed to act as bait. He must be confident to face it head-on like that.

—It’s going to be alright.

“Lady El, please bury your face in my mane as much as you can.”

“Right… If the creature shifts its target to me, it’ll make it harder for Fenrir to fight.”

Trying to make myself as small as possible, I bury myself in Glare’s mane. I shift my head slightly, peeking through the small gap to watch Fenrir nervously.

The Ice Horse has also transformed.

It now encloses the prince like a carriage made of pumpkins. Since the prince can apparently use clairvoyance, if he’s standing still, it might be best for him to adopt a defensive posture.

“Permanent Freeze!”

Fenrir’s sharp voice rings out.

The sound of machinery clattering suddenly stops.

“All clear.”

“As expected!!”

As Glare lowers his head with a big gesture, I, who was leaning against his mane, roll forward and topple to the ground like a falling figurehead, landing in the snow.

“You were trying to lighten the mood, weren’t you? I deeply appreciate your selfless gesture.”

“Glare?”

“My apologies.”

When I speak while glaring up at him, Glare apologizes with a somewhat awkward expression.

Hmm… If this had been back when we first met, I would’ve thought, “What a sarcastic unicorn!” But now, I understand his underlying kindness and contrary nature, so I’ll stop blaming him any further.

I’m sure he’s relieved because he was just as nervous about Fenrir’s safety as I was.

I’m happy, too!

“Hah… You two always seem to be having fun.”

Fenrir, having returned, chuckles softly.

Looking behind him, I see a transparent block of ice buried in the snow.

I shudder at the thought that the creature tried to escape into the snow upon sensing Fenrir’s powerful magic.

“I can’t allow monsters to ravage the snowy mountains if it means spending time with you will be compromised. Will you help me protect this place?”

“Of course!!”

Glare and I reply in unison.

A loud banging sound echoes, making me jump and turn around.

…Ah, the prince is knocking from inside the ice carriage.

Sorry about that! Let’s work hard together, the four of us! I made the same pledge to him when he stepped out.

“Let’s head to the next spot… or at least, that was the plan…”

I understand Fenrir’s hesitation.

The Fairy Spring has been terribly damaged by the monster.

Though the snow fairies were unharmed, they’re hiding behind the twisted remains of rose vines, trembling.

“El, shall we?”

“Of course, Fenrir.”

Fenrir and I join hands and extend our arms toward the center of the Fairy Spring.

“—Winter’s Healing.”

A magic circle expands over the entire Fairy Spring, sending a delicate snowfall.

In the blink of an eye, the broken rose vines are covered in frost.

Under the blessing of winter, the plants should recover rapidly.

The snow fairies, comforted by the abundant magic, relax and close their eyes.

“Here, eat this to regain your strength.”

I offer a snow fairy a Tree Fruit.

Its eyes snap wide open.

Whoa! This new Tree Fruit was designed for rapid recovery, so it’s acting like a powerful energy drink!

Moreover, now that the Fairy Spring is beautifully restored, soaking in it should help them regain their full strength.

This time, I managed to adjust the magic output properly without overflowing it like last time.

Now that lost items have started appearing from below, it’s dangerous to enhance the spring too much…

“Let’s move on to the next place.”