NOVEL WEB Ch64 - The Maiden of the Clouds
64: The Maiden of the Clouds
“The battle with the monsters warmed this area quickly, didn’t it? The heat rose into the sky… and one of the Maidens of the Clouds, mistaking it for spring, descended. This will likely cause more Maidens of the Clouds to start coming to the snowy plains one by one.”
Fenrir’s words didn’t really click with me… my beast ears drooped in disappointment.
A large, fluffy tail came towards me, and I hugged it tightly like a body pillow.
It’s so comforting…
Fenrir, noticing my sigh of relief, softened his gaze. He spoke gently, “
“…Does that mean… spring is coming?”
“What will happen to these snowfields?”
I see…
“I do like that, but…”
“Yeah. I love the snowy mountains more.”
When I said that, Fenrir let out a pleased breath, clearly happy.
“…You’re right.”
Feeling the special meaning behind those words and the warmth hidden deep in his blue eyes, I started to feel warm all over.
I probably look like I’m smiling shyly. Hehe…
Fenrir cleared his throat and began grooming his face with his front paw.
Wait, what!? That move is adorable!!
Can I touch those soft, light-blue paw pads!?
Thank you for lending me your paw!
Yessss!!
They’re soft and squishy! SO SOFT!! This is pure cuteness! The embodiment of healing! Thank you!!
Grea responded.
Exactly. Thanks to Grea, Fenrir was letting me squish his paw without complaint. Thank you.
I overheard Grea mumbling
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the wings of the angel. The girl, who had been completely ignored, seemed to get bored and had started rolling a snowball around.
I totally forgot about her. Sorry!!
“Hey, Fenrir, the snow will melt earlier than expected, right? Will the plants and animals that lost their strength recover in time?”
“Oh, I did something good, huh.”
His praise soothed my heart, filling it with peace. I hugged Fenrir’s face tightly.
The Maiden of the Clouds was staring intently at us.
Sorry for ignoring you…
True. Grea’s words were on point.
Why did she call for Levi?
Oh, right… I remembered how spring comes in this world.
At the end of winter, the clouds descend, and the Maiden of the Springs takes their hand. When they ascend together into the sky, warm rains melt the snow, ushering in a new season.
That’s how spring comes.
“So, Levi’s leaving soon, huh…”
I felt sad. We’d just started getting along so well.
The Maiden of the Clouds tilted her head in wonder.
I explained how Levi’s awakening had been unexpected and how she had gradually adjusted to controlling her temperature. The Maiden of the Clouds listened with interest.
“Yes?”
“Yes, very warm.”
I recalled the warmth of the hot spring and was overwhelmed with fond memories.
Ahh, those morning hot springs were the best… but now Levi is leaving…
“I’d love to do that.”
The Maiden of the Clouds beamed with a soft smile.
“Levi, you’ve made such wonderful friends.”
“It’s an honor. Please be my friend.”
The Maiden of the Clouds twirled joyfully, floating as though in zero gravity. I watched her somersault in the air, clapping, and she smiled warmly.
She’s such a sweet soul.
Fenrir summarized the upcoming plans.
The Maiden of the Clouds approved.
I figured Chris and Michela would want to return to the kingdom as well. Though Orv and Tito had informed the king of our safe return after the battle, their families must still be worried.
They have such loving families.
Looking at the two peacefully sleeping in Grea’s embrace, I whispered a soft “thank you” again.
They’ve done so much.
Though it was slightly warmer, it was still a winter night, so I tucked Grea and the others into an igloo-like shelter to keep them warm.
They’re all snug now.
As for me, I decided to nestle into Fenrir’s fluffy fur for a little longer.
…I’d just slept, so I wasn’t feeling very sleepy.
…Not that I’m still flustered from all those love confessions, or anything… well, maybe I am! I love you too! Geez!!
Thank you for making me so happy.
I’m sure I’ll have wonderful dreams… but they won’t compare to how happy I am in reality.