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

Chapter 70: The Peak of Spring

“The scent of flowers…”

A gentle spring breeze tickled my nose, which had become more sensitive due to my transformation into Fenrir, leaving behind a sweet fragrance.

As I sniffed the air with a smile, Fenrir watched me with a full, beaming grin.

“I’m so happy to see this new side of you, El. Every time the season changes from now on, it’ll give me something new to look forward to.”

Wow, he’s really something.

This magic wolf, who flirts so effortlessly, is impressive.

It’s probably related to his former status as a prince. As I snuggled comfortably in his arms, I couldn’t help but admire him.

He smells so good… like an idol… No, he is an idol. I love it!

While watching the unicorn, Glare, munch absentmindedly on the spring grass, I had some slightly inappropriate thoughts.

“Ah! You’re picking up on unicorn signals now? Creepy. I didn’t even say anything. Hey, is fresh grass that tasty?”

I walked over to Glare and stroked his mane while surveying the springtime hills.

A vibrant green carpet spread out before me.

The fresh grass and trees glowed with a lively green, as if radiating life. The leaves were shining healthily.

Most of the flowers were white, with purple butterflies fluttering around.

It felt like the unique landscape of the Fel Snow Kingdom.

“A stream is flowing. There wasn’t one during winter, right?”
“It’s snowmelt. It’s nature’s feast, condensed with healing magic.”

Nodding at Fenrir’s explanation, I couldn’t help but like the sound of “nature’s feast.”

As winter creatures and animals drank the meltwater, their thick winter coats slowly transformed into lighter, springlike fur.

Fascinated, I watched the scene until a familiar family of squirrels arrived. They lined up in a row, lapping up the meltwater.

Their fur changed to a light green color, reminiscent of the spring earth.

What a beautiful color!

“Ah!”

One of the baby squirrels was about to tumble off the bank! I quickly channeled magic into my fingertips and extended my arm.

A cool breeze gently enveloped the baby squirrel, lifting it safely back to shore.

“Thank goodness…!”

A small voice of gratitude echoed from afar. I felt so happy, realizing my animal ears were probably twitching with joy.

“Hey Fenrir, I tried to create a cushion of snow, but it ended up as wind instead. Does that mean snow and ice magic can only be used in winter?”
“Yes, roughly speaking. You should keep that in mind. If you assume you can use the same power as in winter during an emergency, you’ll be in for a rude awakening.”

Fenrir twirled his index finger, and a tiny whirlwind appeared on top of it.

“The power we can use in spring, summer, and autumn is the cold wind. It automatically shifts. To create snow or ice outside of winter requires an immense amount of magic.”
“That’s good to know.”
“Well, for now, we have more than enough excess magic.”

Fenrir gave me a dazzling kiss, then with a wave of his hand, a snowman appeared on the spring earth!

“H-Hey!”
“It’s thanks to you. I’m able to fully protect you at all times now, which is why I’m grateful to have received your last name. I will treasure it.”

“Thank you so much…”

My face turned bright red, and all I could do was express my gratitude.

To distract myself, I glanced at Glare, who was fervently bowing down behind us, thinking (Fenrir-sama is truly incredible!! His power, his heart!! Oh, thank you for existing!!).

A unicorn bowing like a carp statue—this is too funny.

I let out a strange giggle.

“Hey, Fenrir. Does the snowman move, like during winter?”
“Yes.”

As Fenrir waved his hand, the snowman waved back with a smile. But its head was already starting to melt, and it was clear it wouldn’t last long.

“When winter comes again… we’ll meet once more.”
“Yes, see you then!”

The snowman said goodbye to us and, with a cheerful “I’m off for a little walk in the spring hills, yay!” disappeared into the forest.

“Until now, the snowmen didn’t know about spring. That’s why they’re so happy.”
“That makes sense. I’m also really excited about the spring scenery on this mountain.”
“I can tell. Your ears are flapping a lot.”

Fenrir chuckled softly before—wait, he nibbled my ears!? Oh no, oh no, oh no!

“It’s a sign of affection among beasts.”
“I’m honored!!”

What am I saying with this bright red face!? I’m so flustered I’m almost in tears.

Fenrir, with his ever-beautiful smile, is just the best! Damn it, I love him!

The green scenery, the refreshing breeze, the scent of flowers… It’s warm. This is spring.

We leisurely strolled through the hills, greeting the magical creatures. Their fur had changed to soft green or adorned with flowers, completely transforming their appearance.

When we returned to the area near our den, I lay down on the grassy ground.

…Levi is no longer here.

It’s farewell until the next winter.

Feeling a little lonely, I quietly snuggled up to Fenrir.

He buried his face in my hair and let out a soft sigh.

“Hmm… It feels warmer and more stable than usual this spring. Maybe Levi’s gotten better at controlling the temperature. Lately, the ‘Spring Dragon,’ who governs the season, hasn’t been showing up, making spring unstable. Sudden temperature changes, thunderstorms…”

Fenrir furrowed his brow. There must be many responsibilities and worries he carries as a holy beast, ones I can’t yet understand.

I want to slowly learn and help him—by his side, as an equal. Or at least try.

“Levi is impressive.”
“Your kind words will surely reach the sky, El.”
“Fenrir… You’re kind too, and I love you.”

Because you always watch over me with such care, I can grow and thrive with peace of mind. Thank you.

“Then I’ll continue to be kind and spoil you, my El.”
“Yes! And I’ll spoil you too.”
“That’s something to look forward to…”

We tumbled and played together, like animals—no, more like cats basking in the sun. Although wolves are technically canines, right?

It was all so amusing, and I was so relaxed that I said silly things and laughed a lot.

──And then, a dark shadow loomed over us.

“Huh!?”
“I was just getting comfortable.”

It was a blackbird.

It looked like the mischievous bird that messed with the tree fruits, the one I had disciplined before… or maybe it is that bird.

Its fluffy feathers, like a puffed-up sparrow, and its sharp gaze were unmistakable.

“…Wait, isn’t it way too big!? It’s large enough for someone to ride!”
“It must be because you told it, ‘If you’re behaving, you can eat the fallen fruit.’ It’s grown nicely.”

I stroked the blackbird in disbelief. The holly wreath that once encircled its neck had melted away, but it didn’t seem to be here for revenge.

“Aren’t you hot? Why don’t you drink some meltwater and change into your spring feathers?”

Maybe I was too lenient with this one. I’ll give it a proper education later.

After drinking some meltwater at a nearby spring, the bird flapped its wings and returned—wow, it transformed into a white swan! So elegant!

“Oh, right! The plants are changing from winter to spring… I can’t even imagine how that tree fruit must’ve changed.”

I paled.

What if it turned into some super rare species?

Rare class-change alert.

“El, you said something good earlier.”
“Huh? What did I say?”
“You mentioned that it looked big enough for someone to ride. Let’s ride this swan. That’s what you were thinking, right?”

The swan let out a soul-piercing cry.

Its graceful appearance was utterly ruined—what a shame.