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

74: Last Epilogue [Fenrir Edition]

[Winter Fenrir Epilogue: 4]

(From El’s Perspective)

A spring dining table.

“Once a season passes, the table changes completely, doesn’t it?”

As I gazed at the table with a heartwarming feeling, my eyes were apparently misty. When I blinked, a tiny pearl fell and landed on the edge of the table, blooming like a snowflake.

“El…”

“Oh! Um, I was just so moved…”

“It was tears of joy, then.”

Fenrir looked relieved, having previously shown a worried expression.

I understood what he must have been thinking. Was he concerned that I was too busy with my work in Japan to eat properly? Well, that was true; back when I worked at a company, I mostly lived on jelly drinks.

Looking at this table filled with the rich blessings of the seasons, I was reminded of my childhood at home. My mother was a great cook, and my father always expressed his appreciation with a proper “delicious.”

That nostalgic feeling made my heart swell.

I thought about how happy I had been.

And now, I felt happy again.

I decided to convey that to Fenrir and the others properly.

“I’m surrounded by dear friends at this table, and the seasonal dishes look so delicious. I’m truly grateful for inviting me here.”

“El…!”

Fenrir embraced me.

Then the royal family all covered their faces or held their shoulders, saying… I’m sorry for making you cry.

We all ended up in a mixture of laughter and tears.

“Let’s have a wonderful mealtime!”

Michela raised her glass.

A Baccarat glass with a golden stem, filled with snowmelt water. The water was our souvenir from the mountain peak. Floating on top were the petals of snowflake flowers.

“Cheers!”

We all tilted our glasses back at once.

The liquid quenched my thirst, flowing smoothly down, declaring its chill as it settled in my stomach.

My stomach felt a coldness, radiating from the core to my fingertips, causing my nails to turn a deeper shade of blue.

I found that sensation quite pleasant.

As I exhaled, a chilly whiteness wafted around me, reminiscent of winter. Snowflakes gently tumbled and melted against my lips.

“Ah… this special snowmelt water is delicious.”

“Hm. I’d love to teach you about it, but since it’s a special occasion, you should ask the next queen.”

When I asked Fenrir, he whispered softly. I guess that’s the proper etiquette; I’ll remember that.

Turning to Michela, she opened her mouth as if to say she understood.

“This snowmelt water was harvested near the mountain peak, right? It’s infused with winter magic and strengthens us, the citizens of Felsnow.”

“I see. Strengthens us?”

“It enhances our magical power and is said to be rich in various nutrients. It grants a blessing for the citizens to thrive until the next winter.”

Michela clasped her hands in prayer, gazing at us.

“Thank you, Lord Fenrir.”

“Not at all. Yes, thank you too, El.”

“Thank you very much!”

Without bowing, I straightened my back and stated it clearly. I was almost bent over from the habit of being in sales.

But as a winter princess, I should do this.

I could hear soft, affectionate voices from everywhere.

“Winter princess, you’re amazing!”

“Oh, come on!”

The little royal children praised me, and feeling a bit bashful, I grinned as their sparkling eyes focused on my beast ears.

…Maybe I should let them touch them later?

Michela instructed what seemed to be a minister, “Please distribute the snowmelt water to the citizens.”

The snowmelt water, contained in a perpetual ice bottle, was being taken away.

So, the royal family drinks first, huh? I see…

Those with inherently high magical power can drink the concentrated snowmelt water without issue. As time passes, the magic dissipates, making it safe for the general citizens to drink. For children, they add a few drops of snowmelt water to regular water. It’s a springtime good luck charm in the Felsnow Kingdom.

“Let’s eat!”

As I put my hands together, Fenrir and the others mimicked me, and the royal family sparkled with excitement as they followed suit, making our gesture of gratitude a newly recognized ritual.

The food was exquisite, with rich flavors even in a simple boiled salad.

Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and beans.

The dressing was rich in nut flavor, with a hint of sweetness from honey.

The grilled rabbit meat had a crispy char and was fragrant, perfectly complemented by a red beet sauce.

A plate of steamed chicken layered with vegetables looked like a mountain at the intersection of winter and spring, and just as I thought that, they topped it with an edible snow flower. It seemed the chef was quite particular about the theme.

Everyone ate heartily.

Was it an upper-class manner or a trait of the nation?

…Seeing their happy, relaxed expressions made me think they must be truly engrossed and enjoying the meal.

I, too, was so filled with deliciousness that I felt unable to speak.

I’d share many thoughts later.

How nice it was to have a spring meal.

I was sure that Fenrir, who had watched over the snowmelt, and the proud royal family of Felsnow would smile in joy.

As I enjoyed the dessert of white cheese Bavarian cream, I let out a happy sigh.