LIGHTNOVELSTORY Ch76 - Last Epilogue [Michela's Story] [Winter Fenrir Epilogue: 6]
Chapter 76: Last Epilogue [Michela’s Story]
[Winter Fenrir Epilogue: 6]
(Michela’s Perspective)
I have arrived in the port town of the Kingdom of Felsnow. This is a place filled with memories for me, and it marks the beginning of my new journey.
The streets here, not meant for tourists, are bustling with life. Simple houses with exposed wooden frames line the roads, and the fishmonger has a sign hung without any frills.
It’s a quiet place, just a market for family members to buy and sell fish.
The pier is wide, and sturdy fishing boats from the northern lands are moored here.
The deep blue of the northern sea…
Taking a deep breath, I catch a hint of salt in the air.
As my brother reported recently, there has been a lack of meltwater, resulting in an overly strong salt scent… It should gradually improve starting this year.
I gazed at the towering northern mountains and clasped my hands in prayer.
Thank you for the blessings of winter.
Thank you for the peace.
Alright, I, Michela, will surely repay this gratitude!!
“Michela-sama.”
When I turned around, I found the town chief standing there.
His deeply carved face had more wrinkles, yet he wore a dignified smile.
“Good day, Gilardo. Everything in the port town is well-maintained. It seems there are no cracks from the winter ice.”
“Ah! I’m impressed by your keen eye, Michela-sama. Have you already noticed that? …Oh, are you using magic? That mischievous expression of yours is just like when you were a child, my lady.”
“Hehe. Only those two boats over there have loose moorings, don’t you think? I recommend reinforcing them before they set sail again.”
“Indeed, that’s true. Hey, you lot!”
His booming voice hurt my ears.
I adjusted one ear with magic…
Tall, sturdy young men, dressed in fishing gear, hurried out and bowed to us before rushing to the boats.
“Hehe, the youngsters have started fishing,” he said.
“They seem lively.”
“They’re so energetic, it’s a bit much! They’ve been out fishing every day, saying they want to earn plenty this winter. I’ve been supporting their practice since it helps them grow fast, but… hmmm, the moorings. They might be too tired to think about boat maintenance.”
“Please teach them not to overwork themselves but to take breaks and return safely from fishing.”
“Of course!”
The chief took off his hat and bowed to me, showing a splendid gleam on his bald head…
I nearly burst out laughing.
He seemed to remember how much I used to laugh at this bald head when I was a child.
“I will come back to buy salmon for Winter Princess,” I promised him.
The way he meticulously took notes and asked for my signature shows he’s quite a savvy businessman.
“By the way, are you really departing from this town? Today of all days… Oh no, I shouldn’t say that. Normally, you would set sail from the western tourist port, right?”
…That’s true. I usually only come to this port when buying supplies or when I visited during my childhood playtime.
But today’s agenda is diplomacy.
With baggage attached.
As I gazed at the distant white expeditionary passenger ship, I turned my attention to the sounds behind me.
The clattering of something large being brought in.
When I turned around, a beautiful box, like a present, was being pulled by a unicorn.
“Wha-what?!”
It was indeed a wise decision for the chief to cover his mouth.
The unicorn, Lady Grea, snorted in displeasure and then transformed into her human form.
“We’ve arrived. All that’s left is to transport it when the ship comes,” she said.
“Thank you for your trouble, Lady Grea. I apologize for the inconvenience, but please take care once again upon boarding…”
“I’ll carry it. No need for formality. I didn’t want El-sama’s ice magic touching that for too long.”
The rope Lady Grea used to pull the box was the same one El-sama uses when riding.
I understand; one would want to let go.
Then she murmured with a dark chuckle, “I feel like my anger might break through the heavens and curse again.”
Please hold that judgment until the world conference.
Since we have already taken action, the chance of alleviating penance might increase.
“What’s in there?” the chief didn’t ask.
He sensed the atmosphere.
I whispered to the chief about the contents.
He looked pitying, but the inside of that box-like prison is comfortable with carpets and cushions, and the chains on the feet are light, made by the fairy kings, so they don’t burden at all. However, they certainly prevent any escape.
That princess complained about not wanting to eat unless she had peach jam for breakfast. I had smeared apple jam on bread and shoved it into her mouth.
“We must be careful about the baggage for this expedition. I judged that this port, with our eyes on it and no foreign ships around, is the most suitable.”
When I said that, the chief smiled wryly.
“You’ve grown quite admirable.”
“Please call me Your Majesty.”
“Haha! That’s splendid!”
“I apologize for not showing my face in this port for a while.”
“Ah, I understand; you’ve been through a lot. From studying the succession on land, now you’re supporting the Winter Princess. That’s why you can become a queen; you worked hard. There’s nothing prouder than that. Our port’s lady!”
Wow!! Applause erupted all at once.
I was startled and looked around.
The people of the port town were smiling at me and clapping their hands.
Confirming this wave of magic, oh, how warm it is. A soft pink aura envelops me.
“When Michela was young, I often took her fishing. I remember it as if it were yesterday. On her first outing, she caught a fish bigger than any seasoned fisherman! From that moment, I felt she had luck on her side.”
“Oh, that was skill, you know.”
“Yes, I thought it was luck, but you used magic to search underwater and enhanced your strength to catch the best prey! You haven’t changed since then. A genius of effort.”
Ah… my eyes are getting warm, and I feel like crying.
At such times, it’s best to show a bright smile.
Tears freeze, and frost gathers around my eyes, adorning me with the appearance of a snow country queen.
“O-Oh, my lady…!?”
“Hehe. Ever since receiving this rich meltwater this year, I’ve been like this. I can feel an explosive increase in my magic. Look!”
I launched a mass of magic into the sky.
Then, a small whirlwind began, gathering the cherry blossom petals dancing at the foot of the mountain.
When released, it brought the first cherry blossom blizzard to the port town.
Everyone was in an uproar, reaching out to the sky.
In this port town far from the fields, cherry blossom petals had rarely visited.
“The ship has arrived. It’s time to head over.”
“Yes. Then everyone, good day!”
As I waved to everyone in the port, Lady Grea reached out a hand to me.
She seems to want to hold my coat. Why now?
(Who do you want to show your splendid appearance to?)… is what she said.
Oh, how lovely.
It’s definitely the people of this nation, more than at the world conference.
I entrusted her with my light white coat.
The shining blue dress dyed with sapphire powder dissolved in meltwater gently swayed with the spring breeze.
The ice-colored shawl fluttered.
The traditional necklace that sparkles around my neck in place of a crown suits me well, doesn’t it?
I’m delighted by the voices praising me. Thank you.
I will become the queen of the Kingdom of Felsnow!!
I follow the purple tail of Lady Grea’s horse.
Surrounded by strong knights of the Kingdom of Felsnow, they are diligently protecting me.
Everyone’s claws are blue.
A blessing from Fenrir.
The bracelet on my arm is made of pearls, a protective charm El-sama prayed for me.
Now, shall I show them?
To the world conference. I will win.
Everyone boarded the ship, embarking on a journey of seven days.