LIGHTNOVELSTORY Ch81 - Final Epilogue [Michela's Story] [Winter Fenrir Epilogue: 11]
Chapter 81: Final Epilogue [Michela’s Story] [Winter Fenrir Epilogue: 11]
(From Michela’s perspective)
The prince of the Green Kingdom, who appeared on the platform, had an ashen complexion.
Though his long, narrow eyes seemed sharp, that was due to his ethnic features. The eyebrows hidden beneath his bangs appeared to be lowered in distress, didn’t they?
“I shall report on the events of spring.”
The atmosphere stirred, as though heckles were about to be thrown his way.
However, everyone stayed silent, eager to hear about the Spring Dragon.
He was under intense scrutiny. Though the poor state of the Spring Dragon and the crimes committed by his family may not have been his fault personally, such is the burden of carrying a nation on one’s shoulders.
I straightened my posture as well.
“The Spring Dragon… has not yet appeared.”
“… What will you do?”
“We are still considering our options.”
Though Prince Kyle assisted in moving the proceedings forward, no substantial answer was given, prompting sighs of frustration from the crowd.
Reports of strange spring weather came pouring in from all sides—massive storms, cloudy days lasting for weeks, and temperatures refusing to rise.
Thanks to Fenrir, winter had ended, so no country had reverted back to it, but many places were facing a chaotic spring.
“We have come here to this council to discuss those matters.”
The prince of the Green Kingdom raised his voice and bowed deeply.
… I was surprised.
… I didn’t expect that.
In the sudden silence, he began to explain.
“The current situation is as follows. The Spring Dragon has lived for 400 years, and its body has reached its limit. We have been offering the celestial peaches of longevity to sustain each year’s spring, but even that has reached its limit. You must have noticed the turbulence of recent springs.”
Indeed, even in the Kingdom of Felsnow, though it was spring, flowers did not bloom, and the harvests were poor. The past three years have brought fewer blessings from winter, and the citizens have suffered greatly.
We now owe many countries for their relief supplies, and we must start repaying that debt.
“A proposal to offer the Spring Princess was raised within our kingdom. However… the princess herself vehemently opposed it. As a result, the succession of the Spring Dragon has not taken place. Moreover, the princess deceived us in her communication with the Green Fairy, thereby disrupting the alliance between the Spring Dragon and the state. My elder twin brother, who should have been handling diplomacy, took her out of confinement.”
Whispers of “What a disaster…” spread through the audience.
In cases of succession, it is customary for the successor princess to be closely guarded and raised in her homeland.
But I… I couldn’t bring myself to outright condemn her.
Abandoning one’s human body, forsaking one’s memories, and choosing to become a magical beast—that is a terrifying decision, even for me.
I understand how the Green Princess feels.
However, her actions are politically unacceptable.
And as for what the Green Kingdom has done to the Kingdom of Felsnow…
Are they going to address that as well?
“I believe many of you are already aware. Our kingdom, Laomei, interfered with the Winter Kingdom of Felsnow. The masterminds were the First Prince, Kamrau Li, and the Green Jade Princess, Meishan Li. They released the Green Fairies onto Felsnow’s lands, contaminating them.”
Angry voices rose, demanding details.
The table was slammed, and spittle flew with every mention of the poison, the disturbances it caused in the boundary with the otherworld, and the monsters that nearly killed Fenrir.
“What were you planning to do if both winter and spring were destroyed?!”
“I deeply apologize.”
That was all he could say.
The prince of the Green Kingdom bowed deeply, and for a time, he continued to endure the verbal onslaught.
… How shall we mediate this?
I glanced at Prince Kyle, and both he and the Empire’s prince beyond him sent me a quick wink.
Further back—oh, don’t you dare do anything unnecessary.
Oops, ice shards scattered unintentionally… Though it startled everyone, it quieted the jeers for the moment, so that’s acceptable.
“Crime must come with punishment.”
Prince Kyle’s voice rang out confidently.
His summer magic caused our bodies to flush with heat.
“You mentioned earlier that you wish to discuss how to stabilize spring? Not just handled by Laomei, but with the intervention of others as well?”
“Our kingdom believes we have caused enough damage to warrant such intervention.”
“That is correct.”
Prince Kyle’s words were heavy, and the room was filled with the frantic scribbling of diplomats’ pens.
The Green Prince is still inexperienced with diplomacy.
Saying “we believe”—this is not the kind of matter where personal feelings should be involved. It gives a bad impression.
This is likely because his older brother was the one handling political affairs before.
Prince Haolau Li, the younger brother, seems quiet and unaccustomed to such matters.
Prince Kyle glanced at the booklet for the council.
“We should investigate the extent of responsibility, but the Kingdom of Felsnow has already submitted records for our review… Let’s first swiftly discuss stabilizing spring.”
“We humbly ask for your assistance.”
“Does the current king of the Green Kingdom agree with this course of action?”
The long-haired elder, who had remained silent like a thousand-year-old moss-covered rock, gave a solemn nod.
It seems this is the unanimous decision of the entire Green Kingdom, which is at least reassuring.
…
“The Kingdom of Felsnow has dealt with unusual cases, such as male successions and successions involving people from other worlds. We have the most reliable expertise when it comes to handling abnormal magical beasts.”
“We will share all the knowledge we possess.”
Kyle’s gaze shifted toward my father as if to confirm his approval.
With a softened expression, my father nodded in agreement.
This Michela shall live up to their expectations.
“Prince Haolau Li, is there any other member of the royal family who possesses enough magic to become the Spring Princess?”
“There is not. Among both the royal family and the citizens… only the Green Jade Princess has such power.”
“In that case, I propose two possible plans for the revival of spring. First, the princess must proceed with the succession as before. Or, all her titles must be relinquished to restore the current Spring Dragon.”
The room erupted in shock.
“The most straightforward option would be for the princess to carry out the succession. Given her status as a criminal, she has no right to refuse under international law. However, since there are options available… may I speak with her?”