LIGHTNOVELSTORY Ch83 - Last Epilogue [Michela's Story] Winter Fenrir Epilogue: 13
Chapter 83: Last Epilogue [Michela’s Story]
Winter Fenrir Epilogue: 13
(Michela’s Perspective)
“Well done with the persuasion.”
As I stepped out of the room with the cage, Prince Kyle, who had been waiting in the hallway, spoke to me.
“Or should I say, a guided interrogation?”
“That’s right. It was a time when a decision needed to be made quickly. The fact that we gave her as much leeway as possible to accept things was the best consideration we could offer. Prince Kyle, thank you as well for coordinating the meetings during that time.”
“Ah, yeah, Michela? It’s my fault, so don’t be so serious. It’s… cold, in a way. Sorry about that.”
Prince Kyle scratched his head and gave me a slight bow. I was aware I had led her into a guided interrogation, but his remark didn’t bother me. I found it to be a rather tasteless joke, though.
Anyway, let’s move on.
“About her answer…”
“Ah, yes. Could you announce it in the meeting room? There’s a bit of commotion going on over there…”
I wonder what it could be. We quickly made our way to the meeting room.
The meeting room was in turmoil. A young man dressed in traditional green attire lay sprawled on the floor, and I immediately understood.
“I don’t recall summoning you here!”
The voice of the king of the Green Kingdom. As expected.
The young man on the ground was the spitting image of the prince of the Green Kingdom—well, he was his twin, after all, and also a prince himself. Oh, and he’s currently being disowned by his father, though. He’s now just a commoner.
First, I searched for the familiar purple hair.
“Lord Grea. Are you unharmed?”
Since there was a chance that prince had caused trouble, I was concerned that the unicorn might have been injured.
When there was no response, I tugged on his cloak, and Lord Grea turned around. My, how cold his eyes were.
“I’m unharmed.”
“That’s a relief. And what about him?”
“He’s as good as in hell.”
Ah, so you’ve sent him to hell, have you?
It’s said that the Unicorn Lord can curse a target when his negative emotions heighten. The young man, who’s been wailing about stomach pain, seems to be getting his just deserts.
“What was his reason for coming here?”
“He came to protest. Apparently, he couldn’t accept being stripped of his right to the throne and demanded to speak with the princess of the Green Kingdom. Also…”
Lord Grea clenched his teeth in frustration.
“He accused the Felsnow Kingdom of conspiring against him—utter nonsense!”
“My, my…”
As soon as Lord Grea growled in a voice that seemed to scrape the ground, the prince turned pale and clutched his mouth. Those around him recoiled in horror, muttering, “Is he going to puke?” or “Is he going to soil himself?”
“Get him out of here!” the king of the Green Kingdom roared angrily. If one of his subjects caused such a disgrace in the meeting room, it would bring shame to the entire nation.
…I had planned to confront him if we met, but now my enthusiasm was completely deflated. He was already staggering around.
“You! You there!”
“Oh my. I don’t recall inviting you to point at me as I walk past.”
“Michelle of the Felsnow Kingdom… The next queen, they say? I heard you polluted your land with poison and nearly killed the Winter Beast. What a disgraceful ruler you are! Do you even know the importance of the world’s seasons?”
He really had the nerve to twist the facts in his favor. And to think of the seasonal beasts merely as tools to maintain the seasons… that truly angered me.
These creatures are alive, with hearts, and they work tirelessly to bless nature with their power!
…Oh dear, what am I doing?
The entire room shook with a loud thud, and the kings standing firm turned pale.
The room became completely encased in ice.
In an instant, I dispersed the magic, making it vanish as if nothing had happened.
I held a giant icicle like a sword and pressed its tip against the young man’s throat. But he was already confined in a cold cage, unable to move.
“My apologies. Since he looked like he was about to vomit, I froze him… I’ll release the magic when you reach an appropriate location.”
The former prince, now encased entirely in ice—including his disheveled black hair, his green outfit, and his contorted face—stood on full display.
The king of the Green Kingdom pressed his temples as if warding off a headache.
When I turned to Prince Kyle with a smile and asked, “Where should I send him?” he responded, still pale, “To the guards’ room outside.” With the help of the Fairy Kings, I instantly transported him.
…And then, a collective sigh of relief filled the room.
“His punishment is the revocation of his royal status and the stripping of his title. Anything else?”
Prince Kyle asked the current king of the Green Kingdom. The entire world listened intently.
“…He will remain in our care for the rest of his life, never to leave our borders. I promise to be strict about his treatment.”
We got the assurance we needed. “Strict,” meaning he will likely live out his days in prison. Officially, at least. That kind of life could very well shorten his lifespan. My sympathies.
It seemed like a fair resolution.
As the discussion concluded, all eyes turned to me.
“Michela… That spell just now…! Wow. The magic of a queen-in-waiting is truly terrifying. I doubt there’s any other ruler in the world who can perform such powerful magic on their own… That’s the kind of grand spell that typically requires dozens of court magicians…”
“Marvelous!”
While Prince Kyle’s voice trembled with awe, the prince of the empire’s cheerful voice overlapped. It was hard to tell if he was an annoying fool or a wise man lightening the mood.
I didn’t mind being praised for my magic. It’s a skill I’ve honed through hard work.
As I thought about this, my mind wandered to the Green Orb Princess.
I cannot save her.
I am the queen who must ensure the peace of the Felsnow Kingdom.
I looked over at the current king and the first prince of the Green Kingdom, leaving her fate in their hands. While they are quick to anger, their political judgment seems sound enough as they issue formal apologies for the commotion.
Now that the rot has been exposed, may their kingdom become a better place…
For now, I will downplay the earlier spell by saying, “The Fairy Kings helped me.” If it became known that a single monarch wielded such overwhelming power, it could instill fear in other nations. Yet, I cannot afford to appear powerless, so I must learn to balance this delicate line.
“I spoke with Meishao Li. She has offered her name to the Spring Dragon and intends to aid in its recovery. Please, let us all celebrate her brave decision.”
As I concluded my speech, everyone stood.
Each one offered the deepest traditional bow.
“May the seasons remain at peace, and may the future be bright.”
A bright future.
May blessings come to the young women who change for the sake of the seasons, the country, and the beasts.
As I prayed from the highest platform, radiant light poured through the stained glass, illuminating the room even more brightly.