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

(Bonus Story) Sakura Festival and the Snow Country – Preparation Edition☆

Even though this is just the preparation edition, it’s a well-rounded story, so please enjoy it! ( ´꒳`)੭⁾⁾

The decision to hold a Sakura Festival was made!

Yayyy!!

It’s an event where the people of Felsnow can enjoy our spring fur.

…Wait, that doesn’t sound quite right, does it? But when I heard the royal family from Felsnow passionately discussing the festival during the meeting, I realized this was the quickest way for everyone to enjoy it. So, I nodded along.

In the end, if people can enjoy the flowers, that’s what matters, right? It’s the first Sakura Festival after all, so we won’t know how things will turn out unless we give it a try.

As we’ve transitioned into our sakura-colored Fenrir forms (spring fur), the winter power is dormant. I admit, I feel a bit uneasy about inviting people from other countries during this time.

…Especially after what happened.

The snowfield was poisoned due to the selfish desires of the prince of the Green Country. Even if peace is restored, I’ll never be able to forget that event.

But, I don’t intend to hold a grudge against the Green Country forever.

After all, look at how beautiful spring is.

My thoughts wandered because, as a young wolf, I became mesmerized by the fluttering sakura petals outside the window.

Right, right, we have to hurry before the sakura petals fall. It was decided that the Sakura Festival would be a grand celebration, limited to just those close to us.

“Not showcasing our pure, young-wolf Princess El to the world is a national loss!” Chris is crying, isn’t he? What’s that all about? It was a meeting where I once again realized the royal family’s deep devotion.

At the end of the meeting, we drank iced water.

The coolness hit my throat and felt like it was freezing deep inside me, a strangely pleasant sensation.

Wait…?

When I mentioned this feeling, both Michela and the Fenrirs widened their eyes.

“Then, let’s gather the materials for the Sakura Festival. We’ll prepare the meal, and the Fenrirs will—”

We were walking near a river, away from the sakura-filled meadow.

Ah, the petals are floating in the river… I almost ran off, but Grea grabbed me by the scruff of my neck and dropped me next to the Fenrir. With the Fenrir’s massive jaws, they could’ve easily swallowed a young wolf like me, so Grea was in charge of assisting.

While wagging my tail in protest, the weight of it made me lose my balance and fall over.

Sigh Grea sighed deeply. The Fenrir chuckled softly.

Feeling proud, I puffed out my chest, and the fluffy fur rippled in the spring breeze.

I wonder if I’ll turn into a complete furball once I grow my winter fur again. That would be kind of ridiculous, wouldn’t it?

Did Fenrir just read my thoughts?

Surely, Fenrir’s childhood wasn’t as clumsy as mine. But anyway…

Both of them stared at me, the little beast with its ears drooping.

Even though Grea had picked me up by the scruff again, my small paws kept moving, trying to chase the petal. I was then plopped onto Fenrir’s back.

I clung tightly, making sure not to dig my claws into his fluffy back. His size and the difference in our builds were my saving grace!

I see. It’s because if a young wolf keeps getting distracted, we’ll never reach the upper stream of the river.

Alright then, let me send a gust of cool wind to help us climb the hill!

I just want to be helpful, after all. Don’t worry; if I use my magic with a cheerful heart and good intentions, it won’t go out of control.

I pursed my lips and blew a breath.

What was supposed to be a cool spring breeze… turned into an icy pathway. Wait, isn’t it spring now???

<…Well, this confirms some things. El, is your stomach still cold?>

I blew once more.

This time, it was a gentle spring breeze.

Upstream, there’s a cave.

The entrance, with jagged rocks protruding like teeth, looks like a dragon’s mouth. The sound of wind rushing through it sends shivers down my spine.

Grea sure is knowledgeable. I lightly stomped my feet on Fenrir’s back, prompting him to respond, “Is that applause? Are you thoroughly enjoying your time on my back?!” Uh, calm down.

Our voices echoed into the cave like they were being swallowed up by the dragon’s mouth. The fur on my back bristled. Honestly, it was a little scary.

Permafrost! Fenrir’s ultimate ice magic. Although it’s used in the Felsnow Kingdom’s arcades, why did we come here specifically for this permafrost?

I blurted out the question without realizing it. Good! Now I won’t have to ask it twice. Positivity is key…

It’s pitch black.

Even with beast eyes, the darkness in this cave was astounding. The air was freezing, like a deep winter’s night with no moon, and I felt an unsettling sense that something unknown lurked in the shadows.

Fenrir’s breath came out in a puff of white mist.

I watched from his back as he gently placed a paw down, and a magic circle appeared.

It was ice-blue!

Wow, Fenrir’s instincts were spot on.

Ice-blue magical lines shot up to the ceiling, lighting up the area like a starry night sky.

Now I could faintly see my surroundings.

What greeted me was an array of thick, dark blue icicles.