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

(Bonus Story) Cherry Blossom Festival and the Land of Snow: Pre-Festival Chapter

Preparations for the Cherry Blossom Festival were progressing in full swing.

The traditional sounds of weaving echoed through the streets as special tapestries were being crafted. The yarn shop had a constant flow of customers from morning till night, and the owner, though grumbling about the unusually busy spring, seemed quite happy. The stern wrinkles on the elderly woman’s face softened into gentle curves. Even the children who were usually scared of her would nervously approach, clutching small coins, only to be gifted spring raspberries in return.

From the windows of the glass workshop, waves of heat spilled out. The artisans were determined to create glass in spring hues, even at this last minute. Even a retired old man had come to join the fun, and the joy of creating something new filled the workshop, spilling out into the streets like a song.

A young wife arrived to offer drinks, and the fresh herbs floating in the glass pitcher gave her a fairy-like, refreshing presence.

“How do you find it, Lady El? Visiting the artisan district incognito?”

‘Seeing everyday life like this is so much fun, Grea!’

Grea’s amused snort brushed the back of my head. I couldn’t help it—my fur stood on end from the ticklish sensation. Hey, don’t look at me with that exasperated gaze, I couldn’t help it!

Right now, I’m in the form of a small sakura-colored Fenrir, being carried in Grea’s arms.

Grea’s signature purple hair was hidden under a white spring hood, so no one seemed to recognize the assistant unicorn. He wore loose-fitting traditional white garments that covered his entire body.

In the Kingdom of Felsnow, the moment winter ends, their attire changes dramatically.

They shed their heavy fur coats and don lighter layers of white and teal fabrics. Most notably, they change their shoes—soft ankle-high boots with thin soles perfect for running on the green earth free of snow.

The air was crisp and clear, still chilly by most standards, but for the people who had survived the long winter, the cool spring breeze was nothing. Some even had their sleeves rolled up! You can’t help but wonder—if they’re dressed this lightly now, what will summer look like?

I’m excited to learn more about the Kingdom of Felsnow!

My sakura-colored tail swayed gently from side to side.

Grea suddenly shivered.

“Please control your tail, Lady El. Human skin is quite sensitive, and this tickles.”

‘You’re talking to yourself, Grea. People are going to think you’re a weirdo—mii!’

“This would solve it.” He shifted me from being held with both arms to a one-armed grip like I was jumping through a circus hoop.

I was left with my little paws hanging in the air—what an awkward feeling. Who knew it was so uncomfortable not to have my feet on the ground in this beast form?

‘Booo…’

“Please stop making such uncouth noises.”

‘Oh?’

“What is it?”

From this lower vantage point near Grea’s waist, I noticed something.

There, behind a barrel near the glass workshop, a child dressed in unusual clothing was hiding.

He was wearing faded, off-white fabric embroidered with green designs. A shiny cloth was slung diagonally across his shoulder. Though he was a boy, his pants were unusual—loose and fluttering, paired with flat shoes. His straight black hair and round eyes, filled with tears, stood out.

‘What’s going on with him?’

“…Good timing. Lady El, try sensing magic power.”

‘How do I do that?’

“By instinct.”

Awaken, my wild instincts!!

I tensed up dramatically, trying to focus, but Grea’s cold stare brought me back to reality.

“You look like a small animal before it’s slaughtered.”

‘I’m a wolf!’

I growled in protest, but Grea simply nodded in agreement for some reason.

“A valid complaint.”

What was he so pleased about? His unicorn tail even swayed. If he’s not careful, people will notice!

“Lady El, you’re terrible at blaming others. You’ve recently learned to cover up your feelings quite well—something I dislike.”

‘That’s personal…’

“So? I am me, after all. Naturally, I want things I dislike to change for the better.”

‘Isn’t it bold to dump that on me?’

“I wouldn’t do it to anyone but you, Lady El.”

‘What!?’

“It’s trust, I suppose. I did the same with Chris.”

‘That I can understand…’

Chris is pure like that, and it’s fun to tease him. But this line of thinking seems to imply teasing me is fun too… I refuse to dig myself deeper into this hole!

“So, how about that instinct thing?”

‘The name sounds way too vague!’

I growled, focusing hard, and suddenly, the fur on my wolf ears stood on end. Wait—am I really sensing something?

A power different from Felsnow’s cool and refreshing magic.

Warmer, more vibrant. It stirred up an odd, restless feeling, like the scent of grass mixed with mud and rain.

‘It’s… green magic.’

“Correct.”

‘But now the child’s running away! Anyone would be scared if a big person was staring at them so intensely! This is your fault, Grea!’

“I prioritized your training, of course. It was the right choice.”

‘You’re too comfortable making decisions for yourself!’

“Would you like to chase him?”

‘W-well… I don’t know if it’s worth pursuing, so I’ll defer to your judgment, assistant!’

Grea let out a proud “huff,” reminiscent of a horse’s snort. He really does have horse-like habits sometimes.

“No need to chase him.”

‘Really?’

“Yes. You felt that the child was hiding because something was amiss. Then you sensed green magic and were reminded of the recent disturbances, which made you concerned. You wondered whether to chase him because you weren’t sure of his intentions. But if he has none, there’s no reason to chase him, correct? And I believe he has no ill intentions.”

‘How do you know that?’

Grea carried me closer to the glass workshop and asked for some water. While drinking the herb-infused water they quickly brought, we sat in the shade outside the workshop, taking a moment to relax.

Though I couldn’t help but wonder if Grea just wanted to drink the herb water…

As I looked up at him suspiciously, he smiled contentedly, finishing his drink. Well, whatever.

I lapped up my water in small sips, and the artisans were so enchanted by the sight that they started sketching me, shouting, “We’ll recreate this in glass!” and “Bring the soft pink glass!” I couldn’t stop them, so I kept drinking… sip, sip…

The herb’s fragrance slowly calmed my mind.

Just as I finished licking my lips, a simple cookie was stuffed into my mouth. I chewed on it while sitting on Grea’s lap, listening to his low, almost animalistic muttering.

“The boy might be an immigrant with roots in the land of green. Possibly here as a tourist from another country…”