LIGHTNOVELWORLD Ch65 - The Three Maidens
Chapter 65: The Three Maidens
In the morning, I stretch and wake up, only to fall backward onto Fenrir’s belly, lying on my back.
“It’s so comfortable… I love you!”
Hearing those words fills me with energy. It’s another day together with you, right? Hehe. I move my body, parting Fenrir’s silver fur, and press my head against his cheek to reply up close.
“Good morning.”
“Your large beastly mouth with all those teeth… kissing you like this is too much for me!”
Making that excuse, Fenrir shifts back to his human form. He gives me a long kiss, leaving me stunned, before turning back into his beast form and wrapping me in his embrace.
It’s become a routine. A routine. A routine.
This beast… he really does stick to routines! Thinking back to yesterday makes me feel dizzy.
With my legs completely weak, I collapse into Fenrir’s fur.
Staring blankly at the sky, a sudden thought hits me. Yesterday, my phone with all the pictures and videos from Japan went back home… Could my parents see them? That tablet… they might find them!? I cover my face with both hands in embarrassment.
From the igloo next to me, I hear voices. My animal ears pick up their quiet conversation.
“Good morning, brother.”
“Ah, good morning, Michaela.”
“…Hehe. It’s been a long time since we slept together like this, not since we were kids.”
“Indeed. I thought we’d never get such an opportunity again.”
“I was supposed to become the successor of the beast, and you, the king…”
“I’m glad we could share this morning together. I feel so light-hearted now.”
“Oh my, Princess Chris. Hehe.”
“…Wait, I still haven’t changed! Whoa!”
I hear a thud. Did Princess Chris get knocked off her bed?
“I’m not sure what you’re saying, Lord Glea… but I guess you’re telling me to get up.”
Princess Chris obediently stands up and bows, and from where I lie near Fenrir’s feet, I peek out at the scene.
Isn’t Glea actually praising her? That’s not a complaint! He’s probably being soft on her, thinking she can’t hear.
Fenrir and I suppress our laughter, shaking slightly. Hehe…!
Chris and Michaela step out of the igloo, greeting us with bright smiles.
“Good morning!”
We all greet each other, then get changed. Soon, it’s time to head over to Levi’s place!
We load the Maiden of Clouds onto the ice sled.
As we explain the situation, Chris and Michaela are astonished, and we exchange a few wry smiles. Saying our bittersweet goodbyes, we ride across the snowfield, the refreshing wind blowing through the silver-white landscape.
Levi, surrounded by steam rising from the hot springs, greets us with outstretched arms. Her brows are furrowed with worry, but when she sees us, she breaks into a smile.
“I’m home, Levi~!”
It’s sad to think we won’t hear this maid-like greeting anymore. Even though it’s just until autumn, I’ll miss it.
I pull Levi into a tight hug. As her temperature rises from excitement, Fenrir, now in human form, drapes his coat over me. He’s wearing formal attire—his ceremonial robes from when he became the successor of Fenrir.
We share warmth for a while.
<…! Mimuret?>
Finally, Levi notices the Maiden of Clouds. Until now, the Maiden of Clouds had always returned immediately, so her individual name hadn’t been recorded, but it seems Levi knew her.
I explain the outcome of our battle with the monster and the reason the Maiden of Clouds came down. That winter is ending, too.
Levi looks sorrowful, lowering her eyebrows as she grasps my hand, almost pleading.
What should I say…? Once the Maiden of Clouds descends, there’s no way for her to return except by ascending with the Maiden of Hot Springs. During that time, the clouds vanish from the sky, leading to an endless drought.
This would disrupt the world’s environment.
Levi surely understands this even better than I do.
The three of us look up at the clear, cloudless sky.
<…I’m going to the sky. It’s going to be lonely.>
The Maiden of Clouds innocently holds hands with both Levi and me.
“Please take care of Levi until autumn, okay? Mimuret.”
Levi chuckles softly. Responding to her feelings, the water lily flowers bloom even more beautifully. What had been about 80% bloomed before is now in full bloom.
Levi gently caresses the flowers. Her delicate touch fills me with joy.
Levi bows, and sensing her gesture, Fenrir approaches and stands beside me.
I listen to Levi and Fenrir’s conversation, growing concerned. But Levi smiles confidently.
“Oh, right! The water’s temperature rose when we dissolved them, didn’t it?”
Fenrir, now in his human form, takes my hand and leads me away from Levi.
“Understood. Then I’ll procure more. I was already planning to go to the kingdom, so I’ll have the snow fairies deliver the bath salts.”
“…Please, don’t get too worked up. El’s clothes are starting to melt, you know.”
Ah. Oops. That’s why Fenrir moved me away, huh?
“I’m already in my swimsuit, so it’s fine.”
Behind me, Chris collapses.
“Chris—!? Oh no, Michaela’s kick is brutal! A finishing blow!? Be gentle with him!”
“It was far too indulgent of my brother to have seen Lady El’s bare skin like that.”
“But… it’s a swimsuit…! By the way, Fenrir, do you dislike me showing my legs too?”
“I might get jealous… Since I regained some of my memories from my days as a prince, human emotions have been returning to me bit by bit.”
Fenrir flattens his animal ears, pretending to stay calm, but looking troubled.
I’m really weak to this kind of reaction…!
I change back into my dress.
“How’s this?”
“You look adorable.”
Okay, I’ll save the swimsuits for when it’s just the two of us, Fenrir.
Now that Chris is awake, let’s head to the kingdom!