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

Chapter 66: A Surprising Mode of Transportation

< I want to take a walk in the kingdom too! >
The Maiden of the Clouds, Mimlette, said excitedly.

We exchanged glances, unsure how to respond.

< Take Levi with us too. We still have time before we return to the sky. This is a first for me! I’m so excited and want to try so many things! >
Mimlette grabbed Levi’s hand and started hopping around.

< I’m… a little scared to leave this snowy mountain. I’ve never experienced anything like it. >
< So it’s your first time too? Yay! That makes it even more fun! >

Mimlette smiled brightly and carefree, her excitement infectious. Even Levi, who had been shyly fidgeting, cracked a small smile.

…Oh. The steam has increased, and it feels like the water is getting hotter.
Does that mean Levi is getting excited too?

“Fenrir, is there a way we can all go together?”
“I love how you always think about the creatures of the snow mountain, El. Hmm… I’ve never considered it before, but perhaps we can figure out a way.”

Th-Thank you…?
It’s a bit embarrassing when he looks at me so gently… His gaze is so intense.

Fenrir gently placed his hand on my blushing cheek and kissed it.
Again!?

“Alright, problem solved. I think I can control the vast magic power required.”
“< As expected of Lord Fenrir!!!! >”

Before I could get flustered, a chorus of enthusiastic Fenrir followers drowned out my embarrassment.
…Well, guess I’ll join them. Here we go. Banzai!

“Levi, Mimlette, are you both sure you want to go to the kingdom?”
< Yes! >
< Yes. >

Levi nodded firmly as well.
Fenrir closed his eyes and concentrated, raising one arm before sweeping it in a wide arc toward the kingdom.

A massive ice bridge formed, connecting straight to the kingdom!

Our fur bristled, and Chris and the others seemed to get goosebumps. That’s how powerful the magic was.
I’m shocked to think such strength lies within Fujio Hiiragi Noelle.
Fenrir’s mastery over it is truly amazing.

“Alright, let’s go up!”
Leading the way, Fenrir began climbing the stairs to the ice bridge… while princess-carrying me.
Ahhhhhhh! That’s so Fenrir!

Grea and the others, although a bit confused, followed Fenrir up the stairs.
The steps were wide enough that Michela was leading her moose up as well.

Once we reached the bridge, Fenrir stomped his foot on the ice.
A gust of winter wind blew, and snow-colored magic spread out.

Magical symbols floated in the air, and then… an ice train formed.
A train!? Wait, what!?

“Fenrir, is this…?”
“A Shinkansen.”
“Well, yes, but how do you know about that!?”
“Fujio’s name showed it to me.”

Fenrir tapped his forehead with his index finger.
“So, you’re saying… you share memories of Japan?”
“Yes.”

Fenrir gently placed me in the front seat of the Shinkansen as I stood there speechless in astonishment.
…The word feels so out of place here. A Shinkansen? This is supposed to be a fantasy world!

Everyone else boarded the Shinkansen too.
Looking back, I saw them nervously glancing around at the icy walls and windows.
Though streamlined, with large windows, it felt a bit like a kid-friendly amusement park ride.

“Thank you for boarding! The express train will now depart! …Is that right? Haha, this is fun!”
“Fenrir, it’s great you’re having fun!!!!!!”

Grea was shouting, saying things like, “He knows too much!” and “He’s adapting way too fast!” Meanwhile, other passengers were losing their minds over Fenrir speaking to them politely.

But when we turned and saw Fenrir’s glowing, boyish smile, everyone fell silent.
That childlike expression was mesmerizing.

And then, the Shinkansen departed!
Soooo fast—this is definitely not for kids!!!

Ice sliding on ice—of course it’s intense!
Kyahhhh!!! There are no seatbelts!!!

Without thinking, I clung to Fenrir, his bright laughter filling the air.
Fenrir, who knows about Japan through my memories—he’s seen everything, even my workplace, even the embarrassing times I got scolded.

But, despite all that, his attitude towards me hasn’t changed.
That simple fact made me feel so grateful I could cry.

As we soared over the city, cheers erupted from below.
Well, of course! This Shinkansen is beyond incredible, and Fenrir’s powers are just as astounding.

To slow down, the Shinkansen circled once above the city, giving everyone below a chance to see it.
I’m sure even the Felsnow Royal Castle noticed us. I hope the king and the others saw that Chris and Michela are safe.

Po-o-o-o-o!
Wait, that’s a train whistle!?
Fenrir, that’s for trains, not Shinkansen! You’re mixing them up!

We arrived at our destination.
Descending the stairs, we stepped into the midst of the townspeople.