LIGHTNOVELWORLD Ch67 - The Perpetual Winter Ice Arcade
Chapter 67: “The Perpetual Winter Ice Arcade”
We were surrounded by the townspeople.
Their faces gleamed with radiant smiles, almost as if they were emanating light—a scene straight out of a religious painting.
The town mayor stepped forward, but Fenrir gently stopped him with his hand.
“Let’s wait for the kings to gather before proceeding.”
“What?!”
What’s happening? I thought we’d be going to the palace later…
As I was thinking that, ice tracks similar to the ones we descended on appeared, stretching from the opposite direction.
And riding on them was a bullet train.
Wait—what!?
The train whistle blew, and I was so shocked I almost lost my strength.
The bullet train slowed as it circled the town, finally coming to a stop.
The kings emerged, their faces pale.
Well, of course… it must have been terrifying to ride something where the tracks update in real time as it moves toward a cliff! Thank you for enduring that!
Meanwhile, the children were blushing with excitement, too thrilled to leave the train, much to the frustration of the queen and the maids.
Kids really love these kinds of rides.
“Lord Fenrir!”
The king, upon seeing Fenrir, quickly regained his composure and bowed deeply. What a swift change of demeanor!
After descending the stairs, he bowed once again.
“Thank you for your gracious invitation, and for your efforts in defeating the monster!”
“Oh, it was El who worked hard.”
Me!?
Being singled out like that… having all these people look at me at once makes my heart race!
My animal ears perked up, and my tail puffed out.
I shot a sidelong glance at Fenrir, who was beaming at me, his ears flapping happily. Ugh, I love him!
Geez—!
“Everyone worked hard, and that’s how we managed to resolve the situation. We were also greatly helped by Prince Chris and Princess Michela of the Felsnow Kingdom. I’m really glad no one was harmed.”
“So, my children were of use?”
“Oh, absolutely.”
The king’s eyes softened into a gentle arc, tears welling at the corners. He must be so proud of his children for stepping up.
Chris and Michela did a great job… though maybe it’s better not to mention how much they struggled as knights.
The king expressed his gratitude with another kneel.
“Come on, Chris, Michela. Now’s the time to tell your father you’re safe and let him praise you!”
I nudged them both forward toward their parents.
“You two are the pride of this kingdom.”
“We’re so glad you’ve returned safely, our beloved children.”
“Father! Mother!”
The family of four embraced tightly.
Well done!
Chris and Michela must have been scared, facing such a terrifying monster. But they bore the weight of their kingdom and citizens, and pushed through. I think no one is prouder of their efforts than the king.
I leaned my head on Fenrir’s shoulder.
And then he embraced me.
In front of everyone…!!
“I thought you might want to be hugged like that.”
“I won’t deny it, but still…!”
I was a bit moved by the family’s embrace and maybe a little envious. Fenrir calls me his beloved daughter, but oh, this is so embarrassing! Come on, can’t he read my blushing face?
…Now that I think about it, he hasn’t called me his beloved daughter recently…
“Lord Fenrir and Princess of Winter, your matching rings are beautiful!”
An innocent prince pointed at us with a bright smile.
Cheers erupted from the crowd. What is this… do they have the same ring customs here? Now that I think of it, Fenrir switched mine this morning.
On the ring finger of my left hand.
—Fenrir shares my memories of Japan, doesn’t he?
“Princess of Winter, your cheeks are such a lovely shade of pink.”
The child’s pure, blunt comment hit me right in the chest, and I covered my face with both hands.
Behind me, Glea was proudly crossing his arms, showing off a ring similar to ours, drawing attention away from me.
Thanks!
☆ ☆ ☆
The monster in the royal palace had also disappeared. The king and I spoke brightly, celebrating the resolution of everything.
“The reason I came to this town today was none other than to eternally freeze the Ice Arcade.”
With that, Fenrir formed a hand seal.
“Permanent Freeze.”
The magical snow-colored runes extended from where he stood, climbing along the ice arcade. The strengthened ice art would never melt, no matter how harsh the summer sun.
But Fenrir’s magic wasn’t finished yet.
“Lord Fenrir, will the snowman disappear…?”
“You seem sad. Did you befriend it?”
“Yes.”
“That’s wonderful. In that case, I’ll cast a spell on the snowman too, so that winter’s end won’t tear you apart.”
Fenrir smiled warmly at the child. I love him!
With a snap of his fingers, the snowmen who had been watching us from afar gathered around.
“The Veil of Winter.”
With a soft motion, Fenrir lowered his arms like draping a cloak, and an aurora-like veil appeared, enveloping the snowmen.
“The Ice Arcade and the snowmen will become new symbols of the Felsnow Kingdom. Fitting for a land ruled by winter, don’t you think? This much shouldn’t disturb the seasons.”
“Thank you, Lord Fenrir!”
The mayor bowed deeply, almost theatrically.
…Fenrir seems different from before, don’t you think?
In the past, he was solely the traditional winter wolf, guardian of the snowy mountains.
But now, it feels like he’s thinking about loving the kingdom, too—how to improve it, bringing in new ideas.
I whispered these thoughts to Glea.
“Indeed. But is there a problem? I will always respect Lord Fenrir and serve you, Lady El. Nothing changes.”
“…Yeah, you’re right. Let’s continue this journey together.”
His straightforward words relieved the doubts that had been nagging me, and I exhaled in relief.
It won’t happen. Fenrir won’t lose touch with his instincts as a beast and prioritize the kingdom over everything else, like in his princely days.
Because those who love him now, like Glea and the creatures of the snowy mountains, love this current version of Fenrir more than the prince he once was.
When Fenrir turned back to us, Glea and I spoke in unison.
“We love you!!”
His bashful smile knocked everyone in the crowd off their feet.
Which is why the town arcade was littered with people writhing in bliss.
Levi and Mimlet poked and played with us, amused.
☆ ☆ ☆
“Lord Fenrir, what did you mean by ‘so winter’s end won’t tear them apart…’? It sounded like you said winter’s end is near.”
The young princes looked up at us.
Wow, so perceptive! Their eyes already shone with a wisdom that was impressive for their age. As expected of royalty.
They’re still young, but they’re not always just carefree and innocent. I wonder if Chris, Michela, and even Fenrir were like this in their childhoods.
“Listen closely, everyone. This girl, Mimlet, is the Maiden of Clouds.”
When Fenrir revealed this, everyone immediately grasped the situation, their breath catching.
After all, they’ve experienced the arrival of spring every year, so they understand quickly.
“This winter is coming to an end. It’s earlier than usual, and the Maidens of the Springs don’t have enough warmth. Please sell us the bath salts you used during the festival.”
“Understood, Lord Fenrir. This way.”
The mayor led us toward the shopping street.
Winter flowers peeked out from the snow, and snowmen danced around.
Though I’ll miss this winter, I’m excited for the future we’ll share with Fenrir and the others. That thought fills me with so much joy.