[TKOSINM] 281 – Gaining Undi’s Trust

But she guessed it was a mistake. Contrary to Snow, who lifted her cheeks with joy, On was so shocked that his eyes were wide open. Still, he had helped several times so far, and she was worried that he might have hurt him. As expected, On shrugged his shoulders and spoke in a voice of indignation.

[You... how much I helped you. Undi you were also able to find it with my help!]

“Um, yes…”

[Choosing Snow, I’m done!]

“I’m sorry, are you hurt?”

 [Done!]

Irene apologised belatedly, but On only turned his head coldly. As she stared at him with difficulty, Snow, who was observing the situation, suddenly intervened.

[On, Stupid. So what did you do? You missed Undi?]

[What? How do I catch a kid who ran away because he didn’t like it...? But how do you know that?]

[I saw him.]

[What?]

At Snow’s unexpected words, Irene and On’s eyes widened.

[Where?]

[Why do I have to tell you, On?]

[Hey, is that important to you now?]

[Heh.]

On asked hurriedly, but Snow was consistent with that blunt attitude. On’s expression wrinkled when he didn’t answer. Even so, the Snow was unmoving.

Unable to understand why Snow hated On so much, Irene began to get impatient.

After much deliberation, Irene asked Snow carefully.

“Hey Snow, I also want to know where Undi is. Can you tell me?”

[Huh! He was hovering around the lake!]

However, overshadowing her concerns, Snow replied willingly. Instead, On felt dejected. 

Perhaps because of the difference in treatment, he shouted at Snow, invigorated.

[What, Snow! Why do you respond right away to the Contractor when you say you don’t want to tell me?”

[On, Stupid. Is the Contractor the same as you?]

 [What?]

There were signs of an argument between the two spirits again, but the two spirits could not continue the fight any longer. It was because Irene was already heading into the forest.

Each spirit had different personalities, tastes, and traits, but if one thing was the same, it was affection towards the Contractor.

When Irene went into the forest alone, On and Snow stopped fighting and quickly followed her.

If it’s a lake, I’m sure it’s located in the deepest part of the forest.

Recalling the words of the head maid when they toured the Grand Duchy, Irene walked inside. She had never been there, and it was late at night, so she was worried that she might lose her way. But it didn’t seem like a big deal since there were spirits.

Without asking for directions, Snow asked sadly as Irene walked blindly, looking ahead.

[Irene, why don’t you ask me to guide you? Is it because I’m not hot?]

When Snow asked on the verge of tears, Irene, who paused for a moment, shook her head and answered.

“That’s not it.”

[Then why not ask? I can tell you.]

Irene pondered for a moment, and then she answered honestly.

“I’m afraid you’ll fight with On again... so I can’t talk to you.”

 [...!]

Snow’s eyes widened at the unexpected answer. The temperature rose, grabbing Irene’s attention.

Irene didn’t mean to blame the two spirits, but Snow and On were shocked at the thought that they were interfering with Irene’s work.

[Oh, I won’t fight.]

Snow sobbed. Irene felt terrible seeing her weep. At the sudden change in her appearance, Irene opened her eyes.

She appeared terrified.

But Irene didn’t mean any harm.

“Huh?”

[If the Contractor doesn’t like it, I won’t fight. I don’t like you, but I’ll tolerate it.]

[Who knew you were such a goody-two-shoes...]

On hearing Snow’s words, he grumbled. She didn’t know what Snow would say, so Irene looked confused for a moment, and then she smiled. She realised that her words, which she had brought out without much thought, had made the two spirits uneasy.

Spirits were unknown beings, and they felt far away like God. But seeing her honest with her feelings and working hard for herself gave Irene a strong sense of intimacy. The way she looked was lovely.

“Thanks.”

[Yes... Then, Irene, you won’t be in trouble now, right?]

“Hmm. Snow, can you tell me the location of the lake?”

[Count on me!]

Now, when Irene asked for her help, Snow regained her cheerful complexion and took the lead. White snowflakes fell on her wherever she passed. As she walked along the trail, On following behind grunted.

[If you’re having trouble, why didn’t you say that earlier.]

Contrary to his blunt voice, Irene looked at On cautiously. Then On quickly turned his head to avoid Irene’s gaze. She could feel his apologetic heart.

“The spirits are really lovely.”

[What...]

“The former Empress must have loved you a lot too. As much as you loved the former Empress.”

[...]

On, who was about to explain his words, stopped. His silver-grey eyes fluttered like ripples.

Pretending to be unaware of the figure, Irene stood and walked around him.

♔♔♔

ONEDAYTHREEAUTUMNS PATREON
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[TKOSINM] 282 – Fake Rii

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[TKOSINM] 280 – Blizzards and The Snow Spirit