Chapter 87

In the midst of the snow's weight, the snowdrop maintained its firm shape.

The stem, leaves, and flowers were all white, just as the story described.

The flowers were bell-shaped, consisting of four petals.

And from the pistil, white, droplet-like fruits hung down.

"Is this the fruit of the snowdrop?"

"Yes, it is."

When digging around, about four snowdrops with fruit were found.

According to Album, it seemed that the surrounding magic and the flower's nectar had crystallized.

They emitted a gem-like shine, and I couldn't help but be captivated. They were about the size of a thumb and index finger curled together and gave off a sweet aroma like ripe fruit.

I tried picking one.

"---What!?"

The moment I took it in my hand, it melted at an incredible speed.

"Oh, what a waste, ohhh~"

I quickly brought it to Amelia's mouth nearby.

"K, Kwee~!!"

It turned out to be incredibly delicious. I wondered what kind of taste it had.

"Do you want to try, Pancake Girl?"

"Um, no, that's okay! Mission first!"

First, I needed to think of a way to bring the snowdrops back without melting them.

"Here, Album, you can have a few. Finding the snowdrop fruits was all thanks to you."

"P, Pancake Girl...!"

What's with those teary eyes?

Did you think I was going to hog all the snowdrops?

"Of course not."

"Y, Yeah, that's right."

As a result of digging around, I found eight snowdrop fruits.

There were about twenty if I included the ones that were just flowers.

"Album, how many do you want?"

"Huh!?"

"You wouldn't have found them without me. Please take as many as you like."

One would be enough. Mrs. Evahart didn't specify how many to bring back.

"Um, let's see, three."

"Sure."

I thought he would want more, but he seemed satisfied with a small number.

Album grabbed the snowdrop fruits with both hands and quickly pulled them off.

"You need to eat them quickly, or they'll melt."

"Melt?"

Album tilted his head, holding the snowdrop fruit.

Oh, maybe they don't melt in a fairy's hands?

"Yeah, they don't melt."

"Really!"

Album ate the snowdrop fruit in one bite.

"Mmm~ This smells good, it's sweet and delicious."

Hearing his reaction made me even more curious.

One wouldn't hurt... No, no, I can't. I need to bring as many as possible back to Mrs. Evahart.

Album was pulling off the second snowdrop fruit.

I watched, but then he did something unexpected.

"Here."

"Huh?"

"Since it's delicious, why don't you try, Pancake Girl?"

"Album...!"

What's going on? He was so possessive about the food, yet he's sharing with me.

"Ah~"

"But..."

"It's okay."

Album stretched out his hand as far as he could.

I bent down and ate the snowdrop fruit.

"Mmm!?"

What is this!

The flesh wasn't frozen.

When I bit into it, the thin skin burst, and sweet, juicy nectar overflowed.

This is the fruit of the snowdrop.

After eating it, my body felt lighter. It must have a fatigue recovery effect.

"How is it?"

"It's incredibly delicious. I'm surprised."

I bowed deeply to Album.

"Thank you for this precious gift."

"Huh? A, Ah, well, it's not a big deal!"

I thought he only cared about food, but he also has kindness towards others.

No, I should have tried to understand Album better. I need to reflect on that.

"When we get back, I'll make delicious pancakes, so look forward to it."

"Ah, yes, thank you."

With that, I had to make one more request.

It was about transporting the snowdrop fruits.

"It seems they melt when I touch them. I'm sorry, but could you help me harvest and transport the snowdrop fruits?"

"Sure, leave it to me, Album!"

"Thank you."

As a thank you, I promised to make something extra.

"Besides pancakes, what else are you good at?"

"Um, river turtle dishes, I can make as many as you want."

"River turtle? What's that?"

It seemed Album, a mountain-dwelling plant fairy, didn't know about river turtles.

"Meat. Can you eat it?"

"Album is an omnivore."

"Good to know."

I promised to serve river turtle dishes later.

Album harvested the snowdrop fruits and packed them into a leather bag.

It was a mysterious thing; they didn't melt unless touched by a human. They seemed to maintain their shape even in the leather bag.

"Shall we go back?"

"Kwee!"

"Okay."

I mounted Amelia and flew back.

Needless to say, I screamed along with Album again.

◇◇◇

---Thus, the mission was successfully completed.

"Mel, you did it! Amelia too!"

As soon as I got home, I received a warm welcome from Liette.

She hugged me tightly. I thought I might suffocate.

"Album, good job too!"

Album received a rather casual compliment from Liette, but he didn't seem to mind. He was simple and that was good.

I reported to Mrs. Evahart and showed her the snowdrop fruits.

"Oh, you really found them!"

"Yes."

"Thank you. It must have been tough. Were the monsters okay?"

"Yeah, sure."

I was about to ask about the giant eagle, but she almost fainted, so I kept quiet.

Noir immediately ate the snowdrop fruit.

"Meow~!"

She rolled around in joy as soon as it was in her mouth.

Blanche watched enviously, glancing at Mrs. Evahart.

"Blanche, I understand. Will you give this one to Blanche too?"

"Yes."

I thanked Mrs. Evahart for her kindness.

Blanche would also receive some.

"Album, please take care of it."

"Sure~"

Earlier, when Album gave the snowdrop fruit to Noir, his hand almost got eaten. He was probably wary of it happening again.

"Blanche will be fine."

"R, Really?"

"Yes."

Probably.

I thought it but didn't say it out loud.

"Okay, Blanche."

Albus held the snowdrop fruit and offered it to Blanche.

"Meow~"

Blanche came right up to Albus and looked at him closely.

"Oh, scary. Please eat it quickly?"

"Meow~"

Blanche licked Albus as a thank you and then ate the snowdrop fruit in one bite.

"Meow, licked, licked, oh no~!"

Albus, with tears in his eyes from being licked by Blanche, was comforted by Amelia, who chirped, "Kwee, kwee."

It seemed they were encouraging each other as those who had been licked by Blanche.

Anyway, I asked Mrs. Evahart.

"Can I live here?"

"Yes, you've fulfilled the agreement."

"Thank you!!"

"I'll send the detailed documents for residence registration to the幻兽保护局."

"Yes, thank you."

Great!

Now I can live with Amelia and enjoy a peaceful life.

The move was scheduled for the next break. This was a relief.