Hokuou Kizoku to Moukinzuma no Yukiguni Karigurashi

Chapter 1: A Fateful Meeting

The ball in the foreign country that I’m invited to once a year.

It is also a place where men and women search for marriage candidates.

The hall’s atmosphere was somewhat buoyant. It couldn’t be helped. There are not many occasions where men and women can socialise.

Leaning my back on the wall with my friend, I made eye contact with the lady in front of me.

Her blonde hair was tied up properly and her skin that was showing between the rosy pink dress was shining brightly. I presumed as I please that she would be in her mid-teens because of her ineptitude at the ball.

She was still young, but her body was already rather voluptuous. I unconsciously set my eyes on her breasts, but when I turned my sight up looking at her face and smiled her cheeks quickly dyed deep red.

— I can do this!!

It’s a meaningless boast, but I have absolute confidence in my looks

My long silver-white hair, rare throughout the world, was braided and hanging down my left chest. The deep blue eyes only appear in our people, too, so although my personality may be questionable I often received praise that my eyes were the most beautiful even amongst our people.

Thus my looks were quite distinct at the ball, so just from my smile women are drawn. Next to me, I hear my friend telling me, “That’s enough,” but I could not care less.

It’s an opportunity that comes only once a year. I can’t afford let this just pass by.

But nothing in the world goes as one wants.

The lady-in-waiting behind her whispered something. Then the lady who was holding her cheeks in embarrassment quickly left.

“Ah~”

“It’s not ‘Ah~’.”

“But her bust was large.”

“You idiot! If you are looking for a bride do it more sincerely!

“I am being sincere.”

“What part of you!?”

I stare dejectedly at the back of the leaving lady.

As to why this happened, it is because of the rumours that spread during the ten years I attended the ball.

I have become friendly with ladies here and sometimes even got engaged. However, when I take them back to my homeland, they refuse, saying, “let us pretend that this talk did not happen”.

“You, you should search for a shrewd wife.”

“I don’t like such women.”

While we were talking, suddenly some cries of women were heard.

When I turned my head toward the origin of the sound, there was one officer striding through the door.

Even without doing anything, that officer was soon surrounded by admiring women.

“Heh~ that’s rare.”

“Who’s that?”

“The [Crimson Eagle]”

According to my friend’s information, the person hogging the limelight was one of the more famous officers of this country. Since the war was over last year, the officer came to find a partner. Since the officer rarely appeared at balls, the women were excited.

“What, a man? I’m not int……!”

While I was staring at the [Crimson Eagle], we accidentally made eye contact.

That sharp piercing gaze reminded me of raptors.

When I made eye contact, I was convinced. That that person is a woman.

“O, oi, Richard!?” (TN: Ritsuharudo in raw, I couldn’t really find a corresponding name. Something Germanic I guess.)

Ignoring my friend’s call, I manoeuvred through the ladies like an insect drunk on honey.

The crowd surrounding that one officer was heated up.

“Sieg-sama, is it true that you are marrying!?”

“No!! Please marry me!!”

“No, what are you saying!?”

“Hey, don’t push.”

“Out of the way! I can’t see Sieg-sama!”

About twenty women were pressing into each other trying to get closer to the [Crimson Eagle].

So much that they did not realise a man like myself waded through into the crowd.

More like, this country’s women are rather tall. Also because they were wearing high-heels, they were only slightly shorter than me.

Even amongst them, the officer was quite tall.

Cutting through the crowd, I calmly stared the [Crimson Eagle] to talk to her.

Even up close, her attitude was impeccable.

Her vermilion hair was cut short and cleanly straightened up. Her dark grey eyes were looking at one uncommonly beautiful lady nearby. Military decorations adorned the uniform as proof of battles. That stature could only be described as gallant.

“Sieg-sama, please marry me!”

“You can’t do that! I’m going to be happy with Sieg-sama!”

“Sieg-sama, if you come to my place there won’t be any hardships.”

To the simultaneous outburst of proposals, I also joined in.

“Um, please marry me!!”

“What are you saying…… huh?”

The commotion quickly died down.

It must have been the voice of a man that put them off.

“——Ugh, it’s the Snowman of the borderlands (Lappland)!!”

With that as the signal, the surrounding ladies quickly scattered and took shelter behind the officer.

“Why is the Snowman of the borderlands (Lappland) here!?”

“……”

That’s a bit harsh, calling me the Snowman of the borderlands (Lappland).

Amidst the chaos, only the [Crimson Eagle] kept her cool.

“Hildegard, who is he?”

“He is a foreign count, milady.”

“Pleased to meet you!”

As I cheerfully greeted her, she narrowed her eyes at me. Of course, as a display of vigilance.

“……Well, pleased to meet you too, hm?”

“Indeed. Pleased to meet you, [Crimson Eagle]-sama!”

One of ladies hiding behind the officer screamed again. I also heard some one insult me that it was rude for the Snowman of the borderlands (Lappland).

‘The Snowman of the borderlands (Lappland)’ is a derogatory term pointing to my uncommon silver-white hair and my homeland.

My homeland, the County of Levantret (TN:レヴァントレット/revantoretto), is a barren land covered in snow half the year.

There weren’t any women who would move to such a territory. Already there are many cases where the fiancées I brought by saying that it is a good place ran away.

The sun never rises in winter, and it is still slightly cold in summer. There is no entertainment, and the population decreases every year.

It was not that there weren’t any young men in my city. There’s another reason for searching for brides in this foreign land.

Long time ago, our people were nomads leading reindeers around, marrying within the clan. However, because of that, the life expectancy shortened and there were more sickly children, that not many people could bear children.

Realising that, we recently started introducing foreign blood, half a century ago.

As the only child of the Count’s family, I too needed to make more children so I was searching for a bride here.

Then, as I brought ladies back home and showed them my homeland, I gained the nickname ‘the Snowman of the borderlands (Lappland)’.

“Was it Yukiotoko?” (TN: lit. snowman)

“N, no. My name is Richard Salonen Levantret.”

“Excuse me. My name is Sieglinde von Wattin.”

——N, no way, her name is so wonderful as well.

To her dazzling beauty, my eyes felt as if they were blinded.

Sieglinde was a woman full of vigour. I thought my heart was already hers from that sharp shine in her eyes that I did not have.

I don’t know how long we stared at each other, but I cam to from a nearby yell.

“Get away from Sieg-sama you pervert snowman!”

“!?”

Before I knew it, some lady was approaching me with her wine glass leaning as if to pour it on me.

“Kyaa!”

“……”

A shrill scream resounded from that lady.

A red stain seeped through her dress.

Because I had grabbed her wrist to stop her, the liquid spilled on to her instead of me.

Voices of denunciation came like a ferocious barrage. Of course, I was receiving all the criticism instead of that lady.

“Oh my!”

“How dare he soil a lady’s dress!?”

“Sieg-sama, get away from him!”

“He’s dangerous!”

“……”

The lady whose dress was stained was already wailing. I also wanted to cry.

To that teary-eyed lady, Sieg gently reached her hand out for her. After she whispered something to someone who looks like a servant, and soon a maid came and took the lady away.

While I was thinking how quick she was, she also reached her hand out to me!!

Sieg-sama, to be so kind to someone who soiled a lady’s dress, I am moved.

However, only icy cold words came from her mouth.

“—Shall we talk more in another room.”

“!”

……Uh oh, am I not being treated in a businesslike manner, or rather, isn’t it more like I’m being treated as a reserve solider who committed a crime!?

Glared at with the eyes of a raptor, I silently followed Sieglinde like a livestock about to be sold at a market.

Chapter 2: Interrogation and Situation Report

We exit the dazzling hall and walk through the dark hallway for a moment.

According to Crimson Eagle-sama, some invited guests are assigned private rooms.

Sieglinde confidently strides through the hallway with stealthy steps. I thought she was rather tall, but she seemed to be wearing high-heeled boots. I looked on in admiration that she could walk so quickly in such uncomfortable shoes. The distance increased while I wasn’t paying attention for a moment, so I picked up my pace.

After walking for a while, we arrived at Sieglinde’s room. She herself opens the door and we enter. I ended up getting surprised at a room without any servants.

Although Sieglinde may be a terrifying soldier, she is still an esteemed daughter of a noble, so I asked if she was fine, but she just laughed.

“Have I said something funny?”

“No, it is just that I never had men get concerned about me. Please do not mind it.”

Since she said so, I excused myself.

A faint glow of the moon lighted the room. Somehow, I felt agitated, so I lighted the candlestick on the table.

“Alcohol?”

“No, thank you.”

After I was seated, I was offered alcohol but I refused. I’m not a very strong drinker, and who knows what I might do when I get drunk.

Not caring about my choice, Sieglinde poured some for herself and quenched her thirst.

I felt a bit at ease as there was alcohol involved, as it suggested that this was not a severe interrogation.

“About what you said before.”

“!”

While I was staring at her legs, those buxom thighs, she lobbed a question out of nowhere so I ended up flinching.

As I turned my eyes upward, my eyes locked with hers.

“Why did you say you want to marry me?”

“W, well.”

Her gaze was sharp, as if she were censuring a criminal.

So was it an interrogation after all…… Beads of sweat formed on my brows.

“As you may see, my appearance is a long way from a woman’s. Moreover, I do not know the etiquette wives of nobles should have.”

Indeed, her shoulders look broad and solid for a woman. She’s also tall, so it is hard to tell her sex on first sight.

However, I can’t really explain how I was drawn in by her in an instant. I know what this feeling is called, but it is very embarrassing to say it out loud.

Also, I did not even consider nobility here. Since our people are a race of people who hunt in a harsh environment. Survival is more important, we can’t afford the time to be elegant.

“In addition, I am not young.”

“?”

“…… Mother bore ten children starting from the age of eighteen.”

What’s the relation between age and having many siblings?

“Considering my age, I can’t bear that many children.”

“!”

“What?”

“No, you don’t have to bear that many. Even one child and the village will be in a festive mood.”

Sieglinde said that she is the youngest of ten siblings. As she was grown in family of soldiers, she did not receive any education as a noblewoman.

Noblewomen must have it tough. They are scorned if they don’t marry by the age of twenty.

From a quick glance, I originally expected that she would be around my age or a little younger. Of course, in high society, where women are expected to marry, she is not that young for an unmarried woman.

“Please don’t mind the age.”

“I’m 31.”

“Eh”

“I turned 31 last month.”

“……”

— I’m sorry, I’m the younger one.

I did not expect her to be in her thirties.

Seeing me like that, she snorted.

“End of story, is it?”

She asked after she finisheed her glass of wine.

“!”

I came to by the clanging of glass on the table.

“But, I, too, have a story.”

“?”

Her grey eyes widened in surprise.

Regarding all the women I brought so far, they broke their engagement as I brought them to my homeland without explaining about it.

This time, I resolved to explain beforehand, so I started talking on my own.

“Our people live a life of hunting and crafting.”

Living close to the Arctic regions, our people lived a life where we coexisted with nature and reindeers.

In spring, we pick flowers for usage as spices or dyes and make dairy products from reindeers in their pregnant period. In summer, we pick the abundant berries from the forest. In autumn, we pick mushrooms from the hills, hunt wild animals and even fish for salmon. In winter we hunt the animals for their fur, and store them in the cold underground cellar.

For anything we lack, we buy from merchants and sell traditional handicrafts for money.

A long time ago, we roamed as nomads with reindeers, but a few centuries ago we were driven to our current territory and had to settle there.

After we settled as sedentary people, reindeers became livestock living in fenced areas.

Spring passes quickly, and in summer a strange phenomenon called white night in which the sun never sets the whole day.

Autumn is almost non-existent. The beautiful autumn leaves just barely fall on white snow. In winter, just breathing in feels almost as if the lungs are freezing up, and the gale is even painful. Then for two months there is period of the polar night in which the sun never rises.

“……Well, it’s this sort of place.”

“……”

I also added that the birth rate is low due to the repeated endogamy.

“There is higher chance that there won’t be children. The fault is all ours.”

“Is, that, so.”

I also told her about the animals in the forests: bears and foxes, rabbits and deers, and even wolves. And that some of them have white fur and cute. However, I also warn that they, as creatures living under harsh condition, are quite ferocious. Especially, when we encounter bears, we have to be prepared for death. It’s not easy surviving in the snow country.

I can’t just say ‘come along with me’ so carelessly.

Although it was I who explained the place, I ended up feeling depressed. No wonder that the ladies I brought disliked the place.

Worst case where I don’t have any children, I am planning to concede my position as the lord to a wise person in the village. Since we are all kind of related by blood because of all the endogamy, I’m not too worried about the succession problem.

However, I’m alone.

My parents already ran away from home, saying, ‘Are we really living here!” And then they sent some people they met during their travel back to my fief.

I’m currently living with a family of a martial race from foreign lands. I don’t know where they’re from, but as we can’t communicate well yet, I couldn’t ask where.

No, it really doesn’t matter who they were.

I’m just feeling lonely. The point is, I want a family.

“Sometimes I wonder just why I am working everyday, and what I am living for. Well, it would be easy to say that it is for myself, but it’s all in vain.”

As a lord, I can hear out the complaints of the people, but everyone leads a busy life so one can only really trust and rely only on their family.

“……I get the story.”

“……”

“I’ll accompany you if it is fine with you.”

“Huh!?”

Surprising, that Sieglinde would come to the frontier lands.

“R, really?”

“Do I look like I’m lying to you?”

“Why”

“It is convenient for me, shall I say.”

She too had her circumstances.

Sieglinde von Wattin was enlisted in the army from the age of 13. Thus she pledged her loyalty to the monarch and threw herself into war as she was told, but now that it was peaceful, people suggested that she should marry and sent her to the ball.

“……I did not know how I should live from here on. My useless dignity did not allow me to just live in peace by relying on a husband.”

“……”

“However, if it is your country, I believe I can discover my new self.”

I was excited at this sudden development, but then Sieglinde imposed a condition.

“I have one request.”

“Yes?”

“I want to us to be a temporary husband and wife for a year.”

“What might you mean……?”

“I want to live together for a year, and then if it does not trouble you I’d like to become an official wife.”

“Why would you suggest that?”

“I have to organise my thoughts. I am sure the same goes for you. There are also some aspects we may only see after we live together. Only after we know all the ups and downs of each other, will we not be able to call ourselves husband and wife?”

“……That is…… true.”

Thus I ultimately accepted her condition.

I’m just thankful that she’s coming to the frontier. She also said to hold off child making, so I’ll just be patient.

Thus we exchanged our promise, and since Sieglinde held out her hand, I also reached out and grabbed her hand.

Since it was a bit more forceful than I imagined, I became teary-eyed, but I’ll just say that these are tears of joy.

Chapter 3: A Pleasant Shopping Trip and the First Day

Since we had an exchange of a firm handshake between men(?), I thought the talks were over, but I was stopped in an awkward posture, when I was trying to stand up. The talks were not over yet.

She told me, “Sit down,” so I did so like an obedient dog.

“Was there anything else?”

“No, I was just wondering when Levantret-kyou would be returning home.”

“Five days later.”

Since this was an opportunity to spend my time freely once a year, I took care of work in advance and was spending time here.

Others seem to think that I’m a workaholic because I’m working everyday, but that’s not true. I’m busy everyday in order to survive.

The money from the state coffers quickly disappear for fortress repairs and vermin exterminations, and to make up for the lack of funds, I have to hunt animals for their expensive fur or craft traditional figures.

Thus, the ball is the only opportunity I have to spread my wings.

However, since I could not find a woman, I was planning to just relax for the rest of the time.

Hearing my schedule, Sieglinde rested her head on her hand and made a serious expression. A moment later, she looked my way, full of determination, and made a saintly smile.

“Could you come to my home in two days’ time? I would like to introduce you to my parents.”

“!!”

Indeed. Nobles require the blessings of their parents if they are to marry regardless of age. Moreover, I’m taking her away to another country. I have to explain properly and make them understand.

“Could you?”

“……Yes, of course.”

I pulled up an unpleasant information from the back of my mind, that House Wattin was an esteemed noble family that ruled over the region of Thüringen.

(TN: Yes, I know it was House of Wettin in history, but it says Wattin not Wettin.)

“My family home is located past one state from the capital. About three hours by carriage, I suppose.”

“Thüringen?”

“Indeed.”

Beads of sweat form on my brows. Her decorations somehow seem even brighter.

I seem to have proposed to some ridiculously high-ranking noble.

“Ah, by the way.”

“Yes?”

“It is fine to talk normally around me. You may call me by my name.”

“……Thank you for your kindness. How should I call you?”

“Anything is fine. You could call me Sieg like others do.”

“Yes, Sieg-sama!”

“……You can drop the -sama.”

That night, I ended up questioning myself whether it was good enough over and over again.

◇◇◇

The next day.

A letter arrived for me at the inn. It was Sieg-sama, asking if I have some time. Of course, I replied, ‘Yes, surely!’

Outside, snow was piled up, but it was cute compared to our country’s snowstorm.

I prepared in advance that I won’t be late.

After shaving, I donned a headband as usual and quickly put on pants. I then put on a fluffy coat made of alpaca fur.

I also tied up my long hair, which extended to my waist.

For the men of this country, it was the norm to have hair cut short, so I would be considered strange to have my long hair braided like a woman.

In balls where people of many different nationalities gather, it’s not so bad, but it’s not the same in the streets.

When I looked at the clock, it was about time, so I headed to our meeting place.

Located in a few minutes’ distance, the clock square was bustling with people. Apparently, this place where one can see the cathedral is popular for the young people here as a meeting place.

I found the tall woman with unusual hair colour without much trouble. I waved my hands and approached her.

“Sorry, did I make you wait long?”

“No, I just arrived.”

Sieg told the lady next to her, “I have company.” To attract a woman in this short while, I grew somewhat envious.

A part of me knew it already, and indeed Sieg’s civilian clothing was masculine. It was a bit disappointing that there was no trace of anything feminine.

When she asked what we’re shopping for, I replied that we’re buying necessary supplies for moving to the north.

“Ah~, but I don’t think we can find winter clothing here.”

“Is that so.”

It’s best to get clothing made out of fur, but the clothes here are for fashion.

I don’t think they would sell things for keeping warm.

“I should have asked beforehand. You came all the way.”

“That’s not true. I’m glad you invited me.”

Sieg’s troubled expression was surprisingly cute so I ended up staring at her, to which she turned her face away. Too bad.

“Then, let’s browse around and……”

“Knives! Let’s go buy knives!”

“Knives?”

“Right. For skinning and gutting.”

We talk while walking since time is precious.

Since there was quite the crowd, I held Sieg’s hand so that we won’t be lost in the crowd. Her hand felt cold, so I put her hand in my coat pocket and started walking.

This country’s blades are well-reputed for their sharpness, so I always bought something every time.

Chatting away, we manoeuvred through the crowd.

A while later, we arrived at a funny looking store in an old alley.

“This is?”

“A store that the butcher at the main road recommended.”

I tried to open the stuck door with one hand, but since it was too hard I released Sieg’s hand from my pocket and forced the door open with both hands.

The store was unmanned. The owner was probably sleeping at the back.

Full of knives and daggers on the shelves, it was a rather disturbing store. Since the shop was recommended by those who are wrestling with meat every day, I did not had no doubts on the goods, though.

“We don’t just use one knife for skinning and gutting, there are many different kinds for different purposes.”

“Wow.”

There are specialised knives for cutting through the bones, strange-looking knives for rending the tendons, and even knives for splitting the belly. If we were to list all of them, then there would be dozens and hundreds of different types.

“Have you ever gutted an animal?”

“No.”

“Yeah? I think this might be good for beginners.”

I grab a big one that was lying around.

This beautifully curved steel knife has many applications, from finishing the prey to butchering. Since it’s big, it can also be used for cooking outdoors.

Sieg held it up in one hand and spun it around before putting it into a leather case.

“It’s a good product.”

She seemed to have liked it, since she decided to buy it.

Since I was also planning to buy something, I grab a knife that was on my mind, a thin knife with a curved blade at the tip.

“What is that for?”

“For scraping out the intestines of a bird.”

“……”

Sieg was making an indescribable expression, but I bought it anyway since I would no longer have to dirty my hands if I had this.

After that unsettling shopping trip, we strolled through the streets for a while.

On our way, Sieg stopped me to go into a toy store.

“What are we buying here?”

“A little something of a game.”

“?”

Following her, I arrived at a place dealing with cards and other games.

“My count, do you see anything you like?”

“Um, nothing in particular.”

“Is that so, milord.”

Playing master and servant for some reason, Sieg explained each game earnestly.

“You really don’t know anything.”

“Mm. Well, I didn’t have a playmate, or should I say I didn’t have the time for it.”

“……”

I then realised at the toy shop that I had barely any memories of playing.

“There weren’t any kids my age, and I had to work from a young age.”

When I mumbled that, I felt somewhat empty.

My first friend too was a foreigner I met in high society.

“Ritzhard Salonen Levantret.”

“?”

For some reason, Sieg bowed her head reverently and held out her hand.

While I tilted my head in confusion, the crossdressing onee-san smiled wider.

In that state, what came out of her mouth was not anything too special.

“— May I have the honour of being your first playmate?”

“!”

It was about our relation.

I finally realised that she was worried about the gap in culture and customs between people of different countries. That maybe she suggested that we be ’temporary spouses’ because of this.

It’s fine, being just playmates in a relaxed atmosphere. We can progress from there on.

I held up her outstretched hand and gripped it tightly once more before letting it go.

My eyes grew teary like last night, but I dismissed it as just bone pains.

Chapter 4: A Tense Carriage Ride and House Wattin

It’s been three days since I met with Sieg. Today I was to visit her family home.

As the whole ordeal was decided in a hurry, I had nothing but a wooden figurine of a polar bear, but since I had nothing else I decided take that along as a gift. It was originally at the village store, but since it didn’t sell I retrieved it. I was planning to give it to my friend or something.

At the coach station, an exceptionally excellent carriage pulled by four horses awaited.

Since I heard that the coat of arms of House Wattin had yellow and black stripes with a crown-like streak, I was sure that the carriage in front of me was today’s ride.

The coach driver then saw this bumpkin and descended from his seat, and said, “You are expected, sir.” Since he opened the door so courteously, I ended up blurting out a sorry.

“Good morning.”

“G, good morning, my lady!”

Sitting with her legs crossed, Sieg greeted me crisply. Because my heart wasn’t ready for some reason, I spoke respectfully.

It’s the second time I’m with an older woman, but I’m not yet used it. I sat askew from, a strained expression on my face.

I was agonising over how I should spend the next three hours, but I seem to have forgotten that I had quite the easy personality. As soon as the carriage started moving, we started talking.

The topic was about the frontier we were going to live in, Lappland.

There were some history and customs we needed to go over.

In the harsh environment, the people have worshipped the spirit from a long time ago. However, not many believe in the spirit today. Although young people still pay their respects, they try to not learn bad habits.

That bad habit is ‘not helping others so that one can survive in this harsh environment.’

Because of this word of the spirit, the villagers only rely on themselves and their families, and rarely interact with others.

Though there is such a custom, the villagers become festive when a child is born.

A new life is said to be a precious blessing from the spirit.

When a child is born, the villagers bring good food to that house praying that the child will grow healthy.

There are many young people thinking, ‘aren’t these two teachings of the spirit contradictory?’ but it could not be helped since it was an ancient tradition.

Also, there is another amazing thing regarding the spirits.

It’s the family of a martial race that my parents brought ten years ago.

I don’t even know where they are from. I can’t communicate well with them, but they still work as servants at my house.

Apparently, they lost their homeland so went into exile, but my parents convinced them to come to the frontier.

They also worshipped the spirit. Though of course it was a different spirit.

Once, I tried my best to learn their language and culture, but to no avail.

They did not use language very much to communicate.

They express themselves through gestures. Pounding their chests, holding up fingers, and so on. It took a few years to understand those gestures. However, they only conveyed simple things, so I couldn’t form complex sentences.

I kept talking about such stories during the ride.

Thankfully, Sieg listened carefully without looking displeased.

Suddenly, she stared at me, so I wondered what it was.

“Ah, I was just wondering if you braided the hair yourself.”

When I affirmed it, I received praise.

“Well, this is also a part of spirit worship, should I say.”

From ancient times, they said that there is a mysterious power in the hair. By keeping it long, it supposedly protected people from disasters.

Well, there is that teaching, but it’s unexpectedly warm when you wrap it around your neck.

“Have you tried growing your hair?”

“Come to think of it, I never tried it.”

So I recommended that she try growing out her hair, to which she laughed refreshingly, saying that it might be a good idea.

While we were chatting like this, the three hours passed quickly.

◇◇◇

The region of Thüringen which House Wattin ruled was a serene place overflowing with greenery. The trees that surrounded the city was dyed white in snow, creating a beautiful scenery.

After walking down the lane for a while, I saw a large mansion. The mansion of House Wattin.

Sieg said that she was returning after five years. The servants also looked happy to see her.

While we were waiting in the drawing room, one of the doors opened with great force. A boy in his mid-teens entered the room.

Upon seeing Sieg, the boy was then all smiles.

But what came out of his mouth was baffling.

“Hey, granny! Is it really true that you’re marrying?”

“……”

“……”

When I turned to Sieg out of worry, her eyes had the usual raptor-like glint.

Fortunately, it didn’t seem like anything too bad.

“Claus, you are in front of a guest. Sit down……”

“Just what sort of rich person marries this old maid.”

“Claus, behave yourself……”

“It’s that right? The guy’s remarrying or like fifty years old.”

“Claus, sit down.”

“Huh, wait, by marriage partner did you mean this girly-haired guy here!?”

“I told you to sit.”

“Why, bro. Were you threatened into…… Uwah!?”

The boy’s body leaned forward, and in an instant he went face down onto the ground.

It’s because he ignored Sieg.

Thankfully, there was a soft rug on the ground, so I don’t think the impact was too bad, but Sieg proceeded to suppress the boy with one knee and twisted his arm up.

“Ow, it’s bending, it’s going to bend, ouch, ouch!!”

“It’s not bent yet.”

“Ow, it’s going to bend!!”

“……”

Hearing the boy’s pleas, Sieg let him go.

Still lying face down, he grumbled.

“M, meathead hag……”

“Shall we talk in a private room, Claus.”

“…… No.”

“Just follow me,” said Sieg as she dragged the boy away.

Few minutes later.

“—Hello, pleased to meet you. Claus von Wattin, at your service.”

“…… H, hi.”

“I spoke thoughtlessly a while ago. I apologize.”

“…… It’s okay.”

The boy was reeducated within minutes.

He is Sieg’s older brother’s son. Apparently, he visited his grandparents’ house because he was on vacation.

While I was having small talk with Claus, I was notified that Sieg’s parents will arrive soon.

As he left, Claus looked at me awkwardly.

“Um, Levantret-san.”

“Hm?”

“I was very rude. I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright. Don’t worry.”

“……”

The boy bowed deeply and left the room. During the conversation, he looked a little frightened of Sieg, so I was worried about what kind of education he received in the private room.

“I apologise, my nephew Claus has been rude.”

Sieg apologised for her nephew’s actions.

“There was a period where he lived in the city, so I think his behaviour is partly my fault.”

“It’s okay. Don’t mind it.”

She seemed close with her nephew.

Sieg still looked apologetic, but then her parents came in so she stopped apologising for the moment.

I was nervous about this meeting, but it turned out that Sieg’s parents were very kind-hearted.

They understood my situation and did not oppose the marriage.

Also, thankfully, they gladly accepted the polar bear figurine.

The meeting was unexpectedly uneventful. I was scared that I might be hit by her father, but everything was well.

“Then, may I head there two months later?”

“I’d like to say, ‘you’re welcome anytime,’ but I think it would be best if you came during early spring.”

“Well, if I am to live there, the seasons don’t matter that much.”

“…… Well, that is true.”

I remembered being told by a previous fiancée that this was not a place for people to live.

Still, I did not wish to force it on her.

If she says that she can’t live there, I’ll give up cleanly.

“What is it?”

“Nothing.”

Thus it was decided that Sieg will come two months later.

◇◇◇

My time at the Wattins’ mansion passed quickly.

“Then, see you in two months’ time.”

Saying farewell, Sieg offered her hand for a handshake.

Since it was the third time already, I ended up getting cautious.

I wanted to get back at her a little, feeling mischievous.

“I’m looking forward to our next meeting, ojou-san (fräulein).

“!?”

Holding both her hands tightly, I kissed her on the cheek and got on the carriage before she could voice a complaint.

From the window, I could see Sieg dazed, pressing her hand against her cheek.

I waved my hand in farewell.

I returned home as I looked forward to the time after two months.

Chapter 5: To Greet My Wife

The first thing I did upon returning was cleaning up the room mother was using so that Sieg can use it.

Because my mother has a small frame, I thought Sieg won’t be able to use mother’s clothes so I moved them to another room.

Though she couldn’t live a luxurious life because she married such a poor count, I at least prepared all the necessary furniture.

I bought from the village carpenter a desk, a chair, a dressing table and a bed, all painted red. Because I felt uneasy from the bright red room, I laid a white on top of the desk and put white rabbit fur on the chair. I did likewise for the other furniture, balancing it out with white things.

On the floor, I spread a carpet weaved from a foreign country. It was a product that had fine circles weaved in on a grey base.

After I finished preparing the room by changing the curtains, I started preparing the clothes.

For the coat using reindeer fur, I took the one I had at home and commissioned it to the tailor. For the shoes I made them myself using white reindeer fur. I prepared three pairs for now.

I usually wear traditional clothes made with toughened cloth by fulling wool.

With cloth dyed vivid blue as the base, I sewed red cloth and yellow cloth on to embroider various patterns around the sleeves, chest, waist and the hem. Around the chest, I lined it with fluff material and fastened it with silver clips, creating an article to ward off the cold.

Women wear long skirts, and men wore hip-length ones, fastening it with a belt.

One thing that was similar for both men and women was that we wore hide trousers underneath.

I hesitated about the length for Sieg, but I decided on an intermediate length in between men’s and women’s length.

While I was preparing for her, her letters arrived quite a few times.

She wrote unexpected well. I received polite letters on her recent state about once a week.

When I sent her finished shoes and clothes, I received approving letters in response, that I carelessly ended up putting more energy into preparing.

Then two months passed in a blink.

It was finally time for Sieg to arrive in my country. I decided to go meet her with one servant.

It takes about two days to get here by boat. I have to go meet her at the only ice-free port in the country.

It takes a little longer than five hours to the port with reindeer sleighs. Since the reindeer needs to rest a day, we started moving from the day before.

When it was almost time for the boat to arrive, there were many people. I too waited with my servant while pointing towards the faraway boat.

Soon, the boat arrived and passengers who just finished the long trip disembarked.

The pier was overflowing with people within seconds, but I soon found her.

“Sieg!”

“!”

The woman wearing a mantle covering her from her shoulder to her hips saw us and waved her hand in reply.

Because of her muffler and the fluffy hat, I couldn’t see her face clearly. However, seeing her approach me gallantly, I heaved a sigh of relief.

I offered her words of encouragement for the two days trip, and sincerely welcomed and thanked her.

Then I introduced her to my servant.

“A member of the martial race family I mentioned before. Her name’s Miruporon Ponu Rango.”

(TN: I’ll just go with rōmaji spelling here. Post any suggestions you have. Raw: ミルポロン・ポヌ・ランゴ)

Sieg looked up at the servant that was taller than her.

Her light brown skin and her lustrous black hair seemed to be their racial trait, since the whole family had the same colours. Her face was chiseled like a brave lion and she had strong hands and feet, seemingly having an affinity for gaining muscle.

Miruporon was the smallest in the family, but still she was a head and a half taller than me or Sieg.

Her arms and legs were well-muscled from chopping wood everyday, and her sharp eyes were ever alert.

“She’s sixteen years old and her hobby is caring for the reindeers, I suppose?”

Because she cares for them wholeheartedly, our reindeers’ coats shine. I could even boast them as the most beautiful reindeers in the village.

Miruporon was taller than me and Sieg. She might grow even more since she’s still growing.

I somewhat realise that I might have been able to see Sieg as a woman because I was surrounded by such a tall family.

“Miruporon, this is Sieglinde.”

“……”

Instead of naming herself, she pounded her chest with her fist.

This is the gesture they use most. The meanings are consent, reply and gratitude.

“She’s my wife.”

“……”

I hold up my index finger and point at Sieg. Starting with the thumbs, it means father, mother, child.

“Meronmeron, madau? (Great king, mother?)”

“No, not madau (mother)……”

We couldn’t communicate clearly again.

I only know that Meronmeron refers to me.

I gave up on conveying the relation between Sieg and me, and started explaining the schedule from here on.

“I know you’re tired from the long trip, but we’ll be leaving here soon.”

“Ah, I don’t particularly mind.”

Sieg said that she was okay even if we left right away.

As to why I am in such a hurry, it takes five hours, and if we go in the evening the ferocious cold will attack us. I explain that I want to finish moving by the evening.

I show her the route with a map while telling her about the rest schedule, and leave the port.

At the outskirts of the city, I pick up the reindeer that I had entrusted to a hut with a fee. They seemed to have had plenty of rest and were quite energetic.

“So this is a reindeer?”

“First time seeing them?”

“Yeah. Amazing. Very big and neat.”

Throughout the world, white reindeers are rare, and they don’t live anywhere else. Seeing the reindeer having white fur to the last strand, Sieg’s eyes glinted.

“If anything happens while on the sleigh, blow on this and the reindeer will stop.”

I gave her a small wooden whistle. I told her to have it on her mouth in case of emergencies.

“Also, there’s a bell on the railing, so if you lost the whistle ring that.”

“Roger that.”

The sleigh is made up of a single-seater driver’s section and a two-seater luggage compartment. The whistle and bell are to contact each in case of various unexpected situations like the link coming loose or falling off the sleigh.

I loaded Sieg’s luggage on the two-seater compartment fastened them tightly. Then I ordered Miruporon to get on.

“Sieg, you should sit in front of her. Then you probably won’t even fall off.”

Miruporon spread her legs apart and beckoned Sieg to sit. Sieg too saw that and sat in between her legs.

After checking one last time, I ordered the reindeer to move.

Kicking the ground, the reindeer advanced through the snow-covered fields at will.

◇◇◇

The scenery was pure white.

The roadside trees grew shorter as we proceeded to the plains.

After an hour of travelling, we stopped the sleigh for a rest.

In front of us was one of the cabins that could be found throughout this region. They provide resting spots for merchants.

After checking up on Sieg, I led the reindeer to the hay-filled hut.

I also thanked Miruporon for protecting Sieg daringly, and spoke out to rest at the cabin.

“Excuse me mister, I would like meals for three people.”

“……”

Without saying a word, the man from the cabin disappeared into the back of the room.

Since the people of this country are very wary and shy of strangers, that kind of response is normal. Talking about things like that, we sat down on the chairs in front of the fireplace.

“Riding a sleigh was quite surprising, right?”

“No, it was quite fun.”

“Really?”

In Sieg’s country, the mainstream vehicles are roofed carriages. When I asked if she were okay out of worry for riding in an exposed vehicle, I got back a positive reply.

After we chatted a while, the meal came. Of course, it was mister’s handmade meal, but paid.

I pay up and them start digging in.

In front of us, there was a modest meal of reindeer soup, black barley bread and some cheese.

Because our body tries to heat themselves in this cold weather, we use a lot of energy.

If we don’t replenish ourselves we’ll tire ourselves out quickly.

Reindeer soup is quite endearing.

Seeing Sieg sip the soup, I ask just in case.

“Is it okay? Can you eat it?”

But Sieg said that it was tasty.

It was a moment where I felt relieved that I picked such a dependable wife.

Chapter 6: The Crimson Eagle

Our trip proceeded without any any problems, rather unexpectedly. Even when we passed three forest cabins, Sieg did not show a single sign of being tired. I was in awe. She was indeed a person from the military.

At the third stop, we had a meal. Although we were only sitting, it still used a lot of energy. Even if we didn’t feel hungry, the food went down quite well.

Here we asked for meals (※paid) from the old man here, but what we got were six thick slices of black barley bread and six flat round slices of cheese (※for three people). Drinks were served as well, but they were cold, so I got this indescribable feeling.

From the three cabins we stopped at, it was the most expensive, but the meal was the plainest, so yeah.

Accepting the reality, I then thought of ways to make the meal as tasty as possible.

I stuck the cheese on the skewers which were on the table, and grilled them by the fireplace. Within a few seconds, the cheese melted and the surface was glossy. Then I put that on the bread and gave it to Miruporon. I made another one for Sieg. At the second time, Sieg melted the cheese. When I told her that it tasted better because a women made it for me, she smiled bitterly. I was saying the truth, but maybe she didn’t believe me because of my casual manner.

After we finished eating, I spread out the map and started explaining the route from here on.

“In about two hours, the sun will set so you might want to wear another layer underneath.”

“Does the sun set that fast.”

“You’ll be surprised?”

In winter, the sun sets a bit past the afternoon. Furthermore, it’s a scary region where the sun won’t rise for the two following months. Sieg’s grey eyes open wide in surprise, as she made a serious expression.

“So when we get out of the forest soon, the temperature will fall below zero. So we’ll be stopping every fifteen minutes to check.”

“Check for what?”

“Hypothermia.”

Hypothermia. It’s a symptom that appears when people could not keep their temperatures normal in cold environments. The body temperature continues dropping, causing derangement until all vital activity stops. People call this death from exposure.

“When we ride out with reindeers in the village, people sometimes die like that……”

As I explained, I couldn’t continue. Sieg looked at me worriedly, but I couldn’t find the words to explain these welling emotions.

“……Sorry, Sieg.”

“What are you talking about?”

“To die while moving, I just realised that this was not usual.”

“……”

I grew up in the village thinking only of family, and when they left I lived in an environment thinking solely of myself.

Realising that it was the first time that I was in charge of someone’s life, I realised once again the gravity of the matter.

From my arbitrary decision, I might have exposed someone’s life to danger.

“I was so excited about the marriage, that I didn’t realise how dangerous it might have been for Sieg’s life.”

“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”

“……”

Sieg says so, but there are no guarantees.

Last time I brought a fiancée over, it was from spring to summer. And it only took about one hour by reindeer from a nearby port.

That port is currently closed because the sea was frozen.

“……I really should have brought you at a warmer season.”

“——Let me tell you a story.”

“Eh?”

“It was about eleven years ago. When I was still in my teens.”

“?”

Seemingly ignoring my uneasiness, she stares far away and starts talking about her past.

◇◇◇

Five years since she enlisted, she was assigned to an elite corp that would be sent to the very front lines. They trained strictly everyday, tempering themselves everyday.

As she was doing so, it became the season for the mountaineering training that was had once a year.

They were to spend a week at the summit of a mountain that still had a thin layer of snow.

Having only meals for a week and the minimum equipment, Sieg said that it was the most avoided training.

“We silently climbed the steep slopes, but after five hours something happened.”

With a sudden downpour, a gale strong enough to prevent people from standing assaulted Sieg’s platoon.

Exposed to the elements and unable to move, the platoon commander decided on abandoning the luggage.

A short climb later, they found a mountainside cabin so the platoon headed there.

“Sooner of later the rain and the wind will stop. That’s what everyone thought.”

However, the storm did not let up for four days.

“The food ran out as well as the firewood. On the fourth day, the rain turned to hail and started punching holes in the roof.”

In that tragic scene, some people started being unable to maintain their consciousness.

“In retrospect, it might have been hypothermia.”

“……”

Help did not come on the fourth day.

On the fifth day, the weather cleared up but only Sieg and one other person could move by them.

“A fellow soldier suggested to get some food outside. Back then, I couldn’t make calm judgements, like staying still in the cabin, or waiting for help to come while putting a noticeable white flag out, because of the hunger.”

Snow had piled up outside the cabin. However, it was not too difficult to move so they decided to traverse the snow-covered fields.

Even though they searched the mountain, winter was over so there was nothing to eat. While they were at a loss, they discovered something.

“It was a big deer. My comrade swiftly took aim and fired a bullet.”

From well-trained moves, the bullet hit the mark and the deer collapsed.

As if the fatigue he had was a lie, Sieg’s comrade ran gleefully to the deer in a straight line.

“However, the deer was not dead. When he approached, it immediately charged into his stomach.”

The deer only fell from surprise.

Sieg fought back with a knife.

Because she was really in the mood to get that deer, it was fortunate that she had that large and hard knife to mortally wound the deer on the neck and the abdomen.

“When the deer finally fell, I was covered in blood. But there was a bigger problem.”

The comrade who was attacked by the deer was bleeding from his nose and was knocked out.

“I was agonising over whether to take the deer back or my comrade back. Now, I would unhesitatingly bring the deer, but back then I was not yet fully ruthless……”

Ultimately, she carried her comrade back and gave him first aid.

“Not having the courage to go out alone, I waited for rescue to come while being exposed to the wind and snow in the dilapidated cabin.”

The rescue unit came half a day later.

“Seeing me covered in blood, they thought for a moment that I killed a comrade in confusion.”

Thanks to Sieg talking to her comrades and giving accurate treatment to the wounded, everyone managed to return home alive.

For that, Sieg received a reward from the country.

‘The Adler (Eagle) Medal’

The eagle represents courage and strength, and the medal was rewarded to people with outstanding performances.

“The story of me getting covered in deer blood and the eagle medal mixed up, that when I went out again I had already got the baseless nickname of ‘the Crimson Eagle’.”

I was curious about the origin of the nickname ‘the Crimson Eagle’, but since it might have been rude I had not yet asked. I felt satisfied that I could hear the story now.

“……Well, the story got long, but just who is the count worrying about.”

“Eh?”

“Who do you think is in danger of dying?”

“!!…… That Sieg might die from hypothermia.”

“Do I look like I’ll die?”

“…… No, not a bit.”

She stayed conscious in a snow-covered mountain in early spring when all the men collapsed, and she even fought a deer. I really couldn’t imagine Sieg blacking out while moving on a sleigh.

“I told you? I’ll be fine.”

“……”

To her very convincing words, I couldn’t help but nod.

By the way, that was the story of ‘her most terrible incident in her military practice’. When I imagined that there could be more terrible stories, I really couldn’t describe how I felt then.

Chapter 7: Heirloom and Oath

Nothing happened during the five hour long ride and everyone arrived safely at the village, so I felt relieved.

There was a towering structure in front of our eyes, an old fortress.

The village is surrounded by a tall stone wall.

This is recorded to have been built three centuries ago using the national budget, because of the severe damage from pests.

The reason why there is such a nice fortress is not recorded, but one could tell that the lord back then was a trusted man.

However, after three hundred years, the facility deteriorated quite a bit that most of the village funds went to the maintenance of the fortress.

After thanking the reindeer for its work, I checked on the women seated behind.

“We’ve arrived. How are you feeling?”

Sieg said that she was fine very dependably. Miruporon pounded her chest, gesturing that she was fine.

“Now then, this is a problem.”

“What is it?”

“The sentry isn’t here.”

In front of the main gate, there is an outpost for the sentries, but seeing that no light came out of the building, there clearly was no one insider.

Again…… Sighing like that, I laid my hands on the steel gate. I ordered them to always bolt the gates, but to be opened without me doing anything…… my head hurts.

Pulling the reindeer along, we entered. Past the gate there was a narrow passage leading to the hallway, but even here the steel bars I ordered to be lowered at all times was raised up.

While being dumbfounded, I exited the narrow passage and arrived at a place that had a counter and a barred hallway. And of course no one was waiting. From the room behind the counter, energetic voices flowed out.

I rang the bell on the counter, but no one came out. Since no one came out even though I waited patiently, I ended up yelling at them to come out.

The door behind the counter opened with great vigour, revealing the merry banquet inside.

“Sorry~ We’re closed~”

“What do you mean you’re closed you fool!!”

“Oh my, if it isn’t my lord.”

“……”

“Oh, that a guest of yours?”

“……My wife.”

“Good gracious!”

The man announced that the lord got a new wife, to which a bunch of red-faced men turned around.

“What? Wife!? Which one!?”

“The huge one’s the martial race lass, eh?”

“No, both are pretty huge.”

“You can’t really see her as a women on first sight.”

“You can’t even if you look closely.”

“……”

These people running their mouths off are soldiers dispatched to this village from the city. Their usual task given by the country is gatekeeping and checking for pests from the watchtower.

However, these soldiers never worked seriously. Since only these kind of people were dispatched here from grandfather’s generation, they say ‘it’s our loss if we get bothered by it’.

For them, getting ordered to protect this village from thieves and wolves may be tantamount to being told that they’re excluded from the actual fighting. In other words, this place for them is like a place for relegation.

“M’lord~ no other good ladies, eh?”

“Hey, stop that. Isn’t he pitiful?”

“A~nyhow, she looks like one tough woman.”

“Cold and poor, all the women of this village are tough. Haah, there’s nothing good here.”

They spoke in the language of this country. It was fortunate that the meaning did not get across to Sieg.

The steel bars were still down. Since these doors were opened from inside the counter, I told them to do so so many times yet they did not open the door.

Having lost their interest, the drunkards left except one.

The reindeer was sneezing behind me.

Oh yeah, it’s quite cold here.

“Ah, my lord, can you lend me a knife? I want to cut some cheese but mine’s rusted.”

“……”

The improperly dressed man showed me his issued knife.

“See, it’s got like this. It can’t even cut cheese.”

“Okay, fine, but raise the bars first. We’re all tired.”

“Knife first~”

The man taps the desk, demanding the knife.

Since it couldn’t be helped, I drew the biggest knife on my belt and swiftly stabbed the desk with it, sticking it between the man’s index finger and middle finger.

“——Hii!!”

The sharp knife stuck right in the small gap between the fingers, even piercing the desk.

The red-faced man suddenly fell silent, as though he became sober instantly.

“So, how about now?”

“Wa, the door, I’ll open it, right away!”

“Please.”

Not much later, the door opened and we could proceed to the passage leading to the village.

I moved on, dragging along the reindeer that was puffing out white breaths as though it had a cold.

From a while back, Sieg followed without saying anything. I felt sorry for showing her these unkempt soldiers.

“Haah, I’m sorry. They’re quite the rabble.”

“No, it doesn’t really matter, but who were they?”

“Dropouts from the regulars.”

“……”

Until now, my impression of a soldier inside me was not good, but meeting Sieg it was changing. However, it was quite severe that showing her that made me feel embarrassed.

To stop thinking about depressing things, I thought up brighter topics and talked about that.

“By the way, what happened to your uniform? Back at home?”

“No, I returned it to the military, but why?”

“!?”

I turned pale with surprise at the knowledge that I could no longer see Sieg in uniform. Apparently, they are managed carefully so that no one abuses them.

“Is there anything wrong about my military uniform?”

“No, I just wanted to see you wearing it again.”

“What do you mean by me in my uniform.”

“You were handsome in it, so I wanted to see it again, more calmly this time.”

“……”

Sieg looked at me sharply. Seeing her wary eyes after a long time, I shuddered somewhat.

“Sorry for saying a stupid thing. It’s cold, so let’s get going.”

When we exited the fortress, we were greeted by a short tree that grew in these snowy fields. The ice crystals that looked like flowers still reflected light faintly in the dark.

Walking through the snow, we could see red brick houses lined up.

From some of the houses, warm light leaked out that it created a dreamlike mood to the village.

Here, there are 70 households, about 400 people.

The major industries are traditional crafts and meat and fur from hunting. We attract tourists over, but in this season the nearby port is closed so we don’t earn a lot.

The people who visit are people from Sieg’s country and people from the island country to the east. So in this village, in addition to our language, we learn the languages of those two countries from a young age.

“Ah, Sieg, look at that!”

“?”

At the pitch black sky, a thin streak of light appeared so I pointed at that.

“——This is!”

The faint light soon spread across the sky, drawing a sapphire coloured curtain.

Foreigners call this phenomenon ‘aurora’.

Tourists come all the way to these parts just to see the auroras.

“My, how pretty.”

“Really? I’m happy.”

“I’ve heard the rumours, but this feels otherworldly.”

It seemed that Sieg saw the aurora as pretty, so I felt relieved.

By the way, since auroras could be seen almost every day, they weren’t too rare for the inhabitants. Frankly, I feel more thankful when the sun comes out.

“Here, we don’t call it aurora, but call it a foxfire.”

“Heeh. What’s the reason?”

“According to old folklore, the tail of a large fox hit a hill, and that exploded, creating fires that became the aurora……”

And House Levantret has been bestowed these raiments of the sky from the king. The name means ‘foxfire’ in the ancient tongue.

Other nobles are bestowed various goods from the king, but House Levantret was bestowed one that was unreachable. It was a rather pitiful story, that a poor noble family that did not even have a heirloom were forced to administer these lands.

However, Sieg said that it was a good treasure.

“This is a treasure that was protected by the people of House Levantret.”

“Really?”

“Yes, without a doubt.”

In this village, we do not have any marriage ceremonies like foreigners. There are no oaths and exchanges of rings that are done outside.

There really isn’t anything here.

“Sieg.”

“What is it?”

So, I thought it important to say something.

Though it was somewhat embarrassing, I faced her and said it.

“I vow to do my best to make Sieglinde happy,” said I.

That was the greatest oath I could say to her.

Since there weren’t any houses around, I couldn’t see Sieg’s expression in the dark, but I felt as though she was smiling.

And then I came back to reality from the sneeze of a reindeer.

There’s no time to be staring at the aurora. I told her that we should hurry since it’s cold, and we arrived back home.

Chapter 8: A Warm House

In the middle of the town, there is a large stone surrounded by trees.

“Sieg, this stone here is the spirit of this village.”

The surrounding snow was cleaned by the elderly people and on the spirit stone there are offerings of fur and silver jewellery.

The Spirit Shiieiti.

(TN: Any good ideas? Rōmaji for now.)

For us who were scorned as ‘the chased ones’, our indigenous faith acts as a pillar of support for many of us living in this harsh environment.

I kneeled down on one knee to give a prayer of thanks for a safe trip. Sieg to did the same to show her respect.

The name Lappland was a derogatory term meaning ‘land of the chased ones’, scorning the people here. The elderly people loathe this term, and despise outsiders for taking away their nomadic life. Then they started calling ourselves ‘Sami’.

Having been robbed of their only property the reindeers and forced out of from the land to deal with those reindeers, the villagers did not let strangers approach and lived by their own strength.

Having settled a few centuries ago, the Sami people were said to have been living by the teachings of the Spirit.

However, two generations ago, my grandfather realised that this closed society was not good, so he argued for a new way of life, leading to our current lifestyle.

The elderly people dislike this change, but there are many in the village tired of the old customs.

My grandfather said that if we were to continue this secluded life, we would eventually face extinction.

There were such circumstances, and also there was the thing that we must prioritise accepting foreigners.

When we passed the village, the scenery changed to a white snow-covered forest of pine trees again. As we walked while lighting the way with a lantern, we could see a two-storey mansion made of red bricks.

It’s small compared to Sieg’s, but it is my proud house.

Opening the fence gate, I showed the way to Sieg.

“Welcome to my house!”

“Aa, I’ll be in your care.”

After we finished our little exchange, I led the reindeer to the hut and filled the feeders with clean water and dry moss.

“This is the hut for the reindeer. Further inside, I slaughter live animals or gut hunted animals——“

While I was explaining the hut to Sieg, the slaughterhouse doors opened vigourously.

“!!”

“……”

A large shadow appeared in the dark.

Seeing Sieg hold her breath, I hurriedly explained.

“Sieg, it’s alright.”

When I directed the lantern towards the object that appeared in front of us, the shape of a person was revealed. Well, it’s not too surprising that Sieg became wary. He was wearing the hide of a white bear on his head.

“He’s Teoporon Ponu Rango. Miruporon’s padau (father)”

“Is that so……”

He cut out the head part and wore it on his head, while the forelegs extended to his arms. Around his waist, a white hide flapped like a cloak, while he was naked except for a thin layer of black trousers. It was a sight that one would definitely say ‘that definitely looks cold’. His body is very big. He is tall, and it was as if he were boasting his muscles.

In addition, the fur he is wearing is one he got from the forest five years ago, when we encountered a bear that was acting as the king of the forest. He took it down with only a spear. At that moment, I really was prepared for death.

This person lives by taking care of the weapons in this house, as well as cleaning and hunting. When I’m hunting large animals, I can’t do it without Teoporon’s help.

“Teoporon, she’s Sieglinde. Wife, not madau (mother).”

“?”

“A cherished woman.”

“?”

It was futile trying to convey that she was my wife with just actions. I thought was embracing her and kissing her on the cheek, but since there might be fundamental differences in showing affection I decided not to.

Meanwhile, Sieg named herself and pounded her chest with a fist. Teoporon did the same.

As expected of Sieg, should I say. It’s an interesting scene. Even with Teoporon in front of her, she did not look fazed.

Then Teoporon looked this way and spoke.

“Great king. I am happy that you returned safely.”

“……Yeah. Thank you.”

I couldn’t understand what he said, but imagining it to be words of welcome I responded half-heartedly and pounded my chest with a fist. Teoporon nodded with satisfaction.

“And Sieglinde. I give you my welcome as the warrior protecting the great king!!”

“……”

“……”

It felt as though he was saying whatever he wanted, but since I don’t know the language I just smiled meekly and went inside.

In front of the entrance, we brushed the snow off ourselves and I opened the doors for Sieg and Miruporon. Then I gave her slippers to put on.

In the carpeted room, I felt calm surrounded by the warm atmosphere. I took Sieg to the living room and offered her a chair.

I sighed in relaxation as I settled in.

In the living room, there was a table and chairs for four people, a large fireplace, a large white deer hide on the floor, and mounted trophies of hunted deer heads.

Sieg spent the time silently, looking tired.

A while later, warm drinks were served.

Served in ceramic cups, the red liquid is a drink called glögi, a type of berry juice with spices. It’s an exotic drink, but it warms the body quickly.

I also introduced the person who served the glögi.

“Sieg, she’s Ruruporon. Teoporon’s wife and Miruporon’s mother.”

When I introduced her, she was making a motherly smile.

She’s in charge of cooking, serving great food every day.

But her size is bigger than mine. Still, even with those big arms, she makes the finest food in the town.

“Ruruporon, Sieg is my wife.”

“A special woman.”

“Hm. Got through maybe.”

Ruruporon pounded her chest and held up a finger, telling us that the meal would be ready soon.

“They’re a cheerful and lively family.”

“Indeed.”

It was a series of hardships, interacting with a familt whose lifestyle was completely different from mine. However, they’re all hard workers, and though it’s a little hard to feel, a warm feeling could be felt.

I didn’t want Sieg to suffer to much from the difference in culture. Because I was thinking of that, I handed to her two books that I had prepared in advance.

“These are?”

“This book has information on the customs and the way of life in this village. The other book is for you to write if there’s anything you think of.”

I told her write things that are too hard to say to my face, or things that she got curious of.

Though my interaction with her was short, I could tell that she was somewhat quiet, having the personality to not say her thoughts out loud.

“An exchange diary, huh.”

“If there’s anything, please don’t hold back.”

“Okay.”

While we were talking, Ruruporon came back with food.

She has wild looks as though she might just serve raw meat, but her cooking is exquisite. Furthermore, she prepared the traditional food of this village.

Few carved round wooden bowls were arranged on the table.

A thick reindeer milk soup with smoked salmon, with plenty of spices. It could be said that it’s an extravagant food in this season where we can’t get reindeer milk. We need to buy the milk from merchants for an expensive price.

There were also reindeer skewers with sour sauce made from strawberries picked in summer. The boiled potatoes are served unpeeled, and the tough black barley bread are thinly sliced. We eat them with bird liver kneaded in spices.

The warm cheese was stretchy and tasty. The meat went well with the vegetables as well.

“Sieg, how is it?”

I asked Sieg who was taking a bite out of reindeer meat.

Of the tourists who visited, there were many who disliked reindeer meat.

“Very delicious.”

She slowly chewed on the meat and wiped her mouth elegantly with a napkin. Afterwards, she told me her thoughts.

The first night passed pleasantly and merrily.