Heart-warming Meals with Mother Fenrir - Chapter 3

The language that Rudia usually uses is called 'Beast Language,' a language favored by cat and dogfolk.

This language is easy to pronounce even in Rudia’s current state as a Fenrila.

This language is known by all beastfolk.

Although it is comprehensible to beastfolk from any region, it has its disadvantages.

It is unsuitable for magical chanting.

Magical incantations are generally based on the official language, which is the language used by humans.

During her time as a student at the royal academy, Rudia studied the concepts and practices of magic.

There are few things she doesn’t know about incantations and materialization.

However, she only knows it in theory and has never actually used it.

Since her grandmother was also a magic researcher, she needed to know enough to avoid embarrassment.

With the help of classes and exams, she gained sufficient knowledge to graduate as the top student.

However, it was something that didn’t suit Rudia, who dislikes troublesome things.

Whether in daily life or while residing in a foreign land, she doesn't see the need for it.

That’s why she never used magic.

The special abilities that Rudia and the Fenrirs have can be used without practicing magic.

There are people who chant something like a spell to enhance effectiveness or to encourage materialization.

However, that ability is exclusive to Fenrirs.

It was useless for Rude, who is human.

Rude prepares meals for them both daily.

From meal prep to washing the dishes afterwards.

Rude handles everything related to meals completely on his own.

When Rude was six years old.

"Mom, you know,"

"What is it?"

"Have you heard of magic?"

"Yes, I know about it."

"Can you use it too, Mom?"

"I can’t use it in this form."

"I see. It would be convenient if I could use it, wouldn’t it?"

"I know how to do it. Would you like me to teach you?"

"Really?"

Thus, Rudia, who does not use magic, ended up teaching Rude.

From the beginning, Rude had thought it, but he was once again reminded that he was an unusual child.

After explaining a basic concept, Rudia lets him try casting a simple spell.

"Is this alright? When I recite it, nothing happens. ...For example, try this: Rude, raise your index finger. Power of the red flame that resides in all things, manifest my wish. Say it like this. It should be correct."

"Hmm. Power of the red flame that resides in all things, make my wish manifest?"

Rude followed Rudia's instructions and tried reciting the spell by imitating her.

Then, without feeling any tingling in his fingertips, a brief flame appeared.

"Ah, it worked."

"...This can't be true. It took me seven days."

Knowing the concepts, incantations, and spells doesn't necessarily mean one can wield magic.

It really did take her seven days.

Determined to avoid humiliation, Rudia devoted all her time outside of meals to finally achieve her first magical manifestation after returning from the academy.

Though fundamentally a careless and lazy person, Rudia’s effort to maintain appearances might be due to her grandmother's competitive nature.

'As a princess, I cannot act disgracefully in public.' This was the sole reason for her efforts.

From this point, Rudia’s laid-back attitude, in a positive sense, was something Rude had inherited.

"Hmm, this seems a bit troublesome. How about just saying, 'Flame, burn'?"

"Rude, that might be a bit too much—"

"Ah, it worked."

"…Seriously?"

The knowledge she learned at the academy and from her grandmother didn’t include such a method.

Shortening incantations is impossible.

Finding it interesting, Rudia decided to teach Rude all the magic she knew.

It might have been in the spirit of 'My child is amazing.'

Sometimes when Rude returned to Rudia, he had some kind of injury.

That wasn’t a problem at all.

Using the method taught by Rudia’s mother, applying power while licking Rude’s wounds helped them heal faster.

After Rude learned magic, anytime he got injured.

He would cure it with just one word: 'Heal.'

It’s become too much of a hassle to think deeply about it.

Because Rude is just that kind of child.

As for what Rude wanted to use magic for, it was basically for cooking.

He would throw the prepared ingredients into the pot, hold it with both hands, and say, 'Flame, Simmer.'

With this, the cooking is done in no time.

In addition, when he puts the dishes in water, he says, 'Water, wash away.'

With this, they are cleaned.

She doesn’t get surprised anymore.

It’s pointless to be surprised.

Rather, she praises him.

"Rude, you’re amazing. I’m so proud I could boast about you."

"Hehe."

Rude being bashful is cute too.

The adventures of the proud parent Rudia continues.

　▼

Time has passed since then, and Rude had now turned twelve years old.

His mother, Rudia, gently taught him various things about this world.

Methods for self-defense and knowledge about plants.

How to hunt prey and the use of tools that Rudia normally wouldn’t use.

Rudia was truly knowledgeable.

Rude’s hair color resembled Rudia’s.

His eye color was originally blue, but now it has turned slightly red.

This is also very much like Rudia.

Although Rude’s height seems slightly shorter according to his knowledge, his body appears quite robust for his age, likely due to running around the forest.

It’s unclear if it’s due to the breast milk he was given from a young age, but it seems he clearly exceeds normal human physical abilities.

His originally blonde hair has also taken on a color very similar to Rudia’s, indicating that Rudia’s influence was likely involved.

The clothes and shoes Rude are wearing are reportedly made by a tribe that Rudia has a close relationship with.

Rudia taught him about the customs of various tribes and countries.

And although Rude possessed knowledge that was surprising, she had the intellect to absorb it.

The small settlement where the two now lived had become even more convenient and comfortable than before.

The most surprising thing to her was that Rude went to the town, sold his hunted game, and bought any needed items.

Rudia is a Fenrila.

Fenrila's are more than mere magical beasts.

She liked the human sweets that Rude bought and brought home.

She especially liked sweet things, so Rude chose and bought what his mother liked.

It was because it made him happy to see Rudia happy.

Rude does not remember why he has this knowledge.

Naturally, he does not know who he was either.

It does not matter.

Rudia is happy with the knowledge Rude has.

That alone was enough.

　▼

Today, Rudia is going to be taking Rude to the tribe's village that Rudia has a close relationship with, as promised.

 

Since Rude has become capable of protecting himself and has grown a bit, she promised that he would be taken there once he turned twelve.

Since he will be away from home for a while, he needed to prepare for it.

At least, since it is known that this is Rudia’s residence, it is unlikely to be disturbed.

According to Rudia, Fenrir and Fenrila's are supposedly at the top of the magical beast hierarchy.

The reason for the "supposedly" was that Rudia had never encountered a tribe stronger than theirs.

Apparently, there were people among Rudia’s relatives who fought and won against dragons.

Moreover, it seems that the dragons even performed a full prostration.

Among that tribe, it seems Rudia was quite strong, even though she did not like conflict.

It seems she hasn’t returned to her homeland since reaching adulthood for quite some time and said she would take him there someday.

He locked the gate (which Rude had thought of and made) to secure the house and completed the preparations to leave.

Rude jumps lightly onto Rudia’s back, who is lying down.

"Mom, I’m ready."

"Be careful not to be thrown off."

"Got it."

Rudia stands up smoothly.

She begins to walk slowly, but quickly starts to speed up.

The surrounding scenery is left behind at an incredible speed.

Rude can no longer keep his face up and buries it in Rudia’s neck.

The comforting, familiar scent continues to come to him.

It’s the scent of his mother that he has been familiar with since he was small.

A Fenrila mother and a human son.

It might be possible because Fenrila are a higher, more intelligent species than ordinary magical beasts.

Rudia, who cares deeply for her son, and Rude, who cares deeply for his mother.

They have lived by caring for each other and helping each other.

Rudia’s fur is shinier than when they first met, and according to Rude, she is a beauty.

This is because, when Rude was ten, he used the concept of "brushing" and the existence of a comb from his knowledge.

The handmade item, created from his imagination, became Rudia’s favorite treasure.

By gently brushing the areas that couldn’t be reached, any itchiness on the body was alleviated.

Before Rude realized this, Rudia had been enduring the discomfort until it went away on its own, and she was very pleased once the brushing brought her relief.

Of course, Rude has grown up properly.

Fortunately, he seems to have inherited his birth mother’s blood strongly, showing no resemblance to that pig of a man.

Although Rudia does not understand human aesthetics, she thinks Rude is adorable.

Rudia dashes through the forest like a strong wind.

While Rude can also run fairly fast, Rudia’s speed is in a league of its own.

It’s probably at least ten times faster.

Even so, it’s likely that Rudia adjusts her running speed to be considerate of Rude on her back.

Rudia runs so smoothly that Rude doesn’t feel any jarring movements or discomfort.

Even with such careful running, she continues to run at a terrifying speed.

The abilities of a Fenrila are truly unfathomable.

Rudia had been running at that speed for about an hour.

The surroundings were starting to open up like a forest turning into a grove.

Rudia reduced their speed enough for Rude on their back to notice, walking at a comfortable pace, almost like enjoying a horseback ride.

"Rude, lift your head. Look, the village I’ve been friendly with is coming into sight."

"Hmm? Oh, you’re right."

"But it's strange. It feels less lively than before…"

"Really? I wonder what happened."

As they approached the village, Rude also realized it.

This village, too, was deep in snow, just like Rude’s home was.

Rude could tell the difference because he went shopping in human towns.

Indeed, the village lacked vitality.

Rudia stopped at the center of the village, in a plaza where people would normally gather.

It wasn’t like this the last time she came here a few years ago.

Back then, people were happily working, and children were running around everywhere.

However, there was no trace of that feeling in the village now.

The surrounding snow also had no footprints at all.

Rudia continued to walk straight to the front of the village chief’s house.

When they reached the front of the house, she stopped.

Rude dismounted from Rudia’s back and stood next to Rudia.

(What’s going on? Is there anyone here?)

Rudia appeared to have sensed someone’s presence.

Rude too unmistakably felt the presence of someone, but it seemed so frail, as if they might fade away any moment.

"Mom, this doesn’t seem right."

"Yes, it’s definitely unusual. Henruda, are you here? What happened?"

Rudia seems to be addressing someone named Henruda.

Henruda is probably the leader of the tribe or a family member of them.

The house is somewhat larger compared to the others around it.

Rude felt a presence move from deep inside the house.

"Mom, it seems there’s someone unable to move."

"Alright, we’ll be coming in, Henruda."

Chapter length 5103 characters.

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