Dreams and a long way to go

Today, I walked through the beautiful palace garden. The garden was filled with Norse flowers: pristine white edelweiss, bright pink wild orchids, and some pale blue blooms that released a gentle fragrance resembling a mix of vanilla and cinnamon.

The aroma blended with the crisp air of Utgard, offering a sensation that was both calming and refreshing. Among the rows of flowers, there was a path made of neatly arranged natural stones.

Beside me, Fenrir strolled leisurely. Her long, purple hair was left flowing freely, occasionally swayed by the breeze. Her soft, furred wolf ears twitched lightly, as if enjoying the ambiance of the garden. Every so often, her tail swayed unconsciously behind her.

Today, she looked stunning in a simple, bluish-purple dress paired with a thick fur-lined cloak that exuded warmth.

"You know, Yata," Fenrir suddenly spoke, her voice soft. "This place... is too peaceful. It makes me want to sleep."

I chuckled lightly, shoving my hands into my pockets. "Maybe you need more physical activity. Running around this garden, perhaps?"

She turned to me, narrowing her eyes in a half-annoyed expression. "Do you think I'm a dog that needs to be walked?"

I smirked slightly. Fenrir huffed in mild irritation, though I knew she wasn't truly upset.

In the center of the garden, we noticed a small white terrace. Long benches were placed there, facing a small pond. The water rippled gently from the playful movements of the little fish swimming within.

On one of the benches sat Linnie, quietly. Her shoulder-length orange hair glimmered under the sunlight, and her gentle eyes stared vacantly at the pond.

Fenrir paused, her gaze fixed on Linnie from afar. Her ears twitched slightly. The glimmer in her eyes directed toward me seemed to urge me to approach Linnie.

"You want to go over there?" I asked, catching the intent in her glance.

Fenrir nodded slightly. "Yes, let's go to Linnie."

We made our way toward her, walking along the path that guided us to her spot.

When we arrived, I awkwardly greeted her. "Hi," I called, giving a small wave.

Linnie turned, her face lighting up with a soft, comforting smile. She shifted her position, making room on the bench. "Come, sit here," she invited.

Without hesitation, Fenrir sat beside Linnie, while I took the spot next to Fenrir, sandwiching her between us. On the other side, Linnie looked relaxed, though a slight fatigue was visible in her eyes.

"What are you two doing here?" she asked, breaking the silence.

"Just taking a walk," I replied, glancing at Linnie. "And you?"

Linnie paused for a moment, her eyes fixed on the pond's surface. Her smile was faint but meaningful. "I don't know. Maybe... thinking?"

I gave a faint smile, understanding her thoughts. "Are you still being made to learn royal etiquette?" I asked, trying to deepen the conversation.

She shook her head. "As promised, Father has drastically reduced those lessons. Instead, he's kept me busy learning magic so I can quickly reach the master level and live freely."

Fenrir nodded lightly. "Your father is truly thoughtful."

Linnie smiled faintly, her slightly chubby cheeks making her look even more endearing. "Yes... that's just how he is. All this time, I've only misunderstood him," Linnie murmured with a deep voice.

I leaned back, resting my arms behind my head. "Don't worry, you'll turn twenty soon, right? Though I'm not sure you'll become a master mage by then."

Linnie suddenly bowed her head. Her lips pursed in a cute pout. "That's too long," she muttered, sounding frustrated.

I could only shrug. "Hey, just be patient. It's only two or three more years, isn't it?"

Linnie's forehead creased, and she looked at me in confusion. "Do I look that old to you, Yata?"

I frowned, puzzled. "Wait, how old are you? Aren't you about the same age as Fenrys?"

Fenrir suddenly burst into laughter, drawing both Linnie's and my attention. "You... you're even worse than me! Hahaha!" She clutched her stomach as she laughed uncontrollably, nearly falling off the bench.

Linnie sighed deeply. "I just turned nine this month," she said softly.

I widened my eyes in disbelief. "Nine? Seriously?"

Linnie nodded quietly, and I could see a faint, forced smile on her lips.

Meanwhile, Fenrir continued laughing, her voice echoing throughout the garden. I pursed my lips, silently asking her to stop. "Could you cut it out, Fenrys?"

"But it's hilarious. Absolutely hilarious, hahah!" Fenrir's laughter gradually subsided as she wiped tears from the corners of her eyes. "Yes, I thought she was at least twelve at first. But this little girl is still just a kid!"

Scratching my head, I felt a bit foolish. Now I understood why Fenrir often called her "little girl."

This reminded me of how Jotun were described as growing so quickly in Norse mythology. It seemed that information was indeed true in this world. Now I believed it after learning Linnie's age.

"Well, sorry. I'm not great at guessing people's ages."

"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get used to it, Yata," Fenrir suddenly grinned at me. "Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. You might be smart, but you're terrible at recognizing people's ages."

I pouted. "Since when did you get good at turning my words against me?"

Fenrir chuckled, gently patting my head. "Hehe, it's okay, it's okay. Everything will be fine. If you're struggling, I don't mind teaching you."

I squinted, slightly annoyed at how good this girl had become at flipping words.

"Uhm... could you two stop being lovey-dovey in front of me?"

Linnie's words startled us, bringing us back to our senses. We stared at her with flushed faces, panicked.

"We're not... it's not what it looks like, Linnie."

"Yata's right. You're just misunderstanding, Linnie."

We tried to explain ourselves to Linnie, but the girl suddenly giggled, breaking the tension between us. Her warm laughter seemed to transform the atmosphere until, without realizing it, we joined in, creating a moment of shared warmth.

Slowly, our laughter faded.

Linnie lowered her head, mumbling in a low tone, "Is this okay? I mean, can I reach the master level in just ten years? I'm not sure anymore."

"I'm such a disappointment." Linnie lowered her head even more, hiding her expression. "Father has trusted and supported me wholeheartedly. I even acted all arrogant in front of him, but I ended up... I..." Her voice cracked with anguish.

Linnie couldn't finish her sentence. Fenrir and I stayed silent, unable to find the right words. Instead, we chose to listen to her vent the feelings she had been holding back.

An awkward silence enveloped us for a moment. Then, after some time, Fenrir and I smiled with understanding.

"It's okay, Linnie," I said, breaking the silence. "You've done amazing so far. Believe me, with your hard work, you'll achieve anything you want. We'll be here to support you."

Fenrir nodded in agreement, a gentle smile spreading across her face. "Yata's right. You have a long time ahead of you, so enjoy the process of your journey while you can," she said, patting Linnie's shoulder.

"Fenrys... Yata..." Linnie looked up, her eyes sparkling. A bright smile once again adorned her face. "Thank you," she said softly, full of gratitude.

*****

[POV Thor]

The crimson sunset bathed Midgard, casting a blood-red glow over the grass beneath my feet. The warm air mingled with the metallic scent of freshly spilled blood, filling my senses.

Not far from where I stood lay the lifeless corpse of a giant, its enormous body sprawled across the battlefield like a fallen mountain. Its neck was shattered from the final, crushing blow of Mjölnir. I stared at it without emotion, a cold satisfaction settling deep in my chest.

I glanced behind me, where the Valkyries stood in their customary battle formation. They looked majestic in their gleaming silver armor, though streaks of blood marred their otherwise pristine figures. Their wings remained spread, as if resting after the arduous task we had undertaken.

"It's done," I muttered, wiping blood from my face with the sleeve of my tunic.

"This giant was too bold," one of the Valkyries remarked, her voice as cold as her gaze upon the lifeless form. "Crossing the borders and attacking small villages. Do you think someone sent it?"

I let out a long sigh, resting Mjölnir against my shoulder. "Perhaps. But I don't care. What matters now is that the threat is dealt with."

Deep down, I knew this wasn't just a random attack. But I wasn't in the mood to start a discussion now.

My gaze drifted toward the darkening horizon. Leaves danced joyfully in the eastern breeze, their motion bringing a fleeting sense of calm. Yet that coolness carried my thoughts far away.

"Loki," I murmured, the name slipping from my lips unbidden. Of all the names I could have thought of, it was his—his cunning, deceitful face that lingered in my mind. "What are you scheming this time?"

Mjölnir felt heavier in my hand, not from the battle I'd just fought, but from the ominous weight of my own unease. I knew this wasn't the end. In truth, it was likely just the beginning of something far greater than any of us could imagine.