Chapter 23

“I thought spring was arriving as it was getting warmer these days, but I guess winter’s still here.”

Irene observed the clear snow falling from the air as she spoke, her voice filled with bewilderment.

“Maybe.”

Benjamin crawled out of bed and crouched by the window.

“I think it’s the last snow we will receive.”

“I don’t think so. Last year, we had our last blizzard right before spring.”

The two laughed as they faced each other. They were most likely thinking the same thing.

“Let’s play.”

“Of course we should.”

See, it was the same idea.

Irene felt extremely satisfied.

Yes, Irene felt extremely satisfied.

Until Beth dressed her like a baby bear again.

“The clothes are too thick.”

Irene desperately cried as she witnessed her brother wearing only one coat.

It wasn’t fair.

“Why? It’s cute.”

Benjamin said so, reaching out his leather gloved hand. Irene quickly grabbed it, and the two began to walk amidst the snowy garden.

Irene and Benjamin sometimes wandered like this, strolling past the garden to the outer walls of the mansion.

“Now I can walk a little farther.”

Irene proudly boasted as she walked beside Benjamin.

Certainly, as the year passed, I felt my body gaining strength. As she grew stronger, her walks gradually increased as well.

“Is that so? Then, shall we head to the central fountain?”

The central fountain was built in the center of the capital, where all the roads intersect.

There were also many people passing by, including numerous shops and boutiques.

In the summer, the fountain was known for being very cool and refreshing, and during the winter, it was famous for the large snowman. Young children would then visit every time it snowed to build a small snowman.

“Will we make a small snowman too?”

“Well, shall we?”

This was a myth, but if you built a small snowman next to the big one near the location, the big snowman fairy would make your wish come true.

Ha, it wasn’t even funny.

This is an obvious fraud.

In the first place, the feature of the snowman fairy itself was a money-grubbing strategy made to market the shopping district.

There was no such thing in any fairy tales in this world.

However, the myth was so popular throughout the capital, children came to believe that there indeed existed a ‘snow fairy.’

It was just like when I felt dejected if I didn’t eat Pepero on *Pepero Day.

*TL/N: Pepero (빼빼로) Day is held annually on November 11, and is an observance in South Korea similar to Valentine’s Day. It involves the gifting or exchange of Pepero snacks, a line of chocolate-dipped cookie sticks, with the intention of displaying affection for friends and loved ones.

It was like saying ‘Our love will last forever’ while leaving a lock on *Namsan Tower.

*TL/N: N Seoul Tower is one of the iconic symbols of Seoul. This place has now become a popular date spot for couples. Like the Pont Neuf bridge in Paris, couples head to the tower to lock their “padlock of love” onto the railing and to dream that their love will last forever.

What was so impressive about this marketing was that it created new culture and customs in people’s lives.

However, what was important now was that Irene had to act like a younger sister who believed in a pure snowman fairy.

‘Brother, that’s only marketing. You can tell by the high price of one little scarf at this place.’

If I answered like that, I’d for sure be suspected of being older than eight years and five months.

“That’s good. Actually, I haven’t made a snowman this year.”

“I guess it’s because we only realized the last moment it snowed.”

“That’s right. I’m glad it caught our eye.”

Irene laughed, feeling guilty. Like this, her acting skills once again improved.

The two leisurely strode on the long path. On the way, Irene plopped onto a bench she’d witnessed, observing the falling snowflakes.

Fortunately, the snow had died down a bit, so it wasn’t difficult to walk anymore.

Her thick clothes and boots were the main reason it was uncomfortable for Irene to walk.

“I’m getting sweaty from walking all this while.”

Irene whined as she fiddled with the hat that covered her ears.

“I want to take off my hat.”

“No.”

Despite her earnest request, Benjamin answered sternly.

That’s too much.

“It wouldn’t be good if you catch a cold again…”

Benjamin, feeling a bit apologetic, added an excuse.

“I know.”

By the time I answered, I spotted the fountain at a distance.

Perhaps we were a bit early. It wasn’t crowded as it had been.

Nonetheless, the giant snowman symbolizing the winter fountain was beautifully constructed.

The young children must’ve arrived here since dawn. Those who were in charge of selling snowman’s mufflers were already spread outside and preparing.

Irene strolled faster. It was fun to make snowmen, whether it involved business or not.

Irene squatted in front of the fountain.

“I’ll make brother’s too?!”

“I want Irene to make mine. “

“I will. What shape would you like?”

“A chubby, big head.”

“I like that kind of snowman, too.”

Irene smiled pleasantly and proceeded to gather the snow on the floor.

As she gently rolled the snowballs, her body quickly grew tired.

“You’re very talented.”

“Well, wasn’t it brother who taught me well? Last year.”

“Irene is a very good student.”

He tapped Irene’s hat while pulling a coin out of his pocket.

“Then, should I bring a scarf for the snowman? What color do you like?”

“I like blue.”

Irene squinted her eyes.

Well, it was rather upsetting to be fooled by such a profit-oriented event, but I decided to think of a wish for a change.

What would be good?

It was hard to choose because one thought constantly hovered in my mind.

I’m thinking of ‘please don’t let brother work for a vicious company,’ but this wasn’t too urgent at this moment. I think I could make that one three years later.

I want to wish for something that will be useful for Irene now.

Believe it or not.

‘For now, let’s place the chubby body here.’

Irene placed the snowman that was a bit larger than both her fists combined on the fountain side.

“Now, if I place the head on top…”

Placing the head required utmost focus.

Irene managed to place the head after shifting it back and forth.

‘And, wish.’

Irene agonized over what would be a good wish, recalled a problem that had bothered her in the recent days.

Then, she naturally came up with a wish.

‘If possible, please don’t let me run into the Crown Prince.’

I’ll most likely constantly stutter and have zero idea how to converse with him again. So the best thing was for us not to meet.

It would be a bit painful, not visiting the library often, however, there were already many books in the Webber mansion.

‘Please, even a few months is good, don’t let me see you.’

The Snowman Fairy! Miracle marketing! Please grant me this one wish.

Irene glared at the big snowman, her hands clenched together.

It might have been just a feeling, but it seemed like the big snowman was smiling.

It seemed like it was indicating, ‘your dream will come true.’

As expected, this was a fantasy world filled with dreams and hope!

Now it was time to make another snowman for Benjamin’s wish come true.

Irene picked up the other body she had just made. She proceeded to place it side by side with Irene’s snowman.

Benjamin and Irene’s snowmen were placed really close together.

Tap.

Suddenly, someone tapped her shoulder with their fingertips. It seemed to be most likely Benjamin, arriving after he brought the attire.

Irene, a little thrilled thanks to the snowman and her wish, turned her head while wearing a bright smile.

“You brought it…”

She hardened. The person was not Benjamin.

“Long time no see. I heard you were sick. Are you all right now?”

The green eyes were frowning slightly.

It was Prince Elvin Manuel.

“….”

Tok.

Irene dropped the snowball she was holding onto the floor. The chubby snowman’s stomach horribly dispatched.

It was foolish of me to make a wish to a commercialized fairy.

The snowball that fell to the floor crumbled by Irene’s feet.

Just like her wish.

“Oh, my God.”

Elvin, observing the disastrous end of the snowball, bowed his head lightly.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to surprise you… I’m really sorry.”

He squatted in front of Irene and muttered, “What do I do?”

Elvin removed his gloves and gently swept the remnants of Irene’s snowballs over her boots.

Hyuk, the Crown Prince was shaking the snow off my boots! With his bare hands!

Irene hurriedly pulled her foot back and avoided him.

Elvin, staring at the boots that moved away, looked up and asked worriedly.

“…This was your snowman, wasn’t it?”

Irene shook her head.

Then she turned her eyes and looked at the snowman she had made.

In fact, she was close to glaring. You’re a capitalist monster holding no effect in the least!

“You did a great job. What about this one?”

Elvin asked, pointing to the remnants of the snowman still on the floor.

“…Brother’s.”

Irene couldn’t bear to decide what tone to use, so she just blurred out the end of her speech.

Elvin asked anxiously once again as he stared at her.

“I’m sorry, are you… angry?”

Maybe my expression didn’t seem very pleasant.

Of course, Irene wasn’t really furious with Elvin.

I was just so embarrassed. I didn’t expect to see him this suddenly. As soon as I made such a wish, I met with him.

“No, it’s not like that.”

Irene mumbled rapidly as she attempted to force herself to smile.

Without realizing at all that such an appearance only stimulated Elvin’s guilt.

“I don’t know what to do, but if I do rebuild the snowman… Will it suffice?”

He carefully asked Irene. She nodded her head, her impression pale.

Irene would allow anything, as long as Elvin wouldn’t stare at her.