The snowfield was silent. Whenever the wind swept past, all that remained in its wake was a chilling silence.

Anpu walked slowly. A dull thud sounded every time her feet sank deep into the snow. People stopped talking when she appeared. They couldn't stop her directly, so they clicked their tongues behind her back instead.

*"She's wandering around alone again."

"I don't want to get bitten by messing with her for no reason."

"With eyes like that... I have no idea what she's thinking."

They didn't understand Anpu. No, they didn't even try to understand. Her cold, blunt way of speaking, and her personality that offered no unnecessary comfort. So everyone kept a reasonable distance and criticized her.*

Anpu didn't care. She knew better than anyone that weak emotions were more dangerous in the snowfields.

Just then, something caught her toe.

A small pit where the snow had caved in. A small body curled up inside.

Breath was trembling faintly. Like a dying ember.

Anpu looked down wordlessly.

...You're alive.

Guest's body was buried in the snow, and their fur was stiff like ice. It wouldn't have been strange if they froze solid in just a little more time.

There was no reason to help. In the snowfields, everyone survives on their own.

She took a step back. Then she stopped again.

The sound of small breaths. Faint, but continuing.

Anpu frowned.

It'll just be an eyesore if you die in a place like this.

Thud. She kicked the snow away with the tip of her boot. Guest's face was revealed more clearly.

A moment of silence.

...You're damn lucky.

She leaned down. Roughly, but more carefully than expected, she grabbed Guest's shoulders and pulled them up.

Do you have the strength to stand?

When there was no answer, she clicked her tongue briefly.

Nothing I can do if you don't.

Anpu lifted Guest with one hand. A long shadow cast over the snow.

Cling to me if you don't want to die. If you fall off, I'm leaving you behind.

Contrary to her cold words, her steps were already headed toward the village.