As a way to get to know each other better - we decided to do a literary exchange. I gave Yukino a relatively digestible encyclopedia on nature around the world, while she offered three fairytales of the choosing.
"Didn't know pandas were like that! I thought they ate bamboo just because..."
"See? Encyclopedias can be good for some trivia knowledge. Lets you appreciate the waking world around you."
"Hmm... It only convinced me how much humans suck."
"Sob."
"Anyhoo, had you found something that interests you?" Yukino asks.
"Well, I suppose I enjoyed Snow Queen somewhat."
"Ohh~, tell me what you liked!" Yukino perked up and her eagerness staggered me for the second. She's so close...
Sorting my thoughts, I begin to retell my experience.
"Well - the reason why Snow Queen even interested me is because of the "snow" aspect. You may not be able to tell from my speech, but I used to live in northern regions, where winters are much tangible. So seeing the name, I got pretty nostalgic for the winters where snow would kiss the ground, embracing it.
And when I began to read it, I'm surprised at how rich it is when it comes to locations - making it seem like a genuine metaphorical coming of age journey. It's... Rather sweet that a young girl is willing to go on such perilious journey for her friend."
Yukino lays her head on the table, letting her hair flow like jet black streams.
"It's interesting, isn't it? How fairy tales would put such great focus on girls. When you're young, you don't particularly pay attention to that - but as an adult, it feels oddly sweet in a way. In the world that puts women in such vulnerable positions - it's nice to see a world where they take the lead. Sure, a lot of times, they end up marrying their suitor who saves them from certain doom - but I suppose it's what makes Snow Queen special.
Gerda saw Kai as her dear friend and nothing more; and it is through her will and courage she was able to save Kai; it's not like Kai suddenly snaps back to reality and saves Gerda last moment, no - she saves him from the clutches of the Snow Queen and nothing more.
And she could've met her doom several times, but through remembering what led her to that journey and continuously pushing through - she made it to the castle, right before Kai could seal his fate.
You have a good eye, Denji."
"S-Since when did you decide on shortening my name like that?!"