Chapter 17

Since I found out my trait is healing…

I gripped and released my hands repeatedly, feeling a bit strange. While I was happy, it was because I felt acknowledged that my existence wasn’t worthless.

Just then, Chae-a seemed to want to follow me, blowing “hoo” repeatedly on the tail I had bitten earlier.

“Chae-a, what are you doing?”

“I’m doing this because the contractor likes it!”

“Aha.”

It tickled but also felt warm, so I giggled while watching Chae-a enthusiastically blowing air. Han Arin looked at me worriedly and said something.

“Hae-un, if strangers try to approach you, you have to tell me, okay?”

Judging from her worry, it seems the healing ability I gained holds considerable value. I nodded to reassure her not to worry, then decided to head over to Seorin as I glanced at the clock on the wall.

“There’s not much time left.”

Thinking they’d probably be hungry after exercising, I considered offering dessert accordingly. Gently tugging on Han Arin’s clothes, I suggested:

“Let’s give Seorin dessert and go train.”

“Alright, let’s head that way then.”

Wishing Seorin would enjoy it, I gathered my phone playing music and Chae-a, then walked forward with determination.

*

“Kyaa! Hae-un, really, congratulations! I wanted to rush here right when I saw your awakening, but training wasn’t over yet—so sorry!”

Her energy was even higher than usual, showing how delighted she was about my awakening. Thinking how seeing Seorin smile made me happy too, I grinned widely before refocusing and handing her the dessert I brought earlier.

“Eat this!”

At my words, Seorin seemed deeply moved, on the verge of tears as she hugged me tightly and said,

“Is Hae-un an angel? Yeah, definitely an angel.”

With that, just like in the prison, Seorin clutched me like a stuffed toy, wearing an expression as though she owned the world, and laid down on the floor.

“I’m so happy.”

Though being held like this felt a little embarrassing…

If it makes Seorin happy, I can endure it, I thought, wiggling my fingers slightly. Meanwhile, Chae-a, who had been watching us, spread her arms wide with a proud look and declared,

“Chae-a wants to join too!”

She must be asking for a hug. Finding her cuteness irresistible, I smiled and slowly opened my arms to invite her over. Charging towards me like a ram, she hugged me tightly and grinned sweetly, but then…

“Although I want to stay like this forever…”

Seemingly due to upcoming training, she hung her head dejectedly and said,

“In one hour, there’s another training session, so I guess I have to go train.”

Hearing that, I wondered if the training schedule was more intense than what was written in the original story. Tentatively opening my mouth to ask about it,

“Really… shouldn’t you rest if you’re tired?”

“No no, sister isn’t tired at all. Sister is fine as long as Hae-un is here.”

But looking at her slight dark circles and lackluster hair, it seemed like she was hiding some fatigue. Recalling how she always slacked off during my broadcasts, I figured she might be okay, but…

‘Still, I’m worried.’

Deciding to use the healing ability I obtained earlier, I blew warm breath onto Seorin.

Seorin laughed again at my action, touching my cheek fondly and said,

“Could it be you’re blowing on me because you’re worried I’m tired? Oh gosh, our Hae-un is too kind! I can’t handle it. No, it’s decided—I’ll live with you forever!”

The tighter embrace that followed almost suffocated me, making me flail around until Seorin noticed and quickly released me. With a “phew,” I escaped her hold and pointed at the dessert box.

“Eat this.”

At my words, Seorin tried to repeat her earlier actions. Dodging her, I took a step back and glanced around.

‘Anyway, I brought plenty of desserts.’

Deciding it was time to act mature for Seorin and Chae-a, I balanced a large dessert box on my head and approached the nearby hunters.

“Please enjoy these.”

It wasn’t anything special; I was just offering snacks in exchange for their cooperation. Whether they’d accept or not was uncertain, but since there were leftovers anyway, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to share. As I distributed the snacks, some reactions came:

“Kyaaaaa, she’s really an angel!”

“We’ll eat them well! Oh, I’ll give you pocket money if you wait a moment.”

“I also brought some snacks—would Hae-un like one?”

Various items started piling up in the dessert box I carried. When it got heavy and I set it down, I saw bills and various snacks overflowing inside.

‘…This feels a bit wrong.’

Accepting all this would turn things upside down. Having no other choice, I resorted to my last option, gathering the bills and entrusting Han Arin with a task.

“Can you buy some drinks?”

Nodding at her agreement, I turned to the surrounding hunters and said,

“Yes, we’ll offer drinks too.”

“Then please wait a moment. I’ll be right back.”

Though I wished I could go myself, lacking entry clearance meant I might not be able to re-enter the training grounds. Reluctantly asking Han Arin to deliver the drinks, I gathered the remaining snacks into a circular shape and told Chae-a,

“Chae-a, let’s share these with everyone.”

Happy about sharing but shy about being surrounded by people, Chae-a hesitated for a moment before whispering cheerfully to me,

“Wow, it’s like a dessert party!”

Indeed, as Chae-a said, arranging all these desserts made it feel like a party. Feeling excited like Chae-a, I giggled and grabbed her hand, saying,

“Yes, let’s have a dessert party! We need to invite guests!”

“Guests!”

At that, Chae-a glanced around briefly, seemingly steeling herself, then took a small deep breath before whispering determinedly,

“Then Chae-a will bring lots of people!”

“Really?!”

“Yes. Since the contractor is young, big sister will take care of it.”

Calling me “big sister” made it clear she was imitating Han Arin. With that, Chae-a nervously approached the nearby hunters, her pink hair fluttering.

Watching her bravery, I resolved to mess up her hair affectionately when she returned. Just then, Han Arin chuckled beside me and teased,

“Hey, Hae-un, didn’t you know parties aren’t allowed in the training grounds?”

Realizing how obvious that rule was, my body stiffened. I had been so focused on reciprocating kindness that I hadn’t considered this basic fact and was now scolding myself internally. However,

Han Arin gently touched my cheek and softly reassured,

“But it’s okay. Everyone is on Hae-un’s side.”

She then showed me the approaching hunters, who had looked weary moments ago but now wore cheerful expressions thanks to the invitation to the party.

Seeing this made me beam involuntarily. Han Arin playfully poked my cheek and said,

“So, if Hae-un ever has troubles, all the hunters here will help you. Don’t worry too much, alright?”

Grateful for her support, I unknowingly grinned and nodded slightly. But then my tail, oblivious to the situation, swung rapidly left and right, bumping into Han Arin.

“Ah!”

Realizing I had accidentally hit Han Arin, I immediately grabbed my tail and apologized profusely.

“I’m so sorry…!”

Han Arin, clearly teasing, pretended to cry and said,

“My heart hurts from being hit by Hae-un.”

Knowing she wasn’t truly crying, I still felt guilty, hugging my tail awkwardly and bowing deeply as I apologized.

“I’m very sorry!”

At that, Han Arin bit her lip to suppress laughter for a moment before calming down and making a request.

“Hmm, then call me ‘sister,’ and I’ll forgive you.”

“…”

Embarrassed by the suggestion, I nibbled on my tail to calm myself, realizing it was a bad habit and trying to compose myself.

‘This won’t do.’

Feeling childish despite my efforts, I shook my head vigorously and chose the most reasonable option available.

“Um, sister.”

Reflecting maturely, it seemed calling her ‘sister’ only caused minor embarrassment with no real drawbacks. Testing the word hesitantly,

Such a title felt far more embarrassing than expected, making it impossible for me to lift my face.

‘Embarrassing.’

Frustrated, I bit my tail hard, causing it to retaliate by lightly tapping my forehead. Apologizing to my mischievous tail, I sulked quietly when…

“Hae-un, we’re here.”

The hunters I healed earlier waved as they arrived.

“Hey, Hae-un, thank you so much for healing us earlier.”

“That triceratops-like snore scared Hae-un, didn’t it?”

“Hey… pretty girl. You shouldn’t use such rude words.”

Watching the hunters bicker playfully, I chuckled. Suddenly, Chae-a called from afar.

Wondering what was happening, I checked and saw Chae-a running toward me, holding many PET bottles, with a radiant smile.

“Contractor…! I’ve found treasure!”

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