Chapter 42

It was the elder dragon who seemed rather taken aback at my refusal.

He probably hadn’t anticipated that I would turn down such a gift, so after a brief pause…

With an incredibly kind tone, he asked me the reason why.

“Would you prefer something other than ice cream?”

To which I shook my head and gave what I considered to be the most reasonable response.

“No matter how much, it’s still improper. We really shouldn’t…”

As any person would, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of greed when someone offered an extravagantly expensive present.

But I also knew all too well that accepting such gifts often led not just to tangled relationships, but awkward atmospheres as well.

For my own sake, it was better not to accept.

‘Besides, with my personality, I’d feel obligated to return the favor.’

I had no clue how I could possibly repay something so costly, so I preferred not to receive it in the first place.

Thus, I vigorously shook my head to indicate “no,” causing my tail to sway side to side in agreement.

“Then… hmm, how about a free ice cream pass?”

At this suggestion, I blinked up at him curiously.

The elder dragon, like a grandfather, ruffled my hair gently while explaining.

“It’s a pass that lets you eat ice cream anytime, anywhere. How does that sound? Is this okay?”

Though it felt slightly more acceptable than before, deep down I was certain this too was far too extravagant for me.

So, I politely declined once again with utmost respect.

“I don’t want bad habits forming.”

It might’ve sounded a little funny saying that accepting such gifts would ruin my character, but…

I truly believed that if I kept accepting these kinds of things bit by bit, I’d gradually lower my standards until one day I wouldn’t even know shame or conscience anymore.

Bowing deeply, I thought it best to exercise caution from the very start.

“I’m sorry!”

Next, bowing deeply to apologize for rejecting the gift…

The elder dragon chuckled warmly, showing a gentle smile as he continued to pat my head.

“Then, no matter what happens, we’ll always have your back, Hae-un. Does that sound good?”

While I wasn’t entirely sure what he meant by that…

Knowing I could count on others to be my friend filled me with immense joy, so I nodded enthusiastically.

“…Yes!”

“Alright then, let’s take a selfie with grandpa.”

“…Huh?”

Though his tone and the word ‘selfie’ didn’t quite match, I figured it wasn’t a big deal, so Chae-a and I stood up front together.

“Hmm.”

“Your grandma here is great at taking pictures. Don’t you want one with her too?”

“If only I had a granddaughter to take photos for me…”

Voices tinged with lamentation echoed around.

Despite feeling a bit shy about taking pictures, I decided to take them with all the elder dragons as a way to thank them for their hospitality.

* * *

Perseus watched silently as Leseia stared out the window, her expression unreadable.

Though she appeared emotionless on the surface…

Having known her for so long, he could sense the intense anger brewing beneath her calm exterior.

Lost in thought about how to resolve this situation, Leseia turned to him and spoke calmly.

“Child, there seems to be some trouble in the Spirit Realm.”

“The Spirit Realm?”

“Yes. It doesn’t make sense otherwise—why would a newly born spirit wander around starving? And worse, it suffered violence. There must be a serious issue.”

Indeed, spirits feed on ‘mana,’ not food.

Chae-a, the young child-like spirit, had been scavenging through trash bins due to lack of mana…

‘Furthermore, considering she didn’t return to the Spirit Realm despite being hungry enough to feel pain suggests…’

It was clear that she couldn’t return to the Spirit Realm.

Although it could’ve been an individual problem since other spirits returned without issue…

Given that the Spirit King never abandoned spirits, especially one as young as Chae-a—who was equivalent to a one-year-old human—it was evident something was amiss.

Just as I was brimming with questions…

Leseia briefly instructed,

“For the children’s sake, it’s best to eliminate anything problematic.”

A command to remove all potential issues.

And I nodded in agreement.

* * *

“Chae-a can do forward rolls too…!”

After taking many pictures, Chae-a had grown close to the grandpas and grandmas, showing off her ultimate forward roll with pride.

I clapped my hands in admiration, but suddenly the elders pulled out their wallets to give her pocket money.

“Here, buy yourself some snacks.”

“You go first, old man.”

“Excuse me! Even in cold water, there’s an order. Naturally, I should go first…”

Amidst their playful squabbles over who should give money first…

Chae-a, completely uninterested, declared she’d now demonstrate a sideways roll, stretching her arms high.

Then, standing confidently, she promptly lay down and began rolling sideways.

‘Aha, so this is how she rolls.’

Even though it was impressive…

I praised her by stroking her head as she lay on the ground. Meanwhile, Han Arin observed us with a small smile.

“Isn’t it tiring?”

Truthfully, it wasn’t exhausting at all, so I nodded. Then Han Arin said,

“If you’re tired, tell me. I’ll give you a massage.”

Wasn’t it usually the opposite?

Shouldn’t I be the one massaging Han Arin? I wondered, confused, when one of the elder dragons addressed her.

“Arin, it’s been a while.”

“Professor…?”

“Yes… Sorry to bother you, but did you happen to take pictures of Hae-un and Chae-a and share them in the group chat?”

Judging by the title ‘professor,’ they seemed to know each other.

I hesitated to greet him, recalling our earlier photo session, but…

Han Arin suddenly burst into laughter, crouched down, and looked at me.

“Hae-un, wanna see something?”

Curious, I glanced at the screen…

Only to find countless profiles plastered with pictures of me and Chae-a.

“?!”

Embarrassed, I fidgeted my cheeks with both hands, but…

Han Arin, ignoring my discomfort, playfully ruffled my head and continued.

“Everyone thinks Hae-un and Chae-a are so cute they’ve set their profile pictures to those pics. Oh, should I do the same?”

I shook my head to decline, but she paid no heed and set it instantly.

“…?”

Though extremely embarrassed, I was secretly glad that many people liked us, so my tail wagged happily.

Then Chae-a whispered while playing with my hand.

“I put lots of yummy snacks in my pocket…! We’ll share when we get home!”

Seeing her squirrel pajamas puffing up made me gleam with excitement.

Definitely, with all that stashed away, we wouldn’t need snacks for days.

I had been feeling guilty for relying on Seorin and Han Arin for treats, but Chae-a had saved me the trouble.

‘Just, sneaking snacks isn’t quite right…’

Deciding to ask permission when things quieted down, I showered Chae-a with praise.

In the distance, Perseus with a rigid expression and Leseia with her usual stoic demeanor approached.

Noticing them, I took Chae-a’s hand to thank them for today’s invitation.

“Did Grandma come to visit?”

She greeted us with an exceptionally cheerful face.

Responding to her question, I nodded, and Leseia enveloped Chae-a and me in a warm embrace.

Watching this, I wagged my tail enthusiastically but quickly composed myself to set an example as an adult.

Gathering my thoughts, I tried to maintain composure when Leseia posed a question.

“So, did you have fun with the grandpas and grandmas?”

“Yup! I ate these and those too…!”

Chae-a proudly showed off the candies given by the elders while nestled in her arms.

Observing this, I smiled faintly, encouraging her explanation. Afterward, Leseia made a request.

“Little one, would it be alright if Grandma visited your lair sometime?”

…My lair?

Instantly, the image of my lair popped into my mind.

Compared to its initial state, it had become sturdy and stylish, but compared to this place, it was embarrassingly shabby, almost like a ruin.

Uncertain if inviting her was appropriate…

‘However, she clearly looks forward to it, so I can’t say no…’

Since I was welcomed into Leseia’s lair, it was only fair to reciprocate by inviting her to mine.

So, I nodded.

“Yes!”

Of course, inviting her as-is wouldn’t do.

Determined to reinforce and beautify my lair before the visit, I racked my brain.

‘First, I should arrange some furniture.’

Deep in thought about what to do next…

I noticed Han Arin behind me looking flustered.

Realizing that Leseia visiting my lair was essentially the same as visiting the association, I sheepishly smiled.

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