Chapter 55

Truth be told, the black card itself wasn’t all that impressive.

After all, it was just a rectangular piece of paper painted black—literally making it a black card.

Thus, the term “black card” wasn’t particularly special on its own. However, when people infused it with their stereotypical image, its meaning changed entirely.

‘A legendary card that only a handful of people in the entire world could possess.’

It was said to be a mysterious card that chose you rather than you choosing it. Simply carrying it was like having a badge that proclaimed how extraordinary you were.

Anyway, as I stared at such an amazing card in awe…

“Take it.”

Without any hesitation, Grandma Leseia placed the card in my palm and spoke.

“It’s not something I need anyway. Hae-un, you can use it.”

At her words, I blinked blankly for a moment before snapping back to reality and shaking my head quickly.

“A-ah, no way!”

“Why not? It’s just a card after all.”

As she asked, I fumbled for words, unsure how to respond. That’s when Perseus, standing nearby, chuckled and said to Grandma Leseia,

“You’re teasing her. Besides, this card isn’t transferable, right?”

To which Grandma Leseia grinned mischievously and replied,

“Well, the company that made this is owned by the Dragon race. Their policies can change if they want them to.”

“…”

“Just kidding.”

Perseus looked awkward, unsure what to do next. Meanwhile, I watched this exchange with fascination, then snapped out of it and quickly returned the card to Grandma Leseia.

“Nope, no thanks!”

“Why not? Even if you don’t return it to me, it’s fine, you know?”

Even though I wanted to accept her offer, I hesitated. The moment I took it, I felt like I’d become someone who always expected something in return. So I declined.

Grandma Leseia looked genuinely surprised at my reaction and proudly announced to Perseus,

“Most hatchlings would have taken it without a second thought, but Hae-un is different.”

“Yeah, which is why the Elder Dragons and other dragons adore her so much.”

“Of course, my granddaughter.”

With a delighted smile, Grandma Leseia pinched my cheeks and joked with Perseus,

“Perseus, if it were you, you’d have asked for this card first, then demanded more cards afterward. How many times did I feel like giving you a whack on the head? Just thinking about it makes me laugh.”

“…”

“Anyway, Hae-un, if you ever need anything, feel free to ask Grandma or Uncle Perseus. We’ll always be here to help.”

“…Yes!”

“Alright, let’s eat dinner and decorate your lair!”

I nodded in agreement.

* * *

When decorating the lair, I had a small wish—to do it as much as possible with my own efforts.

So I told Grandma Leseia that I didn’t want to buy new furniture or receive others’ furniture for free.

She looked curious at my words but seemed to respect my wishes and nodded, saying,

“How about if Grandma refurbishes the furniture for you?”

“Refurbish…?”

“Yes, refurbishing means taking old furniture and remaking it into something new.”

Though it felt like a bit of a compromise, it seemed okay, so I nodded. At that, Grandma Leseia smirked as if she’d caught me in a trap and said,

“Then let’s get started.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the lair was bathed in a sea of green mana, and I instantly sensed something was off.

Space expansion, mutation, creation, removal.

With every word Grandma Leseia uttered, the lair transformed rapidly. As I tumbled around watching the lair reshaping itself chaotically, Grandma Leseia snapped her fingers and explained,

“In any case, this is still your lair, Hae-un. I didn’t change much. Just expanded the space, cleaned up the walls and floor, unified the furniture styles, and installed some wards for security.”

“…”

Although she had done practically everything, she truly respected my wishes. Apart from the similar color scheme of the furniture and the significantly larger space, there weren’t many drastic changes.

Thinking this place could now host gatherings with lots of friends, I beamed happily when Grandma Leseia continued,

“Now, let’s arrange the furniture.”

“Yes!”

“Let’s see… one chair, a desk, and some smaller pieces. Where should we put them?”

At this question, I paused to think. Since there weren’t many pieces, it didn’t matter much where I placed them, but I still wanted to put effort into it. After looking around, I pointed to what seemed like a good spot.

“Hae-un has quite the eye.”

Hearing the compliment about my “eye,” I unconsciously wagged my tail, but remembering someone had once said it resembled a bug, I quickly stopped.

Just as I started feeling a little down, Chae-a, noticing the expanded lair, became visibly excited. She ran around enthusiastically before returning to me and saying,

“The ant, mantis, and worm sisters will love this place!”

Indeed, the lair used to feel a bit cramped, and everyone seemed slightly uncomfortable before. Now that it was so spacious, I imagined they’d all enjoy it. Thinking about hosting a welcome party for the bugs when they returned, I suddenly felt something in my pocket tapping against me.

“Ah, that’s right!”

I had planned to give a gift. Carefully pulling out the square box I had tucked away, I offered it gently as a token of gratitude for helping decorate the lair and visiting today.

Seeing me extend the gift, Grandma Leseia looked surprised, and I shyly smiled while explaining what it was.

“It’s a present…”

“A present?”

Grandma Leseia, clearly astonished that I had prepared a gift, widened her eyes in disbelief before breaking into a deeply moved expression.

“Thank you so much.”

Her heartfelt gratitude made me feel even more embarrassed. Remembering the contents of the box—a simple flower ring—I regretted not preparing something better. But to my surprise, Grandma Leseia lit up with joy upon seeing the flower ring and carefully slipped it onto her finger.

“This is the happiest gift I’ve ever received.”

Unable to touch the delicate flower ring for fear of damaging it, Grandma Leseia maintained her bright smile for a long time before gently patting my cheek and Chae-a’s, continuing,

“Grandma will do her best to ensure Hae-un and Chae-a remain happy.”

“Yes!”

Though my pronunciation got muffled because my cheeks were being squeezed, Grandma Leseia didn’t seem to mind and smiled warmly. Realizing how joyful it was to receive someone’s gratitude, I smiled back.

* * *

Grandma Leseia left earlier than expected.

Originally, she planned to give me the elixir and spend the night at the guild with me and Chae-a. However, after leaving those words,

“Since I received a gift, Grandma should give a surprise gift too.”

she gave me the elixir and departed before I could express any disappointment, leaving me to experience an unexpectedly quick farewell.

“…”

How should I describe this feeling?

Normally, parting wouldn’t leave much of an impression beyond a mild sense of nostalgia. But perhaps due to my younger body, I felt… not just a little, but quite sad.

As I lay there feeling a hollow emptiness in my chest, Chae-a, holding a full PET bottle, approached me with a puzzled look.

Seeing me slumped over, Chae-a grew serious before suddenly panicking and frantically patting my cheeks.

“Is Hae-un sad?”

“…?”

Apparently, she thought my listlessness stemmed from sadness. While not entirely wrong, I shook my head, not wanting to worry her.

“Woof! Then let’s eat. Nom nom!”

Chae-a shoved chocolate into my mouth and darted off somewhere.

“What’s gotten into her?”

Curious, I decided to let her handle things independently and refrained from asking. Just then, Seorin picked me up lightly and asked,

“Hae-un, can I talk to you for a moment?”

Confused, I tilted my head, prompting Seorin to pause briefly before confessing something.

“Sister will be gone for a few days soon. I think Han Arin and the Spirit Master might go too.”

“…?”

Caught off guard by the sudden announcement, I blinked vacantly. Seorin laughed awkwardly and added,

“I… really need to do this, so I’ll be back soon. Just don’t be too shocked when we’re gone for a few days, alright?”

“Uh…?”

“Not forever. Just for a few days.”

The emphasis on “a few days” and the mention of Han Arin and others going together immediately tipped me off that Seorin was heading somewhere related to “terror.”

Knowing this was something unavoidable, I understood that stopping or forbidding her wouldn’t work. Still, experiencing these back-to-back farewells left me feeling melancholy.

‘…Something about something.’

Feeling a bit sulky, I glared silently at Seorin with my tail swishing moodily across the floor.

Realizing I was acting unfairly toward Seorin, I quickly lowered my head to hide my expression and forced out a voice.

“Go well… come back safely.”

At this, Seorin chuckled awkwardly before softly requesting,

“Hae-un, could I ask you for one favor?”

“Favor…?”

“Yes. I’ll miss you so much while I’m far away, so could you take one picture?”

Though posing for photos was embarrassing, I couldn’t bring myself to coldly refuse Seorin, who I wouldn’t see for a long time. Nodding reluctantly, Seorin quickly whipped out her phone, positioned it extremely close to my face, and snapped a photo.

– Click.

Despite worrying the shot might be ruined by the phone pressing against my face, it seemed to have turned out perfectly, judging by Seorin’s satisfied expression.

Curious, I glanced up as Seorin extended the phone toward me.

“Want to see?”

Nodding slowly, I leaned in to take a peek.

A somewhat funny-looking face stared back at me. Doubtful, I tilted my head, noticing my hair flutter slightly.

“…”

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