Chapter 104

When asked about what kind of vision the mana circulation might have in the future, my mind goes blank.

After all, I didn’t even develop the method of mana circulation, and I wasn’t quite sure what exactly had been researched.

Thus, as I feel my mind going completely blank, I fumble with my lips and blurt out whatever comes to mind.

“M-mana circulation… it can play a big role in reducing kah-bu-ha during mana use, so it’s not just for hunterssprout but also applicable to magical artifacts!”

(Mana circulation can play a big role in reducing overload during mana use, so it’s not just for hunters but also applicable to magical artifacts!)

The person who asked me seemed surprised that I answered better than expected.

Gaining a little courage from their reaction, I continued.

“It could also be used for batteries prone to gah-bu-ha and protective devices… so I think the energy field might grow significantly.”

(It could also be used for batteries prone to overload and protective devices… so I think the energy field might grow significantly.)

By forcibly connecting the concept of overload and sustainability based on the world tree wilting out of loneliness…

Everyone looked incredibly shocked, staring at me blankly before suddenly standing up and clapping while saying:

“A genius has been born!”

“Of course, she’s my granddaughter. Not only is she cute and pretty, but she also has amazing magical talent, is smart, and kind too… She’s perfect, isn’t she?”

“Why is Hae-un your granddaughter? She’s mine!”

As compliments poured in, I turned bright red and buried my face in the desk.

It wasn’t because I gave a good presentation and was being praised…

I realized they had only made me present so they could praise me.

While feeling both happy and extremely embarrassed by the blind goodwill directed at me…

Han Arin gently patted my head and whispered something.

“Hae-un, sorry to ask, but could you maybe do the flower petal duty if it’s okay with you?”

At the mention of “flower petal,” an overwhelming sense of embarrassment hit me, and I tried to refuse…

But realizing everyone gathered here was doing so for my sake, I gritted my teeth against the embarrassment and agreed to do the flower petal duty.

“Wow, the world…”

As I did this, cheers and all sorts of nonsense echoed around me.

By this point, it felt less like a research presentation and more like a first birthday celebration…

But since I wasn’t entirely unhappy, I wagged my tail slightly and smiled softly.

*

“Oy, child. Why are you so thin? Is the association not feeding you? This won’t do, I must file an official complaint immediately…”

“No, no! I eat well. I even had two ice creams yesterday!”

“Is that so? Then that’s fortunate, but…”

Every time I heard the elder dragons asking about my well-being with worried expressions…

Gratitude and embarrassment washed over me, making me smile awkwardly and squirm uncomfortably.

Han Arin slowly stroked my head and calmly explained to the elder dragons about the things I’d done at the association.

“Hae-un practiced her interview for you elders.”

Though it wasn’t actually for them, I was grateful they came to see me, so I nodded silently, letting the truth stay hidden for now.

At my action, the elders were so delighted they began arguing among themselves about who would give me pocket money first…

‘I shouldn’t accept anymore, it feels wrong.’

Declaring I wouldn’t take any pocket money, I fled toward the waiting room.

In the waiting room, I saw Chae-a and Yuna asleep on the sofa.

They must’ve fallen asleep waiting for me, so I giggled as I approached them.

‘They’re so cute.’

I finally understood why adults kept pinching cheeks.

Just then, a funny idea popped into my head, and I pulled out a cookie I’d received from the elders.

I held it in my hand and waved it teasingly in front of Chae-a’s nose.

Chae-a instinctively reached up, flailing her arms and gradually opening her mouth.

Finding this both adorable and amusing, I kept waving the cookie.

Suddenly, Chae-a let out a soft “Uuuu…” and, still asleep, snapped her jaws closed on the cookie I was holding.

Impressed by her speed, I watched as she mumbled in her sleep.

“Chae-a wants more…”

Though it meant “more,” I decided not to give her too much food while sleeping as it might be unhealthy.

After gently patting Chae-a’s head to encourage her to keep sleeping, I turned my attention to Yuna beside her.

“…”

Unlike Chae-a, Yuna slept very quietly.

A clear indication of this was how Chae-a’s hair was wildly tousled like a lion’s mane, whereas Yuna’s hair lay perfectly flat.

I admired how peacefully Yuna slept, thinking how impressive it was…

Until I decided I couldn’t possibly leave her out, so I started snapping pictures of both Yuna and Chae-a alternately with the phone Han Arin had gifted me.

Just then, Han Arin entered looking somewhat tired.

“Hae-unaaa.”

Her voice suggested she’d been harassed quite a bit by the elder dragons in my absence.

Though I couldn’t tell exactly how, her frazzled hair and skin told me it had been tough.

So I accepted being picked up and petted like a stuffed animal.

As my head was vigorously stroked, I blankly stared ahead until Han Arin praised me for earlier.

“You spoke so well earlier. I was really impressed when I heard that, sis?”

“Hehe.”

Pure compliments made me feel genuinely happy.

As my tail wouldn’t stop wagging, Han Arin made a suggestion.

“Could you maybe talk to the elders a bit more? They said they’re disappointed you left so quickly.”

Even though we’d already talked for about an hour, it seems they wanted more.

After hesitating briefly, I nodded and said I’d go back to talk.

“Okay.”

I didn’t dislike talking to the elders, but conversations with adults always required so much attention—it was inevitably stressful.

Still, seeing Han Arin insist so earnestly, I figured it would be good to return to the previous presentation hall.

“The Hae-un is here!”

Elders greeted me again.

Feeling awkward, I bowed slightly, noticing they approached me with either pocket money or cookies.

Realizing they were just as shy but trying their best to get closer to me…

‘I should try my hardest too…’

Determined to do my best within my capabilities—having conversations, using charm (though it might be difficult)—I approached the elders.

*

Like seaweed drifting in the ocean, I lay on the sofa, drained of all energy.

There were various reasons, but the biggest one was undoubtedly the fatigue from our conversation.

Though my body felt heavy, my lips curved into a wide smile.

‘It was fun anyway.’

The elder dragons placed me on their thighs and shared stories with me.

The one that stuck with me the most was about Perseus’ childhood—he cried a lot, apparently, which worried them greatly.

Recalling this, I giggled while Han Arin beside me smiled kindly and gently stroked my head.

“Shall we go home now?”

“Yes!”

“We should wake Chae-a and Yuna too.”

Looking at the sleeping Chae-a and Yuna, I worried they might wake up in the middle of the night if they slept now…

But I shook my head, refusing to entertain such ominous thoughts, and prepared to leave.

Stepping outside the presentation hall, a chilly breeze brushed my face.

Surprisingly, autumn had already arrived.

Lost in thought, I noticed Chae-a, still half-asleep, tightly gripping my hand and starting to speak.

“If you sleep like this… ants brother and worms sister will come visit. But since Chae-a will sleep more at home, it’s fine… Chae-a likes it.”

She was usually hard to understand, but today was especially difficult due to her drowsiness.

Confused, I glanced at Yuna, who, with half-closed eyes, wagged her tail and complimented me.

“Hae-uni did something with mana… difficulty? I saw it in the waiting room.”

Even though she could barely open her eyes, she proudly praised me, clearly proud.

Finding Yuna’s cuteness irresistible, I smiled warmly at her.

Han Arin then gently stroked our heads one by one, signaling the end of the presentation.

“Let’s go home then.”

At the word “home,” my tail wagged automatically.

Excited to return quickly, I followed Han Arin closely when a strange tickling sensation arose in my mind.

A sudden urge to hurry home.

Since it was the first time I felt this way, I blinked in confusion.

Han Arin, sensing something was off, asked worriedly:

“Hae-un, what’s wrong? Is something the matter?”

“…Something feels like I need to check home quickly.”

“Hmm?”

An ordinary adult might have dismissed it as simply wanting to go home faster…

But Han Arin, perhaps sensing the urgency, nodded and suggested:

“Then shall we teleport?”

Though I intended to decline out of politeness…

Han Arin had already teleported us directly to the association, probably knowing I’d refuse.

Understanding my nature, she acted preemptively.

With mixed feelings of gratitude and apology, I bowed deeply, took Chae-a and Yuna’s hands, and entered the house.

Inside, what greeted us was the World Tree on the verge of blooming.

*

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