Chapter 116

The occupation known as a Hunter is often described by outsiders like so:

– Isn’t it a job that earns money beyond the wildest dreams of ordinary people?

– I’ve heard it’s an incredibly dangerous job because you have to fight monsters.

– In my opinion, it’s no different from being an idol. When I was in LA…

Despite the common perception of Hunters as those who chase success despite the dangers…

The actual Hunters had a rather different take on things.

– Huh? A Hunter? More like monster-assisted suicide…

Ignoring the danger aspect, it’s a job where you go out to die alongside monsters.

This was how Hunters themselves perceived their line of work.

“Like… what? Anyway, there are many ways Hunters differ from normal people.”

Unlike other jobs where “hardship” is the limit, Hunters express their situation with phrases like “going to die.” It wasn’t just talk; statistically, Hunters had a much higher mortality rate compared to other professions. No matter how strictly safety protocols were followed, the sheer number of variables and the inherent risk of putting your life on the line meant accidents happened frequently.

Thus, being a Hunter not only required risking one’s life repeatedly but also witnessing the deaths of comrades…

It truly was a garbage job.

And Sung Na-yeon was one of the top Hunters who’d managed to survive this garbage-filled career for a long time.

*

“Seriously, aren’t they just too cute?”

Sung Na-yeon clutched her chest while watching two little ones making “kruang kruang” sounds ahead of her. Always fond of cuteness, she was already overwhelmed by the sight.

Thinking she might actually faint from happiness, she melted into a puddle when pink-haired Chae-a ran up and asked,

“Are you going to give Haeuni to me!?”

Chae-a clasped her hands together respectfully, even though she was technically a kidnapper.

Just as Na-yeon struggled to suppress laughter at Chae-a’s politeness, Yuna growled and added,

“Candy here.”

Apparently, Yuna was serious about trading Ha-eun and Seoa back for candy. Na-yeon absentmindedly held out her hand, and Yuna dropped a single piece of candy before grabbing Ha-eun and Seoa and dashing off.

Their adorable escape left Na-yeon momentarily stunned, but she quickly shook herself back to reality.

“I shouldn’t be spacing out like this…”

Regardless, her main priority was ensuring Ha-eun and Seoa returned home safely. Despite trying to focus, she couldn’t help but feel inexplicably happy.

“Get a grip!”

She slapped her cheeks and shook her head, forcing herself back to the task at hand. Looking at the cute toddlers ahead, she smiled softly.

“I want kids, but it feels like an impossible dream, so maybe that’s why I’m so attached to these little ones, including Ha-eun.”

Because Hunters never knew when they might die…

Most Hunters yearned for the psychological stability family could provide, but the constant fear and futility of losing comrades—and potentially themselves—often made them hesitant to marry.

“While some do get married without hesitation, it’s extremely rare. Most, like me, give up on marriage early and let life flow like seaweed.”

“Anyway, as long as this uncertain death situation continues…”

Having kids—or even getting married—was out of the question. She bitterly smiled at Ha-eun, ranked #1 in the Hunter community as the perfect adoptable daughter.

“That’s probably why other Hunters especially adore Ha-eun, Chae-a, Yuna, and Seoa.”

While contemplating giving away 30% of her fortune for Ha-eun, Ha-eun bowed deeply and thanked her.

“Thank you for bringing us back.”

Her cuteness was almost overwhelming, making Na-yeon want to hug her tightly and buy her cotton candy. But fearing it might scare the child, she simply waved goodbye instead.

Suddenly, Seoa beside Ha-eun ran over, grabbed her hand, and tried pulling her along. When Na-yeon looked, Seoa flailed her arms expressing something incomprehensible, then hugged her tightly and shouted “Kkomm!” before running off.

The heartwarming scene made her think about marriage again.

* * *

I blinked at Sung Na-yeon, who looked enlightened despite her rough appearance. Though she seemed like someone who would do terrible things, her actions were surprisingly gentle.

“People really shouldn’t judge by appearances…!”

As I thought about how fascinating she was, I chuckled until suddenly Chae-a latched onto me and started crying.

“Haeuni carried me and now I’m sad. Don’t leave! Do you understand?”

Startled by the mention of running away, I nodded slowly, acknowledging my mistake. Chae-a cheered up instantly and smiled brightly.

Watching how quickly children’s emotions changed, I absentmindedly petted Chae-a’s head when Seoa flapped her hands like a penguin and said,

“Kkomm!”

Chae-a’s eyes widened in surprise before enthusiastically praising Seoa.

“Wow, Seoa is amazing!”

Curious about what they were talking about, I glanced at Yuna, but she too seemed confused and blinked repeatedly.

‘I should read a fairy tale to Seoa tonight.’

That way, she might learn more words and we could start having real conversations! As I thought this and gently stroked Seoa’s head, Chae-a proudly suggested,

“Since we brought runaway Haeuni back, let’s go play!”

“Okay!”

I watched Yuna waggle her tail and nod eagerly, feeling relieved everything went smoothly.

*

Afterward, we played at the playground, had dinner, and I read a fairy tale to Seoa before bed. It was a fulfilling day, both busy and relaxing. Just as I was reflecting on it, Han Arin came home looking very surprised and asked us,

“Did you guys sneak out without telling me?”

Yuna gasped, her tail drooping, then covered her mouth and trembled.

I comforted her, patting her back, when Han Arin awkwardly laughed and reminded us,

“You should’ve told me before going out. What if something dangerous happened?”

Chae-a immediately responded,

“I’m an adult, so it’s fine!”

Han Arin smirked slightly before maintaining a straight face and testing Chae-a.

“If you’re an adult, you can drink coffee, right?”

“What’s coffee? But Chae-a can do anything!”

“Really? Let me try giving you some then.”

Han Arin prepared what appeared to be an Americano diluted heavily with water and offered it to Chae-a.

Caffeine isn’t great, so she probably thinned it down significantly. I watched anxiously as Chae-a confidently took a sip.

“Puuuuh!”

She spat it out immediately and complained,

“It tastes like dry sand. This isn’t food.”

Realizing coffee was bitter and likening it to dry sand, I quietly handed her a candy I’d received earlier from underground city. Chae-a lit up instantly and thanked me.

“Thank you!”

“Sure.”

Seeing Chae-a happy made me happy too. Thinking carrying candy around might be a good idea, I was interrupted when Han Arin lifted me up and announced,

“Tomorrow, the Central Government is giving Ha-eun a present. Want to visit?”

With nothing else planned, I readily agreed.

Han Arin casually mentioned something striking.

“The Elders will be thrilled. Oh, and everyone says they received your letters.”

Hearing this gave me a strange feeling. Like last time during the recital, which felt less like a performance and more like my birthday party…

Maybe this time would be similar?

‘Or am I just imagining things?’

There was no guarantee it would happen again. Maybe it was all in my head.

‘Anyway, I’m excited.’

Anticipating the gift, I curled my tail happily.

*

The next morning, Han Arin woke us up early with an announcement.

“Let’s go to the beauty salon, kids.”

Confused by the mention of a salon—I didn’t recall needing one last time—I tilted my head in confusion.

Before I could fully process it, another shocking suggestion came.

“How about twin tails for Ha-eun?”

Blushing furiously at the embarrassing hairstyle proposal, I prepared to flee immediately.

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