Chapter 127

With Seorin’s frantic shout, many people lined up to receive Chae-a’s foot signature.

Though it felt a bit off, since Chae-a seemed to enjoy it, I decided to let her be.

Chae-a, with paint all over her feet, started giggling as she stepped on the paper atop the desk.

“Chae-a’s footprints are here…!”

Reflecting again, it seemed Chae-a didn’t really understand what a proper signature was.

I wasn’t sure whether I should calm her down or just leave her be when…

Seorin, looking incredibly delighted, showed me Chae-a’s footprint and said,

“Look at this! Chae-a’s footprints are so tiny, aren’t they? They’re absolutely adorable.”

Indeed, they were small and super cute.

As I chuckled while observing them, one of the nearby Hunters spoke softly to me.

“Hae-un, I’d also like her footstamp.”

“…?”

Hearing that, I could only glance sideways with a “muang” expression because, well… getting a footstamp felt kinda embarrassing.

‘Seems a bit out of bounds… Plus, showing bare feet in front of others feels awkward.’

While I fidgeted with my toes in indecision, Seoa suddenly stood up beside me, took off her shoes without hesitation, and began stepping into the paint with her socks still on.

Seeing this, I hesitated, but then Seoa happily stepped onto the nearby papers with a cheerful laugh.

‘Is this okay?’

These visitors came for autographs, after all. Stepping on the paper with socks might create something questionable to call an actual signature, which deviates from the original purpose. I started worrying about this.

However, contrary to my expectations, the crowd around us smiled and gave positive reactions instead.

Realizing that these Hunters weren’t here merely for signatures but to have fun, I changed my mind.

‘If the goal is to enjoy ourselves, there’s no need to focus too much on perfect signatures…’

Deciding not to run away from the embarrassment but to face it head-on (?), I threw off my shoes, joined Chae-a and Seoa on top, and dipped my feet into the paint.

‘Ticklish.’

Thinking that Seoa’s laughter must’ve been due to the ticklish sensation of the paint…

I carefully prepared to stamp my foot on the paper being offered by the fans.

Then Yuna, looking worried, grabbed my hand and said,

“You might fall.”

Apparently, my stance looked unstable.

After thanking Yuna for holding my hand, I slowly stamped my footprint on the paper.

*

While happily stamping footprints and hopping around for quite some time, someone made another suggestion.

“Hae-un, would you mind if we got your tail stamp as well?”

At the mention of a “tail stamp,” I blinked.

Well, how exactly does one stamp with a tail?!

‘Feels more like painting with a brush than stamping…’

Although unsure, now knowing that doing proper signatures isn’t crucial, I figured it’d be best to give the Hunter what they wanted. So I bluntly told my uncooperative tail,

“Arajji? Go ahead!”

Upon hearing this, my tail flicked around, covered itself in paint, and slapped itself onto the paper.

Watching the excited Hunter in front of me, I shook my head, feeling somewhat perplexed, when Chae-a collapsed onto the desk, panting.

“Chae-a’s tired… Like a soaked cotton ball…”

Seeing Chae-a’s amusing state, I chuckled and approached her. Nearby, Seoa suddenly turned to me with a shocked look.

“Onee-sama! Gwaek…! Kumiya!”

Sister… bear?

Did she mean Chae-a collapsing? My language skills are improving, but comprehension remains tough sometimes.

Still, roughly understanding her intent, I nodded, poked Chae-a’s cheek to check if she was alright.

“Still conscious?”

“Umm…”

“Wanna rest?”

Chae-a thought for a moment, shaking her head side-to-side. Looks like she was enjoying the signing session immensely.

Deciding to let her fully enjoy herself, I nodded in agreement.

After rolling around for about an hour, the large crowd had significantly thinned, and our stamina was starting to drain. Lying on the desk, thinking about taking a nap, Seorin gently poked my cheek.

“Shall we wrap it up for today?”

Considering this question briefly, I shook my head. Though I wanted to rest, the Hunters who waited patiently deserved their signatures. It felt right to push through till the end.

‘Let’s keep going a little longer.’

Just as I resolved to finish things up, a somewhat familiar person—no, a dragon—approached with a marble slab.

“For this one, can I get your palm print, footprint, and tail print please?”

“…?”

Looking at Perseus standing boldly, I gave him a slightly dumbfounded expression. Then he added playfully,

“And if possible, maybe a pelvic print as well?”

This made me glance down at my current state. Covered in paint and rather damp, I felt it wouldn’t be appropriate. In this condition, Perseus’ hands would surely get dirty.

Despite my reluctance,

Perseus seemed unconcerned about the paint, calmly wiping it off my cheek while saying,

“By the way, Hae-un, the signatures you’ve done will be shown off to the elders. Please put extra effort into these; it’ll give them more ammunition to tease me.”

“!? ”

“Hohoho, I’m already looking forward to the elders’ expressions.”

Listening to Perseus, I realized why the elders treat him like a kid. With that thought, I proceeded to fulfill his requests one by one.

“Very satisfactory. These will go in my Lair office… though perhaps the treasure vault would be better.”

With each completed piece, Perseus nodded contentedly before carefully collecting them and saying,

“I’ll request more next time.”

“Nyeh…?”

“Yes, see you later.”

Staring blankly at Perseus’ retreating back after he finished speaking, Seorin nearby nodded and smiled faintly.

“Yeah, I think I get the vibe.”

“?…”

Not understanding what vibe meant, I almost asked but thought better of it.

‘Probably shouldn’t ask…’

* * *

After the fan signing ended, we were utterly exhausted.

Even though sleeping sounded tempting, considering the paint soaking into our clothes and clinging to our bodies, we needed to clean up thoroughly.

“Speaking of which, let’s take a bath today. There’s also something I want to try.”

Curious about what Seorin wanted to do, I saw her pull out an old-fashioned towel-made sauna cap.

“Wanna wear this and soak in the tub?”

Though slightly awkward, it didn’t seem difficult, so I nodded and accepted it. Han Arin nearby smirked and informed us,

“Before entering, we need to rinse off lightly first. Everyone, come over here. Seorin, can you help out?”

“Ah, yes!”

With a “hweee” sound, I stumbled around until everything was ready, then immediately entered the bathtub.

The warm, relaxing sensation enveloped me. Feeling oddly ticklish due to its pleasantness, I giggled while watching.

Beside me, Chae-a started making grandmother-like noises.

“Ahgooh, Chae-a’s tired…”

She began tapping her small shoulders while groaning, then turned to Yuna with enthusiasm.

“Yuna’s tired too?”

“Of course. My arms are wobbling.”

“Yep, same here.”

They continued chatting animatedly, sharing mutual understanding.

Watching this peaceful scene, I chuckled quietly. At that moment, Seoa hugged me and murmured something incomprehensible.

“Coo, good. Thanks for today?”

“Huh?”

When I couldn’t fully grasp what Seoa said, Chae-a helpfully translated.

“She says: ‘We worked so hard today!'”

Ah, that’s what she meant.

I praised Seoa by ruffling her hair, expressing that she worked hard too. She looked extremely proud and smiled brightly.

“Haeuni worked hard too. Yuna will praise her.”

Seeing this, Yuna, unwilling to lose, vigorously ruffled my hair and wore a satisfied smile.

Lately, Yuna’s expressions have become more diverse. Thinking that she seemed lighter-hearted lately, I blew bubbles in the water with a happy sigh.

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