Chapter 101

The act of choosing is quite a cruel thing.

After all, it’s about excluding one possibility by selecting another.

That’s probably why so many people procrastinate making that final choice.

In a situation where you have to choose between two options, you don’t want to give up either, so you end up doing such things.

I was like that too.

Returning to Earth or regaining my emotions.

Perhaps…

If I hadn’t had the System skill, I might have just kept agonizing over it and wasting time.

The stress of having to make a decision.

And the fact that no matter what I did, I would lose something.

When the thought of gaining from a choice is overshadowed by the feeling of losing something, choosing becomes an incredibly difficult task.

Had I chosen to return to Earth, I think building this kind of relationship with them would have been very hard.

Choosing that path would’ve been akin to erasing emotional exchanges and any hopeful future prospects.

On the other hand, if I had chosen to retain my emotions, the System would gradually fade away.

The path back to Earth would be erased, leaving me as a permanent resident here.

Thus, the System wouldn’t support me but rather slowly vanish like being erased.

Knowing both outcomes was thanks to the memories and experiences of my shadow.

That deep, sorrowful emotion that washes over me—the fact that the shadow had failed.

It was a pity.

Though I claim to have risen above it as a lesson, without the System skill, I might’ve spent a long time deliberating on this issue.

You could call it good luck.

If luck counts as skill, then maybe it can be seen that way too.

The morning is awakened by the gentle urging of the spirits.

A soft plea: “Let us play in the dirt; please open the door.”

Buying seeds for the spirits to play with caused my level, which had been stuck at Beginner 9, to finally reach Intermediate 1.

[System has reached Intermediate Level 1! Please select your effect!]

[1. 10% discount on System items.]

[2. Easier achievement conditions.]

There’s no need to worry about such things now.

Since I could gain all effects regardless of what I chose.

Of course, if I absolutely had to choose, I might have gone with option 1.

After all, in a situation where there are constant expenses, a 10% discount is practically equivalent to a 10% increase in income.

For expenditures in the millions, it would mean suddenly gaining tens of thousands of gold.

With a finger press, I confirm my selection.

The options disappear smoothly.

After the choices fade, the scene isn’t a pristine white dream but the cozy autumn-scented interior of a home.

Together with Anne and Evangelin’s unique fragrances lingering softly.

It’s unfamiliar but even more welcoming.

“Hmm…”

A slight warmth.

My mental horizons expand.

The experience and knowledge gained from the skill jumping levels.

It was quite new.

The scope of what could be utilized.

How it could be applied.

The specialness granted by the System skill.

Combat, farming, fishing, logging, mining, magic—and yet another kind of knowledge greets me.

I grip my head slightly as it throbs.

Not enough to need defensive buffs or painkillers, but the dull ache is pretty intense.

It wasn’t enough to make me scream and writhe in agony, though.

Just the common headache one feels when catching a cold.

Thanks to my strengthened body, this kind of pain doesn’t last long, which is a nice perk.

Even in growth, there are moments like these to feel it.

“Chirp!”

Suri flies over, noticing my grimaced expression, and toddles across the bed.

Her slightly curved eyes show concern.

They say animals with emotional intelligence are perceptive—indeed, it seems true.

Just a brief frown causes Suri to subtly nuzzle against me affectionately.

Gently raising my hand, I stroke her forehead.

The spirits’ expressions remain ever the same.

≧∇≦

Excitedly.

Expectantly, ready to dig into the mud and play.

Every morning begins with their innocent joy, naturally bringing a smile to my face.

“Minho…?”

“You’re awake?”

Maybe due to the commotion.

Anne rubs her sleepy eyes and gets up, golden hair flowing down.

How does she maintain such soft locks?

Curiosity piques.

“Just a little longer…”

“Alright.”

Yawning tiredly, she buries her head into the pillow.

Mumbling something incoherently in her drowsy state.

I simply pat her head once to conclude her murmurs.

“Good morning.”

Evangelin appears quite refreshed.

Perhaps her health is excellent.

Vitality radiates clearly from her face.

“Are you awake?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll be back shortly.”

“Yes. I’ll prepare breakfast.”

“Okay. Take your time; it won’t be quick anyway.”

“Understood.”

Softly.

In peaceful tones, she smiles before I rise from bed.

They say the pull of a bed is like a black hole, hard to escape.

At least for Anne, it seems fitting.

As soon as the door opens, the spirits pop out excitedly.

Despite the morning, the weather remains gloomy.

Dark clouds cover the sky entirely.

Gray storm clouds.

The impending rain starts just as Suri perches on my shoulder.

Plop—

Drip—

It was autumn’s first late rain.

Naturally, someone comes to mind when it rains.

Isn’t that proof that I’ve fully integrated into this world?

Fluttering golden hair.

Trembling fearfully.

Anne.

Still asleep, so she should be fine.

Thinking that, I check on the morning chores.

Even with the rain, the fairies continue tending the farm without hesitation.

If this keeps up, the field might grow to the size of a soccer field.

If selling to others proves difficult, I can always sell to the System.

Since there’s a shop capable of handling infinite quantities at slightly lower prices.

Having a place that can absorb our produce no matter how much we grow is truly a blessing.

Meaning expanding without much thought is perfectly fine.

Especially since the uncontrollable fairies are already spreading the fields themselves.

Looking at the workbench.

Checking on the livestock.

Once those tasks are roughly done, I hurry back inside.

Since I promised to stay with her when it rains, breaking that promise isn’t an option.

“Master.”

A pleasant smell wafts through the air.

Could she remember my comment about wanting pancakes or savory pancakes on rainy days?

Evangelin is frying something large, oil sizzling and turning golden.

Whatever it is will be revealed at the dining table later, but I turn my gaze to the bed.

Snoring softly.

Seeing Anne sleep peacefully, the slight tension melts away.

As long as there’s no lightning, everything should be fine.

“I’m almost done preparing breakfast, so I’ll wake Jack and Anne.”

“I’ll wake Anne.”

“Yes.”

Gently stroking Anne’s hair, I sit beside the bed.

“Mm…”

“Time to get up. We need to eat.”

“Mm-hmm…”

Is she mumbling in her sleep?

She partially opens her eyes, then closes them again, sticking out her lips.

“I’ll get up if you kiss me.”

Then beams cutely, giggling softly—it’s so typical of Anne.

Now there’s no reason to hesitate.

Peck.

“Ew.”

“Get up.”

“Mm-hmm!”

Eyes fluttering open, she freezes momentarily like stunned, then draws an enchanting smile as she springs out of bed.

“It’s raining…”

“Want to stay inside today?”

“Mm-hmm.”

Though she seems a bit deflated, this isn’t something anyone else should interfere with.

“Evie! Did you sleep well?”

“Of course. Did you, Anne?”

“Mm-hmm!”

Evangelin greets Anne, taking Jack’s hand and leading him to the table.

A meal shared by four.

Even if it’s a bit greasy in the morning, if it tastes good, that’s all that matters.

Today’s menu: seafood pancake.

With side dishes of acorn jelly and tofu kimchi.

Surprisingly finding such bouncy foods here fills me with fresh appreciation.

Experiencing Korean cuisine in the medieval era is, in a way, luxurious.

I once mentioned wanting to try this food, giving several recipes to Evangelin.

It was a small notebook listing various Korean dishes and cooking methods.

Whenever I see those dishes appear on the table, I feel proud.

“Delicious!”

“Finish eating first.”

Anne happily exclaims how tasty it is while chewing.

After finishing the meal, Jack dashes outside regardless of the rain.

To play with the spirits in the greenhouse.

Once Evangelin sends Jack off with a slightly worried look, the day’s calm begins.

Normally, I’d go outside to work or wander around looking for tasks, but today it’s raining, so staying indoors and resting is appropriate—for Anne’s sake.

Tap-tap.

The light tapping sound of rain hitting the house drifts in quietly through the window.

Sitting on the couch, Anne quietly leans her head on my shoulder.

“Hey.”

“Yeah?”

“I dislike rainy days. And still, thunderstorms too.”

“Uh-huh.”

While saying that, she absentmindedly starts playing with my hand.

“But…”

She pauses, a moment of silence passes.

The faint sound of rain.

Its irregular rhythm slowly fills the house.

“Good memories are starting to form.”

Anne grips my hand a little tighter.

Soft touch.

The warm sensation of pale fingers interlacing.

“Rainy days used to always be unpleasant, but maybe they’re changing a bit.”

Speaking softly like that, she looks up at me.

Her bright, round eyes meet mine.

I realize I’m forever bound by the promise to stay with her on rainy days.

“Thank goodness.”

“Yeah. Truly.”

Until Evangelin brings warm tea, our quiet connection continues.

Of course…

The moment the thunder strikes, Anne’s calm shatters abruptly.

It seems enduring this is still beyond her.

“Aaaahh!”

Covering her mouth mid-scream, she bows her head deeply.

Evangelin looks on with concern.

“I hate thunder…”

Carrying Anne, who hums softly and curls up, back to bed.

Restoration is priority right now.

The rain grows stronger.

A faint magical barrier blocks out the thunder near the bed.

An almost invisible soundproof wall that barely whispers its presence.

“Woo. It’s so quiet here. I like it.”

Smiling brightly as soon as she lies down on the bed.

Though it’s not ideal to lie down right after eating, it should be fine for just one day.

Evangelin also lies beside Anne, chatting with her.

Watching from a step behind, I feel oddly satisfied.

Their harmonious relationship seems perfect.

Worries about it falling apart were unfounded, which makes me even happier.

The term “post-meal drowsiness” exists for a reason.

Anne drifts off to sleep, and Evangelin rises from the bed to approach me.

“Will you stay home today?”

“Yeah.”

“Then…”

Evangelin takes my hand and leads me somewhere.

The kitchen.

“Would you mind watching me cook a little? There are so many recipes.”

Then she sticks out her tongue shyly.

Who could refuse helping Evangelin with her bashful smile?

“Of course.”

Evangelin flips open the notebook and asks about points she’s curious about.

The knowledge and experience from my Cooking skill are useful to her, which makes me quite happy.

Even though she usually handles things efficiently, seeing her eager improvement stirs ambition within me.

Our Evangelin is getting better at cooking, so talented.

Opening a shop to showcase this talent someday.

When the time comes, I’ll carefully bring it up.

“This is done like this…”

Evangelin focuses on cooking.

We’ll think about the next steps later.

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