Chapter 105

It was described as the World Tree just before blooming, but all I actually saw was a shining flower pot. Of course, the seed was buried in the ground and since we’re so short, all we could see was the side of the pot! So technically, it was the pot that was glowing—but I instinctively knew the World Tree was flowering!

“Why, I don’t know…!”

When asked to explain my gut feeling, it’s like saying “just because?” I somehow instinctively realized the seed was blossoming. Whether it’s from ancient dragon blood running through me or pure intuition, who knows? But what matters is…

“The seed is about to become a sprout!”

I thought happily that I’d gained a new friend and grinned when an odd sensation came from afar.

“What is that?”

Confused by this inexplicable feeling, I tilted my head—then decided to walk toward it, only for Han Arin to stop me, shaking her head as if sensing danger.

“Should we observe a bit more?”

Given her hesitation, there was probably some risk involved, so I nodded, grabbed Chae-a and Yuna’s hands tightly, and waited anxiously.

Just then, the pot cracked with a squelching sound…

“…Mewww!”

Out popped a tiny girl no bigger than Somtul, yelling “Muuu!” We froze, exchanging glances until Chae-a suddenly brightened up.

“Wowwww! It’s a fairy!”

Though unsure if she truly was one, I cautiously approached, thinking she might be similar enough. The little fairy cried “Muuuu!” and promptly clung to my face.

“Ughhh…”

Caught off guard, I quickly calmed down, gently patted her back, and cradled her in my arms while asking:

“Who are you?”

“Muuu!”

“Huh?”

I couldn’t understand her language—it sounded like Somtul’s chirps but different. As I pondered, Somtul appeared, looking sulky after being left behind earlier. She almost body-slammed me but instead licked my leg. An idea struck me: I placed the newborn fairy next to Somtul and asked,

“Somterah, can you understand her?”

(Somtul, can you understand her?)

Somtul blinked at me, then shyly turned to the fairy and began chirping.

“Meww…”

“Piiiii.”

“Muuuu.”

“Piiii!”

Relieved they could communicate, I waited patiently. Meanwhile, Yuna walked over and informed me:

“Sometori seems able to talk to her.”

Indeed, the World Tree had shone on Somtul, and a seed grew from her crown. Perhaps their connection stemmed from that. The fairy smiled at me and clung again.

“She really likes you,” I thought.

Not sure why—whether it was the ancient dragon blood or just first impressions—I cherished the affection and pet her head repeatedly. Somtul spoke up.

“Piiii!” (It’s the World Tree!)

Though everyone already knew, her effort to help me was appreciated. While stroking Somtul, Han Arin approached, deep in thought.

“We should name her, right?”

Her words surprised me. Normally, we’d investigate unknown beings further, but Han Arin had already decided to raise her and was brainstorming names.

“Seoa…” I suggested, combining Seorin and Chae-a’s names.

It felt familial and bonding. Everyone seemed pleased.

“Super cute! Hae-un has a great naming sense!”

Han Arin beamed. Then turning to the fairy:

“From now on, your name is Seoa.”

“Mewm.”

Did she understand? Or mimic us based on our reactions? Either way, she didn’t seem to dislike it, so “Seoa” it was.

“Meow!”

Reflecting, I noted Seoa wasn’t human but the World Tree itself. Though small like Somtul, she looked human but wasn’t quite. This explained why Chae-a called her a fairy.

“But can she stay with us? Shouldn’t the World Tree be protected? And why does she keep saying ‘muuu’? Is it because she emerged through Somtul? Or is she too young?”

So many questions arose. Compared to Chae-a, there were even more due to her small size. Holding her like a kitten, I absentmindedly petted her head when Han Arin spoke.

“Then, let’s play for a bit… Actually, I’ll be right back.”

She must’ve wanted to check something about Seoa. Sending her off with a wave, Chae-a suddenly piped up.

“How about we teach Seoa how to talk?!”

Teach her? Would that work?

Her humanoid appearance made it seem possible, yet watching her slap the floor and cry “Muuu!” suggested otherwise. Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained, so I nodded. Excited, Chae-a fetched a picture book.

“I’ll teach you! Do you want to learn?”

“Muu?”

“Yes! First, say this!”

“Mewww.”

It seemed half-understood, half-not. Sitting cross-legged, I watched as Yuna offered me a cushion.

“Good girls sit here. Come on.”

She seated me proudly beside her. Watching Chae-a struggle to read—her literacy skills being limited—I intervened. Pointing at the cover:

“The Three Bears.”

“Yay, Yuna’s so smart!”

Thrilled, Yuna wagged her tail against my cheek. Just then, Seoa mimicked surprisingly well:

“Smart! Mew? Bear!”

Though clumsy, she showed potential. Turning the page revealed a warm scene of bears sharing honey.

As I prepared to read, Seoa spotted the honey, her eyes sparkling. She reached out, pretending to scoop it into her mouth!

“?!”

Thinking she mistook the book for reality, I tried stopping her—but she interpreted my action as “give me some!” Instead, she mimed offering me honey.

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