Chapter 108

Anyway, now that we’ve uncovered the truth of the matter, we decided it’s about time we head home.

I’m nestled in Seorin’s arms, humming thoughtfully as I drift deeper into contemplation…

Seorin looks at me and giggles with a “Heehee,” then pokes my cheek playfully before speaking up.

“What’re you thinking so hard about?”

“Not thinking about anything!”

“Is that so?”

In reality, I was deep in thought about what to do with all these ghostly Somtuls that have multiplied. But deciding it’d be better to discuss this when Han Arin arrives tomorrow morning, I pushed the topic aside for now.

Still feeling the sensation of fingers pressed against my cheek, I give an awkward smile as Seorin beams at me brightly.

“Wasn’t it fun?”

“…Mmm!”

Realizing she’s right—this was actually quite fun—I nod happily in agreement.

*

The next morning, we gathered together for what could only be described as a family meeting.

“This is our first meeting! The title… What should we do with the ghostly Somteries?”

Yuna, still not quite grasping the concept of a “topic,” announces the meeting title with gusto. We sit around, falling into deep thought after her declaration.

After about 10 minutes of pondering, Han Arin speaks up first.

“Why don’t we just all live together at home? If space gets tight, we can always move to a bigger place.”

At Han Arin’s suggestion—coming from one of the richest among the rich—I’m slightly taken aback. But before I can react further, Chae-a, sitting beside me, stands up confidently with a grin.

“Yes! Chae-a can carry heavy things! So moving will be no problem!”

“That’s impressive, Chae-a!”

“Yes!”

Han Arin seizes the moment, enthusiastically patting Chae-a on the head while boosting her morale. Chae-a beams proudly, clearly delighted by the praise, standing tall and ready.

Watching their interaction, I chuckle softly before deciding it’s best to steer the meeting back on track. Clearing the air, I bring up the next point.

“Well, anyway, my Lair seems empty lately, doesn’t it? How about letting the ghostly Somteries stay there?”

The ghostly Somtuls were created to protect Seoa. While it makes sense for them to stay near her, their preference for my Lair suggests it’s an ideal environment for them.

‘It’s definitely not because the ghostly Somtuls said they like my Lair…’

Regardless, imagining my usually quiet Lair bustling with life appeals to me. With considerable bias in my tone, I make my case. Everyone nods in agreement.

“Hmm… Good! Fluffy!”

Does that mean everyone agrees?

Though I harbor slight doubts, I decide good vibes are good vibes.

Next, Seorin steps forward, sharing her thoughts.

“As Hae-un suggested, let the ghostly Somtuls stay in the Lair but bring only the ones with flowers on their heads for communication purposes.”

“That does sound reasonable.”

“Piiiii?”

Somtul, seemingly confused by the situation, hops around expressing its bewilderment.

To calm it down, I gently stroke its head before continuing.

“So, shall we go see the ghostly Somteries?”

We decide to introduce the ghostly Somtuls to everyone else as we head toward my Lair.

*

“Wowww! There are so many Somteries!”

Upon arriving at my Lair, Chae-a excitedly scans the area, thrilled by the sight of her favorite things gathered in one spot. Meanwhile, I call out to gather the ghostly Somtuls.

“Somteries, over here!”

At my command, the first real Somtul leaps up with a “Pii!” and clings to me. Holding it close, I slowly introduce everyone to the approaching ghostly Somtuls.

“These are the Somteries, this is Chae-a, this is Yuna…”

Once introductions are complete, I lift Seoa—who’s been quietly sucking her thumb—and address her.

“Seoa, these ghostly Somteries are here to protect you!”

“Koom…?”

“Yes. Like a big bear!”

At the mention of a ‘big bear,’ Seoa lights up with excitement, giggling gleefully.

As I feel relieved that Seoa likes the ghostly Somtuls, Han Arin picks one up and comments.

“They look exactly like regular Somtuls, except they’re cold.”

“Piiik!”

“And they get upset just like regular ones too.”

“Piiyak!”

Watching the ghostly Somtul puff up its fur and chirp angrily, I giggle. A sudden idea strikes me, and I bring the real Somtul over to stand in front of the ghostly one.

‘How will they react to each other?’

Will the real Somtul like its spectral counterpart? Or reject it as something strange?

I hope for the former as I watch intently. After staring silently for a moment…

“Piiing? Piii!”

The real Somtul reacts with delight, licking the ghostly Somtul’s fur enthusiastically.

After a while, the real Somtul tires and emits a small “Piiip” sound, trying to communicate something to me.

“Pii! Piii!” (It seems sick! Its body is cold!)

Listening to this, Seorin gently strokes the ghostly Somtul’s head to correct the misunderstanding.

“It’s not sick. It’s naturally cold.”

Hearing this, Chae-a suddenly claps her hands, realizing something important.

“Chae-a understands! It’s snow!”

“Snow?”

“Yes! Snow is naturally cold!”

Yuna nods in agreement, chiming in.

“In that case, maybe we should call them Snowfluffs instead of Somteries.”

“Snowfluffs? That sounds kind of like snowflakes.”

Deciding the name Snowfluff fits rather well, I announce we’ll use it going forward, sharing the decision with everyone.

“Snowfluff… Shorten it to Fluff… Maybe just call them Som?”

“Som sounds cute.”

“Som! Baby Koom?”

Thus, the ghostly Somtuls officially become known as Soms.

We confirm with the ghostly Somtuls if they approve of the name, and they respond joyfully by hopping around and chirping.

“Waaaah! They’re Som!”

Chae-a absolutely adores the new name, repeating “Som! Som! Som!” with glee while skipping around. I join in, laughing and calling out the name as well.

*

When things settle down a bit, I ask the numerous Soms about their abilities.

“Pii? Pii!” (We’re amazing!)

Apparently learning the phrase from Chae-a, they hop around excitedly, shouting about how incredible they are. When I press for specifics, they simply reply with “Amazing!” leaving me none the wiser.

‘Guess we’ll figure it out as we go.’

Since it wasn’t urgent, I let it slide for now, turning my gaze to my Lair. Lately, living in a proper house has made my Lair seem rather shabby by comparison.

‘And it feels a little cramped too.’

It used to be fine, but with all the Soms moving in, the space feels tight. Reflecting on how much I’ve grown since then, I realize it’s time to expand my Lair once again.

‘With all the new abilities I’ve gained, I can create something truly spectacular this time!’

Determined to incorporate the tastes of Chae-a, Yuna, and Seoa, I declare my intention.

“Let’s expand the Lair!”

Yuna is the most excited, vigorously nodding and listing off everything she wants included in the expanded Lair.

“Like this huge teddy bear uncle!”

Confused by the term “teddy bear uncle,” I glance over to see Yuna pointing at a distant convenience store.

“Ohhh…!”

Looking closer, I spot a giant, fluffy white teddy bear sitting outside the convenience store. Clearly drawn to its warmth and fluffiness, Yuna must have wanted it added. Agreeing, I decide to include the bear.

With Yuna looking incredibly happy, I turn to Chae-a and Seoa to ask if they have any requests.

Chae-a strokes Seoa’s head thoughtfully before making a suggestion.

“Chae-a wants a playground!”

“A playground?”

“Yes! It’ll be fun to play together!”

Accepting her suggestion, I nod. Next, Seoa waves her tiny hands eagerly.

“Somi! Koom!”

Unfortunately, Seoa’s meaning remains unclear, so I simply nod along. Figuring she’ll clarify later if needed, I decide to focus on expanding the Lair starting today.

‘First, I should consult the core that forms the basis of my Lair.’

Approaching the core I received as a gift earlier, I express my desire to expand further. It asks how I’d like to proceed.

Glancing around briefly, inspiration strikes.

‘What about expanding downward?’

A basement! Though basements tend to be damp, poorly lit, and lack ventilation, they hold a certain charm that sparks my imagination. Suddenly, the idea of creating a basement captures my fancy.

Before I can voice this thought, I check if it’s possible. Happily, the answer comes back affirmative.

‘Then let’s create a basement and design it like a cozy home!’

Thinking ahead, I imagine hosting a housewarming party once everything’s finished. I resolve to invite the Elder Dragons and Grandma Leseia later.