Chapter 118

Previously, the place where I had received an award felt somewhat desolate for reasons unknown.

In contrast, the scenery outside resembled a vibrant festival, appearing even more splendid and lively.

Staring blankly at this scene—a stark contrast to what I’d seen earlier—I was suddenly called by one of the elders waving their hand at me.

“Whew, our little one must be tired. Come here, dear, and have some delicious food?”

Entranced, I started walking toward them before snapping back to reality mid-step, frantically rubbing my cheeks.

It wasn’t for any particular reason—just that showing up with my twin tails made me unbearably self-conscious.

*”I might just faint from embarrassment!”*

My face wasn’t just warm—it felt like it was on fire! Part of me wanted to hide behind a rock or tuck my face into my tail, but doing so would likely result in Han Arin swooping me up, declaring how adorable I was, and parading me around to everyone…

So, pretending everything was fine, I approached the elders.

“The heavens! Hae-un has styled her hair into twin tails!”

“My goodness, who does she take after to be so lovely?”

“Obviously me, right? Isn’t that true, Hae-un?”

As soon as I got close, the elders surrounded me, showering me with compliments. Feeling both happy and slightly flustered, I hugged my tail and chuckled nervously. Meanwhile, Chae-a—who had been trailing behind me—spoke up proudly.

“Ma-za…! Haeuni is the cutest in the whole world! Super pretty and super amazing!”

Each compliment from Chae-a made me blush harder.

But since they were all meant kindly, I forced myself to smile awkwardly while stammering. Then, one elder gently stroked my hair and said,

“The cutest, prettiest, and most incredible Hae-un. This old grandma prepared some food specially for you—won’t you try it?”

I thought I might pass out from sheer embarrassment… Sniffling softly, I nodded, and the elder picked me up carefully.

“Oh my, you’re so light! Hae-un, are they not feeding you properly at the association?”

Why do the elder dragons always comment on how thin I am every time we meet?

Though I *am* on the thinner side… still, hearing it repeatedly feels a bit odd. Blinking rapidly, I shook my head no, but the elder only looked worried.

“Is that so? Even so, you’re awfully skinny… This won’t do. I’ll pay the association a visit and give them a piece of my mind…”

“Ga…gan-chana yo.”

“You’re such a kind soul, aren’t you? Who did you inherit your beauty from?”

“Grandma…”

“From me, you say? Hehe, isn’t that right? Look, Hae-un takes after me!”

Though I call them Grandma and Grandpa, these elder dragons actually look like they’re in their mid-20s to early 30s, making the titles feel a bit off.

At first, I wondered if calling them “brother” or “sister” might’ve been more appropriate, but sensing that they prefer being called Grandma and Grandpa, I’ve stuck with those titles.

While dangling limply in the elder’s arms, I swayed slightly when Yuna waved at me from below, wagging her tail.

Thinking she probably noticed I looked lonely hanging there, I waved back hesitantly. At that moment, Han Arin spoke up.

“Ah, now that I think of it, I haven’t shown you the gift yet. Here, Hae-un, this is a present from Central Government—they said it’s a thank-you for you.”

Hearing this, I glanced at what Han Arin held out—a small staff appeared before my eyes.

Could it really be…? As I reached out to grab it, Han Arin grinned mischievously.

“So, Hae-un, does this make you an official mage now?”

Thinking I never imagined receiving such a magnificent staff, I blinked in awe when Han Arin began explaining its significance.

“That staff is crafted from World Tree’s branch—the one with the highest mana concentration. And inside it, S-rank mana stones have been condensed and embedded, making it one of the finest wands in existence today.”

“Huh…?”

Even though I don’t know much about this field, just hearing Han Arin explain makes me realize how extraordinary this item truly is.

Still blinking in disbelief, I glanced over to find the elders smiling warmly.

“Not to brag, but this old geezer pulled some strings.”

“No, Hae-un, it was this grandma who did most of the work!”

“Tsk, you old folks are just trying to claim credit because you wanted Hae-un to receive something nice. Honestly, why doesn’t she get to bask in the glory?”

What exactly is this “basking in the glory” they keep mentioning…? Still confused, I blinked again when suddenly Seoa let out a startled shriek and clung tightly to Chae-a.

The loud noise drew everyone’s attention, and Seoa mumbled something about being scared before burying her face in Chae-a’s back.

“What could possibly scare her?”

Before anyone could figure it out, Seorin offered an explanation.

“Um… Since Seoa is also connected to the World Tree, maybe she’s frightened because the staff was made from cutting a branch off the World Tree?”

Upon hearing this, the elders, including myself and Seorin, exchanged shocked expressions simultaneously.

Indeed, none of us had anticipated this reaction, leaving us all stunned.

While exchanging concerned glances about how to comfort Seoa, Chae-a unexpectedly resolved the situation effortlessly.

“Don’t worry! The branches grow back, so Seoa should be fine too!”

“Really? Thank goodness!”

Although I found the reassurance oddly brutal, Seoa seemed satisfied with Chae-a’s words and smiled happily.

Deciding it was best not to question it further, I shrugged.

“I guess if Seoa says it’s okay, then it must be…”

Just as I was about to return the staff to Han Arin due to its questionable origins, Seoa approached me and said something.

“Aa!”

Not understanding what she meant, I tilted my head curiously until Chae-a interpreted for her.

“Yeah. Seoa thinks it’s okay for Haeuni to use the staff!”

This left me momentarily stunned. If I were in Seoa’s position, I’d probably refuse outright due to discomfort—but seeing her approval made me hesitate.

“Mo-moya…”

Seoa gave me a confident grin, signaling her consent.

Realizing her maturity despite her young appearance, I thanked her sincerely and gripped the staff firmly.

“I’ll treasure it.”

Gently stroking the staff, I smiled brightly.

—

Afterward, we continued visiting the elders to greet them.

Every time I encountered one, I relived the embarrassing moments involving letters I’d written in the past—a feeling akin to someone proudly flaunting my deeply cringeworthy diary entries.

“Eeeeeeeeee…”

Lately, I’ve been losing control of my emotions far too often, letting out random “Heheh~” sounds.

Amidst my dazed state, one elder asked me for a favor.

“Hae-un, could you also pose as a flower girl for this old man?”

Upon hearing this, the surrounding elders shot sharp glares at the one who requested it, voicing their protests.

“Hae-un—we agreed not to engage in actions violating the treaty, didn’t we, Renne?”

“If I were only 100 years younger, I’d teach that scoundrel a lesson!”

“Tch. The code of chivalry has fallen to ruin!”

Confused by their strange remarks, I decided it was best to intervene quickly.

“I-I’ll do it for all the other grandmas and grandpas too…! Please stop fighting!”

In my haste, my speech came out jumbled, but I couldn’t afford to bow my head now—it would invalidate my desperate plea. So, I maintained a stiff posture despite my trembling hands.

Seeing this, the elders gathered around me with delighted smiles.

“Hmm…?”

The instant I noticed this, I realized I’d fallen into their trap—but the seasoned power players showed no intention of letting me go. Instead, they lined up promptly.

“Hae-un, these days there’s something called ‘selfies,’ right? Could you take one with this grandma?”

“Nye…?”

“Our darling granddaughter is so cute! Thank you so much. Now, could you please look this way and strike a pose for an appearance check?”

“App-appearance check…?”

“Yes, well done. I’ll post it on Insta later, so be sure to check it out.”

“?!?!?”

Honestly, I have no idea what’s happening anymore.

Overwhelmed by confusion, I eventually lost consciousness…

—

And so, the day unfolded amidst laughter, surprises, and endless flattery.

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