Chapter 130

It goes without saying that Chae-a, who speaks so well and acts so maturely, is often forgotten to be a very young spirit beast. Though it’s tricky to compare spirit beasts to human ages… even with that in mind, she’s still incredibly new to this world, which means it’s only natural she doesn’t understand the etiquette or social norms of human society.

“Apparently, even ancient spirits who’ve lived for eons don’t fully grasp some things…”

Sometimes she does strange things, but usually, she’s so good at everything that I can’t help but think how amazing she is. As I ponder whether I should tell her to spit it out or just ignore it, I watch her fumbling around.

“What should we do?”

Objectively speaking, that “ant” is probably not an actual ant but another spirit beast, meaning it likely has high intelligence and wouldn’t give her anything harmful.

“But… the problem is that it fell on the ground.”

The fact that an “ant” gave her food is enough to make anyone uneasy. While I’m debating what to do, Grandma Leseia gently tries to pry open Chae-a’s mouth, but she shakes her head vigorously and whines.

“No! It’s mine!”

Her words are even more slurred than usual since her mouth is being held. Unsure if I should tell her to spit it out or pretend I didn’t see, I hesitate. Then Grandma Leseia, clearly shocked, pleads with her.

“If you spit it out, I’ll buy you as many snacks as you want! Please, spit it out!”

“But it’s mine! Ant-nii gave it to me!”

“Even that spirit beast ‘Ant-nii’ will get his own treats from Grandma, so please, just spit it out!”

I’ve never seen Grandma Leseia so flustered before. Curious about this unusual situation, I decide to help by slowly approaching Chae-a and whispering something.

“If you eat that, a scary wolf uncle will come out at night and go ‘RAWR!’”

Hearing this, Chae-a spits out the snack dramatically, clearly shaken by the memory of the holographic storybook (The Three Little Pigs) we watched last time. As I clean her drooling mouth with a handkerchief, Grandma Leseia sighs in relief.

“Phew, thank goodness…”

Truthfully, eating it wouldn’t have caused any major issues, but Grandma Leseia seems genuinely relieved. After reassuring Chae-a that nothing bad will happen now that she spat it out, I pat her head, and she lets out a relieved laugh.

“Still, it’s good that everything turned out fine.”

While Grandma Leseia might see things differently, I figure everything ended well and smile awkwardly.

* * *

Afterward, we strolled around various places before returning to the association. Despite a few incidents, it was a fulfilling walk, and we were all quite satisfied. Just then, Yuna wags her tail happily and says:

“It was fun walking with Grandma Leseia.”

Grandma Leseia, surprised that Yuna could act so cute, picks her up and beams with joy. Watching this heartwarming scene, I feel content and decide it’s time to sign and stamp for Grandma Leseia.

“I must do my best this time.”

Though I did sign and stamp carefully last time, I let my energy drop halfway through, leaving me unsatisfied. Determined to finish without regrets this time, I prepare the paper and pen when…

“Sign here, please.”

She hands me an incredibly fancy board, its elegance practically screaming its high price. Unsure if it’s appropriate to sign or stamp on such a valuable item, I hesitate—but Grandma Leseia encourages us all, including Chae-a, Yuna, and Seoa, to leave our marks too.

“Well… if Grandma says so…”

Thinking I can erase it later if needed, I proceed to sign and leave paw prints, handprints, and footprints.

“Hmm, perfect.”

As each child adds their mark, Grandma Leseia grows visibly pleased, nodding approvingly. Feeling glad she’s happy, I smile warmly.

*

As everyone knows, Grandma Leseia herself is a force to be reckoned with. Not long after receiving her keepsake, she returned to her lair. Feeling a bit sad that she left earlier than expected, I sit there lost in thought until Yuna comforts me by petting my head.

Deciding it’s time to focus on tasks, I consider teaching Chae-a and Seoa some basics.

“Maybe I should teach them while there’s time?”

Yuna, sharp as ever, would learn on her own, but Chae-a and Seoa need guidance. With that decision made, I ponder how best to approach it.

“First off… I should teach kindly and make it fun!”

Though kindness is secondary, making it enjoyable requires effort and talent, giving me pause. Still, I resolve to try my best and start with basic etiquette.

“I’ll teach you guys something.”

Uncertain how to phrase things, I summon the courage to begin, drawing the kids toward me.

“Yes! What will Haeuni teach?”

Pointing to the nearby playroom, I declare my intention to educate them, holding up a fallen cookie as an example.

“Here’s a question: If a snack falls like this, should you eat it or not?”

With confidence, Chae-a raises her hand and answers.

“I know! You should eat it quickly before other bugs do!”

Her certainty almost makes me agree. Catching myself, I clear my throat and correct her.

“That’s wrong!”

Chae-a looks utterly shocked, blinking repeatedly before questioning me.

“But if you don’t eat it fast, the bugs will! Why shouldn’t I eat it quickly?”

Pointing to the floor, I explain.

“The floor is dirty, so you shouldn’t eat things off it.”

Confused, she stares blankly at me. Realizing I need to explain why the floor is dirty, I continue.

“There might be germs or viruses on the floor, so eating things off it could make your tummy hurt.”

They tilt their heads, unsure what germs or viruses are. As I ponder how to explain further, Seoa asks hesitantly.

“Aah… scarier than a wolf?”

Interpreting for Seoa, Chae-a clarifies.

“Seoa wants to know if it’s scarier than a wolf.”

Nodding gravely, I deliver the shocking truth.

“Yes, much scarier than a hundred wolves.”

Chae-a and Seoa gasp, covering their mouths in terror. They crouch down, counting on their fingers anxiously.

“A hundred wolves? We can’t even count that high…”

Whispering together, they conclude.

“So scary…”

To calm them, I pat their backs reassuringly.

“As long as you don’t eat things off the floor, you’ll be safe!”

Relieved, they nod vigorously. Satisfied they’ve learned not to eat things off the floor, I grin.

“Next, I should teach table manners…”

Noticing Chae-a and Seoa sometimes eat with their hands, I decide to address that next. Just as I’m preparing to dive into the lesson, Yuna raises her hand.

“Haeuni shouldn’t eat either. Right?”

Confused why she’d say that while I’m teaching, I simply shrug it off. As I glance away, I notice Seorin secretly taking pictures.

Caught staring, Seorin gives an awkward laugh and vanishes like a ghost.

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