Chapter 133

“Welcome back, Master?”

A clear voice greeted me with a red hue.

Her elegant attire remained unchanged as ever.

The calm my heart finds in her voice is nothing but a conditioned reflex.

“Ah, you’re here!”

A vibrant golden tone filled with lively cheer.

Evangelin’s voice brings a different kind of mental ease.

“Was everything alright?”

Even though it was late at night, was she waiting for me?

Suri is sleeping, and Yul and Jack have been out cold for hours.

Anne and Evangelin rub their eyes as they approach me, having waited patiently despite their fatigue.

Where could a man find such dedication not to fall for?

“Everything was fine.”

“Thank goodness.”

Of course, I know the meaning behind their greeting.

I wished it would stay unnoticed, but somehow, word about the noble banquet near the capital inevitably reached them.

Still, they trustingly believe my safe return without any issues.

Gently embracing me, they welcome me back with warmth.

“For now, let’s sleep.”

“That sounds good.”

“Uh-huh.”

Late at night.

Our softly whispered words faintly illuminate the room.

As the night deepens, we drift off into slumber…

Such comfort naturally eases the tension built up in our bodies.

* * *

“Hey!”

Before I even open my eyes, a child’s voice greets me.

Yul’s joy fills my ears.

“Dad!”

“Hm?”

“Mom says breakfast is ready downstairs!”

Yul’s way of addressing us has settled into “Dad” and “Mom.”

While “Mom” came easily, “Dad” wasn’t so quick to be bestowed upon me.

Though I felt a bit hurt inside, when that barrier finally broke during our travels, the sense of accomplishment was immense.

Though not bound by blood, we share a bond of affection similar to family.

It’s a word brimming with pride and responsibility.

“Will you come with me?”

“Ye-ah!”

Yul still struggles with pronouncing “L.”

Instead of “Yes,” it comes out closer to “Yeh.”

But it’s adorable, so who cares?

As I rise and move, Suri flutters over and clings to my shoulder with a soft chirp.

She nuzzles my cheek like a tantrum for being gone, seeking affection.

Knowing this is her way of asking for love, I gladly stroke her feathers.

Her familiar gesture makes me incredibly happy.

Who knew returning from pointless struggles and uncomfortable places to something familiar could feel this good?

Thinking to myself, problems are always made by people, I head downstairs to the kitchen attached to our quarters.

Though smaller than a house kitchen, Evan has always managed to create delicious meals even in less-than-ideal travel conditions.

And with the ingredients always prepared, enjoying Korean-style dishes even on unfamiliar journeys is a big advantage.

Now, the ladies and the child have adapted to this diet without needing constant requests.

“Ba-ba! Want me to feed you?”

In the usual manner, Anne and Evangelin feed Yul by spooning rice and side dishes into his mouth like a baby bird.

Learning from this, Yul now wants to do the same for us.

It’s precious, so no one stops him as we smile warmly.

Not even Jack can resist the cuteness of a child.

“Aaa~”

Yul’s spoon first heads toward me.

Surprisingly, he chose me over the ladies, making me react a little late.

Opening my mouth slightly tardy, I accept the food he offers.

Somehow, the meal tastes better because Yul gave it to me.

“It’s delicious.”

“Right? It tastes better because Yul gave it!”

“Exactly. It’s tastier because Yul made it.”

“Hehe.”

Beaming happiness.

Now it was my turn.

After exchanging once, Yul looks for another target—Anne.

Then, after feeding Anne, it’s Evangelin’s turn.

“Last one, I’ll make it extra special!”

Even though it’s her turn last, Evangelin smiles and nods at Yul’s cute offer.

“Thank you.”

“Yeh!”

A single child can bring so much happiness.

Having already concluded long ago, I take pride in a choice I will never regret.

When time passes and another child joins us, it too will surely become a source of immense joy.

I naturally start thinking about how to be a good father.

Though new to the role, I want to be Superman-like perfection to my child.

After finishing breakfast, we tidy up the quarters.

Though the staff will clean up later, there’s beauty in leaving a place tidy after departure.

I believe these small actions contribute to good character and positive thinking for Yul’s emotional education.

“Why aren’t there horses?”

“This is a silent carriage.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“No ‘clip-clop’ sound?”

“Did you miss that sound?”

“No, silence is better.”

With a swift turn of his head, Yul snuggles into Anne’s arms and hops into the carriage.

A horseless carriage.

Though its design lacks the finesse of an automobile, it fits within the realm of acceptable magic-powered transportation.

Factoring in costs, labor, and technology, using horses is far more economical.

With proper modifications to the carriage, magical advantages outweigh the need to eliminate horses entirely.

For me, it was purely experimental curiosity and drive.

“Thank you for all your hard work.”

Taking advantage of Anne entering, Evangelin gives me a quick peck on the cheek.

The touch leaves a faint pink peach scent lingering.

As always, her cheeks flush afterward, making her irresistibly cute.

“Thanks to you.”

Wrapping my arm around her waist, we enter the carriage.

Thus begins our journey back home with five humans and one screech owl.

Excited anticipation radiates from Yul as he grips his fists tightly, staring intently out the window at the passing scenery.

“Trees are zooming past!”

The faster carriage makes the landscape blur outside.

Pointing excitedly with his fingers, Yul marvels at the speeding trees.

Jack, seeing this for the first time, gapes alongside Yul like a pair of fools.

Even Anne isn’t immune, pretending concern while equally mesmerized by the view.

Only Evangelin maintains minimal curiosity, glancing occasionally out the window.

Everyone else is captivated by the outside world.

Even Suri seems fascinated by the speed, gazing out the window.

Watching everyone enthralled by modern advancements fills me with quiet pride.

The carriage moves forward.

Non-stop, heading directly home.

Skipping everything else, the carriage delivers us home in just five days.

On Winter’s 35th day, we finally returned home.

Starting on Winter’s 15th, our 20-day journey concluded.

The first thing Yul did after leaping out of the carriage was chattering with the fairies.

Despite communication barriers, his hand-and-foot gestures with the fairies are adorable.

Jack predictably retreats into the greenhouse with the spirits, happily playing with dirt.

“It feels like a dream.”

Evan’s gaze is distant.

“To have such a safe and comfortable trip…”

“Was it fun?”

“Yes.”

“Then it’s worth it. That’s what traveling is about.”

“Exactly! Thanks to Minho, it was super fun. Thank you!”

Anne hugs me tightly.

Now natural and effortless physical contact.

Though they still struggle with embarrassing behavior or comments, they’re gradually adapting.

Thus, I smile.

Pleased with our evolving selves.

“People!”

“Our clothes-making human is here!”

“Fruit human, long time no see!!”

“Welcome back! We guarded the farm!”

“Good job.”

“Woo-hoo! Got praised!”

“Not so fast! That praise was meant for me!”

Chaotic daily life.

Fairy-induced commotion is part of our routine.

Anne and Evangelin chuckle at the scene.

“This view was actually missed. The fairies’ chatter.”

“Right! I also wanted to make new winter clothes for the fairies.”

The fairies seem delighted.

With many yet to receive new outfits, Anne’s enthusiasm must be thrilling news for them.

“I’ll briefly check around the village.”

“Okay.”

“Uh-huh!”

Their responses reflect distinct personalities.

Calmness and liveliness.

Leaving them behind, I slowly head toward the village.

Unmelted snow remains scattered around.

White gently blankets the town.

Stopping by Rossu, I hear updates about the village’s recent happenings while leisurely strolling.

More people wanting jobs.

Timely payments earning good reviews.

Town guards positively impacting security.

All good news.

Proof the village runs smoothly in my absence.

The system falling into place feels quite satisfying.

“Do residents have any specific requests?”

“Requests, you say?”

“Yes. Any inconveniences or suggestions for improvement?”

“Hmm…”

Rossu hesitates, understandably cautious.

If I were in his position, I’d likely react similarly.

When the boss asks, “Tell me if anything’s inconvenient,” how many would truly speak freely?

“Feel free to share. I promise no punishment for voicing opinions.”

I’m genuinely curious.

Is the direction I aim to develop the village aligned with the residents’ preferences?

Even if complaints arise, satisfying everyone is impossible.

However, if similar grievances emerge, it might indicate I’m heading in the wrong direction.

Self-feedback is necessary.

Mistakes are possible for anyone, including me.

“Is it alright?”

“No worries. Fixing or not fixing lies entirely in my discretion. No punishment will follow. Let’s set up an anonymous suggestion box if you prefer.”

“Understood.”

At my words, Rossu takes a deep breath before cautiously sharing feedback.

His trembling voice makes me worry I’ve pressured him too much.

“Some seek employment opportunities that don’t involve heavy labor.”

“Great. Anything else?”

“With new arrivals, some residents feel uneasy.”

“A newly arisen issue?”

“Yes. There’s a somewhat awkward atmosphere between old and new residents. Not hostile, just… distant.”

“I’ll consider this. Thanks. Please maintain the suggestion box regularly.”

“Understood.”

Though work awaits immediately upon returning, it’s not unpleasant.

Handling such peaceful daily matters can be tackled leisurely anytime.

Finally feeling truly home.

Winter’s crisp air deeply enters and exits my lungs, oddly comforting.

Mid-winter is approaching.

My routine truly begins now.

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