Chapter 164

“Yuri, wait up!”

“Oh my! You’re here?”

“Hmm-hmm!”

With a loud entrance, all eyes in the shop turn to someone new. There stands a cute girl with a rabbit hairband, her jewel-like red eyes shining brightly. Though her pronunciation is still developing, it only adds to her charm. At first glance, she’s undeniably adorable.

“I want chicken skewers!”

“Would you like just one chicken skewer?”

“Hmm-hmm!!!”

The owner steps forward, and everyone chuckles at her enthusiastic response as she waddles over to a slightly lower chair—her designated seat—and plops down.

“Wowww.”

Seeing this girl, the daughter lights up. People don’t usually dislike cuteness, but the daughter has an especially strong attraction to it. Her approval meter skyrockets instantly, with no trace of caution.

The shop patrons watch warmly as the girl waits patiently, swinging her legs back and forth while anticipating delicious food, as if it’s second nature.

“Dad.”

“Yes?”

“I’ll go say hello.”

“Go ahead.”

Apparently eager to strike up a conversation with the girl, the daughter fidgets until permission is granted. Her green flowing hair contrasts beautifully with Yuri’s dark locks.

“Hi!”

“Huh? Hi!”

“My name’s Lucy! What’s yours?”

“I’m Yuri!”

“Yuri?”

“Yuuul!”

“Yul!”

“Yeah!”

For some reason, exchanging names seems hilariously entertaining. Lucy and Yul giggle uncontrollably together, sharing some mysterious common ground.

“Do you want some of this?”

“Whoa! It’s something I love!”

“Let’s share!”

“Really?”

“Yeah!”

Before long, Lucy is cutting meat on a plate she’s brought over, working alongside Yul. Watching them makes me chuckle quietly. Their mealtime interaction stretches longer than expected.

As the two exchange pleasantries, they split Yul’s chicken skewer, Lucy beaming with happiness.

“How many stars for today’s chicken skewers?”

“Two stars!”

“Two stars it is! Got it!”

The shop owner knows well that Yul gives zero stars when dissatisfied with a dish. Receiving two stars brings immense satisfaction, prompting an update to the menu board for “2-star Chicken Skewers.”

“Shall we go somewhere close?”

“Where…?”

“To play!”

At Yul’s innocent request, Lucy slowly turns to look at her father with pleading eyes. Without hesitation, he nods in agreement, causing Lucy’s green hair to bounce joyfully as she vigorously nods back.

“Alright!”

“Let’s go!”

After quickly settling the bill, the man follows the kids outside. He tries to pay for Yul too, but learns everything is free for her in the village—a strange but widely known fact. With a puzzled tilt of his head, he watches Yul and Lucy climb onto a pink four-wheeled bicycle.

“Do you like bikes?”

“I’ve wanted to try one!”

“Cool. I’ll teach you.”

“Yeah!”

The rear seat of the pink bike has space for another person. Carefully climbing aboard, Lucy grabs Yul around the waist, tickling her enough to make her giggle.

“Hold tight!”

“Okay!”

Looking somewhat awkward, the man starts jogging after the speeding duo. Despite breaking into a sweat from unexpected exercise, his mood remains light.

Even if he sweats, there’s always the free public bathhouse and reasonably priced laundromat nearby.

Slowly jogging alongside the bike, they cross through the village. Strangely, nearly every resident seems familiar with Yul.

“Yul, hi!”

“You’re so cute today!”

“Grab something to eat at our shop before you leave!”

A universally beloved child, Yul responds earnestly to each greeting with waves or bows, sometimes expressing herself with her halting speech. The villagers, including merchants, smile fondly at her.

Eventually, their destination becomes clear—a place radiating sacred energy. A massive monastery looms ahead, its grandeur momentarily overwhelming due to the overwhelming sense of divine purity.

Without hesitation, Yul’s bike zips right inside. Lucy leans back happily, letting the wind tousle her hair.

Monks, priests, and orphans under their care fill the grounds, along with numerous worshippers praying together.

Despite potential concerns about being disruptive, Yul’s presence carries weight here too.

“Master Yul, you’ve arrived.”

“Yeah!”

“Will you be praying today?”

“Yeah! Yuri came to pray.”

Everyone’s kindness shines through. Whether because they’re clergy or not, their genuine respect and careful treatment stand out. While treating Yul with great care, they also grant her freedom.

Who exactly is this child to receive such treatment? Essentially, she might as well be the village’s beloved outlaw.

“This is Yuri’s friend, Lucy!”

“Sister Lucy, welcome.”

“Hello…”

“There’s nothing to fear. We won’t force anything upon you. If you fancy sweets, how about some candy?”

Though the man stands nearby, the priest’s attention focuses solely on the children. When Lucy hesitates, Yul steps in, grabbing three candies: one for herself, one for Lucy, and one offered to the man.

“Here!”

“Thank you.”

“Heehee.”

Why Yul is loved throughout the village begins to make sense.

“Are you Lucy’s guardian?”

“Yes, I’m Lucy’s guardian.”

“I see. Then please take good care of her.”

Inside the church, Yul moves freely without guidance. No one stops her as she darts around, greeting others cheerfully.

“Are you going to pray, Yuri?”

“Do you want to join?”

“Can I?”

“Yeah!”

The sight of the two children sitting side-by-side before a statue, praying earnestly, feels deeply spiritual. Broken sunlight filters through the windows, painting the floor in various colors beneath the noble statue where only the two children sit in prayer.

Without needing a proper chapel, their spontaneous act goes unchallenged. Even the bishop observes silently with a gentle smile.

Who could this child possibly be?

“What did you pray for?”

While asking about prayers is generally frowned upon, before Lucy can approach, Yul beats her to it.

“Lucy, you’re going to have a little sister!”

“A little sister?”

“Yeah. I prayed for your health because soon you’ll have a little sister!”

“Wow.”

“You’ll have two little sisters!”

“I’m jealous.”

“Why? If you’re Yuri’s friend, you’ll have little sisters too!”

Lucy’s emerald eyes flicker faintly at those casual words, resonating deeply within her heart. Her voice trembles slightly as she repeats the question.

“Really?”

“Yeah!”

Answering without a moment’s hesitation, Yul wins Lucy’s father’s amused smile.

“Wow!”

“Should we pray again?”

“Yeah!”

“For love and winter.”

“Love and winter?”

“Yeah. Names for the little sisters.”

Thus, the two kneel before the statue, offering their heartfelt prayers. Everyone else simply continues their tasks, leaving the children’s innocence untouched.

“Right?”

“Yeah!”

“Then I’ll introduce you to more of Yuri’s friends.”

“Huh?”

Taking Lucy’s hand, Yul skips off, embodying boundless, carefree vitality. Following cautiously behind, the man watches as Yul and Lucy traverse the monastery unhindered—true symbols of unrestricted freedom.

Their destination is where the orphans gather. Boldly entering, Yul calls out loudly.

“Yuri’s here!”

“It’s a big sister!”

“A big sister!”

“It’s Yul!”

Cheers erupt, welcoming Yul. Standing beside hesitant Lucy, she continues introductions.

“Yuri’s friend, Lucy!”

“Hi!”

“Nice to meet you!”

“Hello…!”

Awkward greetings are smoothed over by laughter, spreading warmth throughout the area. Quickly, cheerful chatter fills the space.

Leaning casually against the wall, the man smiles contentedly, watching the scene unfold.

“Isn’t it a lovely sight?”

“Yes, it is.”

Approaching unnoticed, a priest comments, drawing the man’s focus back to Lucy’s radiant happiness.

“In this village, at the monastery—or anywhere—this girl brings vitality and joy. She’s the town mascot.”

“That’s very true.”

“Judging by your appearance, are you considering settling here?”

“We are considering it…”

Saying this, the man gazes at Lucy, glowing with happiness. Her joyful demeanor is irresistibly endearing, deepening the curve of his smile.

“Perhaps there’s no need to deliberate further.”

“It’s a wonderful village, governed by kind people.”

“It certainly seems that way.”

This was a great place, filled with warmth and hope. The man continues observing Lucy and Yul playing endlessly.

* * *

“Abba!”

“That’s right, our Yul. Did you bring a friend today?”

“Yeah! Yuri’s friend Lucy!”

On the pink bicycle’s rear seat sits a girl with green hair, her striking azure eyes catching attention.

Behind, a man jogs leisurely toward them, clearly Lucy’s father given their similar eye color.

“Hello!”

“Hey.”

“I’m Lucy, Yul’s new friend!”

“Good. Play nicely with Yul.”

“Yes!”

“Heehee.”

After brief introductions, Yul beams happily, waving goodbye before disappearing indoors.

Facing the approaching man, the following exchange occurs.

“Huff… Greetings. I am Lucy’s father, Berdetto. It’s an honor to meet the lord of this village.”

“Pleased to meet you. My name is Minho.”

“There’s no need for formalities between us.”

“This isn’t about the lord and villager relationship. This is father-to-father.”

Berdetto’s eyes widen at this statement, surprised by Minho’s approach. After a thoughtful pause, he steps closer.

“It’s an honor. Would it be alright if my daughter and I settle here in the village?”

“Of course. Yul has made a wonderful new friend.”

At this, Berdetto bursts into hearty laughter. What finds him so amusing?

“That’s right. Lucy has gained an amazing friend too.”

His tone suggests relief, his eyes gleaming with renewed vigor.

“Lord.”

“Yes.”

“Please allow me to speak plainly. I wish to humbly serve you as a minister, despite my modest abilities.”

“What skills do you possess?”

“Having traveled extensively, I’ve learned many things. While I may lack other talents, I excel at teaching.”

“Excellent. You’d make a fine teacher for the school.”

Perfect timing, as the school had been lacking teachers. A capable addition indeed.

“If I may, might I recommend some additional talent? Through my travels, I’ve formed a few connections.”

“Absolutely. Talented individuals are always welcome.”

“Thank you. However, should you accept me, there might be slight disturbances. Rest assured, I’ll handle them personally.”

“Why would that happen?”

“In my past, I was overly enamored with fame and caused quite a stir.”

“And what was that?”

“Embarrassingly, I was once known as ‘The Sage.’ Meaningless now. I’m content being Lucy’s father, Berdetto.”

Thus enters Berdetto, formerly known as ‘The Sage,’ into the village life.

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