Chapter 22

Sitting next to me, Chae-a was blinking her eyes vacantly, and I fidgeted awkwardly.

Since Chae-a was currently in a drowsy state, she didn’t react to the word “bug” at all—probably because she didn’t fully process it.

“But when she regains her senses a little more…”

I worried that she might get extremely upset or even burst into tears. However, contrary to my expectations, Chae-a suddenly started giggling with sparkling eyes.

“Bugs… I like them!”

While the word “bug” often carries a negative connotation for adults…

For Chae-a, it seemed to be a positive word. She smiled brightly, stood up happily, and began chatting excitedly with Seorin.

“Yesterday, Chae-a drew really hard! Do these drawings look like bugs?”

“Huh? Uh?”

“My drawings wiggle-waggle!”

Seorin finally realized why I had been so stiff after hearing Chae-a’s words. Quickly trying to diffuse the situation, Seorin waved her hands and said:

“No no, Chae-a’s drawings don’t look like bugs. They’re super pretty.”

Despite this, Chae-a pouted cutely and replied,

“Bugs… I like bugs. My drawings do look like bugs…”

Seorin looked baffled by this unconventional logic but quickly regained her composure as the main character of our world should and responded:

“Yeah! They do look like bugs.”

Hearing this, Chae-a gleefully hugged Seorin, laughing heartily.

“Yay! I like bugs!”

“Yep!”

As I absentmindedly petted the heads of the wriggling drawings in my arms…

Seorin, holding Chae-a, asked curiously:

“So, princesses, what are these things?”

Upon hearing this, I decided to explain everything that happened last night step by step.

*

“Chae-a drew pictures, and they came to life?”

After explaining everything to Seorin, she was utterly astonished and stared at Chae-a before enthusiastically patting her head.

“Wow, Chae-a is amazing! How did you make your drawings come alive? You’re a genius!”

“Yep! Chae-a is smart, so I drew them!”

“Seriously? That’s incredible!”

With endless praise, Chae-a’s mood soared higher than ever. She seemed much happier than when she woke up this morning. Watching her joy made me smile too, but then someone entered the room.

“Hmm? Is Seorin here?”

Turning to see who it was—it was Han Arin. From what I knew, Han Arin usually showed no interest in anything outside magic research. She rarely interacted with others unless it was for dessert outings, and she didn’t seem to have any hobbies. But lately, she had been showing behavior completely opposite to my previous impressions.

“I came early since the counselor has gone on a short trip.”

“Ah, I see. By the way, what are these bugs?”

At the mention of “bugs,” Chae-a grinned again and eagerly raised her hand, running over to Han Arin.

“Me! Me!”

Seeing her enthusiasm, I kept quiet, letting Chae-a explain.

“Alright, sweetheart, what are these?”

“Last night, Chae-a drew these pictures! Chae-a is amazing!”

Han Arin flinched slightly, perhaps regretting mentioning bugs, but before she could retract her statement…

“They really do look like bugs! Chae-a is amazing!”

Thanks to Seorin’s quick intervention, another potential disaster was avoided. Han Arin looked confused, but Seorin swiftly explained the situation.

“Chae-a really loves bugs.”

“Oh.”

That single word seemed enough for Han Arin to understand everything, and she nodded with a smile.

“Kids do tend to love bugs a lot.”

“I used to adore them too when I was younger, though I avoid them now.”

As I watched Han Arin and Seorin exchange smiles, I turned my attention to Chae-a, who was rummaging under the blanket while saying something about finding treasure.

“Chae-a, what are you doing?”

“Mm-hmm. Chae-a is going to find more treasure! I like treasures.”

Judging from her determined search under the blanket, she must have been looking for snacks just like last time when she found chocolate. Quietly slipping a cookie I’d received as a gift under the blanket, I thought to myself:

‘This should work.’

Wishing Chae-a would enjoy it, I tried to calm down her wiggling tail, which wouldn’t stop moving around. Meanwhile, Han Arin approached me after fixing her hair.

“Hae-un, can we talk for a moment?”

Confused, I tilted my head, prompting Han Arin to lift me gently and pull out her phone.

“Yesterday, I investigated some stuff about lairs.”

She then showed me various designs of grand and magnificent buildings one by one.

“While browsing through them, I felt that visiting other dragons’ lairs might be interesting for Hae-un.”

Is that okay?

Nodding in agreement, I gave her a positive response, and Han Arin continued hugging me tightly.

“If Hae-un agrees, I plan to visit other dragons’ lairs. Would you like to come along?”

“Nye… Yes, please!”

“Then I’ll arrange the schedule. Can you wait a few days?”

Other dragons’ lairs…?

I couldn’t even imagine how amazing they would be. Trying to act mature, I attempted to suppress my excitement but…

“Hehe…”

Laughter kept escaping despite my efforts. I tried calming my wiggling tail and rising corners of my mouth, but…

“By the way, Hae-un, what are these ‘Kamangi’ things that Chae-a keeps around?”

If Kamangi refers to the drawings…

Thinking that “Kamangi” suited them better than just calling them drawings, I decided to use that name and explained the events from last night.

“Chae-a brought these drawings to life? Birth of life?”

Han Arin stared at Chae-a in shock, lost deep in thought. Though I couldn’t tell exactly what she was thinking, her serious expression suggested that Chae-a’s actions were far from ordinary.

Lost in thought, I blinked blankly as Han Arin pinched my cheeks. Then, I noticed Chae-a digging through the blanket and discovering the hidden cookie.

“Found it…!”

Excitedly wriggling, Chae-a crawled out from under the blanket and ran toward me with a cheerful “Puff!” sound.

“Hae-un mama, eat this!”

She handed me the cookie with a bright smile. Clearly, she wanted me to eat it.

Though eating cookies for breakfast isn’t ideal, her adorable gaze made it hard to resist. Just as I reached for the cookie…

“…Sniff.”

It wouldn’t tear open no matter how hard I tried. Shocked by the weakness of my own hands, I froze—but Han Arin, who was hugging me, confiscated the cookie and spoke sternly.

“AFTER breakfast, kids. Understand?”

“Chae-a loves breakfast! Almost as much as bugs!”

“R-Really? Then let’s eat a lot!”

“Okay!”

Even though getting scolded felt a bit unfair, seeing Chae-a smiling made me feel relieved. Pulling my drooping tail close, I relaxed.

* * *

In one of the Hunter Association’s laboratories…

There, an older Spirit Master wearing a pristine white coat was observing the Kamangi.

The Spirit Master appeared fascinated by the existence of the Kamangi, watching them intently for a long time before turning to ask us, who were munching on cookies nearby.

“So, these are the Kamangi Chae-a created?”

“Nye.”

“Chae-a is amazing…!”

“Yup. Chae-a is smart and very good.”

“Haeuni too!”

Why does everyone keep using the word “amazing”?

Though I wasn’t sure where it originated, it seemed to have stuck. Lost in thought, I savored the chocolate flavor filling my mouth when the Spirit Master exclaimed in awe.

“The ability to create life is highly unusual. With limited samples and no similar hunters, it’s hard to predict how far this ability might expand… If it develops as I suspect, Chae-a alone could potentially form an entire army.”

All traces of the Spirit Master’s usual warmth vanished, replaced by a serious atmosphere. Sensing this wasn’t the time to interrupt, I held Chae-a close to prevent her from disturbing him. At that moment, Han Arin’s voice rang out.

“In that case, it would be best if the association protects her. We should meet Perseus first, then consult the Hunter Association master.”

“That sounds like a great idea. I’ll also contact some acquaintances separately.”

They were taking preemptive measures due to the immense power Chae-a possessed, and I felt grateful. Wondering if there was anything I could do to help, I pondered silently until Han Arin picked up a Kamangi and asked Chae-a:

“Chae-a, can you make more Kamangi?”

Hearing this, Chae-a’s eyes sparkled, and she nodded vigorously with a confident grin.

“Yup! Chae-a can do it!”

“Great! Could you draw some more Kamangi for us?”

Chae-a nodded quickly, clearly enjoying drawing. Watching this, Han Arin chuckled softly and lifted both Chae-a and me into her arms.

“Let’s go to the playroom? I’ve set up a special play area for you two in one of the empty rooms.”

Although I initially thought the playroom was only for kids and not suitable for an adult like me…

My tail wagged uncontrollably, betraying my inner thoughts. Despite wanting to appear aloof, I crossed my arms and maintained a dignified expression.

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