Chapter 30 - Darkmtl
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Chapter 30

The moment I heard the words “Let’s take a look at the dragon’s lair,” my tail started moving on its own, as if it had a mind of its own.

I was trying to discipline the tail causing a commotion by lifting it while sitting on the couch when Perseus looked at me and smiled faintly.

“It’s normal for your tail to move uncontrollably during the hatchling phase. You don’t need to try too hard to control it.”

Still, I felt it was rude not to behave properly in front of the dining table, so I fidgeted awkwardly. Perseus then scooped a small piece of fish into a bowl and said:

“You don’t need to stress yourself out. Just enjoy some delicious food.”

Is Perseus an angel?

As I stared wide-eyed at the fish placed before me, Perseus gave me a fatherly smile.

“Eat up. If you need more, just ask.”

“Nya…!”

“Understood.”

Though he seemed like a bloodthirsty warlord from afar, meeting Perseus in person made him feel more like a grandfather. The contrast was so stark that I couldn’t help but stuff my cheeks full of meat in amazement as he continued asking questions.

“So, how do you want to build your lair? Any specific designs or directions in mind?”

That question left me momentarily lost in thought. The main reason was that a lair itself is such an abstract concept—it’s not quite a home but should feel as cozy, a place where mere thoughts bring happiness.

It’s hard to even describe this accurately, which made my head spin. As I grappled with this, Perseus chuckled lightly.

“If no ideas come to mind, instead of trying to create the perfect lair from scratch, it might be better to let it grow gradually.”

“… Grow?”

At my reply, he nodded and handed me another piece of fish.

“No matter how much I think about it, he seems incredibly kindhearted like a grandfather.” Bowing slightly, I noticed him gently patting my head.

“To put it simply: a growing lair evolves alongside you as you mature.”

Though I understood the idea of mutual growth, I still blinked in confusion about how exactly this growth would occur. He bit his lip to suppress a smile and responded carefully.

“This is something better discussed after you finish eating.”

“…”

“Even if you hang your tail in disappointment, there’s nothing I can do about that. Eat first.”

Despite being disappointed to hear it later, I decided to eat quickly so we could continue the conversation. However…

“Haeuni, try this! Chae-a loves it. Chae-a is happy when Hae-un is full.”

Chae-a kept piling food onto my plate, making it impossible for my bowl to ever empty. Though I tried to protest, the food was simply too delicious to refuse, leaving me no choice but to eat everything she offered like a baby bird.

By the time my belly was completely full, Chae-a proudly patted my head and grinned.

“Hae-un is such a good girl!”

Feeling slightly embarrassed by the praise, I shuffled awkwardly until Han Arin laughed and spoke up.

“What are all the kids doing?”

“Chae-a isn’t a kid! I’m an older sister!”

“Yeah, yeah. What does our big sister Chae-a do if she doesn’t eat?”

“I have to feed Hae-un! She’s my precious little sister!”

Han Arin wiped the sauce off Chae-a’s mouth with a handkerchief and replied:

“Hae-un is lucky to have such a dependable older sister, huh?”

… I wanted to say I was the adult here, but given the situation, it would’ve only made me seem like I was throwing a tantrum, so I held back my protruding lips.

“Uh…”

Shouldn’t I naturally not talk?

Realizing how childish my thoughts were, I couldn’t help but jump in surprise.

“… I need to focus.”

To regain my composure, I slapped my cheeks, startling nearby Chae-a who immediately hugged me. Realizing she had misunderstood, I quickly shook my head, but…

“… It’s not that.”

(My mouth full of food combined with my flustered tongue twist created a disastrous collaboration.)

Some incomprehensible words escaped my mouth. Trying to correct my tone, I hastily chewed, but the food wouldn’t go down easily due to my small throat.

Flailing my hands in frustration, Han Arin and Perseus mistook my gestures for sadness and began whispering with deeply sorrowful expressions.

“… So this is what you meant.”

“Yeah, exactly. That’s why I keep Seorin and Hae-un close.”

“If I’d known it was this serious, maybe I should’ve given them more time apart.”

“That might be better, especially for Hae-un…”

Han Arin covered her mouth with her hand and whispered quietly:

“She experienced her original home collapsing due to a terrorist attack, so she really dislikes environmental changes.”

“… I’m furious.”

Though they tried their best to keep the conversation quiet, it was easy to overhear since they were so close. As I continued chewing despite the ongoing dialogue, Chae-a rubbed her face against my chest and said:

“Hae-un shouldn’t be sad… Chae-a gets upset.”

“Of course not. Not one bit sad.”

“Really!?”

“Mhm.”

After comforting her, Chae-a giggled and stood up. Finding her adorable, I patted her head when Perseus addressed me seriously:

“After finishing dinner, we’ll have dessert planned—red bean shaved ice made with milk, glutinous rice cakes, plenty of condensed milk, and churros.”

His serious tone while listing dessert ingredients made me giggle, but I quickly composed myself and replied as calmly as possible:

“Sounds good.”

Thinking I had responded appropriately, I felt proud, but suddenly Perseus looked at me gravely:

“Sugar isn’t healthy for young ones, so maybe we should skip the condensed milk.”

Startled, I widened my eyes, prompting him to smirk and wave his hand.

“Just kidding. Dragons and spirits won’t get sick no matter how much sugar they consume.”

Isn’t that amazing?

Wondering if I could secretly eat chocolate at night, I gleamed with excitement until Han Arin poked my cheeks and said:

“Still, no sneaking snacks in the middle of the night, okay? Promise me.”

Watching Han Arin’s overwhelming authority enforce the promise, I slumped dejectedly until Perseus snapped his fingers.

“Alright, that’s enough. Butler, bring the dessert.”

A massive churro red bean shaved ice appeared, made not with regular ice but frozen milk!

Stunned by its grandeur, I could only stare blankly.

*

The churro-filled red bean shaved ice was incredible.

Incredibly sweet, rich, and it melted smoothly!

Chae-a even praised it as “eating clouds” after tasting it, finding it extremely delicious.

“Chae-a is so happy.”

Watching Chae-a’s now enormous belly, I chuckled softly. Thinking how cute babies’ bellies get round after eating, I observed her when Perseus turned to me.

“Alright, as promised, let’s discuss the growth-type lair.”

Hearing this, I straightened my posture attentively. Seeing this, Perseus smiled faintly and pulled out a small blue crystal from his pocket.

“Each lair has its own unique characteristics and features, but they all share one commonality.”

He handed me the blue crystal and continued.

“They all require someone to manage the lair.”

Like maids or butlers?

Looking at the butler standing nearby, I sparkled with curiosity, but he playfully pinched my cheek and explained further.

“Similar to the butler you see now, but more versatile when it comes to managing a lair.”

“Wow…”

“From cleaning and ventilation to item management, taxes, legal procedures…”

With so many capabilities mentioned, I zoned out halfway through. Recalling the amazing shaved ice I had earlier, Perseus ruffled my hair and chuckled.

“The details will become clear once you place the crystal in your desired location. You can experiment with it then.”

“Nya…!”

We can figure out the specifics later.

As I gently caressed the crystal in my pocket, I felt it throb faintly under my touch, as if it had a heartbeat.

Deciding to treat it with utmost care, I looked up as Perseus spoke calmly.

“Then, let me show you my lair.”

Excitedly nodding, I hesitated briefly…

“Can Seorin come along too…?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you!”

Relieved that Seorin wouldn’t feel left out, I announced I’d fetch her and grabbed Chae-a’s hand to leave when Han Arin said,

“I’ll come along too.”

Trying to assert that I could go alone, I glanced at the dangling Chae-a and myself, but Han Arin ignored me, turned away, picked us both up, and walked out.


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I Became the Protagonist’s Favorite

I Became the Protagonist’s Favorite

주인공의 최애가 되었다
Status: Completed
You think I'm cute? But I'm not cute at all!

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