Chapter 32

Han Arin couldn’t hide her bewilderment as she watched the insects enthusiastically flailing their bodies up ahead.

I mean, it was already weird that these insects had mana, but the fact they could talk? That was just next-level bizarre.

“Well, it’s not unheard of…”

But usually, those cases were classified as monsters—creatures far from your average bug.

Could these still be considered normal insects…?

Hmm… Are they really bugs or something else entirely? Maybe they’re normal insects that evolved in a special way? Or…

All sorts of theories popped into her head, but without solid evidence, it only made her brain spin.

While pondering this dilemma, Perseus chuckled beside her and spoke up.

“Aww, aren’t these little spirits cute?”

Spirits? These bugs are spirits?!

Confused by his unexpected answer, Han Arin stared at him. Then Perseus lifted an ant perched on Chae-a’s shoulder with his finger and explained.

“These aren’t fully formed yet—they’re like seeds if we compare them to flowers, or eggs compared to chickens.”

Not understanding completely, Han Arin asked,

“They’re not actually insects?”

Perseus grinned mischievously before continuing.

“They just *look* like insects. In truth, these guys are spirits who haven’t established their identities yet, so they mimic forms they find appealing. But fundamentally, they’re spirits.”

“Wow, that’s strange…”

“Indeed, very strange. Spirits usually take animal forms if anything, not insect ones. Which makes me wonder if Chae-a has influenced them somehow—or perhaps even created them.”

With that thought lingering, Perseus turned away briefly.

“So that’s why Chae-a is especially fond of this ant…”

Just as he reached out to pat Chae-a’s head, she suddenly interrupted with a pout.

“It’s an ANT! Not a spirit!”

Startled by her sudden outburst, Perseus glanced at her cautiously before asking,

“Not a spirit?”

“Yeah! It’s an ANT!”

Perseus chuckled lightly, then ruffled Chae-a’s hair while saying,

“Alright, Chae-a, you’re right—it’s an ant.”

Still, it seemed unlikely that one word would calm her down. As Han Arin reached into her pocket for candy to smooth things over…

“Yes!”

Surprisingly, Chae-a immediately cheered up, her anger forgotten in an instant.

She’s still such a baby; emotions come and go so quickly. Letting out a sigh of relief, Han Arin noticed Hae-un nearby looking utterly shocked.

“Wait… it’s NOT an ant?”

—

I was thoroughly confused now. The ants clinging to Chae-a weren’t actually ants but spirits—and spirits capable of changing shape at will!

The shock hit me like when I first learned there were bugs in strawberry milk. I stared blankly at the dancing ants and ladybugs.

“…Tricked.”

It wasn’t betrayal or anger I felt, nor sadness—but I couldn’t help sticking out my lip unconsciously. Catching sight of my reflection in the marble, I realized how ridiculous I looked and quickly tucked my lips under my palm.

“This isn’t mature behavior…”

Why do I keep doing this despite promising myself earlier? Disappointed in my own silliness, I slumped over dejectedly.

Seorin noticed my mood and giggled.

“Hae-un, are you disappointed because the ants aren’t real ants?”

Her understanding made me feel grateful, and my tail wagged involuntarily.

I wanted to nod but decided against it, opting instead for what I hoped was a more adult response.

“The world is vast. Ants could be spirits too… No big deal.”

(Sounds much cooler in my head.)

Despite my attempt at sounding dignified, Seorin gave me a skeptical grin.

“You seem surprisingly broad-minded today, Hae-un.”

Feeling mocked but wanting to believe otherwise, I tried reaffirming myself.

“My tail seems pleased though…”

Trying to stop its wild wagging, I grabbed it instinctively—but it darted away like it was mocking me. After several failed attempts to catch it, I sighed in defeat.

“Fine, I hate you too. Go play alone.”

Petulantly muttering, I was surprised when my tail suddenly stopped moving and hugged me tightly. Nearby, Seorin continued stroking my head affectionately.

“Hae-un, if you really love ants, how about I get you some pet ants? You can watch real ants crawl around!”

Shaking my head, I declined politely. My initial shock wasn’t due to liking ants—it wasn’t about that.

“Besides, I don’t want to inconvenience anyone unnecessarily.”

I already owe enough favors. Adding more debt isn’t an option. From now on, I’ll focus on repaying rather than receiving. Even building my lair—I resolved to gather materials and construct it myself rather than rely on others.

“If I don’t, it feels unsettling…”

As an adult, I prefer handling things independently, even if it means being slightly less comfortable. While strengthening my resolve, Perseus observed me and added,

“If you don’t need anything now, you can always choose later. Time is infinite for dragons.”

Such patience truly suits a dragon. Impressed by his wisdom, I listened further as he suggested,

“By all means, visit my lair occasionally. There’s no particular reason—it simply expands your options the more you see.”

Hearing this, Han Arin snorted derisively.

“Oh please, you just want Hae-un visiting your lair.”

“Quiet,” Perseus replied curtly.

Ignoring their bickering, I began brainstorming designs for my lair.

“Let’s start small.”

Though too tiny might exclude Chae-a, so I settled on a size where Chae-a, the ants, ladybugs, and her drawings could fit comfortably.

“No, wait… I should invite Seorin, Han Arin, and maybe even the counselor…”

Maybe bigger after all? Realizing the planned dimensions were growing exponentially, I shook my head firmly and opted for practicality.

“Too large would make maintenance difficult anyway. Better to keep it modest.”

Deciding on a space suitable for three to four people, I wondered where to build it when Perseus offered advice:

“Using crystals, you can move your lair freely, placing it wherever you wish—even inside mine if necessary.”

A lair within another lair? That sounds like too much trouble. Shaking my head vigorously, Perseus walked off muttering something about disappointment.

“What’s wrong with him?”

Pondering his reaction, I returned to drafting my lair plans.

*

“Ants are super fast, and ladybugs are super strong! So amazing!”

Listening to Chae-a’s proud declarations, we headed back to the guild. Gently brushing her hair, I aimed to set a good example as an adult when Han Arin called me aside.

“Hae-un, would you mind making a promise with me?”

At the word “promise,” my tail perked up. Curious about how I could help, I eagerly awaited her request.

“Could you possibly build your lair inside the guild?”

Since Perseus mentioned using crystals to relocate easily, it seemed reasonable, so I nodded. Relieved, Han Arin explained,

“There are scary monsters and dangerous people outside the guild. I’d prefer you stayed indoors.”

Recalling the violence and cruelty I faced upon arrival here, I understood her concern and agreed.

“Not everyone is kind, unlike those around me now.”

Thus, I decided to heed her warning instead of risking unnecessary danger.

“Where should I build it then?”

First thing that came to mind was the playroom, though it didn’t excite me much. Seeking input from viewers seemed wise, so I resolved to tour the guild with them tomorrow.

“Also, having dirt nearby would be ideal for the ants and ladybugs…”

Focusing on areas near flowerpots or plants, I committed to exploring these spots. Just then, Perseus informed Han Arin nearby,

“The elixir will arrive once approved by the elders. Ideally, I’d bypass procedures, but resistance is inevitable.”

“Got it. If you need any help, just let me know.”

“Not needed… well, there is one favor.”

“What is it?”

“I’d like to introduce Hae-un to the elders soon. Could you prepare her beforehand?”

“Hmm… alright. Getting this done sooner means quicker access to the elixir.”

Their serious conversation left little room for interruption. Listening intently, I wondered what kind of dragons these elders were. Meanwhile, Chae-a clung to me excitedly.

“Hae-un’s nose is stuffed. Let me put you to sleep!”

Apparently inspired by watching Han Arin, Chae-a placed me on the bed and started patting me gently. Smiling at her cuteness, I pretended to fall asleep until deciding to tuck her in instead. Closing my eyes briefly…

– Clang!

Morning arrived.

It was summer.

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