Chapter 4

I sat crouched, continuing my thoughts on how I would make a living.

At first, I prioritized studying hard and getting a job, but…

“Ugh, I don’t want to study anymore…”

Maybe because I burned myself out in my previous life, just hearing the word “study” made my whole body tremble. So I set that aside for now.

“Hmm… What else is there?”

The first thing that came to mind was being a Hunter.

Thinking about it, with my accelerated natural healing ability, I figured my body was optimized for Hunter work.

Of course, remembering descriptions from novels, healing alone wouldn’t be enough—I’d need to acquire combat-related skills too.

Still, being ahead of others was undeniable.

“Hmph.”

My mood lifted slightly as I rested my small hands on the floor.

Just then, I brought up the last option I had set aside.

“Streamer…”

Honestly, I wasn’t sure about this one.

I only considered it because TV said it was a well-paying job, and compared to other jobs, it seemed somewhat familiar.

Recalling the internet broadcasts I occasionally watched during school, I shook my head after some thought—there was no denying I lacked streaming talent.

“I’m not particularly funny, nor am I particularly good at games, and… am I cute? Huh, am I?”

Nope, definitely not.

Even if outwardly I might seem so, inside, I’m far from cute.

Rather than feminine, I lean more toward masculine… or neutral at best.

I kept repeating to myself that I wasn’t cute as someone entered the room.

“Hae-un, shall we go for a walk?”

Looking up, I saw Seorin with puffy, red eyes.

Initially reluctant due to having much to think about, her appearance softened my heart, and I couldn’t help but nod.

“Sister found some pretty spots around the guild yesterday for you. Let’s check them out.”

“Okay.”

With effort, I managed to pronounce “yes” instead of mumbling.

Feeling a little proud, I basked in the moment when Seorin picked me up like a cat and carried me bridal-style.

“Shall we go?”

“Let’s go!”

With an awkward smile, Seorin headed out.

—

Having seen rough depictions in the original story, I had some idea of the guild’s size, but it was far larger than expected.

“About the size of an entire apartment complex?”

That was just the interior; including the park and external facilities, it would be immeasurably vast.

Watching silently, I thought Hunters must earn quite a bit as Seorin smiled and spoke to me.

“Hae-un, do you know they sell ice cream over there?”

“Ai-scream?”

“Yeah, ice cream. Do you like ice cream?”

Embarrassed by my pronunciation, I quickly nodded as she petted my head.

“Well, I’ll buy you some then! Let’s go!”

Though I didn’t particularly enjoy ice cream—it reminded me of candy—I nodded thinking any food would excuse my speech errors.

Quietly deciding to gulp down the disliked treat, I clung to Seorin as we headed toward the ice cream stand.

—

“Delicious!”

To my surprise, the ice cream was incredibly tasty.

Realizing how amazing it was, I added it secretly to my list of favorite foods alongside braised pork, rice soup, and pork cutlet.

“Perfect.”

Vowing to buy one daily if I ever became rich, I tried to suppress my rising smile when Seorin noticed and spoke.

“You know, Hae-un? You wag your tail whenever you eat something delicious.”

“…?”

Tail? What was she talking about?

Do I have a tail?

Though initially thinking it was a metaphor or joke, I froze when Seorin pointed to a nearby mirror.

“No way… No way, right?”

Despite lying down without noticing anything unusual, seeing a large tail wagging back and forth in the mirror shocked me.

“Eh…?”

Staring at the glass in disbelief, I rubbed the tail area hoping it would vanish, but instead, it wagged even faster.

“Meow!”

Startled, I let out a childish sound and covered my mouth in embarrassment while glaring at the disobedient tail.

“Don’t you know you have a tail? I thought you did since you always hug it while sleeping.”

I hugged it while sleeping? More shockingly, I hadn’t realized I’d been living with a tail for over a week!

Checking my waist and hips revealed no sensory malfunction—everything felt real.

Staring blankly at the wiggling tail, I internally commanded it to calm down.

“Calm down already!”

But the tail, seemingly unaffected, continued wagging rapidly.

“Fine, whatever.”

Accepting my tail’s existence, I decided to leave it be, watching it move aimlessly.

“While we’re at it, Hae-un needs new clothes. These are all worn out. How about trying something new?”

She was right; my clothes were stretched and torn.

As I contemplated, Seorin carefully asked if I rejected new clothing, mentioning previous attempts to change my attire which I apparently resisted.

Not recalling this, I shook my head, indicating I’d try something different.

“Alright? Then I’ll pick something for you?”

Anything would be better than these rags, so I nodded gratefully.

“Then let’s rest here a bit and go shopping after dinner? I have training soon, so I can’t go now.”

“Understood.”

“Good girl, good girl.”

Seorin patted my head again, lifting me once more. Held tightly, I gazed at the sky.

“Dizzy…”

Too much information overwhelmed me.

“With worries about the future adding to the stress…”

Thinking my head might explode, I sighed internally when Seorin whispered softly.

“Hae-un, I’ll protect you no matter what happens. Don’t worry.”

Seeing her trembling form, I realized her prison trauma still lingered despite her cheerful act. To reassure her, I patted her shoulder gently.

“Get better soon…”

After consoling her for a while, she smiled brightly again.

“Shall we go?”

Understanding she needed time rather than immediate comfort, I nodded.

—

Back in the room, I was lounging when I noticed someone peering through the door crack.

Startled, I stiffened my tail, hugging it while shaking until realizing I should appear stronger.

Though collapsing into a heap after five seconds, I gathered courage, opening the door slightly.

“Who’s there…?”

Despite aiming for confidence, my voice sounded weak.

Considering vocal practice, a suspicious figure behind the door trembled and spoke.

“Ah, hi! I’m not suspicious, really.”

“Okay.”

Clearly suspicious.

Remembering Seorin’s warning about strange people, I quickly closed the door.

Preparing the emergency alarm, I cautiously reopened the door upon further knocking to find a poised woman in sunglasses sighing in relief.

“Finally, someone reasonable. You know me, right?”

Blinking blankly at her abrupt question,

she squatted, pulling out a stuffed dog and snacks.

“So, here’s a treat.”

The conversation flow was bizarre.

Refusing gifts from strangers, I ignored the tempting snacks with great effort, maintaining a serious expression as the woman attempted to pet my head.

“Don’t touch!”

Ignoring my protests, she persisted, forcing me to resort to logical reasoning.

“Even if you insist, it’s inappropriate for strangers to touch heads. Such actions require built trust. Please stop.”

Mid-sentence adjustments aside, key points remained.

Expecting comprehension, I looked forward, but she showed no signs of listening.

“Hmm, okay. What about this? It’s a new product kids love.”

Ignoring me annoyed me as another voice rushed in.

“Han Arin Hunter! You shouldn’t be here!”

Han Arin?

Recognizing the name of the 7th-ranked Hunter and supposed genius magician from the novel, I shuddered.

“According to my memory, Han Arin is a genius magician uninterested in everything. Why is she interested in me?”

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