Chapter 43

Han Arin was having some sort of mental breakdown on the side, but our conversation continued without pause.

There were various topics discussed, but the one that stood out most in my memory was about the Elixir.

“Dear, you’ll need to take the Elixir soon. It’d be wise to check your constitution beforehand.”

Though I shook my head as if it were no big deal, Grandma Leseia wouldn’t have it. She shook her head too, placed her hand on my forehead, and said…

“Warm.”

Though I don’t like being treated like a child, there was something comforting about it. As Grandma Leseia poked my cheek and continued speaking…

“I know you don’t want to take medicine, but you really must.”

“…?”

“If you take it nicely, Grandma will give you some of her special candies. Just close your eyes and take it once, okay?”

It felt like I had turned into a whiny baby refusing to take medicine. But I gathered my thoughts and tried to explain logically…

“It’s not that I don’t want to take medicine… Since I’m not sick or anything, if I take the Elixir, it might go to waste for someone who needs it more. I think it’s better if I don’t take it.”

(Not that I don’t want to take the medicine. Since I’m not sick, using the Elixir would mean someone in need can’t use it. So I think it’s better not to take it.)

I thought this was a pretty reasonable excuse and looked at Grandma Leseia proudly…

But she just smiled and said…

“Just take it anyway.”

“…”

Even though I gave such an adult and valid reason, her refusal made me feel a little pouty. My lips started to jut out, but since I recognized this wasn’t very mature, I managed to pull them back in just in time.

Despite feeling somewhat satisfied with my growth and maturity, I couldn’t help but feel a bit deflated from being rejected. Meanwhile, my tail wagged uncertainly.

Grandma Leseia then petted my head and said…

“Could you do it for Grandma?”

If she puts it like that, there’s no way I can refuse. I nodded to Grandma and promised to drink the Elixir.

“That’s my good girl.”

This feels kind of embarrassing! But I couldn’t complain while basking in all this affection. In the middle of it, Grandma explained when I should take the Elixir.

“If you drink it straight, there could be side effects. We’ll mix it with some healthy ingredients and potions so it’s suitable for you. We’ll do it when Grandma visits your Lair with Hae-un.”

“…Okay.”

Now that I’ve promised, there’s no turning back. Determined to repay the favor, I decided to work hard.

* * * * *

After somehow fending off the Elder Dragon’s pleas to stay over for just one night, we returned to the hospital room and collapsed onto the floor.

There was no particular reason, but it felt a bit embarrassing to be pampered like a baby.

“Not that I dislike it, but it’s tough to keep accepting it.”

Anyway, as adults, we wanted to maintain at least a little dignity, so right after the banquet ended, we returned to the hospital room. Chae-a had brought a bunch of snacks and lined them up on the floor when Seorin entered the room and looked at us with a slightly hurt expression.

“Sis, I wanted to see you all day with Hae-un and Chae-a. Did you not want to see me?”

Startled by the thought that maybe we had too much fun at the party without Seorin, I hesitated. Nearby, Chae-a grabbed Seorin’s hand and said cheerfully…

“Yup!”

“Huh?”

Normally, shouldn’t the response be “Yes, I wanted to see you”? Unsure if this was correct, I blinked, and Seorin quickly asked anxiously…

“Eh? You didn’t want to see me?”

“Yup. It’s fine.”

At this, Seorin looked genuinely hurt as she stared at Chae-a. Just as I was about to mediate…

Chae-a pulled out the hairpin Seorin bought her from her pocket and said…

“When I see this, I can endure missing you because it feels like Chae-a, Hae-un, and you are always together…”

She carefully put the pin back into her pocket and giggled.

Seorin immediately relaxed and teased…

“Oh, that’s what you meant?”

“Yup. But if you disappear, it hurts here…” Chae-a pressed her chest gently. “So please don’t vanish. Understand?”

With that, she happily went back to organizing the snacks. Though she didn’t say much, it was clear how stressed she gets when people around her leave. I decided to be careful and offered her my tail. Seorin then picked both me and Chae-a up and suggested…

“How about we sleep together tonight? The bed might be a little small, so I’ll grab another blanket.”

“Yay, sounds good!”

Chae-a nodded happily and giggled. While petting her messy hair, I noticed Seorin looking at me and asking…

“By the way, Hae-un, the Elders mentioned they’d give you the Elixir?”

Apparently news of the Elixir had spread. Since there was nothing to hide, I nodded. Seorin looked relieved but also a bit apologetic as she spoke…

“I should’ve been the one to get it for you…”

Why does everyone seem so upset that they couldn’t give me the Elixir? By now, I suspected there might be something wrong with me, though I didn’t feel sick or anything. It was perplexing.

“Come to think of it, wouldn’t tests reveal everything?”

Reflecting, I realized I hadn’t taken any tests since arriving here. Yet they seemed so certain about giving me the Elixir, which made me wonder if there was a serious issue. Curious about the truth, I wagged my tail anxiously but decided not to ask since I doubted a kid would understand the answer anyway.

* * * * *

Seorin had stepped out temporarily to fetch blankets and pillows.

Ordinarily, I’d have gone with Hae-un and Chae-a, but this time I needed some alone time to sort through my emotions.

“Relieved… but a bit complicated.”

The immense relief that Hae-un would finally take the Elixir was mixed with disappointment and self-doubt that I hadn’t contributed anything.

“I feel like I’m not helping Hae-un.”

Back when I was locked up in prison, I vowed to dedicate everything to Hae-un. But now that we’re free, I haven’t been able to do anything for her. Of course, it’s not entirely bad, but I couldn’t help but feel disappointed in myself.

“I need to reflect.”

Though luck helped us obtain the Elixir this time, if another problem arises due to unforeseen circumstances, relying on others’ kindness won’t cut it. Thus, I resolved to become stronger and calmed my mind.

“I need to level up as a Hunter as quickly as possible.”

Determined to protect Hae-un no matter what, I stiffened my expression.

* * * * *

When I woke up the next morning, I saw Seorin still sleeping soundly and Chae-a rummaging under the blanket. The scene was so peaceful that I just gazed at it until the counselor teacher walked in.

“Ah, Hae-un and Chae-a are awake already? And… Seorin? Why are you sleeping here?”

The counselor chuckled amusedly before walking over to me and calmly said…

“Sleeping on the floor isn’t good for you. Next time, bring a bed from the neighboring room. Got it?”

“Yup!”

Feeling grateful for the counselor’s kindness, my tail wagged uncontrollably. Trying to discipline it, I scolded it internally when Seorin woke up groggily and startled upon seeing the counselor.

“Eh? Oh, hello.”

Her hair was sticking up everywhere like a lion’s mane. Watching her fluffed-up hair, I giggled. Realizing this, Seorin quickly began fixing her hair and told us…

“Oh… I’m late.”

Looks like she has training to attend. Thinking about how Hunters need constant training even after becoming one, I wondered how tiring it must be. Then Seorin rubbed her cheeks against ours frantically and rushed to say…

“Sis, I’ll be back after training. See you later, okay?”

“Chae-a will wait well!”

“Alright, I’ll be back soon. Don’t worry!”

“Got it!”

“Also, Hae-un, don’t cry while waiting, okay?”

“…?”

A question mark floated above my head, but Seorin left without waiting for an answer. I just stared at her retreating figure. Then Chae-a clung to me and said…

“Hae-un can’t go, got it?”

“Yup.”

Seeing me agree immediately, Chae-a relaxed and giggled, sitting beside me to play with the snacks. Watching her, I stretched and began planning today’s tasks.

“First, decorate the Lair…”

I decided to consult with the viewers after finishing, thinking it’d be best to get their opinions.

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