Chapter 66

The act of *kotatsu*—resting one’s face in someone’s hand—was exactly what it sounded like.

Everyone perceives such actions differently, but personally, I found this behavior incredibly embarrassing.

“Th-that’s because… it’s embarrassing when you do it yourself!”

After placing my face into Grandma Leseia’s palm, I couldn’t handle the embarrassment and started frantically wagging my tail at an alarming speed. My head felt hot, and my cheeks burned bright red as I flailed around helplessly. That’s when Grandma Leseia squinted her eyes, glanced at her phone, and spoke with a slightly puzzled tone.

“Hmm… I could’ve sworn there was a recording button here somewhere…”

“Huh?”

“Let me see… Ah, yes, here it is.”

She grinned, pressed some button, and suddenly, the phone emitted a mechanical voice:

[Video Recording has begun.]

The alien sound startled me, leaving me blinking blankly in confusion. Meanwhile, Grandma Leseia frowned at her phone, shaking her head.

“This is a bit tricky…”

As I listened, I thought maybe I should teach her how to operate the device, but just as I tried lifting my face from her hand…

“Stay put, Hae-un. Let Grandma figure this out on her own.”

Before I could protest, she called over Chae-a instead.

“Chae-a, can you help Grandma?”

Didn’t she say she’d handle it herself just a second ago?

While I processed this sudden change of heart, Chae-a confidently approached.

“I know how! It works like this!”

Grabbing the phone, she held it up to her ear and shouted loudly.

“Hello! Hi! This is Chae-a speaking!”

What Grandma had asked about was taking pictures, but Chae-a seemed to think it was about using the phone itself.

Despite the misunderstanding, I giggled softly watching this scene unfold. Grandma Leseia even smiled fondly and began petting Chae-a’s hair enthusiastically.

“You’re so smart, Chae-a. Thank you for teaching Grandma.”

“Yeah! I’ll teach you again next time!”

Beaming with pride after receiving praise, Chae-a skipped back to her original spot. Though nothing was resolved, everyone (except me) seemed satisfied, creating a warm atmosphere.

*

Click.

After numerous attempts, Grandma Leseia finally managed to snap a picture of me. My face was flushed red from resting against her palm for so long, and my head felt scorching. Instead of concern, Grandma Leseia chuckled affectionately and commented aloud to the others.

“When I hold Hae-un like this, her cheeks turn bright red.”

“It’s true! She’s so cute—it suits her baby face!”

“Baby.”

They all laughed good-naturedly while observing my reddened face. Confused by their amusement, I straightened my tail stiffly before attempting to divert the topic.

“Ma-ma, Grandma, what’s this thing?”

Pointing at my hairpin, I inquired about its purpose. With a gentle smile, Grandma explained.

“As I mentioned earlier, it’s enchanted with protective magic. Specifically: first, activates defensive spells; second, regulates body temperature and generates food; third, creates temporary shelter; fourth, summons nearby dragons for assistance…”

Her explanation became increasingly complex, filled with advanced magical terminology that went over my head. As I stared blankly, Chae-a perked up beside me.

“So… does that mean we can summon Kamangi too?!”

“Kamangi?”

“Yes! The Kamangi over there!”

Chae-a gleefully pointed toward the trembling Kamangi creatures in the corner. Grandma Leseia chuckled lightly but shook her head.

“Unfortunately, Kamangi cannot be summoned.”

“Oh, well then, here! Take these! They let you call Kamangi!”

Chae-a pulled small pebbles from her pocket and placed them into Grandma’s hands. Though unclear how they related to Kamangi, Chae-a’s confidence suggested they held some function.

“What are these?” I wondered silently, glancing at the stones. Chae-a eagerly elaborated.

“This one is the favorite of the first Kamangi, this one belongs to the second, and this last one is my personal favorite.”

“How wonderful! Did you find these yourself, Chae-a?”

“Yup! I worked hard to collect them just for Grandma.”

Grandma beamed proudly at Chae-a, ruffling her hair affectionately. In response, Chae-a giggled and scampered off into a corner of the lair.

When the commotion settled, Grandma gently stroked my cheek and spoke calmly.

“Well, Grandma will leave now. If word gets out I’m here, it might cause unnecessary trouble.”

Though I shook my head indicating disagreement, Grandma only smiled warmly and stood up.

“And Yuna…”

Caught off guard, Yuna blinked nervously. Clearly still adjusting to adults, I reassured her by holding her hand. Then, Grandma tenderly patted Yuna’s head.

“There’s no need to worry anymore. All problems will disappear soon. Understand?”

“Yes…”

Though visibly embarrassed, Yuna nodded hesitantly. Her nine tails swayed gently, betraying her happiness despite her shyness. Relieved, I sighed contentedly.

“I’ll go now.”

Her words sounded decisive, yet her expression brimmed with reluctance. Every few steps, she glanced back at me wistfully, making it obvious she didn’t want to leave.

Moved by her care, I hesitated briefly before rushing forward to embrace her tightly.

“Thank you…”

Though shy to express affection directly, gratitude came naturally. Filled with sincerity, I thanked Grandma Leseia, who responded by hugging me back joyfully.

“My dear. While I’m gone, eat well, stay safe, stop letting Perseus rest his face on yours, and keep in touch often, alright?”

Then, leaning down, she kissed my forehead gently before setting me down carefully.

“I really must go now. Staying any longer might make it impossible to leave.”

Even though it was said jokingly, her tone carried genuine emotion. Bowing deeply in gratitude, I watched as a soft breeze blew through my hair, carrying Grandma away without a trace.

‘…’

Though only a temporary farewell, sadness lingered. Dragging my deflated tail behind me, I hung my head low. Beside me, Yuna reached out to comfort me.

“Blow on it…”

“Huh?”

“If it hurts, blowing makes it better… Blow on it.”

Apparently impressed by her healing abilities during our first meeting, Yuna earnestly blew onto my forehead, maintaining a proud expression. Unable to resist her cuteness, I smiled faintly and nodded.

“Thanks.”

My appreciation made Yuna’s tails wag uncontrollably. Watching them sway, I lost myself in thought when suddenly, Chae-a reappeared.

“Where’s Grandma?”

Ah… She didn’t notice Grandma left.

Uncertain how to explain, I remained silent momentarily. Thankfully, Yuna succinctly summarized the situation.

“She’s gone.”

“Huh?”

Upon hearing this, Chae-a’s expression turned shocked, teary-eyed, and desperate. Sensing impending tears, I quickly pulled out my phone.

“Wait a sec…”

Dialing Grandma immediately, I handed the phone to Chae-a.

[Hmm? Hae-un?]

Confused by my unexpected call mere minutes after leaving, Grandma sounded surprised.

Before I could speak, Chae-a blurted out tearfully, though not crying outright.

“Grandma!”

Though clearly upset, Chae-a insisted bravely.

“I didn’t cry… I’m grown-up enough to control myself.”

Positioning her face close to the screen, she began chatting animatedly.

“Grandma disappeared and it made me sad… But seeing you again makes me happy! The Kamangi say hi too… Oh wait, where did they go?! Wow, look, there’s Worm Sister! She wriggles so coolly—I want to be just like Worm Sister when I grow up…!”

Overwhelmed by emotions, Chae-a rambled endlessly, seemingly trying to delay Grandma’s departure as much as possible.

‘She really cares about Grandma.’

Watching her efforts, I sighed inwardly. Eventually, Chae-a sniffled and concluded.

“Okay, you can go now… Grandma, don’t cry if I’m not around, alright? Got it?”

Standing up, she walked off toward the Kamangi.

Still baffled by children’s actions, I cradled my wagging tail, wondering why she headed that way. Nearby, Yuna observed me thoughtfully before commenting admiringly.

“Chae-a is very mature and amazing.”

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