Chapter 88

Early in the morning, Seorin informed us of the day’s plans.

“Today we’re going to visit the Dragon Elders, and tomorrow I thought we’d drop by the academy nearby. Sound good?”

Since I didn’t mind either way, I nodded.

Just then, Chae-a, who had been playing with Somtul and some worms, suddenly stood up and ran over to us excitedly.

“Grandma!”

It seemed she really missed them from last time because as soon as she heard about the Elder Dragons, her face lit up like a summer sky.

As I smiled watching Chae-a’s excitement, she hesitated for a moment before whispering to Seorin.

“But… Chae-a doesn’t want to go… it’s scary.”

“Huh?”

“Somtul said they can’t go either! So… I don’t wanna go either!”

Seorin, clearly surprised by how strongly Chae-a was refusing, paused for a moment before nodding understandingly.

“If you don’t want to go, then let’s not go. Besides, even if you went, it wouldn’t matter much anyway! And honestly, I hate school too!”

Hearing that she wouldn’t have to go, Chae-a beamed with joy.

Thinking about it, since Chae-a is a Spirit Beast, she probably didn’t need to attend school in the first place. But now that the decision was made, it felt like everything worked out fine.

“Anyway, today we’re heading to see the Dragon Elders. Let’s get ready after washing up. Got it?”

“Got it!”

Chae-a grinned cheerfully and dashed off somewhere.

As I watched her run off, Seorin gently patted my head and pointed toward the bathroom.

“We should wash up too, right? Come on, let me help you. It’s been a while since I washed your hair!”

Embarrassed by the idea, I shook my head and quickly ran off. Of course, the sink was too high for me to reach alone, so I still ended up needing Seorin’s help. Oh well.

After getting cleaned up, we were picking out clothes when…

“Haeuni should wear this one.”

Yuna approached holding an extra set of animal pajamas.

“Huh?”

I thought meeting adults in animal pajamas might be a bit odd, but Yuna mimicked Seorin earlier by patting my head and insisted,

“Haeuni looks cutest in animal pajamas. You know that, right?”

Feeling her small hand on my head, I blinked in confusion.

From behind, Seorin chimed in with a laugh.

“Yuna knows what she’s talking about! Hae-un does look super cute in those pajamas. Though, you’re adorable no matter what you wear!”

“Mm-hmm.”

With both of them strongly recommending it, I reluctantly agreed. They looked satisfied as I begrudgingly put on the pajamas.

*

Once everyone was ready, we gathered in the living room. Perseus entered confidently, opening the door and greeting us.

“I’m here.”

His casual greeting caught me off guard. As I blinked up at his towering figure, he suppressed a smile, crouched down, and ruffled my hair roughly.

“Haeun, every time I see you, you seem to be shrinking.”

“What?!”

Was he trying to pick a fight?! Feeling indignant, I crossed my arms and explained all the stretching exercises I’ve been doing at night to grow taller.

“At night, I stretch like this and lift my hands high…”

“Hmm? Then why aren’t you growing?”

That, I didn’t know. As I tried to think of an answer, Perseus burst into laughter.

“Just kidding. Hatchlings naturally grow very slowly. There’s nothing you can do about it.”

Oh, that’s how it works.

Reflecting on it, since half of my heritage comes from ancient dragons, it makes sense that my growth process would differ from regular people. I hugged my tail and nodded.

‘If that’s true, there’s a chance I’ll stay this size for years.’

Though it might not happen, considering how often they say I haven’t grown, it seems likely.

As I compared myself to the taller figures of Yuna and Chae-a, feeling a little down, Perseus noticed and reassured me.

“Don’t worry. Your physical growth may be slow, but your magical growth isn’t.”

Is that more important?

Confused, I wondered about this when suddenly the little antennae—or rather “stupid fur”—on my head started twitching.

“They’re alive.”

“Huh?”

Deciding to ignore Perseus’ strange comments, I turned around only to be picked up by him. He then spoke to Seorin.

“Let’s go then. Yuna and Chae-a, hold hands and follow closely.”

“Yes!”

With that, he activated a teleportation spell, bringing us to the same grand building we visited before.

* * *

It was just as magnificent as I remembered.

Dazed by the dazzling sights, I stood there blankly when Perseus pointed to a giant door.

“You’ll probably have quite the challenge ahead. The elders are waiting eagerly.”

Upon hearing such ominous words, I wanted to ask what he meant, but before I could, he opened the door and announced,

“We’ve arrived.”

At his words, numerous elder dragons inside immediately fixed their predator-like gazes on us.

Realizing something was wrong, I tried to flee, but my short legs couldn’t escape Perseus’ grip. I was dragged inside.

There, I saw…

[Haeun Flower Crown Photo Spot]

What an odd banner.

Thinking the elder dragons must love banners, I shivered in fear as one of them stepped forward and asked me,

“Why are you so skinny, Haeun? Are you starving yourself?”

Starving?! If anything, I eat too much! I shook my head, but…

The elders weren’t listening to me at all. Instead, they sighed dramatically and began discussing.

“I’m glad we prepared food just in case.”

“It might not be enough. We should prepare more. Let’s fatten Haeun up this time.”

“I brought the most famous chocolates from around the world.”

Hearing these alarming plans to turn me into a snack box, I tried to act oblivious and glanced ahead. There, I saw an overwhelming amount of food piled up.

‘Even this much could last a year…’

As I wondered if preparing so much was okay, Chae-a stepped forward with a bright smile.

“Hello… yo! My name is Chae-a!”

She then collapsed onto the floor, giggling.

Seeing this, Yuna looked around briefly before joining her, also lying flat on the ground.

“…?”

Apparently, their actions were appreciated, as several voices exclaimed approvingly.

“Such polite greetings!”

“Here, take some pocket money.”

“Come over here and have some snacks.”

Despite my confusion, I tried to pull them up, but…

Seorin chuckled softly beside me.

“Haeun, you should greet them too.”

“…”

At her suggestion, murmurs of agreement spread through the crowd.

Caught between embarrassment and uncertainty, I finally decided to mimic Chae-a and Yuna by flopping onto the floor. This delighted everyone greatly.

“Children truly bring warmth to the atmosphere.”

“It’s been so long since we’ve seen hatchlings.”

“I saw one last week!”

“No, I mean…”

Voices buzzed around me as I flushed red with embarrassment, rubbing my heated cheeks with my palms. Just then, Chae-a stood up and grabbed my hand.

“There’s so much delicious food here! Should we take some back for a party?”

Remembering our last fun-filled party, Chae-a looked at me expectantly.

Thinking leftovers would be fine too, I nodded. At that moment, one of the elder dragons approached me with a question.

“Speaking of which, Haeun, ahem… would you consider being our flower crown model?”

They cleared their throat awkwardly, clearly wanting to ask but feeling apologetic. Still, their extended hand betrayed their eagerness.

After a brief moment of consideration, I couldn’t refuse someone offering such kindness, so I nodded and accepted.

“Everyone, line up!”

Suddenly, all the elder dragons lined up, ready to crown me with flowers.

“…”

This unexpected scene left me frozen in shock. Nearby, Seorin lifted me onto a nearby table, brushing my hair neatly while saying,

“Afterward, you’ll have to do the same for me, alright?”

Betrayed by my supposed ally, I turned to Chae-a and Yuna for help, only to find them already crowned far away, laughing mischievously.

Realizing there was no escape, I closed my eyes tightly and reluctantly offered my puffed-up cheeks for the crowning ceremony.

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