With everything prepared, we’re heading to ask Perseus about my tail.
I’m getting nervous, wondering what kind of answer Perseus will give…
Seorin looks at me like that and smiles before saying something.
“Arin-ssi is on her way since I already contacted her. I’d love to come with you guys, but I have a mission today so I can’t.”
Seorin clings to us with a whiny tone, then lets out a long sigh.
“But if I want to take care of Hae-un, Chae-a, and Yuna, I need to work hard… right? You guys, don’t cry when I’m not here, okay?”
“Roar! We won’t cry!”
“…”
Chae-a’s honest reply makes Seorin look slightly hurt…
But then Chae-a continues, making Seorin smile brightly.
“Because Chae-a is going to follow Unni Seorin! So we won’t cry!”
“Chae-a~!”
Seorin picks up Chae-a, squeezing her cheeks happily before looking a bit glum and shaking her head. Stretching, she gathers the kids and says:
“Let’s go then.”
With that, we left the house.
*
After parting ways with Seorin,
we headed toward Perseus’ lair with Han Arin.
As always, it’s dazzlingly beautiful and fascinating. Perseus greets us with a smile.
“Welcome.”
Is he telling us to hurry up?
He opens the door wide, urging us to come in quickly with his eyes.
Hesitating for a moment, I quicken my pace and enter.
“Han Arin, you don’t have to stay, so you can leave.”
“What did you say?”
While Chae-a and Yuna ignored their bickering and entered,
they started looking around the furniture inside and chatting.
“Chae-a thinks Haeuni’s lair is better. It’s warm and cozy!”
“Mm-hmm. I also prefer Haeuni’s lair.”
“?…”
Are they complimenting?
I tilt my head while listening to what seems like a compliment but might not be, then Perseus and Han Arin walk in and each start talking.
“Then, I’ll show you to the parlor, please follow.”
“Don’t touch the furniture, they’re dirty. Understand?”
Some kind of strange tension is building between them.
I’m not sure if their relationship is good or bad when suddenly a golem servant approaches us.
“I’ll guide you ladies. This way please.”
At this, Chae-a reacts first.
She must find the golem very cool because she sticks to its leg excitedly and starts talking.
“Waahh, so impressive!”
Although I’m not exactly sure what’s impressive…
I guess the large, majestic humanoid golem seems amazing to her.
“Indeed, quite impressive.”
Thinking how it resembles a butler from a drama or manga and feeling amazed, Yuna beside me grabs my hand tightly.
“If we get lost, Unni will hold my hand, okay? Understand?”
Even though all we have to do is follow the butler and there’s no way we’ll get lost,
Yuna still worries about leaving me alone and refuses to let go as we move forward.
Watching Yuna like this, I awkwardly smile until the butler points to an elegant parlor.
“This is it. Allow me to help you sit. Please come this way.”
The parlor is classy yet peculiar with cute dolls placed everywhere.
It seems specially arranged for our visit.
Thinking this, Chae-a whispers to me softly.
“Uncle probably likes dolls too… Chae-a likes them too!”
Apparently, Chae-a assumes Perseus loves dolls and decorated accordingly.
Smiling and nodding at her assumption, Perseus sits down and asks us.
“So, what would you like to ask?”
At this, Yuna bluntly replies.
“Haeuni’s tail is weird.”
“…?”
Perseus looks momentarily stunned after hearing Yuna’s question, then shakes his head and asks for more details.
“It moves on its own… like it has a mind of its own.”
Understanding the inquiry, Perseus chuckles and says.
“So, you’re saying Hae-un’s tail moves by itself without control?”
“Mm-hmm.”
Unable to contain his laughter, Perseus covers his face with his hand before asking again.
“Haha, is there any problem?”
“Nope, no problems. But it keeps running away or moving around randomly.”
Upon hearing my response, Perseus bursts into laughter and explains.
“Haha… Let me check with the elders first. Excuse me.”
Though laughing, it doesn’t seem serious.
Still, seeing him laugh without explanation makes me pout cutely.
While doing so, Perseus fiddles with his phone and informs me.
“To sum up, there’s no issue. It’s actually a normal growth process.”
Judging by “normal growth process,” other hatchlings must go through this too.
Recalling something similar I’ve heard before, I nod slightly when Han Arin curiously asks another question.
“So why does it move on its own?”
“It may seem random, but it’s actually reflecting Hae-un’s true feelings rather than moving arbitrarily.”
My true feelings…?
Glancing back at my silly, mischievous tail,
it doesn’t seem to reflect my true feelings at all, so I’m puzzled.
Suddenly, the naughty tail lightly taps my head and hides behind the couch.
“…?”
Feeling extremely wronged, I look around,
only to see Han Arin burst into laughter, wiping tears from her eyes.
“Ah… Thanks to Hae-un, I feel like my life span has increased.”
“…”
Despite being unfairly treated, my lips keep pouting.
Trying to calm myself with superhuman patience,
Chae-a gently pets my head and consoles me.
“Don’t worry about the pain! Chae-a will protect you!”
Then she gives me a big smile.
“Great!”
Thanks to Chae-a, my frustration subsides somewhat.
Deciding to act mature, I bite my lip and think when
Perseus, who has stopped laughing, shares some information.
“Generally, dragons have a lot of mana concentrated in their horns, dragon heart, and tails. Therefore, hatchlings who aren’t adept at mana control struggle to manage these parts.”
Ah, so that’s why it moves on its own.
Nodding as if understanding roughly,
Perseus kindly strokes my head and continues.
“Thus, even when in human form, horns and tails that should normally be hidden are revealed during the hatchling stage.”
After showing us that he lacks visible horns and tail, Perseus goes on.
“Therefore, there’s no need to worry too much. This is a natural process, and letting it be can help improve mana control.”
In short,
the tail reflects my true feelings,
and the reason it moves uncontrollably is due to my insufficient mana control.
‘So, when I grow up, Uncle mentioned the tail’s random movements will stop.’
Thinking I now understand why this foolish tail moves on its own,
just as I’m about to punish it, it playfully pokes my forehead and starts fleeing.
“…”
Swiftly dodging and teasing me,
when I turn my head, the tail seems apologetic for playing with me and timidly approaches to cuddle.
Seeing this opportunity, I grab the tail and enthusiastically start nibbling as revenge, causing Perseus to add a comment.
“Watching you, it seems Hae-un’s tail has a particularly strong tendency to move on its own. Perhaps this indicates a significant amount of mana talent.”
This could be good news.
Since I have high expectations for magic, hearing about my magical talent makes me feel slightly better.
The tail attached to me also seems happier and tries to wag, but I continue nibbling to calm it down.
“In any case, get along well. After all, it’s part of your body, and it will likely be the first to help when you’re in danger.”
Indeed, it helps me in various ways when I need assistance,
so my heart softens and I release the tail.
The tail pokes my cheek.
“Meow!”
Startled, an odd sound escapes me.
Feeling embarrassed about making such a noise in front of others, I try to catch the tail for revenge,
but the clever tail swiftly turns right and escapes.
“…”
There’s no way I’ll let it get away.
Trying to grab the tail as I spin around,
but the silly tail keeps evading my grasp, making me keep spinning in place.
Just as I feel like I’m almost catching it,
while thinking who will win this little game,
I notice Han Arin filming me with a laugh.
Embarrassed beyond measure, I immediately collapse onto the floor,
covering my beet-red face as the tail pats my back to soothe me.