episode_0405

“Wow… ”

The man threw back his head and opened his mouth wide.

As it was a forest, there were trees everywhere, but that tree that filled my field of vision stood out and caught my eye.

“This is a fairy tree… ”

Thick roots are revealed at first glance. A trunk as long and thick as a skyscraper, and countless branches spread out as if supporting the blue sky.

The sunlight reflected on the green leaves beautifully scattered and settled on the ground.

Standards for what makes a tree pretty and cool may vary, but to the man’s eyes, that fairy’s neck was particularly large and beautiful.

– I don’t know what to do with myself for being so touched.

“Ah… Excuse me.”

The man who had been blankly staring at the sound coming from next to him smiled awkwardly.

– It’s not something that deserves an apology.

The woman who approached him lightly giggled. Her colorful wings fluttered behind her back.

– Rather, I am happy. How could I be envious of the spiritual tree of my tribe, which I regard as beautiful?

“I wonder if you might think I’m treating you like a spectacle… ”

– Oh, I see. I know how timid you are towards our species.

“Oh, I didn’t mean it like that… ”

– Yes, don’t worry, I didn’t misunderstand. We are not a race so petty as to doubt the benefactor who wholeheartedly saved our young compatriot.

The man’s expression became mysterious at the fairy’s words.

“That’s what Arin and Jiyeon did, what the… ”

– It’s different from what I heard from the children. It was so impressive that I talked about my benefactor every day, and I was moved when I heard it.

“Isn’t that just the exaggeration that’s unique to children?”

– You are exaggerating the innocent words of children… That is too much.

“That’s… Phew.”

The man who had been waving his hands in confusion let out a deep sigh. Then he looked at the giggling fairy and pouty lips.

“Please don’t tease me too much… ”

– Excuse me. It’s really cute how you react like a little bird.

“That’s a joke too… ”

The man shook his head as if he had given up. In fact, the man was a head smaller than the fairy.

Most fairies are small, but some are as big as a human…

– I haven’t seen that precious item before. Is it a newly acquired weapon?

The fairy, who had been smiling slightly, turned her gaze to the man’s waist.

“Oh, yes. It’s a sword I recently acquired.”

The gloomy man slightly turned his waist. A sword was hanging from his waist.

Man… The sword that the first one had.

‘Here…?’

Behind the two, Lee Ha-yool blinked. It felt like he was half asleep in a dream.

I searched my memories.

The moment I tried to revive the fairy neck, the soul… the fairy’s uniqueness tried to come out independently. At the same time, the fairy neck was excessively inflated.

While I was adjusting it, I suddenly lost consciousness and this sight appeared.

I had a similar experience. It was similar to the feeling I got when I was awakened by the third memory.

While I was gathering my thoughts, the first sword suddenly entered my head.

An elegant and neat scabbard. The blade was hidden, but a mysterious aura was clearly flowing out.

‘Holy Sword.’

Although his fighting ability was poor, he survived the longest in the first round among all the previous rounds.

The reason for this was the presence of companions and unique abilities, but there was also the presence or absence of the holy sword.

The Holy Sword is not its official name.

However, it had performance that could be classified as a holy sword.

It is not chosen for unjust acts. Once chosen, it pushes away the forces belonging to evil and helps the master in dealing with evil.

The acquisition was… a coincidence.

This is the first time I had no information about the world.

It was a time when I was just burying my head in the ground with no special abilities or special features, so I happened to come across the Holy Sword, and since my disposition and the situation coincided, I was able to draw it.

It was easy to use because it went well with the unique ability.

This was the reason why Lee Ha-yool thought the man’s identity was the first time.

Of all the previous rounds, there was only one time when I obtained that holy sword.

‘From the beginning, their facial features were similar.’

Lee Ha-yul looked at the first round with a strange expression.

The previous episodes were the 2nd, 5th, and 10th.

They all had the same overall facial features, and they were all large and bulky. Perhaps because of that, they had no trace of slenderness, and they gave off a rough and fierce aura.

But the first time was different.

To be exact… it is quite similar to this rate.

Black hair and eyes.

The body is small and thin, giving it a neutral feel. Instead of a strong and sturdy vibe, a soft and delicate vibe flows.

But he was taller than Lee Ha-yul.

“I don’t know why I was chosen, but since I was chosen, I should work hard.”

The first carriage, which had been caressing the handle, smiled faintly. The fairy next to it looked at it with an expression that made it seem as if she really didn’t know.

‘That fairy… no, where is this place in the first place?’

The time zone is… 1st time. I have met a fairy before. The Taesan family visited with Ma Kyung and Lee Ji Yeon.

‘Arin and Sunbae… Are you talking about Lee Ji-yeon? Then it could be the Taesan family.’

The Taesan family is protecting a fairy. Is that fairy a fairy who resides in the Taesan family’s territory?

It doesn’t seem to be an ordinary fairy. Judging from its size, it is comparable to a person. It is probably an individual entity like a fairy knight.

– … Ahem. You may have heard this before, but this fairy tree is not yet a full-grown adult.

“Is that so?”

The first round tilted its head as if it was unexpected. Lee Ha-yool, who was observing the situation from behind, also listened in secretly.

It just so happened that I was dealing with fairy trees. Although it was uncertain, it couldn’t hurt to hear some information about fairy trees.

– The Fairy Tree is a tree that originally grew from the hand of the king. It is the wall, the heart, and the cradle where fairies are born and raised.

The smiling fairy continued her explanation.

– This fairy tree was transplanted and raised by me and the fairies from the seedling stage. However, since the king did not touch it… it is not in perfect condition.

At that explanation, the first one blinked and looked back at the tree.

Such a big and beautiful tree.

It was hard to believe that the tree, which had pure spiritual energy flowing around it and brought peace of mind just by looking at it, had grown less.

– If it was a complete fairy tree… new fairies could be born. But that is the king’s unique power. The fairies here are impossible.

The fairy who explained it like that smiled bitterly.

If the population of a species is not increasing, it means that it is heading towards extinction. The first one who understood him kept his mouth shut.

– You don’t have to make that face. The King hasn’t appeared yet, but when he does… everything will be resolved.

“… If you ever need help with anything, please let me know. I’ll help you as much as I can.”

– I will gratefully remember your words.

The fairy smiled faintly at the first round’s words, which had no malice whatsoever.

But I don’t know if I can really ask for help. I don’t know how to ask for help in the first place.

Now I don’t know how to find the king.

The fairy suppressed her gloomy thoughts and maintained a bitter smile.

.

.

.

My consciousness stirred. The dream faded away and reality began to creep in.

The soft sensation of the world was hitting the back of my head.

‘what?’

But it was an unfamiliar feeling. Lee Ha-yool tilted his head inwardly and raised his eyelids.

There was no sky or tree branches visible.

Instead, there was a hazy fog and emotionless faces.

“Hic… ”

Before I knew it, those in the mansion were looking down. Some of them didn’t catch my eye, but their gazes were all equally unpleasant.

“Are you awake?”

A gentle hand came down on his forehead along with a clear voice. The hand was not visible. Lee Ha-yool, who had been observing, opened his mouth, thinking, “No way.”

[…Seo-ryul?]

The owner of the knee was Lee Seo-yool.

Pure white eyes were staring down at Lee Ha-yool, who was resting his head on his knees and stroking his forehead.

Lee Ha-yool’s face became blank.

I got a lap pillow from my daughter. It was so comfortable and it made me feel very complicated…

What should I say? I feel proud and strange at the same time.

“Ha-yul, are you okay?”

Hong Yeon-hwa knelt down next to Lee Ha-yool, whose mind had stopped for a moment, and asked.

A look of blatant worry appeared on his hardened face. He looked fine on the outside, but I couldn’t help but worry about the fact that he had suddenly lost consciousness.

[Yes, it’s okay]

Lee Ha-yool shook his head after fidgeting with his hands for a moment.

I’ve experienced astral projection before. That means I already know how to block it. Thanks to that, I was able to block it before it got too far torn apart like before.

“Well, that’s fortunate.”

“Hehehe… ”

As Hong Yeon-hwa sighed in relief after reading the message contained in the necklace, Lee Ha-yool, who had been observing her, smiled faintly. The corners of Hong Yeon-hwa’s eyes rose.

“What the hell are you laughing at?”

“Kueeek… ”

A finger that didn’t hesitate hit his nose gently.

“What should I do with this kid? How could he have an accident while he’s in the mansion… ”

“Just like that. Are you really wrapping it in a bundle and carrying it around in your arms?”

“Wouldn’t it be better to just feed him his fill and let him sleep? I see that he sleeps a lot, so if you feed him well and hold him in your arms, he’ll sleep all day.”

This time, Lee Seo-yool didn’t stop him either. And it wasn’t just one hand. Countless hands were teasing Lee Ha-yool’s face…

“Again, again, again, again, again… What on earth have you done?”

A word that becomes more powerful the more it is repeated. As Lee Ha-yool shrugged his shoulders, Hong Yeon-hwa swallowed another sigh and pointed forward.

Lee Ha-yool, who had been covering his nose with both hands, turned his gaze back.

‘oh…’

And I reflexively admired it.

Almost directly behind was a tree. It was a fairy tree that gave life to the spirits.

The only difference from before I lost consciousness was that it had grown incredibly large.

‘It’s gotten too big?’

The fairy tree, which was at best two to three times larger than the lower limit, has now grown to the size of a fairly tall building.

The thick roots, pillars, and branches of the tree have also grown incredibly thick, and the withered surface and interior have come back to life.

“Is that a fairy tree? The one you brought dead?”

“Is the fairy tree originally that big?”

Daera, who came out following the loud commotion, opened her mouth and spoke. Baek Arin, who had been touching Lee Ha-yul with her wing clothes, looked at Lee Ji-yeon.

“Aren’t there many trees of that size in your sister Jiyeon’s estate?”

“That’s true, but… ”

There are many trees in the Taesan family’s estate.

There are many different types of trees, but among the trees that have been specially bred and grown with great care, there are some that boast enormous sizes.

Among them, there are trees larger than that fairy tree right now.

“No, that’s a lot?”

“There is one… but it’s a tree that has been grown for at least several decades. If it’s as long as a hundred years.”

That tree was also grown by the Taishan Manifestationists themselves. And they grew it in just one day… no, in just one minute?

It’s not like it’s just accelerated growth and empty inside. It feels like it’s definitely alive. Lee Ji-yeon looked down at Lee Ha-yool with a stern face.

“Junior. How on earth did you use your vitality… Did you use it without using your own vitality?”

[no]

[Negative transcription]

At that question, everyone’s eyes turned cold for a moment. Feeling a sense of crisis, Lee Ha-yool hurriedly shook his head.

“No, it suddenly grew too big. You overdid it again, didn’t you? Of course it would faint if you raised that skinny thing like this!”

“Kueeek… ”

I was looking around for no reason and got my nose pinched again. I reflexively let out a whining sound, and the fairies started to fidget and flap their wings.

As expected, the kids who called him king were worried about Lee Ha-yul─

– Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Our house! The tree! Can I go to the tree?

[… … ]

It wasn’t a worry.

Of course, I was worried and had tears in my eyes until I regained consciousness, but when I saw that she was fine, my butt started to shake with anticipation that I had tried to suppress.

Lee Ha-yool nodded nervously at the sight of the usually calm Kali shaking her legs.

[… Then, have a good trip.]

– Thank you! Oh, Rudy! Let’s go!

As soon as he finished speaking, the fairies flew away.

Although I felt proud seeing that happy face, I also felt a strange sense of disappointment.

– I am glad you are not injured, Your Majesty.

[Terramor…]

However, Terramor, who was just as surprised as the fairy, remained in her seat and still expressed her concern. Lee Ha-yool’s face was filled with emotion as her eyes dripped with worry.

– By the way, a fairy tree of that size… It’s amazing.

Terramor, who had confirmed Lee Ha-yul’s condition, felt relieved and looked at the fairy tree that he had been trying to avoid.

“Uh… Terramor knew of other elven trees. Are those of that size rare?”

– Of course, Queen Hong Yeon-hwa. I have never seen a fairy tree of that size in the Fairy Kingdom.

“… Hmm. Is that so? ”

While Hong Yeon-hwa was obviously fond of Terramore’s polite attitude and certain titles, Lee Ha-yool thought of the fairy tree he had observed in his dream.

‘Certainly, the fairy tree that has grown now is much larger.’

If you only consider the size, this one is clearly bigger. But the current fairy tree has no leaves, so it feels bare.

‘No, it’s really sad.’

That fairy tree… has ‘come back to life.’ The vessel has been considerably restored and can hold life.

The roots that had writhed and moved down to the ground were connected to the veins, and were sucking out life on their own.

That’s all.

The uniqueness of this rate was that it was possible to recognize that the tree was imperfect.

It is possible to create barriers and environments, but they are not perfect. Also, it is not possible to create new fairies.

The fairy tree I encountered in my dream was in a similar state.

‘I guess it’s not possible to completely bloom in this condition.’

He made a strange expression, recognizing the uniqueness of the inside.

There comes a time when the soul and body need to be separated. Of course, this does not mean that the body is abandoned; it just comes out and then goes back in.

But that moment can’t be now. The moment to use it has already been decided.

“Huh?”

The blue winged clothes slowly became entangled with each other. When Baek A-rin tilted her head, Lee Ha-yool slowly got up.

“Keuek.”

I couldn’t raise my body because of the fingers pressing on my head.

Lee Ha-yool opened his eyes wide. The owner of the hand was someone he didn’t expect… no, it was a fairy.

“Dad.”

[Uh, yeah…?]

Calm, pure white eyes looked down at Lee Ha-yul. No matter when I think about it, they are still pretty eyes.

… Is it calm? Lee Ha-yool swallowed hard and questioned my thoughts.

“Why are you being so pushy?“

– Push… Push…

A calm tone. A finger lightly pressing his forehead. Although he didn’t use any force, Lee Ha-yool felt a weight that was difficult to express.

The weight of it stabbed my chest.

“This is really too much.”

[I, I’m sorry…]

Lee Ha-yul shrugged his shoulders. Parents’ pride and status did not dare to raise their heads in front of their children…

* * *

The weekend after the entrance ceremony.

While Lee Ha-sol was busy concentrating on the growth she had gained at the top, she was also busy planning the schedule for the first-year tower entrance ceremony.

‘This part is a bit annoying.’

After-party held on Sunday evening at the 3rd Banquet Hall.

Lee Ha-sol, who came out onto the balcony to escape the heat, let out a sigh as she watched the after-party proceeding without a hitch.

“After this is over, I have to prepare for the midterm exam again… ”

Lee Ha-sol put both arms on the railing. Her ample chest was lifted up onto the railing. Lee Ha-sol’s expression became strange.

A useless lump of fat. To be honest, as the owner, I couldn’t help but think that way.

In reality, when handling a bow, this chest was not only cumbersome, but never helpful.

… but it has been helpful lately.

Lee Ha-sol made a strange expression as she recalled Lee Ha-yul, who had fallen fast asleep in her product.

‘Ahem.’

For some reason, she liked to fall asleep in someone’s arms since she was little. Lee Ha-sol blushed slightly and sipped water.

“… … ”

As I looked up at the night sky, memories from the tower kept coming back to me.

Gupoong, Ihayul, Daera, Ihayul, Ihayul, Ihayul, Ihayul, Ihayul, Ihayul, Ihayul…

… I think it’s all the same.

There was no choice.

It’s only been the last two days, but I’ve been stuck with Lee Ha-yul… It’s because I’ve been holding Lee Ha-yul, who’s already difficult, in my arms.

Especially the dawn of the last day… it was a very intense memory in contrast to the memories of the past.

Thanks to that, I didn’t even get to fight the event boss that was active from dawn on the last day?

This was the reason why Lee Ha-sol could not participate much in the topics that took place in the banquet hall.

‘…and…’

The corners of his lips, which had been gently curved, hardened as he recalled a certain memory.

The day when Lee Ha-sol was washing herself, Lee Ha-yool suddenly fell into the lake.

Why on earth did he fall so close to a corpse? That question remains.

Lee Ha-sol, who was looking up at the moon with a stern face, tapped her smartwatch.

I checked the recent text messages from one of those contacts.

[▷Contact: Lee Ha-yul]

[▷Lee Ha-yul: Lee Ha-sol]

[▷Lee Ha-yul: I’m thinking of training for the midterm evaluation at the request of Dae-ra Sa-jeo. Do you have any interest in training with me?]

…

[▷Lee Ha-yool: But I have some circumstances that make it so I can’t go outside the mansion… Would it be okay if I did it at the mansion in the central district?]

[▷Lee Ha-yool: There is no problem with the facilities. Everything is there.]

Just as I was about to start training for the midterm exam, Iha Yul received this offer.

‘I guess I can ask now. Plus, I’ll say hello to the people there.’

I’ve already become acquainted with Elia. Since I’ve already established a connection with one person, I’ll be able to become acquainted with Elia as an intermediary.

Lee Ha-sol nodded.

.

.

.

“Aha, is that Lee Ha-sol? Nice to meet you. My name is Hong Yeon-hwa. I heard about it from Ha-yul.”

“… … ”

The lime eyes blinked.

Through the wide open front gate, a park and a flower garden in full bloom were visible. Among them, Lee Ha-yool and… Hong Yeon-hwa were walking out of the street.

He’s stuck to me very tightly. It’s as if he wants to hold me in his arms if possible… His arms are wrapped around my waist as if it’s his own…

The corners of Lee Ha-sol’s mouth twitched.