Chapter 23: Divine Beast

Due to her atopic dermatitis, Ji-an had always been reserved, but she was gradually returning to her lively, cheerful self.

She started playing energetically again, her clear, melodious laughter filling the house.

Every night, Lee Do-hyun gently stroked his sleeping daughter’s face, shedding tears of gratitude.

Though he wasn’t sure exactly why her condition had improved, he felt moving here was the best decision he’d ever made.

“Sang-woong, that was delicious.”

Satisfied with his meal, Lee Do-hyun pulled out his credit card and handed it to Sang-woong.

He had become a regular at the restaurant, just like his wife, Kim Seo-ah.

Having occasionally shared drinks and conversations with Sang-woong in the evenings, they’d grown close enough to call each other “brother” and “friend” informally.

“Thanks as always, hyung.”

Sang-woong took the card and swiped it with practiced ease.

Handing over the receipt with a bright smile, he said, “I see you didn’t come with noona today.”

Lee Do-hyun tucked the receipt into his wallet, smiling wryly. “She’s been swamped with patients lately.”

His face showed both concern and affection for his wife.

“That must be tough. How about a coffee for dessert?” Sang-woong offered.

Lee Do-hyun’s face lit up. A delicious coffee after a meal was perfect.

“I’d love that. I was just craving one.”

“Give me a sec.”

With a warm smile, Sang-woong moved to brew the coffee.

His practiced movements were now a familiar sight.

Soon, the fragrant aroma of coffee filled the restaurant. Sang-woong carefully poured the hot coffee into disposable cups for Lee Do-hyun and his colleagues.

“Thanks, boss!”

“I’ll enjoy this.”

The coffee, brewed by Sang-woong himself, was as popular as the food.

Using high-quality beans and the land’s clear stream water, his coffee boasted a rich, aromatic flavor, making it an essential treat for customers after a meal.

“You should sell this coffee. It’s so good,” Lee Do-hyun suggested.

Sang-woong laughed. “I’m just thinking of it as a service for regulars.”

He had no desire to sell coffee yet. The restaurant’s menu was still limited, and he wanted to focus on his original goal of running the restaurant.

“No place is as generous as this one. Keep it up!”

“Thanks, hyung. Take care.”

“Have a good one, boss!”

“See you!”

After the busy lunch rush, the restaurant quieted down.

Taking a break, Sang-woong sipped a warm coffee.

“Maybe I should try growing coffee beans? I wonder how coffee grown on this land would taste.”

As the afternoon passed and it neared 5 p.m., Ji-an burst through the door, calling out to Sang-woong with her lively voice.

“Uncle! Hi!”

“Ji-an, back from school? Hungry? What do you want?” Sang-woong asked, smiling as he washed dishes.

“Um…”

Unlike usual, Ji-an sat at a table, deep in thought.

With only four menu items, rotating through them daily was starting to feel repetitive.

“Uncle, don’t you have any other dishes?”

“How about pasta?”

Ji-an, who’d asked casually, looked surprised at the unexpected suggestion.

It seemed out of place among the restaurant’s simple menu.

“Really?”

“Of course.”

“Wow, you’re amazing, Uncle! You can make pasta too?”

“My pasta’s pretty good.”

Finishing the dishes and wiping his hands, Sang-woong continued, “I’ve wanted to make pasta for a while, but I wasn’t sure it fit with the current menu. I tested it with some folks, and the response was great.”

The Afua’s enthusiastic reactions had convinced him to add pasta to the menu.

It was a dish he enjoyed, and its simple preparation wouldn’t strain the existing menu.

“Yay, pasta!” Ji-an cheered excitedly.

“I’ve got aglio e olio and seafood pasta. Which one?”

“Seafood pasta!”

“Good choice.”

Sang-woong began cooking immediately.

Thanks to pre-prepared ingredients, the dish was ready in no time.

“Here you go. Enjoy.”

“Wow!”

Ji-an gasped at the sight of the seafood pasta.

The vibrant tomato sauce, plump shrimp, glossy mussels, and chewy noodles harmonized beautifully, making her mouth water.

Fresh basil added flavor, and the colorful presentation sparked her appetite.

“I need to take a picture first!”

Her reaction suggested the dish’s appearance was a hit.

She skillfully twirled the pasta with her fork and took a big bite.

“Uncle, this is amazing!”

“Of course it is. I made it. Eat up.”

Grinning, Sang-woong returned to the kitchen.

As Ji-an nearly finished her pasta, the restaurant entrance grew noisy.

While Sang-woong frowned, Ji-an’s face bloomed like a flower.

A large dog was pawing at the glass door.

“Boss, what’s that dog? Is it yours?” Ji-an asked, her eyes sparkling with hearts, already smitten, just as she had been with a big dog in the past.

It was understandable—the dog was adorable and handsome, reminiscent of Patrasche from A Dog of Flanders.

“His name’s Leon.”

“Leon? Wow, even his name’s cool! Can I pet him?”

“Sure.”

Sang-woong nodded.

When Ji-an opened the door, Leon wagged his tail vigorously, greeting her warmly.

His size was bear-like, but his eyes sparkled with pure joy.

“Oh, he’s so cute!”

Ji-an was instantly charmed by Leon’s enthusiastic welcome.

As she gently scratched his neck, he flopped onto his back, exposing his belly.

Laughing, Ji-an stroked his soft, furry belly.

Leon closed his eyes, whimpering happily at the warm, soft touch.

His large tail wagged nonstop, his demeanor as endearing as a giant teddy bear showing affection.

“Does that feel good? Like it?” Ji-an asked softly.

Leon whimpered louder, wagging his tail harder.

His wet nose nuzzled her hand, his warm breath brushing her palm.

Gathering her courage, Ji-an hugged his large body, burying her face in his fluffy fur.

The warm, cozy sensation calmed her heart.

“Leon, you smell so nice.”

As she whispered, Leon whimpered and licked her face.

The ticklish sensation made her burst into laughter.

Excited by her laughter, Leon jumped up, circling her energetically.

“Boss, where’d he come from?”

“Well… a friend couldn’t keep him anymore and asked me to take him. It’s spacious here, perfect for a dog to run around.”

“Yeah, this place is ideal for raising a dog.”

The sprawling forest, with its endless greenery, year-round streams, and a large pond formed by clear water, was perfect for Leon.

“Leon, I don’t have any treats today, but I’ll bring some tomorrow.”

As if understanding, Leon opened his mouth, sticking out his tongue, then darted into the forest without hesitation.

“Aw, I wanted to play more,” Ji-an muttered, gazing wistfully after him.

“Phew, don’t get too attached to that guy,” Sang-woong sighed suddenly.

“Why? He seems so gentle,” Ji-an asked, tilting her head.

“He is gentle… but he’s a bit of a troublemaker. Doesn’t listen well.”

“What kind of trouble?”

Sang-woong hesitated at her question.

Leon wasn’t an ordinary dog.

Days ago, a yellow gate had opened on his land, and Leon had emerged—a divine beast.

He’d anticipated that expanding the land might attract beings like the Afua, but Leon’s arrival was a shock.

A massive dog with a lolling tongue stood panting before him.

His appraisal skill activated, displaying information:

• A divine beast of this land. Once a mighty warrior protecting the land, it has lost its strength due to this world’s foul air. Name: Leon. It follows the land’s master and enjoys socializing and playing pranks. –

“Leon…”

Muttering his name, Sang-woong saw Leon look up and bark as if understanding.

“This guy’s pretty smart.”

As a divine beast, Leon was extraordinary.

His sturdy build, handsome face, and intelligent eyes won Sang-woong over.

“Leon, paw.”

Sang-woong extended his hand, issuing the command.

But Leon responded with a sly smirk, one corner of his mouth curling up.

“What’s this? Ignoring your master?”

Sang-woong was dumbfounded by Leon’s cheeky attitude.

The description said he’d follow the land’s master, yet he couldn’t even obey a simple “paw”?

Or perhaps he understood but chose to ignore it.

His mocking expression suggested the latter.

Instead of obeying, Leon wagged his tail, circling Sang-woong playfully.

Like a child teasing an adult, his sly demeanor got under Sang-woong’s skin.

With a stern face, Sang-woong commanded again, “Leon, paw.”

Leon didn’t budge, plopping down at Sang-woong’s feet and yawning, as if saying, Why bother with that?

“This guy’s no pushover.”

Sang-woong sighed at Leon’s audacity but was secretly impressed by his cleverness.

He seemed to think and act almost human.

“Alright, let’s see if you ignore this.”

Sang-woong pulled a large piece of meat from his inventory.

Leon looked hungry, and such fine meat would surely be irresistible.

“Leon, paw.”

This time, Leon couldn’t ignore him.

As expected, he was starving, and the meat’s delicious aroma was too much.

“Woof!”

Leon’s gaze fixed on the meat, then wavered.

Unable to resist, he sat before Sang-woong, placing his paw in his hand, though he looked away as if preserving his pride.

The sight was so cute and funny that Sang-woong couldn’t help but smile.

“Good job. Welcome to the land.”

He patted Leon’s head and offered the meat.