Chapter 13: A Night Spent Together

I closed the door of the Chachip and turned around.

Behind me, Naru and No-Rani were holding hands tightly.

No-Rani was just brimming with excitement, while Naru seemed a little anxious.

“Do you really think it’ll be okay…”

“We’re just trying it out for a day. If it doesn’t work out, we’ll think of another way.”

“Mm… Yes. That’s true.”

“Exactly!”

No-Rani raised her hand and grinned from ear to ear.

She was simply happy that she could spend the night with her friend.

Any lingering worries melted away just looking at No-Rani.

Yeah, whatever happens, things will work out.

“We’re home!”

“Come in, come in.”

“Excuse me.”

Ever-polite Naru bowed and looked around the Home.

“This house is big and nice.”

“Right? Our house is the best! Come over here!”

“Don’t play too much, make sure you wash up. Don’t stay up too late.”

“Okay!”

At least they answer well.

No-Rani grabbed Naru’s hand and set off to explore the house, using the tour as an excuse.

The house is still mostly empty and wide, so calling it an ‘exploration’ is a bit much… but maybe it’s different through a child’s eyes.

They’ll play on their own just fine. There’s nothing dangerous here anyway.

“In the meantime—”

I headed to the Study next to the bedroom.

I sat in my long-dreamed-of workspace from my past life and turned on the computer.

“The Investment funds are steadily going up.”

The money I invested based on Future Knowledge was growing on its own.

I’d already cashed out all the Bitcoin after earning enough profit, and I’d set buy orders for rising Stock.

Money calls for more money.

“Just looking at it makes me feel full.”

I used to say I’d never be a slave to money, but you need money to live.

From now on, the money I earn may become the solid foundation for a peaceful life.

After confirming everything, I closed the stock window.

This is, after all, just a side job, something I do as a bonus.

What’s more important is today’s Record.

“July 3rd. Saturday.”

It’s already been about two weeks since The Return.

In my previous life, I never placed much meaning on each day. For a racehorse, the finish line is what matters most.

But now I understand.

Every single day, every moment, is precious and valuable.

That’s why I started keeping a Diary to leave behind a Record each day.

“The Photograph came out well too.”

I clipped some Photographs of No-Rani into the Diary.

No-Rani, beaming while wearing the clothes made by the Hyun siblings.

It could easily be today’s best shot.

“Nice.”

After looking over the Photographs a few more times, I closed the screen.

That’s enough for today’s Record.

“What are the kids up to?”

I left the Study and headed to the far end of the first floor, to No-Rani’s room.

There are plenty of other rooms, so why did she pick the one farthest from mine?

Is it a desire to become independent from her parents or something?

But considering she always ends up sleeping with me, maybe not.

Knock, knock.

“No-Rani, Naru. What are you doi… Oh.”

I knocked and went in to find the two girls asleep, clinging to each other.

Judging by appearance, Naru is the unnie, but in this position, she’s attached to No-Rani.

No-Rani was stretching out her short arm, gently stroking Naru’s head.

They had fallen sound asleep like that. Adorable.

“Are they going to catch a cold? Ah, are Spirits different?”

Spirits and children… are they really that different?

“This is tricky.”

I knew they were different, but being so sure now brings a new set of worries.

Is it okay to treat her the same as other children?

What about going to the hospital when she’s sick?

Little worries popped up one by one, but they faded away with the soft sounds that followed.

“Mmm, mister… cake…”

“No-Rani, let’s go together…”

Just look at the two of them, clinging to each other even as they sleep-talk.

Spirit or not, isn’t it just adorable?

Who was it that said—

That cuteness is the truth of the world?

“Seems true enough.”

Spirit or human.

It doesn’t matter. What matters is that they’re here.

I gently stroked the heads of the two sleeping girls and pulled up the blanket to cover them.

Maybe they felt the warmth; both of them smiled softly in their sleep.

“Sleep well.”

I hope you have a happy time even in your dreams.

***

3:30 a.m.

Usually, No-Rani would wake up when I did, but today was different.

She’d slept with Naru, so the spot next to me was empty.

“When something’s there and then gone, it feels empty again.”

You might not notice when someone’s always there, but you sure feel it when they’re gone.

With that thought, I finished getting ready for work.

Come to think of it, this might be the first time I’m heading to work alone.

But it’s also nice that No-Rani can sleep peacefully.

I always felt bad that she would get up with me every time, but now that Naru is here, I won’t have to worry so much.

But those thoughts didn’t last long.

“Mister?”

“Hm?”

“Where are you going?”

“Where are you going?”

After packing everything and coming down to the first floor, I saw the two girls coming out of the room.

How did they know I was about to leave?

Still half asleep, they staggered over to me.

I knelt down to meet their eye level.

“Hmm, mister has something to give his friends, so I’ll be at the Chachip first.”

“Let’s go together!”

“No-Rani, you’re tired. You should sleep a bit more.”

“No, I want to go.”

No-Rani opened her eyes wide again.

It was obvious she was still covered in sleepiness.

Naru looked at me after glancing at No-Rani.

“Mister, can I go with you too?”

“You can, but aren’t you tired?”

“I am, but… there’s something I want to check.”

“Ah.”

Naru had been worried about the Spirit Realm since she arrived.

She looked like she wanted to go and check as soon as possible.

Then—

“Should we change clothes first? We can’t go out in pajamas.”

“I’ll be quick! Naru, wear my clothes!”

“Wait, No-Rani, let’s go together.”

Naru chased after No-Rani, who ran to the room.

And then—

“Ahh, No-Rani! Hold on!”

“You wear it like this. Wait!”

“I’ll wear it! I said I’ll wear it!”

“I’m going to dress you.”

“…What are you two doing?”

Were these the same sleepy kids from a moment ago?

They were bursting with energy first thing in the morning.

As I let out a long yawn, the door quickly opened.

No-Rani came out, full of energy, holding Naru’s hand.

“Tada! Mister, what do you think?”

“Very pretty.”

“Right?”

No-Rani, as always, wore her signature No Ran-i’s Dress with embroidered details.

Behind her, Naru wore a Green and Brown Nature-Inspired Outfit—short sleeves and a skirt that looked like they were designed after a tree.

It was one of the outfits from yesterday’s fashion show.

Now that I see it, that kind of outfit probably only suits children.

No-Rani beamed at Naru.

“Naru, you look pretty too.”

“Ugh… I don’t.”

“No, you do.”

“…Okay.”

Naru could never win against No-Rani’s enthusiasm.

But I get the feeling Naru’s Fashion Sense might actually be better than No-Rani’s.

“If there’s ever a chance to go shopping, I’ll have to take Naru along.”

The two of them grabbed each other’s hands tightly and held their hands out to me.

“Mister, let’s go!”

“All right, all right. It’s still dark, so be careful.”

Even though it’s summer, in the countryside, sunrise feels much later.

With few streetlights, you have to be cautious.

“Naru, did you sleep well?”

“Ah, yes. I slept really well. The bed… was so comfortable.”

“Is that so? How do you usually sleep?”

“I usually sleep under the shade of a tree. It kind of feels like being in my mom’s arms—really cozy.”

Maybe it’s because she’s a Spirit, an embodiment of nature.

I don’t know what that warmth is like, but I imagine it’s not so different from comfort.

I’ve heard that for children, a comfortable sleeping environment is important.

“If you like it, come sleep over anytime. No-Rani would be happy too.”

“Right! I love it when Naru’s here!”

“Well… I’ll decide after checking it out.”

“All right. The doors of our Home are always open.”

“…Thank you.”

If Naru comes, No-Rani is happy too.

If it brings happiness, Naru is always welcome.

Whether it’s preparing meals for one or two, it’s not much different.

“We’re here.”

While talking with Naru, we arrived at the Chachip.

Sneaking a glance at her, I could see Naru was obviously tense.

It would be nice if the hypothesis was right, but if not, I’ll have to find another solution.

“It’ll be fine. Everything will work out.”

“Yes.”

“Then, will you two go on ahead? I need to start making tea.”

“Okay. No-Rani.”

“Mm! We’ll be back!”

The two entered the First House and soon exited again.

At first glance, it looked like they just popped in and out, but the two girls were nowhere to be seen outside.

They must have gone to the Spirit Realm, like we talked about yesterday.

I hope everything works out.

“If not, I’ll have to come up with another solution.”

Having No-Rani and Naru stay at our Home was one of several ideas that came to mind to help the Spirits.

Now that a day has passed, a few more possibilities are coming to mind.

For example, the tea we serve at our First House.

If Grandpa prepared it especially for the Spirits, then it would definitely be helpful.

With that in mind, I naturally opened the Recipe Book.

I memorized the names of the Spirits written there and the characteristics of each tea.

Someday, I’m sure it’ll come in handy.

***

Are you okay?

“Huh?”

“You look a little tired—or should I say, you look worried?”

“Me?”

“You.”

After Hyun Ung’s comment, I hesitated before asking.

“Do I look worried?”

“Yeah. Did something happen? Now that I think about it, I haven’t seen No-Rani either. Is it about the kids?”

“Something like that.”

No-Rani’s a Spirit, and she went to resolve an issue in the Spirit Realm.

I can’t explain it like that.

I just smile quietly and let it slide.

“It’s all right. It’ll be resolved soon.”

“Whatever it is, when it comes to kids, solve it fast. It’s not good for their emotions.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Hyun Ung patted me on the shoulder.

“If you need help, just ask.”

“Sure thing.”

“See you.”

As soon as he took his tea, Hyun Ung grabbed the Porter and left.

I stood there for a moment, touching the night air.

“He’s not usually that perceptive.”

If even Hyun Ung noticed, it must’ve really shown on my face.

Thinking that, I realized something.

No-Rani has really become a big part of my life.

It hits me all over again.

“Let’s get ready for Open Beta and make some Dessert for the kids.”

Today’s the official Open Beta.

I need to prepare the pre-made Dessert and get the teas ready too.

If I keep myself busy like this, maybe I’ll worry less.

Maybe that’s why my wish came true.

Ding.

“Welcome. Oh, my.”

“You really did open the Chachip.”

“Sunyeong Halmeoni.”

“Oh, you lovely thing.”

Sunyeong Halmeoni, whom I met at the Market, came to the Chachip.

Halmeoni handed me the herbs she held in one hand.

“What’s this?”

“Sunchoke Leaf, dried. If you mix it with sesame oil, it tastes good.”

“Thank you. I’ll enjoy it.”

“Of course, of course.”

Halmeoni slowly looked around the First House.

“After that old man left, this place became a ruin, but you’ve cleaned it up so nicely.”

“Haha, I worked hard.”

“You went through a lot. Good job.”

Halmeoni sat by the window and quietly looked outside.

I went to prepare some Three-Year Green Tea for her.

As the tea leaves brewed, Halmeoni spoke.

“I never thought I’d see this view again.”

“Isn’t the scenery the same in all villages?”

“No, there’s something… When you look from here, it just feels different.”

I poured the well-steeped Green Tea into a cup and brought out some Yanggaeng.

Maybe it’s just me, but it’s a harmonious combination.

I set the tray in front of Halmeoni and asked.

“What does it feel like? How is it different?”

Halmeoni answered in a calm and relaxed tone.

“It feels warmer, I suppose. It makes me think our neighborhood is so beautiful.”

“Hmm.”

“They say the older you get, the more beautiful things look.”

I think I know what you mean.”

“Oh, you rascal. Are you teasing this old lady?”

“Haha.”

Maybe not as much as Halmeoni, but I’ve at least lived to my sixtieth birthday in my past life.

Sunyeong Halmeoni took a sip of Green Tea and smiled warmly.

“This tea is just like the one your grandfather used to make.”

“Is it good?”

“Hmm, I think you make it even better.”

“That’s just flattery. Grandpa’s Green Tea was the best.”

“Hoho. Still, this Yanggaeng is much better when you make it.”

That, I agree with.”

We exchanged a short smile.

After that, Halmeoni quietly gazed out the window.

It looked like a painting.

Before I knew it, I pulled out my phone and took a Photograph.

Click.

“Hm?”

“I took a picture of you, Halmeoni. The atmosphere was just too nice.”

“You’re always teasing this old lady.”

“It’s true. Want to see it?”

“No need. Don’t mind this old lady—just get back to work.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice. I’ll be over there. Just call if you need anything.”

Leaving Halmeoni behind, I returned to the kitchen.

Maybe I’ll make another Dessert now…

Ding.

“Chachip grandson. Long time no see!”

“Oh, look who’s here! Chachip grandson, give us a watermelon juice.”

“Oh, dear. Sorry, Changseong, my husband’s being noisy.”

Starting with Sunyeong Halmeoni, the elders of the village began coming into the Chachip one by one.

Looks like we’ve got a real Open Beta crowd.

“Welcome, everyone, to the Yangjibareun Tea House.”

Looks like today’s going to be a busy day.