Absolute Beginner Dad Episode 160

The house was peaceful in the evening.

"Hmm~♬"

Seol was sitting at the table in the living room, drawing a picture.

Whatever she was drawing seemed to excite her, as she hummed a cheerful tune under her breath.

Rustle.

Kang-jun sat beside her, intently reading a book he had already finished dozens of times—the Parenting Encyclopedia.

"Hmm?"

His gaze landed on a passage in the open book:

"The drawings of children often reflect their recent interests or psychological state."

After murmuring, "I see," Kang-jun subtly shifted his gaze to the picture Seol was drawing...

"Daddy."

Noticing his attention, Seol eagerly explained her artwork.

"This is Daddy."

She pointed at the man in the drawing with her crayon...

"And this is Seol."

Then she pointed at a little girl wearing a pointed hat, beaming with a wide smile, and continued explaining.

"Looks like you're having a birthday party."

"Mm-hmm! Daddy and Seol!"

"You both look happy."

So, Seol's recent interest must be her upcoming birthday, huh?

'Well...'

Lately, without fail, Seol would ask every night before bed how many more nights she had to sleep until her birthday.

'She must be excited.'

Then Kang-jun suddenly asked:

"Where are the rest of the family?"

Seol hesitated for a moment, mumbling, "Oh, um..." before finally answering.

"They're all watching Seol and Daddy from far away..."

She then quickly drew a few heads at the bottom of the paper.

"See?"

Kang-jun was genuinely impressed by her quick thinking when—

"Having fun without me again?"

Lee Soo-bin set down a tray piled with assorted fruits and squeezed herself between them.

"Now, let's color prettily."

Seol resumed humming and coloring her drawing with crayons.

"What were you talking about?"

"Just admiring her drawing."

"Seol's drawing?"

Soo-bin speared a slice of apple with a fork and handed it to Kang-jun.

"They say children's drawings reflect their recent interests or psychological state."

Hearing that, Soo-bin also studied Seol's drawing and murmured:

"So, what do you think Seol's been focused on lately?"

Kang-jun answered without hesitation.

"Obviously her birthday."

Then, for some reason, he stuck out his tongue slightly and looked at Seol, who was still absorbed in coloring, before asking nonchalantly:

"Just looking at this drawing makes it obvious, doesn't it?"

"Hmm, I think a little differently."

Lowering her voice, Soo-bin whispered:

"Look closely—doesn't something seem off?"

Kang-jun chewed his apple thoughtfully while staring at Seol's drawing.

"What do you mean?"

When he still didn't get it, Soo-bin whispered again, "Look carefully," and asked:

"It's clearly a picture of Seol's birthday party, but the center of the drawing isn't Seol—it's you, Kang-jun."

"Huh...?"

"I think she drew you first, then decided to add the birthday party scene around you."

Now that he heard it, it really did seem like she had drawn him first.

"Want to see the order she's coloring in?"

"Yeah."

"See? She's coloring you first."

Kang-jun nodded silently. ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

"You're right."

Come to think of it, even earlier, when explaining the drawing—

"This is Daddy."

She had pointed at him first.

"And this is Seol."

Only then did she point at herself.

And that wasn't all.

It was the same when she first learned to write.

"Most kids learn to write their own names first, but Seol was a bit of an exception."

Before she could even write her own name, she had learned to write his name and the word "Daddy."

Lee Kang-jun Daddy.

As Kang-jun lost himself in thought—

"Kang-jun."

Soo-bin chuckled softly and said:

"Honestly, I didn't just notice this from today's drawing—she always draws like this."

"Seol does?"

"Yeah. She always draws you first, then adds other people and the background."

His chest tightened inexplicably at the sight of the unfinished drawing.

"I see."

Glancing at Kang-jun's expression, Soo-bin peeled an apple and added quietly:

"I think to Seol, you're everything."

Everything...

"A kid who draws at least a dozen pictures a day, yet every single one follows the same pattern."

Soo-bin emphasized:

"You know what? Maybe..."

She took a small bite of the leftover apple core before murmuring:

"Maybe Seol isn't just looking forward to her birthday party—she's looking forward to spending her birthday with you."

Kang-jun pretended to be indifferent.

"Well, maybe..."

But inside, he felt anything but.

No matter how much he thought about it, he was truly happy right now.

Being with this child who loved him unconditionally.

And—

Kang-jun reached out and snatched the apple core from Soo-bin's hand.

Then he carelessly tossed it onto the plate piled with peels and said:

"By the way, why do you keep eating these?"

"It's a waste not to."

"I told you not to eat that stuff."

He handed her a neatly sliced piece of apple instead.

"Honestly..."

He was happy to be with his sister, too.

A person so used to sacrifice—

Even when peeling an apple.

"It's just the core—how much of a waste could it possibly be?"

As Kang-jun grumbled, Soo-bin laughed brightly and replied:

"Okay, okay."

He hated—but also loved—seeing his sister unconsciously pick at the apple core.

Kang-jun had lived for centuries.

He had grown attached to countless people, only to watch them wither and die.

His emotions had dried up over time, until he forgot how to laugh or cry.

That was why he immersed himself in dark magic.

Perhaps, out of all disciplines, he had chosen dark magic because of his loneliness.

He needed companions who wouldn't age or fall ill—who could stay by his side.

But now, those days were over.

Though he still didn't shed tears, he laughed dozens of times a day.

Yet, sometimes...

This happiness stirred unease in him.

'Will this happiness end someday?'

If his family grew old and sick—

Like always—

And he was left alone again—

'Will this happiness end then?'

The thought terrified him.

It chilled him to the bone—

But he decided to focus on the present happiness.

Crunch.

Kang-jun took a bite of the apple.

"Sweet."

Soo-bin grinned. "Right? Super sweet." Then she rambled on:

"I went to the supermarket this morning, and the apples looked so red and round—just looking at them, you could tell they'd be sweet."

Tomorrow, these words would be forgotten.

"I see."

Days filled with such trivial things.

Kang-jun—

Decided to focus on these days.

"By the way, did you get Seol's present?"

"Of course."

"Wanna tell me secretly?"

Kang-jun refused firmly.

"No way. It's a competition."

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

"What competition...?"

"Did you prepare something?"

Soo-bin answered immediately.

"Obviously."

"What did you get?"

"Weren't you just talking about competition?"

Kang-jun pouted.

"That's unfair."

Soo-bin stuck out her tongue. "Who started it?" Then she boasted triumphantly:

"You probably won't beat my gift."

"How amazing could it be?"

"I told you—it's a competition."

"You're really going all the way with this..."

Tonight, like always, the house was endlessly peaceful and warm.

And so, the day passed in the blink of an eye—

Until finally, the long-awaited day of Seol's birthday arrived.

A gathering of secret elites.

Dozens of seats were prepared inside the banquet hall.

The air was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of exquisite dishes.

All thanks to the chefs from a 7-star Dubai hotel who had prepared the feast.

"The banquet is perfectly ready..."

Next, Kang-jun approached the philharmonic orchestra tuning their instruments on stage and warned:

"Play as if your lives depend on ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠it."

Then he busily moved around the hall, inspecting every detail.

"The tablecloth is wrinkled!"

The tablecloth was neatly arranged...

"The order of the utensils is incorrect!"

The forks, spoons, and knives were properly aligned...

"Did I not explicitly instruct you to ensure uniform spacing between each table?!"

The gaps between tables were adjusted...

"If the young lady were to catch even the slightest cold, it would be disastrous! Immediately raise the interior temperature by one degree!"

The temperature was set, of course...

"Isn't it too dry?"

Even the humidity was perfectly calibrated.

"Hmm, acceptable."

Just as all preparations were finally complete...

"Chief Steward! The Immortal and the young lady have arrived!"

Kazan hastily straightened his attire as he delivered the urgent report.

"Bring them in at once—!"

How much time had passed since then?

"Wowww..."

Kang-jun and Seol, hand in hand, took their first steps into the banquet hall.

"It's truly enormous..."

From a distance, Kazan observed the young lady's reaction with satisfaction, gently stroking the bridge of his nose as he approached the pair.

"An honor to be in your presence, Great Immortal."

"You've put considerable effort into this."

"I spared no expense in preparation."

Glancing at his wristwatch, he added, "It's nearly time for the esteemed guests to arrive."

"Indeed."

"But why haven't the imperial family members arrived together...?"

Kang-jun responded with a chilling tone, "Because it's a competition."

"Pardon?"

"There's such a thing."

Just then, guests began trickling into the banquet hall, filling the empty seats one by one.

"Seol-ah!"

The first to arrive were Bong-gu and the S-rank Hunters.

"Hello, Uncles and Aunties!"

Seol bowed politely at the waist, prompting the Hunters to beam and offer their birthday wishes.

"Seol-ah, happy fourth birthday."

"Congratulations on your birthday!"

"Happy birthday, our dear Seol."

Jung Yoon-chan then approached Kang-jun and quietly inquired, "We've each prepared a gift—when would be the best time to present them...?"

Kang-jun replied succinctly, "There's a designated gift-giving segment in the banquet's schedule. Present them then."

Not long after, Lee Soo-bin and the imperial ministers arrived in quick succession...

"Seol-ah, happy birthday!"

After briefly congratulating Seol, Soo-bin turned to a visibly nervous Dibald and asked, "By the way, where have you been these past few days?"

Dibald, who had been about to say, "I was exiled far away," abruptly clamped his mouth shut before hesitantly answering, "I... had important matters..."

Soo-bin pressed further, "Aren't you uncomfortable wearing all that?"

"Huh?"

"That hat, sunglasses, mask... You can take them off indoors, you know."

Crabsley suddenly interjected, "What he hides isn't just tears."

"What do you mean—?"

"For instance, the reason those tears were shed in the first place might also be something he wishes to conceal."

Soo-bin blinked in confusion before turning back to Dibald, who stammered incoherently, "I... suffered greatly due to luxury goods and stationery sets, so I'd appreciate your understanding..."

As Soo-bin's head swam with bewildering explanations, a deep voice boomed from across the hall.

"Brother!"

A towering figure with flowing golden hair strode forward, clasping Kang-jun's hands firmly.

"It's your daughter's birthday, I hear!"

"You're right on time."

"My heartfelt congratulations!"

The next guest was none other than Thor.

"Seol!"

Kneeling to meet Seol's eyes, he spoke warmly, "You've turned four, haven't you?"

"Uh-huh, that's wight!"

"I sincerely wish you a happy birthday."

Gently ruffling her hair, he added, "If anyone ever dares to wrong you, don't hesitate to tell this uncle. I'll make sure they regret it."

Seol tilted her head, not fully grasping his words. "Huh?"

Kang-jun shot Thor a warning glance. "No unnecessary talk in front of the child."

Thor chuckled awkwardly before scanning the spacious hall. "By the way, where are your brothers? I don't see them."

"Good question. I sent invitations, but perhaps they're caught up in urgent matters..."

"Given their temperaments, they'd drop everything to be here."

Thor muttered under his breath, "I hope they aren't stranded somewhere, unable to pay for their carriage fare..."

Kang-jun smirked at the oddly specific concern before gesturing to an empty seat. "They'll be here soon. Sit and rest."

With that, all invited guests had arrived—except for the two divine beings from Flower-Fruit Mountain.

"All esteemed guests have arrived and taken their seats, save for the two."

"They're late."

"I heard they received their invitations personally. What could be the reason...?"

Kazan glanced at his watch again. "We cannot keep the other guests waiting indefinitely. Should we not commence the banquet soon...?"

They were already five minutes past the scheduled start time.

Just as Kang-jun was about to proceed without them...

"Brother!"

The two divine beings from Flower-Fruit Mountain burst in, their footsteps frantic.

"We're terribly sorry for the delay!"

"We were urgently preparing gifts..."

Kang-jun responded calmly, "You've come a long way. Take your seats and enjoy the banquet."

Seol, staring wide-eyed at their unusual appearances, whispered, "Wow, they look like monkeys and cows..."

The Great Sage Equal of Heaven burst into hearty laughter. "Hahaha! So you're Brother's daughter?"

"I'm not a daughter?"

"Who else would you be?"

"I dunno? I'm Seowi."

After Kang-jun explained the meaning of "daughter," Seol nodded sagely. "Ah, I see..."

Then, addressing the two deities, she declared, "Then I am a daughter!"

The two sages affectionately replied, "That's right."

Seol tilted her head again. "But why are you so sweaty?"

"Huh?"

"Why are you sweating so much?"

Kang-jun also turned a questioning gaze toward them. Now that he looked closely, both were drenched in sweat.

"Well, you see..."

The Great Sage coughed awkwardly before nudging his companion. "See this guy?"

"The cow uncle?"

"Yes, the cow uncle."

Puffing out his chest, the Great Sage announced loudly, "We've been pounding rice cakes nonstop for days!"

The hall fell silent.

"What nonsense..."

Kang-jun, paling, clamped his hands over Seol's ears as the Great Sage continued proudly, "No nonsense! We literally took turns pounding rice cakes without rest!"

"Enough—"

"Stripped to the waist, sweating buckets—you hit once, I hit once, back and forth..."

They had personally prepared honey rice cakes for Seol, laboriously pounding the dough by hand instead of using machines.

"These days, they use machines for pounding. I say those cakes are fake!"

"Fake?"

"How can cakes made without sincerity be real?"

Hwang Chun-sang, who had taught them the craft, had declared machine-pounded rice cakes as counterfeit.

"We couldn't possibly gift fakes!"

"Then I'll help!"

"Good! Just pound with all your might?"

"The more you pound, the chewier it gets!"

Thus, for days and nights, they pounded relentlessly.

The Great Sage Ox then chimed in, "This scrawny monkey held his own."

"Haha, you weren't half bad yourself, you ox-headed oaf!"

"The rhythmic pounding was oddly invigorating."

"Whenever we got winded, that old human took over."

"Ah, yes. That elderly fellow worked hard too."

Kang-jun's confusion deepened.

What the hell are they talking about now?

Was there a third person involved?

And was that a grandfather they just mentioned?!

"Kazan."

Before he could untangle the chaotic implications, Kang-jun issued an immediate order.

"Get. Them. Out."

The two sages protested loudly.

"Brother, why?!"

"After all our hard work?!"

Meanwhile, Iriniel, who had been silently listening, turned to Crabsley.

"What on earth are they saying?"

"Ah, how embarrassing..."

"What's embarrassing—?"

After Crabsley whispered his interpretation, her ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠face turned as red as a persimmon.

"A-Amazing..."

The two sages were only permitted back into the banquet hall after Kazan clarified the misunderstanding.