Chapter 182 Even the Almighty is New to Being a Dad Chapter 183
Absolute One Is Also New to Fatherhood Chapter 183
Shiver!
The World Tree sapling trembled violently along its entire length upon spotting Kang-jun.
'Th-that man is Immortal...'
The World Tree seedling Seol had planted was originally a divine tree called the 'Pillar Tree' that resided in the Spirit Realm, tending to spirits throughout the seasons.
"Wouldn't it add charm if planted in the Imperial Palace?"
A human who led an army of the dead to invade the Spirit Realm had defied all expectations by defeating none other than the 'Spirit King'...
"I shall claim this as spoils of war."
As a result, the Pillar Tree was uprooted from the Spirit Realm and transported to a distant dimension.
Anux.
A barren land saturated with such sinister and ominous energy that thoughts of death arose unbidden...
"What's this, it's withered already."
The Pillar Tree couldn't even last a month before drying up completely and withering away.
"If you find any surviving branches, cut them to preserve as seedlings."
The single remaining unwithered branch that became a seedling was precisely this current World Tree sapling.
Recalling those terrible memories, the World Tree instinctively trembled along its length.
"Seori's daddy!"
But what strange twist of fate was this?
"He's really amazing, isn't he?"
The new master who had rescued it from a lightless basement and helped it take root in fertile soil—
'Father?'
It had clearly called Immortal 'Father.'
He was the root of all evil.
How could darkness give birth to light?
Glance.
Just then, Kang-jun shifted his gaze to stare intently at the World Tree—
Droop—
The World Tree instinctively shrunk back under that gaze when it realized it was being watched.
"Wow!"
Children from Seol's 'Love Class' began gathering one by one, each offering their opinions about Kang-jun.
"Seori, is your daddy as handsome as oppa?"
"Nuh-uh, my daddy looks more like an uncle."
Then a familiar face suddenly chimed in.
"I think Seori's daddy is the handsomest of all our daddies!"
It was Ban Ha-na, Seol's best friend.
Then.
One child said to Seol:
"Seori is lucky."
Kang-jun's gaze shifted to the name tag on the chest of the child who had spoken.
[Love Class - Lee Chae-ah]
He vaguely recalled hearing Seol mention this name a few times before.
"My daddy looks like a monster."
Hearing this, homeroom teacher Lee Ji-hee crouched before the child and spoke gently:
"Chae-ah, we don't say things like that."
"But he really does look like a monster."
"Chae-ah's father is a wonderful man."
After patiently correcting the child, Ji-hee finally turned to alternate her gaze between Kang-jun and Dibald.
"Sir, if I may ask what brings you here today..."
Kang-jun awkwardly scratched his head before responding.
"There's an urgent matter at home, so I need to take Seol back immediately."
"Ah..."
"I should have called ahead, but it was sudden. My apologies for showing up unannounced."
Ji-hee, looking utterly flustered, waved both hands hurriedly.
"No, no, it's perfectly fine!"
After bowing once in apology, Kang-jun immediately scooped Seol into his arms. Though confused, Seol waved to her friends...
"Seori leaving? See you tomorrow?"
Lee Chae-ah from the Love Class, who had spoken earlier, watched Kang-jun's retreating back and murmured again:
"Seori is really lucky..."
Her eyes were filled with envy.
"If only my daddy were cool too, I'd be lucky..."
She looked inexplicably gloomy.
Seol lay on her stomach, humming as she drew pictures—
"Hmm."
Kang-jun simply watched her back with a deeply serious expression.
"My Lord."
Dibald broke the silence.
"Please don't worry too much."
"Yeah, well—"
"If anything, this is fortunate."
A brief silence followed.
"The world is full of dangers, is it not?"
"True."
"She needs the power to protect herself."
Dibald looked at Kang-jun.
"From what I've observed, while her mana quantity is modest, its quality is exceptionally pure and refined."
"Oh?"
"Having been influenced by a divine tree once called the World Tree, her mana naturally carries an upright energy."
He added:
"Her potential is also promising."
Most mages who artificially open their 'Circles' inevitably hit clear limits.
No matter how devoted they are to magical studies, they frequently encounter 'walls.'
However, Her Highness opened her Circles with the help of a divine tree once known as the World Tree in another dimension.
"Having successfully opened her Circles with the World Tree's aid, if she dedicates herself to magical studies, she will undoubtedly achieve greatness..."
Trailing off, he continued:
"Moreover, having inherited the 'bloodline' of my Lord, whom none in any dimension dare oppose, it's only natural to have high expectations..."
Kang-jun nodded.
As he said, the world was dangerous.
She needed the power to protect herself.
'Well...'
Kang-jun also felt anticipation for Seol's 'potential.'
Opening one's Circles at age four was exceedingly rare.
'It's definitely early.'
Even direct descendants of so-called magical noble families typically don't open their Circles until six or seven.
Moreover...
Not only did she open her mana channels through the divine tree's influence, but she also inherited a bloodline naturally gifted with rapid learning and absorption?
Her growth conditions were excellent too.
With Dibald, who had reached the 8th Circle long ago, by her side, and himself, who had surpassed the 9th Circle some time ago?
If needed, they could hire a magic-proficient deity as a tutor or procure all sorts of famed elixirs.
When elementary school begins, she could enroll in an 'Academy' specializing in Hunter training for comprehensive education...
After graduation, even if she doesn't become a frontline monster-fighting Hunter, she could live as she wishes with their support.
'However...'
He wanted her to live in a world completely removed from all that.
Well...
Of course, the most important factor was Seol's own wishes.
"Daddy!"
Just then, Seol came scampering over...
"Yeah?"
Looking up at Kang-jun, she said:
"Seori write letter!"
"Letter?"
"Wait just a little!"
Seol immediately began writing a letter on a page of her sketchbook with her tiny hands...
"No peeking!"
Kang-jun repeatedly answered "Okay, okay," forcing his eyes tightly shut.
"All done!"
Soon, Seol tore out the page and pressed it into Kang-jun's hand.
"Oh, you wrote this well?"
Perhaps thanks to the Mímir's Spring water gift from earlier?
Recently, Seol's 'Korean skills' had improved by leaps and bounds.
She'd progressed far beyond her peers...
Perhaps finding it fun, she often wrote letters now.
"Let's see..."
Kang-jun began reading Seol's letter.
Daddy, Seori feel happy today.
All friends say nice things.
Seori think same way too.
When coming home with daddy, closed eyes.
When opened again, roses bloomed.
Not real but felt like it.
Teacher say roses have meaning.
It means love.
Seori want give daddy roses.
So drew many roses.
How could such crookedly written lines shake his heart so?
"Seol..."
Kang-jun's voice trembled as he spoke with heartfelt sincerity.
"Thank you so much."
Then he ordered Dibald:
"Cast preservation and protection spells so the princess's letter can be kept permanently."
"Yes, my Lord. I'll also add security spells in case someone tries to steal it."
Seol immediately snuggled into Kang-jun's chest, rubbing her cheeks against him...
"Daddy, what about Chae-ah's daddy?"
At Seol's sudden question, Kang-jun recalled something and asked:
"Chae-ah was there earlier, right?"
"Yeah, really!"
"You don't know Chae-ah's daddy?"
The child who kept repeating "I'm jealous" at daycare was named Chae-ah.
What had she said?
He distinctly remembered hearing her murmur that her father looked like a monster...
"Know what? Secret—but Chae-ah's daddy looks little scary."
"Scary?"
"Other kids tease Chae-ah lots, make her cry."
Kang-jun asked:
"Did they tease you too?"
Seol shook her head vigorously, puffing her cheeks.
"Seori say no teasing allowed!"
Kang-jun murmured "Good job," gently stroking her hair.
"Friends should be nice to each other. If someone tease Seori, Seori feel very sad."
Kang-jun smiled warmly.
"Right, we shouldn't hurt others."
It didn't matter if she wasn't academically gifted.
But...
He hoped she wouldn't be one to inflict pain.
"Seori has a pretty voice, right?"
"Really?"
"Really, your voice is very pretty."
Then he added:
"So you should only say kind words that match your voice."
Seol immediately extended her pinky, answering in her bright voice:
"Okay, promise!"
Thus, father and daughter linked pinkies in promise.
Though events that might completely alter the child's life were approaching...
Regardless, it remained a peaceful and tranquil evening.
Next day.
Step, step.
As usual, Kang-jun walked toward White Snow Princess Daycare at pickup time...
"Hmm?"
He noticed a man loitering near the daycare entrance, wearing a cap pulled low and a mask.
"What's this?"
His behavior seemed suspicious...
"Hey."
Kang-jun approached directly.
"Who are you?"
Then, indicating the daycare entrance with a sidelong glance, he asked again:
"Why are you hanging around the daycare?"
The man suddenly bowed deeply and explained:
"I-I'm a parent."
"A parent?"
"Yes, from the Love Class—Lee Chae-ah's..."
Kang-jun went "Ah!" and hastily apologized:
"Chae-ah's father, I failed to recognize you and was rude."
The man waved it off.
"No, it's fine. I must look suspicious to anyone."
Kang-jun asked immediately:
"But why aren't you going in..."
Struggling for words, Chae-ah's father finally said:
"If I go in... my daughter gets upset."
"Huh?"
"I was waiting outside the gate."
Kang-jun murmured "Why..." quietly as yesterday's conversation with Chae-ah resurfaced.
"Seori is lucky."
"Our daddy looks like a monster."
Just then.
"I was in an accident."
He slightly lifted the brim of his cap to reveal—
"My appearance is like this."
He forced a smile.
"It's understandable she'd be embarrassed."
Kang-jun nodded.
"I see."
Under the cap, his head was covered in severe 'burn scars' of shocking extent.
Moreover...
Hair no longer grew on the burned areas, leaving patchy growth.
"How did..."
Chae-ah's father answered:
"I was..."
His eyes grew moist.
"Not anymore, but..."
His trembling lips curled awkwardly.
"A firefighter."
He had been a firefighter.