The Hometown's Call
In truth, I was only breathing softly—the children had fallen asleep in no time. Saebyeok had curled up on Winter's stomach, while Levinas clung tightly to her legs. "Mmm..." Feeling cramped in her sleep, Winter's fingers twitched. When Saebyeok's tail slipped between them, Winter's face broke into a happy smile, as if nothing had ever bothered her. "Hehe." Levinas was even nibbling on Winter's tail in her sleep. Our kids are adorable even when they're sleeping.
Han Yeoreum gently stroked each child's head, then quietly slipped out of the bedroom.
"Sofia, the kids are asleep."
"...Good. Let's step outside for now."
Without any particular destination in mind, the two women moved toward the portal as if by silent agreement. Sofia stopped in front of the rose-like, rippling red portal.
"Have you confirmed it?"
"...Yes. It's definitely Winter's hometown."
"How did you find out so quickly..."
Once they cleared the dungeon, they would have to part with Winter. With the child who had become their entire world. Unlike usual, Sofia didn't bother hiding her emotions. She let out a long sigh, her heart heavy.
"Still, there's no need to go in right away."
"Did the dungeon tell you that?"
"Yes. It's been sharing more than usual."
The dungeon was a mystery born from a world crying out for help. That was what Saebyeok had once said.
"It's telling us to prepare thoroughly, isn't it?"
"...Probably."
In a world without mana, all of Han Yeoreum's combat skills would be useless. She decided to train even harder for Winter's sake.
"When do you plan to tell Winter?"
"Once I've made up my mind, I'll tell her bit by bit. If I drop it all at once, it'll be too hard on her."
"Right. We all need time to prepare—Winter included."
"...Yes."
Winter's hometown had been destroyed. Even though her family and friends were all dead, they had become walking corpses unable to find rest. How painful would it be for Winter to hear that terrible truth? Han Yeoreum couldn't even begin to imagine the child's anguish. Trying to pretend she understood would be nothing but arrogance.
'If my own family and friends ended up like that...'
If everyone she loved turned into horrifying monsters and she was the only one left alive, could she really keep living with a clear mind? She bit down hard on her lip. Han Yeoreum forced a smile.
"I'll have to ask Yuna to put up a wall."
"A wall?"
"Yes. In case Winter wants to go through the portal."
"Homing instinct, I suppose."
So that really is Winter's hometown on the other side. Sofia poked the ground with her staff. For now, she decided to act as usual—for Winter's sake.
Morning had come. Because they'd gone to bed early the night before, she was able to wake up before sunrise. Rubbing her eyes, Han Yeoreum headed for the living room. Sofia, who usually slept in, was already sitting on the sofa.
"Sofia, did you stay up all night?"
"No, I just woke up myself."
"Ah, I see."
She'd been worried for nothing. Stretching, Han Yeoreum sat down right beside Sofia, close enough that they could feel each other's warmth.
"Sofia, there's something I've been wondering about."
"Wondering about?"
"Yes. It might be a bit rude."
As she spoke, she studied Sofia's expression. There was something strangely different about her today.
"...What is it that has you so curious?"
"Well, I was wondering why you never grow."
Sofia, who had been swallowing nervously, let out a laugh that sounded almost relieved. It didn't seem like such a rude question after all.
"It's because I avoid water. Nature plays a part in a beastkin's growth."
"Ah... So if you went into water, you'd start growing again?"
"Only if I stayed submerged consistently. Otherwise, growth is impossible."
Sofia clicked her tongue, looking wistful. Maybe she still had some attachment to the idea of growing. Han Yeoreum decided to comfort her in her own way.
"That's a relief, actually."
"You think it's a relief that I don't grow?"
"Yes. It makes you feel more like a friend. There's none of that adult distance."
"Hmph..."
Sofia cleared her throat. Her face had turned red, but she didn't seem to mind.
"But Sofia, what if I end up taller than you later...?"
If she was the only one growing, Sofia's pride would be hurt. Even though Han Yeoreum was still shorter, guilt began to creep in.
"Hmm... Actually, you might not grow either, Winter."
"What...?"
Her eyes widened in shock.
"A beastkin's growth requires the energy of nature. Something that doesn't exist in the city."
"B-but there's a park!"
"It's a nice park, but it can't compare to true nature."
"Oh..."
Oh no. Did that mean she'd be stuck in a child's body forever? Unease stirred in her chest, but for Sofia's sake, she pretended it was nothing.
"Don't worry too much. It's not like there's no solution."
"I-I'm sorry."
Getting anxious about not growing in front of Sofia, who couldn't grow herself—it was a situation that deserved scolding.
"No need to apologize. How could I be angry when a child simply wants to grow?"
"U-um..."
She wasn't really a child, but to Sofia, she must look like one. Feeling guilty, she only fidgeted with her fingers.
"If you really want to grow, you could live in nature like other beastkin."
"Mm... Okay..."
She didn't want to leave this place, but it was better than having no options at all. Beastkin seemed to live longer than humans, so she decided to think it over slowly.
'This is bad.'
Not growing was disappointing, but it wasn't a huge problem. An ageless body had its advantages. The real issue was how everyone else would react. If everyone else grew while she stayed the same, things would get awkward fast.
'If what Sofia said is true, then Levinas and Saebyeok won't grow either.'
Children frozen in a world where everyone else was growing up. Would people point at them and call them monsters? The thought made her anxious. She decided to look into this seriously.
As the sun rose, everyone woke up. Winter immediately went to find Han Yeoreum.
"Um, you know..."
Winter tugged at the hem of Han Yeoreum's clothes. Han Yeoreum, who had been making snacks, smiled and looked down at her.
"Yeah? What's up?"
"What if I never grow up?"
"Goo—"
"Goo—?"
"Good!"
Han Yeoreum gave a double thumbs-up. It was a clear sign of approval.
"You don't mind?"
"Why would I? My mouth's already watering just thinking about it."
A Winter who stayed little forever. That was basically heaven, wasn't it? Han Yeoreum grinned with genuine happiness.
"Why is your mouth watering...?"
"Just kidding."
Han Yeoreum's reaction was strange, but at least she didn't seem upset.
"I'm glad. I thought you'd hate it."
"Why would I hate a Winter who doesn't grow?"
"Because it'd be a hassle...?"
A hassle. Just how little did Winter think of herself? Han Yeoreum gave a bitter smile and popped a snack into her mouth.
"I always say this, but you worry way too much."
"Me...?"
Her words came out muffled around the snack, but Han Yeoreum understood perfectly.
"Yeah. Most of the things you're fretting over aren't really a big deal."
"Mm..."
"You don't have to suffer alone. Like just now—it might not be anything serious at all."
There was only one thing Han Yeoreum wanted. For Winter to tell her directly that she came from another world. People only shared their deepest secrets when they trusted someone.
'I heard she still has memories of her original world...'
Saebyeok had told her. Winter should remember everything except the destruction. Yet she had never once mentioned to anyone that she came from another world.
"Sometimes it feels like you came from somewhere else entirely."
"Th-that's—"
Sorry, Winter. Just let me test the waters a little. I'll hug you and pat your head later, so just bear with it for now. Han Yeoreum's clenched fist made a soft sound.
'So she still doesn't trust me enough.'
They still had plenty of time, but she needed to hear the truth before it ran out. How could she earn Winter's trust? As Han Yeoreum pondered this, Winter murmured softly.
"...Actually, I do have a secret I've been hiding from everyone. Something I've been worrying about alone..."
"...Really?"
"Yes..."
Winter hesitated, clearly unsure whether to speak. Han Yeoreum's heart began to race. The trust she thought was lacking was actually already overflowing.
"Is it something you can't tell your big sister?"
"...You'd be disappointed if you knew."
"Would I? Has your big sister ever been disappointed in you?"
"N-no, never..."
Winter had caused plenty of trouble, but Han Yeoreum had never once shown disappointment. She was the kind of person who would help someone living in misery. If it was Han Yeoreum, she would surely understand her past. But this was a secret she could never tell. It would only complicate everything. She would keep her past to herself.
Just as Winter reached her conclusion, the portal began to ripple and resonate with her. A sudden, indescribable scent of home washed over her. She wanted to go home. She wanted to see her family and friends. An unbearable longing welled up inside her.
"A-actually..."
It was a secret she would never have revealed under normal circumstances. What finally made Winter speak was her longing for home.