Chapter 94
Chapter 94
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 94
Chapter Title: Goodbye, Mangmong (1)
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Lately.
I'd been trying to find a new owner for Mangmong.
I posted online and asked around among the people I knew.
"Hey, Tubby. Skinny. Wanna raise Mang—"
"Huh?"
"Nah, you two don't look like the type to raise a dog."
"Huh? Why'd you hit us all of a sudden?"
Tubby and Skinny were out as candidates.
Next, I went to Granny, another potential owner candidate, and asked her.
"Granny, wanna raise a dog?"
"A dog? I've been feeling under the weather lately. It might be nice to have one."
"..."
Old folks really do see dogs as food.
Granny was out as a Mangmong owner candidate too.
After that, I reached out to other potential owners.
But not a single person said they'd take Mangmong.
"Especially since it's winter—everyone must be too busy to take on a pet."
What should I do?
I put some kibble in a dish and set it down in front of Mangmong.
"Mang-!"
Mangmong barked at me like it was saying thanks.
Then it wolfed down the food in the dish.
"Mang mang-!"
"What am I gonna do with you, Mangmong?"
Raising a dog in this tiny place was impossible.
I stroked Mangmong as it scarfed down its food without a care in the world.
"Sigh. I was only supposed to watch you for a bit, but it's been way too long."
Mangmong licked the bowl clean.
Then it headed to the bathroom, peed on the wall.
"Seeing that, you really are a smart pup."
Mangmong came out of the bathroom after doing its business.
It glanced at me, then went over to Chorun, who was watching TV.
Chorun saw Mangmong coming and grinned wide.
"Mangmong! You finished your food, huh? Come sit on my lap!"
"Mang-!"
Did Mangmong think Chorun was its owner?
It hopped right up onto her lap with a casual bark.
Watching that, I thought to myself.
*Chorun can't get too attached.*
It'd be even sadder when they had to part.
I steeled my resolve as I watched Chorun and Mangmong happily playing together.
I had to find a new owner quick, before Chorun got even more heartbroken.
***
I stopped by the Hero Association today to submit my report.
"In this day and age, having to come in person to file a report is such a hassle."
At least I could head home early today—that was a silver lining.
Spending more time with the kids was a nice bonus.
I threw together the report with my handler.
"Looks good. Keep this up, and you'll climb ranks in no time."
"That's a relief. Hey, though."
"Yeah?"
"You ever thought about raising a dog? This one's super smart and cute."
I pulled out my smartphone and showed her a pic of Mangmong.
A white puffball with its tongue sticking out adorably.
The Association staffer looked it over carefully, then shook her head.
"I've got a fur allergy. Probably not for me."
"...Really?"
"Yeah."
"Tch."
Too bad.
Clicking my tongue, I wandered the Association looking for the next owner candidate.
*Hmm, that guy's too old... but she's pretty cute?*
Might as well chat her up.
Time to kickstart the dating game again.
Dreaming of office romance, I approached a staffer who looked to be in her early twenties.
"Excuse me."
"Yes?"
"You like dogs? Got this adorable one at home named Mangmong. Wanna see a pic?"
I slid my phone over with Mangmong on the screen.
My old clunker of a smartphone was kinda embarrassing.
The staffer gave me an awkward smile.
"Haha... cute dog... You're Hero Lee Ha-jun, right? I'm swamped with work—gotta run..."
"Wait, what about raising a super cute dog like—"
"See ya."
Whoosh—
She vanished from sight at top speed.
How'd she move that fast in heels?
I couldn't wrap my head around it.
"No one at all? Mangmong's so cute and smart."
Just as I concluded there were no owners at the Association.
Bzzz—!
My phone, with Mangmong's pic still up, started vibrating.
I checked the screen to see what it was.
"Text came in. From the Chairman?"
Did he hear I was here?
The Chairman had sent me a message.
[Crazy Crazy Dragon Worshipper Chairman]
[Heard you're at the Association. How about swinging by to see my face? Got something to talk about.]
I didn't really have anything to say.
But the Chairman wanted to chat.
"I'd rather not deal with that crazy perv..."
Still, he was pretty favorable toward me.
Might be good to humor him, even if it was awkward.
Recalling the way from last time, I headed to the Chairman's office.
Knock knock—
"I'm coming in, Chairman."
Bang—!
I barged right in without waiting for a reply.
The Chairman was lounging on a fancy sofa, waving me over.
"You finally made it. Come have some coffee."
"Why are you being so chummy, Chairman?"
"Heh heh, fellow Dragon worshippers, right? We've got that inner bond. Take a seat."
The weird stuff from last time made it a bit uncomfortable.
But I sat on the sofa as he said.
"So, why'd you call me here, Chairman?"
"Straight to business? We could ease into it a little."
"I'm a busy guy—no time to lounge."
Kids would be out of daycare soon anyway.
No spare time for coffee chats.
I downed the hot coffee in one go.
"Nothing to say? Then I'm out, Chairman."
"Wait, hold on! Let's get to the point!"
"Sure?"
I plopped back down on the sofa at his words.
The Chairman fixed me with a solemn, wistful gaze and asked.
"Just to confirm—what exactly did the Yellow Dragon's lips feel like?"
"...I'm out."
"At least answer before you go!"
I shot up.
Wasted my time coming here.
I shook off the Chairman's hand as he tried to grab me and stood.
Hand on the doorknob.
*...But the Chairman's loaded. Might be worth asking.*
Even with his pervy side.
With all that money, he'd probably take good care of Mangmong.
I turned back to the Chairman, who was sighing in disappointment at the lack of an answer.
"Chairman. Just to check—wanna raise a dog?"
"A dog?"
He perked up at the word and looked up.
"Dogs are great. Got a pic?"
"Here. This white fluffball is Mangmong. Smart and cute as heck."
"Hmm, I've already got five at home. But a new baby might make them happy."
"What do you think? Up for it?"
The Chairman pondered with a stern expression.
He seemed so normal like this—until dragons came up, then he went nuts.
While I inwardly trashed him, the Chairman opened his eyes and replied.
"Well, if no one's taking it... sure, I could. Bring it over. I'll take good care of it. It's the least I can do for a fellow worshipper."
The Chairman gave me a firm yes on raising Mangmong.
I said I'd be in touch and left the Association, swinging by daycare to pick up the kids.
My gaze was fixed on Mangmong, tucked inside Chorun's puffy jacket.
"Hmm..."
It was a worrisome commute home.
***
After dinner together.
I kept staring at Mangmong in silence.
"Hmm..."
Mangmong was passing the time playing with Chorun.
"Go fetch!"
"Mang-!"
"Hee hee, good job!"
Chorun petted Mangmong as it brought back the little ball.
Mangmong basked in her touch, grinning happily.
"..."
Still.
As much as it hurt.
I had to say it.
*It was only supposed to be temporary.*
I stood up and walked over to Chorun and Mangmong.
Did my determined look seem weird to Suryun?
Suryun muttered as she watched me approach.
"Dad's acting weird today, not like usual."
"..."
Finally.
I stood before Chorun and Mangmong.
"Chorun."
"Yes, Father? What's up?"
She tilted her head innocently, asking if I had something to say.
I bit my lip and said to her.
"Chorun."
"Yes."
"I found a new owner for Mangmong."
"Huh? What do you mean, Father?"
"...Mangmong won't be at our house starting tomorrow. Someone said they'd take him."
"..."
Chorun stared at Mangmong silently, then at my face.
She looked at me for a long, long time, then stroked Mangmong and said.
"I see... Mangmong's leaving home... We're friends... I can't believe we have to part like this..."
"Mang-?"
As she spoke, Chorun's eyes began to well up.
She didn't want to part with the pup she'd grown so attached to.
Chorun stroked Mangmong wistfully for a moment.
"...I don't want to let my friend go like this, Father."
Her eyes hardened with resolve.
She scooped up Mangmong, who she'd been petting.
Taking advantage of my shock, she dashed into the bathroom.
Bang! Click!
She slammed the door shut and locked it.
From inside the bathroom, Chorun yelled at me.
"Father, I can't let Mangmong go! I can't send my friend away like this! Mangmong and I are one!!"
"Mang mang!!"
"Animals have the right to choose their own owners! Respect animal rights!!"
From environmental protests.
To animal rights now.
*'Chorun always listens to me so well. For her to be this stubborn...'*
I had a feeling convincing Chorun this time wouldn't be easy.
And my stomach was killing me to boot. Great.