Chapter 10
Chapter 10
The Monster Hides the Magical Girl
When I arrived, Yeoreum smiled brightly and started participating in class even more actively.
In the game, she was cheerful, but not exactly outgoing.
It was more like she brightened up around people she was close to, but otherwise carried a slightly gloomy air.
But now, seeing her eagerly present and smile like that…
It made me happy too.
I’m really glad I came.
It might sound strange to say, but all that chaos and effort this morning paid off.
My thoughts drifted back to a week ago.
Back to when I was surrounded by coworkers—actual parents—after the team leader’s command, being forced into choosing an outfit.
At the time, I was just going to wear whatever.
But they stopped me.
They said I must never be looked down on. As a young parent, I would already draw attention, so I had to dress properly—for Yeoreum’s sake too.
Their words got to me.
So I put in effort. I dressed properly, fixed my hair, and did everything I could.
That’s how I ended up here in a black suit, looking… presentable.
And the result?
During class, there was a moment when parents could talk to each other.
“Are you Yeoreum’s father?”
“You’re so young, I was surprised. She’s lucky to have such a young dad.”
“It’s rare to see a dad younger than me. Let’s get along.”
…I attracted way more attention than expected.
Quite a few parents came up to greet me.
We exchanged contact information and chatted casually.
And when they asked if I was her father…
I decided to tell a white lie.
“Yes, I’m Yeoreum’s father.”
It pricked my conscience.
I’m not her father.
Not even an adoptive one.
Just a guardian.
And yet calling myself her father felt like I was disrespecting her real parents.
But… just this once, I hope it’s forgiven.
If people found out she was raised by a guardian instead of a parent, she might have a harder time.
So I committed to the role.
A young dad who had a child early.
Fortunately, no one suspected anything.
If I say it, who’s going to argue?
Anyway, after the conversations ended, it was finally time for parents and children to meet.
Unlike the other kids who ran up calling “Mom” and “Dad,” Yeoreum approached me quietly.
I hugged her.
In my arms, she spoke softly.
“Um… mister…”
“Yeah, Yeoreum.”
“Are you… not tired?”
At that question, I answered without hesitation.
“Not at all. This is for you.”
“…If you’re tired, you could’ve just rested at home.”
“But you’re happy I came, right?”
“Yes…”
She smiled shyly and hugged me tighter.
Such a small, warm embrace.
How long can I protect this?
I don’t know.
But as long as I can… I will.
Because that’s what I have to do for you.
“By the way, Yeoreum.”
“Yes, mister.”
“When you’re at school… could you call me ‘Dad’ in front of others?”
“…Why?”
“Um… well…”
How do I explain this?
That it’ll help her socially?
That people won’t look at her strangely?
As I searched for the right words, she answered calmly.
“…Okay.”
“Really?”
“Yes. But… when no one’s around, can I call you ‘mister’?”
“Of course.”
At my answer, she smiled brightly.
And seeing that pure, unguarded smile, I made her an offer she couldn’t refuse.
“Yeoreum, you did great presenting today. Want chicken as a reward?”
“Yes, I’d love that…!”
She nodded eagerly, and I hugged her again.
She hugged me tightly in return, then said quietly—
“Mister… if you’re tired, don’t push yourself… okay?”
“Yeah. I promise.”
Her words gave me a quiet sense of comfort and strength.
…
But looking back now…
That was my first mistake.
I thought she was just a good, thoughtful child.
A kind girl who cared about adults.
And yes, she was.
But…
That wasn’t all.
I had judged too optimistically.
Her concern for me wasn’t just kindness.
Somewhere deep inside…
There was fear.
She didn’t believe I would always be safe.
Didn’t believe I would always stay.
That’s why she said those things.
Back then…
I didn’t realize it at all.
I was just a foolish monster, feeling proud of a child who was too kind for her own good.
Back home, Yeoreum fell asleep hugging her plush after eating her fill of chicken.
I gently patted her before getting up and heading to the study.
There were many books there.
General knowledge, language books…
Nacht must have used these to learn about the world.
But that wasn’t the room’s only purpose.
I pulled out a book and flipped it upside down.
A magic circle activated instantly.
Soon, a figure emerged from the darkness.
The moment I saw him, my body moved on instinct.
I knelt and lowered my head.
“…I greet the ruler of dimensions.”
[Nacht…]
A deep, heavy voice echoed.
My head lowered even further.
Not by choice—but by instinct.
“Yes.”
[…You killed your subordinate.]
As expected.
If no one else noticed, the ruler of all monsters certainly had.
“That is correct.”
[Why? Was he not one you favored?]
Favored?
No. That didn’t seem right.
Even in the original story, Nacht never once spoke of revenge for his subordinates.
He only called them useless.
So favored? Impossible.
“Of course not. I would never favor a foolish slime.”
At my answer, the figure seemed satisfied.
[That is true. You were never one to favor others. Still… wasn’t it too hasty? Among slime creatures, none but Amunis had reached the level of a monster.]
“No matter his ability, someone so lazy is of no use to us… to Fomor Lohlan. He would only hinder us.”
[I see… Very well. He was your subordinate. His disposal was your decision.]
“Thank you for your consideration.”
[Then it is time to hear your report.]
The report…
That must mean him.
The new monster who killed Yeoreum’s parents.
Even I, who had seen the ending of Magical Girl Estia multiple times, didn’t fully understand that entity.
That’s why I tried to extract information through Amunis.
But that idiot failed to gather anything.
[How was that creature born?]
“…Amunis failed to obtain that information. That is why I disposed of him.”
That was all I could say.
It fit well enough.
The shadowy figure nodded and praised me.
[Good. Well done, Nacht.]
“It is all thanks to you.”
[Continue working for our forces. And investigate thoroughly the magical girl who defeated that creature.]
“All glory belongs to you, and so does everything I have.”
That’s what I said.
But inside, I thought differently.
Everything I have belongs to Yeoreum.
Even my life.
So I will hide her existence.
Forever.
For her peace.
I raised my head and looked at the man before me.
The one who praised me.
The master of the villain group Fomor Lohlan.
The monster—
Kron Balor.
One day…
In place of the magical girl Yeoreum will never become—
I will defeat him.
And five years later—
Yeoreum became a middle school student.