Chapter 112
Chapter 112
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 112
Chapter Title: The Seed in My Heart
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On the second day, we toured around again and ended up at a pretty famous amusement park in Ufelsia. It was on a small floating island drifting around the main island.
Ufelsia is made up of six major islands, but there are all sorts of large and small uninhabited islands floating nearby, just like the ones we talk about back home.
Coming all the way to Ufelsia and hitting an amusement park—guess for elementary school kids, an amusement park is just one of those must-do stops on a field trip, right? In our case, we even stayed overnight at the park's lodging.
We arrived around 2 p.m. after sightseeing elsewhere. From then until bedtime—excluding lights-out—we had free time, so naturally, we stuck with our close friends for the rest of the day. Groups formed, picking their favorite rides and having a blast.
But there was an exception: Ardel. The teachers assigned her to us because she was around our level, making her easier to manage. So our group ended up being our usual close friends plus one.
It was all to prepare for the worst. With so much free time, the kids would interact with lots of strangers. Strong mana stands out more than weak mana. For kids our age, even if there's a skill gap, the mana difference isn't that noticeable. A bit of talent is hard to spot without a detection mage. But we're different. The gap is obvious. In other words, we were prime targets.
The teachers wanted to keep the most at-risk kids together.
Teacher Min and Teacher Junhwi were also with us. It felt like overkill, too concentrated, but the other kids were under Master’s watch, so... Unlike Master, Teacher Min couldn't do wide-area surveillance.
“Ehehe! Hansu, looks like we're hanging out again!”
Ardel didn't seem disappointed at all about being separated from her friends. If anything, she looked thrilled as she linked arms with Hansu.
“Hey, cut it out already!”
I glanced at Hansu, who looked annoyed as he peeked down at Ardel clinging to his arm, and for some reason, it soured my mood. Not jealousy, exactly, but it bugged me. I'd thought otherwise based on their usual behavior, but... still, but... anyway, deep down...
I glanced at Inha. She was just standing there, and when our eyes met, she smiled. It gave me a wistful feeling, and I blinked.
Yeah, ever since that moment at the park bench, sensing that special atmosphere between Hansu and Inha who were sitting quietly... deep down, I'd been... hoping these two would...
Of course, neither of them showed any romantic interest in each other. Still, I'd been thinking that way. That it'd be okay. That they could admit it...? No, that it'd make them happy.
I shot a quick dissatisfied look at Teacher Min, who was smiling casually like, “It's good they're getting along.” Then I leaned in close and whispered.
“Aren't you two on a date since you're already at the amusement park?”
“It's fine~. I'll have plenty of fun with you kids.”
Ugh, whatever. I grumbled inwardly and glared at him sharply.
“Teacher, you're so oblivious!”
“Eh?”
Teacher Junhwi, who overheard with Teacher Min, blinked in confusion too. I fumed silently. Getting along? Yeah right! Not at all. It was already bothering me, and now he's saying oblivious stuff...
I turned back to the kid with a grumpy look. Ardel, laughing by Hansu's side, looked flower-like and pretty. Yeah, Ardel was a pretty girl. Talented, pretty, smart. She held her own next to Hansu.
Of course, I couldn't meddle in my friend's love life. Even if Hansu was more than a friend to me—like a little brother I'd practically raised since first grade—I couldn't interfere in something that hadn't even happened yet.
But if it involved Inha, that changed things.
Every time Ardel was with Hansu, she'd pay extra attention to Inha. A quick glance, a smile—like she was doing it on purpose.
I could guess why. Inha and Hansu were close. They used to bicker a lot when they first met, but now they were closer than best friends. Inha hung out with Hansu almost as much as I did. Even among best friends, the way she treated him was different from how she treated me, Minhee, or Hyunho. Sure, some of that came from the guy-girl difference.
Anyway, Hansu was a boy Inha paid special attention to, in some way. Not romantic, but still. And even if I couldn't meddle in friends' love lives, Hansu was like a kid brother I'd raised from way back! Of course I'd care about his love life.
Above all, I didn't want to hand my friends over to romance yet! It wasn't that I disliked her. But after seeing that picture-perfect moment, well...
Anyway! Anyway, with Inha already caring about Hansu to some degree, I didn't want him snatched by another girl! From what I saw, Inha's feelings toward him were fondness, friendship, gratitude, joy, goodwill... but there were these occasional ambiguous hints. Something I couldn't put into words.
So even knowing it wasn't that, I'd sometimes wonder, just maybe. Plus, excluding our group friendship... there seemed to be some special bond between those two... I'd seen scenes like that.
I recalled that moment that had stopped my breath—the picture-perfect scene proving how those two sturdy kids had come to rely on each other. It was shocking in itself. There was an atmosphere even I couldn't touch. It felt a bit lonely, but so beautiful.
And now Ardel was openly flirting with Hansu, checking Inha. How could I not care? Plus... plus...
'Ardel doesn't actually like Hansu.'
The funny thing was, in this love-triangle setup, there wasn't a single thread of romance tying them. Hilarious, really.
Ardel was nothing like the shy girls who'd confessed to Hansu with blushing faces. No trace of that innocent, youthful crush.
'Definitely not.'
She was just having fun. For whatever reason. Thinking it involved Inha made my head heat up.
I'd rarely disliked anyone before, but Ardel rubbed me the wrong way. I looked uncomfortably at her and Hansu, then leaned against Inha's arm.
“What's up?”
“...Nothing! Let's go. What should we ride first?”
“Eunha, the tall ones might be too much for you. Lots of high stuff.”
“Uwaa...”
The mood I'd tried to switch crashed instantly. Yeah, that was pretty scary.
“It's okay, it's okay. Even if you fall, Teacher here will protect you~.”
Teacher Min grinned playfully and hugged me from behind. But, uh, the position was kinda... way too... I was 13 now, sixth grade, and doing this in front of my boyfriend? Kinda weird, right?
Teacher Junhwi just took it in stride, but Inha and Hansu were glaring fiercely. Inha brushed off Teacher Min's hands hugging me and pulled me to her side by the hand.
“Don't hug Eunha whenever you feel like it.”
Hansu yanked my shoulder from Inha's side too.
“She's a girl, you know?”
Minhee and Hyunho burst out laughing at our weird standoff. It was always like this. But Ardel awkwardly looked around. Come to think of it, she wasn't used to this lineup or vibe. She wouldn't show it, but she felt out of place. It made me feel a bit sorry. The anger from moments ago cooled off. I admitted I'd been too emotional.
'Just have fun, that's all.'
After that, we laughed uproariously, riding every eye-catching ride we saw. Plenty of time, decent crowds, tons of rides. We got to do a lot.
Maybe because it's the land of the skies, lots of rides zipped through the air. A rafting ride on a river floating in midair, a Ferris wheel spinning along sky tracks, even riding the giant birds symbolic of Ufelsia. Strapped into saddles, we flew on birds instead of horses. Dizzying enough to scream, but that much fun.
We turned into rising soap bubbles on the wind, bought whatever snacks caught our eye. Well, my friends did. I stuck to ice cream with its frosty chill. Saving money for the mana stone shops on the last day.
In between, Ardel tried approaching us actively, but she wasn't originally that close. She started feeling left out, which bothered me differently from the awkwardness. But whenever that happened, she'd cling to Hansu extra hard, and my mood soured again.
“Shall we go?”
“Ah, groups of several must pair up two by two to enter.”
“Two by two?”
We all looked at each other. That meant... Teacher Min and Teacher Junhwi were set, Minhee and Hyunho too. The issue was us four...
The moment he said it, Inha and Hansu—who'd instantly read the situation and exchanged glances—grabbed my arms from both sides.
“Eunha, you're with me, right?”
“No, come with me this time? Isn't it boring always with her?”
“Eunha wouldn't think that! She's so nice!”
“That's... true, but! Anyway!”
I looked troubled at Hansu and Inha. Of course, both wanting to go with me felt good, fun even, but it was still awkward. Glancing around in distress, I spotted Ardel watching us with a mischievous grin. On reflex, words slipped out.
“Then you two go together.”
I pulled my hands free from theirs and pushed them forward.
“You two are first.”
“Hey, wait a sec.”
“What about Eunha?”
At Minhee's question, I widened my eyes and pointed at Ardel, who was staring blankly.
“I'll go with Ardel.”
She'd been on my mind anyway. The isolation, what she was thinking—all of it. Impulsive decision, impulsive action, but it didn't feel wrong. Though it'd be super awkward... Ah, maybe Ardel would feel more out of place? Realizing that, I cautiously asked her.
“...That okay?”
She stared blankly, like lost in thought, then smiled.
“Yeah!”
Weird kid. Pretending to like Hansu when she didn't, acting sweet in front of others.
I'd noticed after sports day that her speech was rougher than expected. Watching quietly, I realized. In front of me, she smiled brightly or acted cute, but occasional glances, rough words, loose behavior showed it wasn't her real self. Makes sense—no innocent kid has that backstory. Hiding her personality probably tied to it.
She might think no one notices, but quiet observation made it obvious. With my emotion-reading, I knew from the start her act with Hansu was no joke. Even so... I'd only recently realized she wasn't naturally that sweet.
Before Inha, I really hadn't noticed. We weren't close, and she smiled so purely—I'm a sucker for cute kids, so I just thought she was adorable. Turns out not... Not a huge shock, though.
Thinking about it, our school has so many pretty people. Even among those I know, Minhee and Hyunho are above average, my seniors are all stunning, teachers too. Hansu and Inha are top-tier. Honestly, looks-wise, Hansu falls a bit short of Inha. Of course.
Master Mina is more atmospheric beauty than facial. Average-plus looks. But Ardel was solidly in the beauty camp. Hmm, Yujeong Sister and Inho Brother are lookers too?
My thoughts wandered. While I pondered Ardel, Hansu and Inha bickered as they walked ahead.
I knew they'd walk amicably once alone, which complicated my feelings. Whatever emotions they held—aware or not—they shared something we didn't know. For sure. That thought soured my mood again.
“Then second is me and Hyunho!”
Minhee dragged Hyunho off. Then the two teachers—pretending reluctance at my backhanded “go on your date”—headed in. Ardel and I were last.
“Let's go, Eunha!”
Following her usual peppy lead, I quietly trailed. A dark path led to four doors ahead.
“Heh. Maze, huh? Fitting~.”
More like passages. Four black-door-like paths.
“Which way?”
I glanced at the doors, sensing mana from each. But it was just an amusement ride—no danger... My intuition sucks for this. I turned to Ardel.
“Hm? Anywhere's fine for me. You pick, Ardel?”
“Then... this one!”
Ardel chose instantly. We took the second from the right.
Light-drawn glowing images danced on the black space right away. Fantastical—like a kaleidoscope. Walls mirrored everything. Except our faces.
“Wow! So pretty!”
She quickened her pace in awe. I side-eyed her childlike blush, clasped my hands. Perfect chance. But as I went to speak, tension hit. Lips stiffened, palms sweated. I can't easily say things that might make people hate me. Anything like that. Anyone would hesitate.
Even to a girl I didn't like much. But since it involved Inha, I stopped dead and spoke.
“Why pretend to like Hansu?”
Beautiful illusions filled the space, but I ignored them—ones I'd normally dive into first. I stared straight at Ardel. Her lively steps halted.
Ardel slowly turned. Trembling eyes peeked through curly blonde. I clenched my fists.
“Why check Inha? What'd she ever do to you?”
Ardel swallowed. Those two questions let her know I'd caught her deliberate act. I expected an annoyed scowl. But surprisingly, she just stared blankly.
“You're sharp...”
Then, uncharacteristically troubled, she ruffled her hair. The kid cautiously asked.
“H-How'd you know? That I don't like Hansu...”
“You're joking around. I don't know what you thought of Inha and Hansu, but it's a joke. Honestly, it felt like you were teasing Inha... and I didn't like it.”
Ardel grimaced. Then pouted childishly, looking away.
“Y-Yeah, I was teasing. But... just sulking. Jealous... Sorry... Got it... Won't do it again. Knew you'd notice...”
Unexpectedly, Ardel apologized readily. Surprised by the reaction, I eyed her questioningly.
“Jealous?”
“Yeah, Inha's... pretty, popular, friends with you...”
Ardel blushed, continuing. Seeing her fidget, glancing at me, I was genuinely puzzled. Other kids, fine, but Ardel transferred in fifth grade. Unlike kids idolizing me for not seeing the 'terror incident,' she was different. Why act so guilty around me?
Or... worried about relations with other friends?
I'd deliberately not read her emotions, so hard to guess. Ardel, face red, went on.
“Y'know... It was fun, yeah. Curious. Those two had this subtle vibe. Teasing to see if anything's there, maybe cheer them on, give a nudge. Just joking, not malicious. So...!”
Mid-sentence, unknown words burst out. English-like pronunciation. I flinched. Ardel covered her mouth, startled too.
Just now... Ufelsian?
“Anyway, that's it. I-I... yeah.”
I was flustered but replayed her words. Just wanted to joke. Admitted sulking. Not trying to ruin them—I got that.
Lately, I could sense mana in words themselves. Words can be magic. Using text magic, it hit home. So I could tell if emotions in speech were real or lies.
I nodded.
“Yeah. Got it.”
“...!”
Ardel lifted her timid head, beaming.
“It's not that I hate you liking Hansu or anything. Just... with Inha, she's my close friend, so... worried. But if it's not serious, please don't joke like that. Seems to bother Hansu too.”
Worried most for Inha, but even if Hansu felt nothing, it was deceiving him. Ardel nodded vigorously.
“Yeah, I will!”
This tension, dragging on forever it seemed, resolved in a flash. Should've spoken up sooner. Kinda anticlimactic.
We walked again. She quickly fell in beside me.
“But Inha's seriously oblivious! Or strong? I poked to provoke, get her attention—no dice! Maybe they're not like that? Was gonna quit quick, but she ignored, got annoying, kept going. Sorry.”
“Not really to me...”
“Inha's too dense, no sorry needed! Sorry to Hansu instead. He hates girls clinging. Ah, but quitting sudden's weird—maybe confess to him and get rejected? Probably would.”
“Th-That too... Even if he doesn't like it, rejection hurts...?”
Gone was her timid vibe; she stuck by me, chattering brightly. Like a fish in water. Ardel shook her head innocently, smiling purely. Wow, she smiles so prettily.
“Then I'll spread rumors they're dating! Heard Hansu likes Inha, so I'd quit before confessing!”
“What? Th-That too...”
“No way! Pride issue! They didn't even care!”
“...”
“Fine, won't.”
Such a charming kid. As I panicked silent, Ardel stuck out her tongue. I couldn't help a small laugh. She grinned hugely, delighted.
“But what's their deal? Friends? Vibe's too special for that, right?”
“Dunno...”
Who knows.
Ardel was surprisingly chatty. I answered her casually, a bit burdened by her demeanor but going along.
Their relationship? Who knows.
Definitely special vibe. Hard to describe.
We finally exited the glass castle last. Illusion memories faded quick.
After, we rode rides, laughed, ate, chatted, played more. Lights-out came fast. We swapped dorms secretly with roommates, all crashed on the floor together. Soon hugging like this'd be awkward, so I clung tight to Hansu, Hyunho, whoever, flopping onto the bed.
Revived a 3rd/4th-grade thing we'd stopped. Possible because we all knew.
Hansu no longer likes me that way.
His first crush on me faded to childhood puppy love, despite me always around.
Don't know why. No trigger. But he stopped seeing me romantically.
Good for me. Didn't want to be the one giving my friend his first heartbreak.
“...Quit doing this sometimes. Super embarrassing.”
Even now, hugging his neck, he just blushed. If he liked me that way, he wouldn't. Made me oddly happy.
“So what.”
Fell asleep like that. Next day, busted for swapping rooms, got chewed out by Master.
“You brats!”
Master, hollering, tsked as I rose messy from the boys.
“Tch tch. At 13, time to be wary of guys.”
“Eh, Hansu and Hyunho are fine.”
“Not fine. Guys can snap anytime.”
“Then still fine for now.”
I thumbed up. Master bonked my head. I groaned, rubbing, eyed the unrisen kids.
Getting too old for this. But almost time's up, so we did.
I gazed softly at friends, then shook them awake. We weren't full kids anymore.
Ate breakfast, prepped, left lodging.
Third day's highlight: Ufelsia's capital, Pairin. Festival day, so capital and palace buzzing.
Palace outer gardens opened only for festivals. We toured in line.
Walking, Minhee whispered like it'd just occurred.
“Y'know, princess here vanished seven years ago, right?”
Yeah, heard that. I nodded. Big news.
Suspected kidnapping during outskirts battle, but unknown. Still missing.
Probably our age. Not found... maybe dead...
Awful. Heard royals tight-knit; must be heartbroken.
I scanned around. Kids mesmerized by palace. Sihwa, Kang Yesl, Ardel nearby today—same.
Even mighty Ufelsia had this. Korea's top-10 magic power, but lags Ufelsia. If them...
I swallowed a sigh. But didn't feel too dangerous. Teachers always around. Seniors, Master too. Minhee had an incident, got saved. Felt safe.
So princess thoughts ended at 'poor thing.'
Next, weird wasteland. Barren, no grass, but meaningful here. Uninhabited isle by main fought witch-nation Traverbia—magic superpower 200 years ago. Battle scars remained.
Ground blackened—not dirt. Ruins crumbled to debris. Stepping in, chills wracked me. Emotions here too intense. No, not just emotions. Something, something...
“Eunha? What's wrong? Hurt?”
Minhee, eyeing wasteland curiously, saw my pallor, worried. Friends turned, concerned. But I ignored, hugging my trembling arms.
“The mana here... scary...”
Sensing it felt deadly. Like needles pricking everywhere. Head, neck, heart—giant sword looming. Killing intent? This it?
Voices screamed kill in head. Emotions: resentment, resentment, only that. Thick hatred.
Couldn't take it, deployed barrier. Legs buckled otherwise. Better—skin-deep fear gone.
“Tch.”
Teacher Junhwi tsked, bent, scooped me up arms under knees/waist. Sweating cold, I startled as body lifted. Others stared shocked/confused. Master approached.
“What happened?”
“Eunha's too sensitive... hit by residual mana.”
“Right... forgot that.”
'Hit.'
Magic term: mental shock. Mana mental shocks easy trauma. Tied to mental strength.
Panicked, tried sitting up—dizzy, gave up. Teacher Junhwi draped jacket over me kindly.
“Rest.”
“...Thanks.”
Answered weakly. If I felt it, he did too—yet calm. Impressive. Closed eyes to friends' worried voices.
Woke to night. Distant crickets. Wind brushed ears. Blinked slowly. Blurry vision cleared: in car. Sat up slow. Saw someone's back. Widened eyes, fiddled necklace habitually. Opened mouth...
“Seong...”
“Awake?”
'Awake?'
Shadow over back vanished like smoke. Closed gaping mouth slow, bowed head. Embarrassed. Impossible illusion...
But we'd done this before. Late nights, dozing backseat as he drove. He'd always drive if I wanted stars. Clenched fist carefully. Waking, he'd smile, ask if awake...
But past. Now present, reality. Smaller hands/body reminded. Clenched, released fist, spoke.
“Teacher Min. Where are we?”
“Tonight's courage test, remember? Famous haunted spot. Forgot?”
“Ah...”
Nodded. Surprised they'd schedule late-night kid fun. Hot—! Snapped alert, peered out. Pouted at empty beyond window.
“Ugh, wanted to join...”
“Nothing special. Just courage test. Scary, wanna go?”
“I like that stuff. Ghosts and such.”
“Hoo.”
Teacher Min glanced surprised, smiled brightly.
“Wanna go together?”
“Yeah!”
Nodded eagerly.
Teacher Min opened door first, exited. I followed. Hand thrust before me. He smiled warmly.
“Here, milady, shall we?”
Eyes widened, mouth agape. Familiar.
'Here, milady, shall we.'
So familiar.
Shook head, dispelled thought, took hand. Forced wry smile.
“Do that with Teacher Junhwi~.”
“Junhwi's a big guy. He'd chew me out.”
Teacher Min shuddered dramatically, scared-like. Silly. Took his escort, rose from car.