Chapter 40
Chapter 40
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 40
Chapter Title: Be My Daughter!
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'What? Me, Gwang-yu's daughter?'
"Oh my, what a surprise! I thought you were a bachelor since you look so young, but you're a dad?"
"Yeah, isn't my daughter pretty?"
"Must've gotten married young? Does she take after you? She's such a cutie."
"...Th-thank you."
'The innkeeper lady and Gwang-yu's conversation flew by so fast that I missed my chance to deny it.'
I had no choice but to thank the innkeeper lady who was praising me through her tears.
"She's so young but so polite! I'm in a good mood now! I'll throw in some noodles on the house!"
"Great! My daughter's hungry, so make it quick."
"You're so devoted to your little girl! Got it, I'll hurry. Have a seat somewhere comfy!"
'How can an unmarried guy say "daughter" so naturally?'
And to me, someone not even related by a drop of blood!
I glared at Gwang-yu in protest, but he didn't bat an eye, just kept smiling and pointed to an empty seat.
"Let's sit here."
'What's the point of protesting? It won't work on him... or rather, this snake.'
I let it go and followed Gwang-yu to the simple wooden chair, sitting down half-enlightened.
"I figured you'd turn down my dinner invite. Honestly, I was surprised. I thought you hated me. Or do you like dumplings enough to forget about someone you dislike?"
"I don't hate you. I do like dumplings, but not enough to forget people over them."
'He was a bit scary as a snake, though...'
Now that I knew what he really was, he didn't seem so frightening anymore.
"Really? That's a relief."
He looked genuinely relieved, like he'd truly believed I hated him.
"I've been wondering about this for a while. How can you see Pippi? You said only you could see her."
I asked Gwang-yu my burning question before the food arrived.
"Oh, really? I thought her body was just transparent. I can see that bird because we're both spirit creatures."
'Pippi's a spirit creature?'
I knew the black snake was one, but I had no idea about Pippi.
I'd just thought she was a see-through messenger bird.
"Can spirit creatures recognize each other?"
"Yeah, we give off a completely different energy from regular humans or martial artists."
"I see."
As he explained, Gwang-yu personally set a pair of chopsticks in front of me.
'His words say one thing, but his actions are kind.'
'So when should I get to the point? He's buying dumplings, so he doesn't hate me. That's good.'
"Here, you must be starving. Dig in."
"Thanks, innkeeper."
While I pondered, the lady brought out the dumplings and noodles.
'Looks delicious.'
I'd been traveling far and was famished, so I swallowed hard at the sight.
"Eat up before it gets cold. The noodles here are great too."
Gwang-yu put some dumplings on my plate.
'I want to eat, but my head's too full... I can't relax.'
Eating with this unease would ruin the taste and probably give me indigestion.
Pondering would just delay the meal.
'Yeah, better to rip the bandage off early!'
I'll dive in and worry about the fallout later!
"Gwang-yu, I have a favor to ask."
"You, asking me for a favor? What is it?"
Gwang-yu, mid-bite of dumpling, looked at me with keen interest.
"I want you to teach me martial arts!"
"...So, you want me to be your master?"
"Exactly. I need a capable teacher to bring out my full potential!"
"Hmm... Me as a master... I never planned on raising any disciples."
As expected, Gwang-yu didn't seem interested in taking students.
'Am I getting rejected just like that?'
I felt disappointed but decided not to give up.
'Well, the world's not short on strong masters besides this snake. If he says no, I'll just stuff myself with dumplings and go.'
No loss for me.
I was already eyeing the steaming dumplings and noodles to soothe my wounded heart.
"Fine."
"Yeah, if you don't want to, I understa— What? Fine?"
'I was sure he'd refuse, but he's agreeing just like that?'
Stunned, I stared at Gwang-yu in disbelief.
"Yeah, I'll be your martial arts master."
Worried he'd change his mind, I held my breath, but he confirmed it again.
"Gwang-yu, thank you so much! I'll train hard and be a disciple you can be proud of!"
Overjoyed, I vowed to be his loyal student.
Gwang-yu watched me amusedly, then flashed a meaningful smile.
"But I have a condition."
"...A condition?"
'No wonder he agreed so easily!'
What could it be?
Usually, experts spar with prospects to test them before accepting...
Could I even handle Gwang-yu right now?
Sparring might leave me flat before learning anything.
But the words were out—no taking them back!
"What's the condition?"
"Call me Daddy. Just once."
Gwang-yu held up one finger at me, eyes sparkling.
"What??"
'Not money or anything—just call him Daddy? Testing if I'm worthy to be his disciple makes more sense.'
Is it really this easy!?
Sure, calling some random snake "Daddy" felt weird with my real dad around, but...
For someone needing a master urgently, it was perfect.
"Just once? Is that too hard?"
'Why does Gwang-yu seem more desperate than me? Am I imagining it?'
He clasped his hands, begging like he'd forgotten his dumplings.
'I could push harder.'
"I'm loyal—I only call my real dad 'Daddy.' But if you promise to teach me Void Step no matter what, I'll try."
"I'm great at Void Step."
'Too soft?'
Seeing his instant reply, I tacked on more.
"And on top of that! Promise to take me to the highest realm."
"The highest realm... You mean surpass the Heavenly Demon?"
'It comes out that way?'
I'd forgotten.
'In the original novel, Dad becomes the Heavenly Demon, but until then, the previous one was the strongest. So right now, Dad's at the peak.'
"Yes! Exactly."
I answered solemnly.
'If the story goes as planned, rampaging Dad gets killed by that Nangong Family Young Master later. I need to be stronger than Dad to beat him.'
My goal is to protect Dad.
'I want to be strong enough to seize victory in any scenario!'
Gwang-yu fell silent, deep in thought.
'Did I overreach with "highest realm"? You can't reach it just through teaching anyway.'
Promising it outright would be fraudulent.
As I moved to retract, Gwang-yu spoke.
"Well, given your potential, it's possible. I promise—I'll do my utmost to get you there."
"Great!"
"Now that we're done negotiating, you'll call me Daddy, right?"
His serious demeanor vanished, replaced by a childlike grin.
'Is this the same guy... er, snake?'
"Fine, I will."
"Yay! Hold on, let me take a deep breath! Hoo..."
He steadied his trembling breath.
'Why's a spirit creature deep-breathing over this?'
"Ready now!"
Gwang-yu leaned in earnestly.
'Thought it'd be easy, but now that it's time, my tongue's tied.'
Eh, no dragging it out!
Let's finish quick and eat dumplings!
I steeled myself looking at the cooling food.
"Daddy!"
'Sorry, Dad! You're my only Heavenly Demon Daddy!'
Calling Gwang-yu "Daddy," I apologized to my real dad in my heart.
'But why's Gwang-yu so quiet?'
"......"
I'd done exactly what he wanted, but he froze like stone.
"You alive?"
I poked his shoulder lightly, worried. His serious face met mine straight on.
"You..."
'He's my master now—did I offend him by poking?'
As I prepared to apologize,
Gwang-yu thrust his hand forward with all his might and shouted.
"Become my daughter, Gwang-yu's daughter!"