Chapter 109: Perception Change (1)
On the last day of the holiday following the tournament:
Come here, my daughter. Want to try this out?
Beep?
Just fill this inside with these items.
When I called her, Shiba began fitting puzzle blocks with her fern-like hands as I showed her the toy I had bought earlier. It was a simple puzzle designed to create a square by matching the shapes of the blocks.
Beep? Beep?
Right there. Start by filling in the square. Shiba quickly completed the puzzle and chirped brightly.
Baa!
Good job, my girl!
Shiba managed to complete the puzzle in just three attempts. I didnt know if it was because she was a tree, but she was incredibly smart. Really, it was not just fatherly bias. Shes already mastering all sorts of play without even being able to speak. How could anyone not call her a genius?
Objectively, not just subjectively, Shiba was indeed a genius.
Byaa~ Bheehee.
Shiba snuggled in my arms, rubbing her cheek against mine as if asking for more praise. So, I ruffled her hair and cheeks further, lavishing praise on her.
Well done! Our daughter is the best~ Shell go to Harvard~!
Our dorms angel was sunny today as well.
-Creak-
The sound of the door opening. Baekdo walked in, glancing around.
Since that night, Baekdo has always had a sulky expression.
Whats all this fuss so early in the morning?
Her speech had also grown quite harsh. I had thought things were resolved, but it seemed not completely.
Its about educating our child.
Education, my foot. Shes just causing trouble.
Pouting, Baekdo flopped onto the bed and closed her eyes.
I chose not to argue. Though things were awkward now, I knew they would eventually smooth over. From long experience, I was aware that Baekdo tended to let things slide.
The problem was more with Hwangdo than Baekdo.
Since that night when Baekdo and I shared drinks, Hwangdo had strangely not shown up.
The Hwangdo who would always greet me in the morning with hearts in her eyes and hug Shiba was nowhere to be seen.
I dont know.Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only
Perhaps she was stunned by the truth about Baekdo, or maybe she witnessed everything that night while feigning sleep.
Either way, not being able to talk openly was frustrating since she chose to hide inside.
-Bolt.
Suddenly, Baekdo, who had been lying down, sat upright.
Her hair had turned crimson. Did her consciousness shift? Cheondo glanced at me holding Shiba, rubbed her eyes, and offered a faint smile.
What a loving father and daughter.
We always are. Master, would you like to hold Shiba, too?
-Nod.
Cheondo extended her hands quietly, and I passed Shiba to her.
Shiba seemed slightly disgruntled but permitted Cheondo to hold her, accustomed to such situations from previous encounters. Cheondo nestled her face into Shibas hair and closed her eyes, cradling her against her large chest.
Feels cozy.
With her mouth protruding like a duck bill, Shiba and the beautiful woman cradling her resembled a scene from a photo shoot.
Some time passed.
Cheondo set Shiba down and cleared her throat.
Cough. Anyway I have something to tell you.
Right after waking up? Shouldnt you have something to eat first?
Its fine. This is more important.
Shiba clung to me once more, bustling about.
She was surely about to discuss the outcome of this tournament.
The news regarding the Forest Keeper selection will be announced shortly. Some candidates have already been confirmed, but there will be an additional selection for someone like you. You understand why, right?
Yes.
I nodded. Cheondo folded her arms below her chest.
Youve taken unexpected actions, but whats done is done. I wont debate whether it was right or wrong.
Anyway, right now, you are a topic of interest among several guilds. No within the academy, there is no bigger story than yours.
That was true.
Even now, as I sat here, my email inbox was likely filling with offers from guilds.
They were all full of praise for my potential, promising fair treatment and vying for a contract with their guild. No surprises there.
Among them was an association responsible for one aspect of the world.
Interestingly, they conveyed their intentions through Byeol, with whom I had a connection. For now, I had turned them down.
Of course, it wasnt only guilds that approached me.
[Hi, Im XX. Do you want to grab a meal together sometime?]
[You helped me last time. Can I offer you something in return?]
[The last match was very exciting! Can we meet personally?]
Recently, the number of contacts from students I barely spoke with had increased exponentially.
Strange.
Those who had never responded before were now starting conversations.
It was an awkward and itchy feeling.
Among them was someone who had badmouthed me. Apparently, they didnt know I overheard them.
And if you received help, you should have offered something the next day Why offer it now after so long?
Jung Siwoo, having some acquaintance with her, could talk to her comfortably.
They had met when she was a nun. When had she grown so much?
Sometimes, rather than being noble, she seemed more driven by the ambition to rise higher.
Anyway
Isabella showed a benevolent smile.
Congratulations on being the first candidate for the Forest Keeper Selection. Oh, did I say the first? Yes, the first. Listen carefully. Youve grown so much since you were a little one, havent you?
Haha
Jung Siwoo took the letter placed on the table.
The Forest Keeper Selection.
An event where the current generations strongest, the S-class hunters, provided guidance. A stage he would have eagerly jumped at in the past.
Jung Siwoo hesitated to open the letter, just fiddling with the seal.
What are you doing? Open it.
Isabella couldnt bear it any longer, while Jung Siwoo remained unsure.
After some time, he finally spoke.
Sister, since its just between us, how many have been selected so far?
Hmm~ Its top secret.
Well, Ill let you know if it becomes helpful later.
Thatll do.
Deal~
Isabella pondered for a moment, her chin resting on her hand, and then slowly began to list the names.
Theres this incredibly strong woman from a tribe in Africa then a husband candidate for the World Tree. The third is the top student from Manhattan Academy, whos always squinting. These three stand out to me first.
Africa had become almost wild due to the collapse of governments and countries where tribes fought against monsters.
Manhattan Academy was on par with El Academy, which spoke volumes about its prestige.
And the rest oh, there are a few princes and princesses too.
Japans cherry blossoms
As they continued talking, Jung Siwoo cut in.
So, am I the only one selected from El Academy so far?
It seems so. But theres still more selection to come Why do you ask?
Just curious. I have someone to recommend, but it looks like I wont be able to participate in the Forest Keeper Selection.
Suddenly.
Ah?
Isabella looked at him with a startled expression.
What? You cant go?
Thats how things turned out.
Do you even realize what youre saying?
Isabella blinked in disbelief. Rejecting the Forest Keeper selection test was inconceivable for most.
Did you bump your head hard?
Who would pass up the chance to consume the Perennial Snow Ginseng when aspiring to be the greatest warrior? Only a fool would decline it.
And yet, Jung Siwoo had just done so.
The Forest Keeper selection was a stage not even current professional hunters could easily access.
It was a significant hurdle, especially since the candidates were still trainees and needed exceptional global skills.
I have my reasons.
Your sister?
- Nod.
Isabella sighed, knowing enough about his background to understand.
I get it, but being a Forest Keeper selection candidate Its like the will of the World Tree. You know what it means to defy that, right?
It would mean going against the will of the World Tree.
The higher-ups would likely not react well to Jung Siwoos decision, even though they would respect it.
You might get a pass for being a husband candidate Anyway, I understand. Lets change the subject. Who do you recommend?
If its a foolish choice, I might as well tear them apart.
With that absurd thought, Isabella turned to Siwoo.
Jung Siwoo, scratching his cheek, hesitated before mentioning three names.
Do you know Lee Shiheon?
Yes? Yes, I know him well. Hes a strong candidate Why?
Thats when Jung Siwoos tone changed.
Wow, you know him.
???
Ive sparred with him, and hes really strong.
Though Jung Siwoo was accustomed to praising others, he found it difficult to do so deliberately today.
Hes really tough to fight against. You know how difficult it is to beat a sword with a fist, right?
Yes. Yes, yes But was he really like that?
Ignoring Isabellas perplexed retort, Jung Siwoo finally said,
And. Maybe. Hes stronger than me.
There was sincerity in that statement.
He genuinely believed this talent needed to enter the selection, having deliberated before speaking.
That was Jung Siwoo, who was considered one of the best talents.
Are you serious about that?
Eventually, Isabella had to seriously consider the existence of Lee Shiheon.
