Healing in the Country Side with a Baby Dragon - CHAPTER 30 (The No. 1 Treasure)

I had a hard time trying to console Seol-ah as she cried so pitifully. At first, she cried because she was terrified of getting her injection, and then she kept crying out of worry for her three puppy brothers who were in pain from their vaccination. 

"Sniff... sniff..."

"Did you really cry all the way through, Seol-ah?"

"Oung..."

Her cheeks were puffed up like full, plump dumplings. With her reddened eyes, lingering teardrops, and pouting lips, she looked incredibly pitiful.

'Oh my, I’m in trouble. I’m in serious trouble.' 

Even in a situation like this, I found her completely adorable.

As I gently wiped away her remaining tears and snot, Seol-ah buried her embarrassed face into my clothes and clung to my chest, mumbling softly. Meanwhile, the three puppies looked up at her anxiously, completely forgetting their own pain from the shots. They usually just lounge around, sleeping and playing behind the scenes, making me wonder if they were actually good guard dogs—but they sure showed their loyalty at times like this.

"She is so precious."

Director Ham Sa-rang smiled brightly and offered her thoughts.

"Isn’t she? She’s so cute it's crazy."

"Seol-ah is beautiful, of course, but you are quite wonderful too, Jin-sol."

"Excuse me?"

Realizing her words could be misinterpreted, Ham Sa-rang waved her hands frantically, her face turning bright red.

"No! I didn't mean it 'that' way! How should I phrase it? It’s just... the sight of a father lovingly comforting his crying child under the warm sunlight, with the puppies watching over them anxiously... it wasn't just the child who was cute. Everything about the scene was beautiful. The entire atmosphere—Seol-ah, you looking down at her, and the puppies huddled close by."

I guess she is the type to ramble when she gets flustered. I wanted to tease her a little more, but I decided to let it slide.

"Thank you for the kind words. Seol-ah, you should thank the director too."

"Tank you—"

With that, today’s treatment was officially over!

"Goodbye, please stay well~" 

Seol-ah bowed her head politely to say goodbye.

"Our lovely Seol-ah, make sure to come back and see us again!"

Mrs. Kim Soon-ja held out a candy cane. It looked like a special treat kept on hand just for a crybaby like Seol-ah. Only then did Seol-ah smile brightly, her sorrow completely forgotten.

As we walked out of the animal hospital, I could hear a mother and daughter whispering behind us.

"Oh my, look at you being so proactive."

"Uh... Mom!"

"Why did you back down? You should have just pushed through. Oh my."

"What are you even talking about! Seriously, Stooop—!"

Glancing briefly through the hospital window, I caught sight of Director Ham Sa-rang stamping her feet with a crimson face, while her mother teased her with mischievous affection.

'It really is a beautiful sight.'

Seeing them like that made me fully understand what Ham Sa-rang had meant earlier.

On our way back, Seol-ah’s eyes sparkled as she looked around the town. Suddenly, her gaze locked onto something right next to a children’s clothing store. Her eyes were completely fixed on a white one-piece dress displayed inside the glass window.

Now that I thought about it, most of the clothes Seol-ah wore were hand-me-downs inherited from So-yoon.

"Seol-ah, do you want to wear that dress?"

"...Yes." She gave a slow, shy nod.

"Let’s go buy it."

I took Seol-ah’s hand and walked into the shop.

"Oh my! This baby is absolutely adorable!" the store owner welcomed us warmly.

"Could I take a look at that white dress in the window?"

"Of course!"

We tried the dress on Seol-ah right there.

"Oh my, look at her! She’s so cute!" The owner even clapped her hands in admiration. 

'Wow, this lady really knows how to do business.'

But honestly, Seol-ah was just as breathtaking in my eyes. With her clean silver hair, striking blue eyes, delicate features, rosy pink cheeks, and the flowing white dress, she looked exactly like a baby angel. Driven by the momentum, I purchased a few additional clothing items as well. The owner smiled broadly and quickly packed everything up for me.

Then, a familiar face crossed my mind.

'Oh, should I buy something for So-yoon too?' 

I had received so many clothes from So-yoon's parents, so I felt I should repay the favor at least once.

"I’m also looking for some clothes for a girl who is about seven years old."

"Huh? Seven years old?"

"Yes. She’s about this tall, with a very fair, bright complexion. Do you have anything that would suit her?"

"A fair, bright child around that height? Wait... are you talking about So-yoon?"

"Wow, yes! That's exactly right!"

Come to think of it, there weren't many kids in this neighborhood, and So-yoon probably bought her clothes here too. Thanks to the owner recognizing her instantly from a basic description, the shopping went smoothly.

We headed back out onto the street after our light shopping. At that moment, a restaurant sign with gold lettering on a red background caught my eye: 'Hwalongseong'. 

It was a place I recognized. The village chief, Ham Bong-seok, had highly recommended it, boasting that they served incredible Jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) and Jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup). Since it was almost lunchtime and we were already in town, I figured we should get something to eat before heading home.

But then I thought about Oh-sik, who was guarding the house all by himself.

'I should probably make him some beef soup...'

Actually, let's substitute that with the legendary K-delivery food—the kind of meal that shocks China, makes Japan jealous, and has America clinging for a taste! Strangely enough, I enjoy that over-the-top culinary pride more than anything.

I initially wanted to bring Oh-sik along so he could experience the town too, but he had flatly refused.

'I am still uncomfortable in crowded places, especially without my armor.'

He wears a cool helmet and body armor in front of me and the townspeople, but it seems interacting with total strangers is still too difficult for him without his protective gear. Someday, I hope to show him not just this town, but the grand sights of Seoul.

For now, I held Seol-ah’s hand and stepped into the restaurant.

"Welcome! What can I get for you?"

I took a quick look around the dining area, which was just beginning to fill up with customers.

"Please give me one extra-large serving of Jjajangmyeon, one extra-large Jjamppong, and a medium order of Tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork). To go, please."

I decided it would be better to pack the food and eat at home. No matter how famous this restaurant was, food always tastes better when we all sit down and eat together. It didn't matter if the noodles got a little soggy on the drive back. I am happiest when we share a meal as a family.

On the drive home, Seol-ah and her three puppy brothers snored softly in the back while the rich aroma of Jjajangmyeon wafted through the car. It was a deeply relaxing moment, blending beautifully with the passing scenery outside.

'Though, if the Jjajangmyeon gets too soggy, it really won't taste good...' I thought anxiously.

Fortunately, we finally arrived home.

"My lord, you have returned." Oh-sik greeted us, standing in the exact same posture and spot as when we left.

"Have you been standing like that the entire time?"

"That is what a knight waiting for his lord must do."

Wow, I almost felt guilty for leaving him behind.

"Go take off your armor and come back out. Let’s have lunch. I brought home something delicious."

"I was hoping for beef soup..."

"Trust me, this is K-delivery food. It shocks China, envies Japan, and obsesses America."

"I shall change and return immediately."

As expected, if you prefix anything with 'K-', it works like a charm.

While Oh-sik was changing, I set the takeout containers on the table. There was the glossy, pitch-black Jjajangmyeon, the fiercely aromatic Jjamppong, and a pile of beautifully crispy Tangsuyuk. Thankfully, the sauce was packed separately. Personally, I prefer dipping over pouring. In fact, I like to eat the very first bite completely plain, dipped only in a bit of soy sauce mixed with red pepper powder. That is the ultimate test of whether a restaurant truly knows how to fry pork.

"Alright, let’s eat!"

"Byaa-!"

"I shall enjoy this meal, my lord."

First, I watched Oh-sik's reaction. He looked entirely baffled by the jet-black noodles at first, but he cautiously took a large slurp.

"......!"

His eyes widened in sheer shock as he stared at me.

"Is it good?"

He nodded vigorously. Next, he braved a taste of the Jjamppong, instantly gulping down a glass of water right after.

"It is quite spicy!"

It made me chuckle to see Oh-sik diligently plowing through the Jjamppong despite the heat.

"Brrrrr—"

Meanwhile, Seol-ah was entirely possessed by the Jjajangmyeon. She was so busy chewing the noodles with her tiny lips that she seemed to lose all track of time.

"Is it delicious, Seol-ah?"

"Bya!"

"You've got sauce all over your face."

I reached over to wipe the black bean sauce from around her mouth. She giggled happily and went right back to eating.

Now, it was my turn to try the sweet and sour pork. I picked up a piece of Tangsuyuk and dipped it in the soy sauce. The crispy batter combined with the tender pork inside was absolutely delicious. The frying oil tasted clean, and the batter wasn't too thick, meaning it was fried to perfection. Next, I tried a piece dipped in the sweet and sour sauce.

"Oh."

The sauce here was spectacular. Its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors instantly stimulated the appetite. The Jjajangmyeon and Jjamppong were top-tier as well. The Jjajangmyeon was perfectly salty, savory, and sweet all at once, making it impossible to stop eating. The Jjamppong was deeply satisfying, boasting a rich yet clean seafood broth infused with a distinct, smoky flavor.

Even though the noodles had swollen a bit and the fried pork had cooled down during the drive home, it didn't matter.

"It’s delicious!"

"Blah blah-!"

"It is profoundly delicious! Chomp chomp chomp—!"

"This is the first time in my life as an earth fairy that I have ever tasted something this magnificent!"

Hearing everyone praise the food made it taste even better. 

'Yes, food really does taste best when eaten together.' 

Packing it to go was definitely the right choice.

Later that afternoon, I looked over a healing potion created using Hanseong Enterprise’s technology. Its temporary name was the 'Apple-Tomato Health Juice', and it turned out much better than I expected.

'Would this be a good snack for Seol-ah?'

It was a perfect portion—contained in a small bottle that was easy to sip. Seol-ah was currently drinking her healthy juice from a tiny plastic cup made just for her. Every time she swallowed a sip of the sweet liquid, she let out a contented little snort. I happily drank down the rest of mine.

As she sipped her juice, Seol-ah’s eyes were locked onto my fingertips. To be exact, she was watching a necklace I was crafting. I had decided to make it because I was terrified she might lose the red orb she had received from James if she just carried it around.

'She would cry a river if she lost it.'

Seeing her cry at the hospital today was cute, but the thought of her being genuinely heartbroken made my chest ache. I had worried the crafting might be difficult, but fortunately, the orb already had a small hole running through it—likely because it was originally part of an ornament. That made my job much easier. I had bought the remaining string and findings while we were in town, and I immediately set to work.

Actually, I’m quite dexterous. It’s a talent born out of necessity, having done everything under the sun to survive on my own since childhood. I’ve worked every imaginable part-time job in my life. Thanks to that, my cooking skills are highly developed, and I can easily craft small items by hand. Back then, I was just struggling to survive, but I never imagined those hardships would come in this handy.

After focusing intensely for about an hour, I finally finished.

"Alright, all done!"

I held up the completed necklace featuring the vibrant red orb.

"Heh!" 

Seol-ah squealed with delight, her eyes sparkling like stars. The red bead hanging from the necklace caught the sunlight, gleaming beautifully.

"Let me put it on you."

"Yes!"

I carefully fastened the necklace around her neck.

"Seol-ah, look in the mirror." 

I held up a small mirror before her.

"Oh......"

Seol-ah gasped, covering her mouth with both hands. Clad in the white one-piece dress we bought today and adorned with the crimson orb necklace, she looked stunning. She twirled around, thoroughly admiring her reflection.

It felt like a crime that I was the only person witnessing this masterpiece; this was something that needed to be shared with the entire world. It was a shame that Oh-sik had gone out to help the village elders, leaving me to make a fuss all by myself.

"My goodness, who is this gorgeous girl? Could it be our Seol-ah?"

Seol-ah smiled bashfully at my praise.

"Tank you—" She bowed her head politely to express her gratitude.

'Yes, this is perfect.'

"Little master, you are incredibly beautiful!"

"It is a cuteness so profound that even the sun hides in shame and the wind envies you!"

As Seol-ah stood proudly on the floor, the earth fairies gathered in front of her and began to cheer and shower her with adoration. Flanked by her three puppy guardians, she looked exactly like a princess leading a royal procession.

[You have gifted Seol-ah a necklace made of a red orb!]

[Because the necklace was crafted by her father, it holds an even more special meaning to her! Seol-ah has acquired her Number 1 Treasure!]

A quest success message popped up in front of me. I felt a wave of relief seeing how satisfied she was.

I followed Seol-ah with my eyes as she happily pranced out into the garden. Leaning against the porch and watching Seol-ah and the earth fairies run around under the warm sunlight felt like an absolute dream. Seeing her bright smile as she frolicked in her white dress, the red necklace dangling gently against her chest, brought a warm, involuntary smile to my face.

As I rested on the porch watching over Seol-ah, I gradually drifted into a light nap.

[The SSS-Class Dimensional Dragon, Baek Seol-ah, has obtained the Yeouiju.]

While she was playing in the garden with the earth fairies and her three puppy brothers, a single line of text flashed before Seol-ah's eyes.

"What? No!" Seol-ah tilted her head and pouted in protest.

This wasn't some random 'Yeouiju'—it was a precious red bead necklace that her father had personally made just for her! It was Seol-ah’s absolute Number 1 Treasure!

Of course, she couldn't fully comprehend the technicalities of the status window.

[The SSS-Class Dimensional Dragon undergoes growth.] 

[Dragon Lair – The 'Happiness Growing Farm' expands in tandem.]

"Bam, bam!" 

Seol-ah’s eyes went wide.

'Growth? Seol-ah is growing up right now? I want to become as big as that mountain in the back!!'

As Seol-ah smiled brightly at the wonderful news, a brilliant rainbow suddenly rippled out from her newly sprouted horns, enveloping the entire area surrounding the house.

Instantly, a surge of vibrant life filled the courtyard, causing a strange plant—one we had never seen before—to rapidly sprout in a corner of the garden. Soon after, a flower bud made entirely of flickering flames bloomed open.

As the petals unfurled, a butterfly woven from pure fire spread its wings and took flight.

Following the earth fairies, a fire fairy had officially made its appearance at the Happiness Growing Farm.