NoveLight ™
In this world of superhumans, vaccinations naturally exist. Even if a child awakens their powers at a young age, they’re still exposed to common illnesses before that, and severe diseases can be just as dangerous after awakening.
But it seems this isn’t necessary for fairy children. Their species has fundamentally superior physical capabilities compared to humans, and being a “Fairy Knight,” a type specialized in combat, they’re even less likely to experience minor illnesses.
That knowledge allowed me to relax.
On the way back to the dormitory, the path’s tiles slowly shifted in hue as the faint glow of orange light crept over them.
It was already evening, the discussion with Professor Liana having gone on longer than expected.
“Zzz…”
As a result, the baby, overcome by boredom and drowsiness, had fallen soundly asleep in my arms.
‘…Sleeping peacefully.’
The baby looked thoroughly comfortable. One of its wings rested under its head, another was tucked into its arms, and a wide feather blanket coiled around, keeping it warm as it slumbered.
Thanks to the comforting sensation, I was able to hold the baby with ease.
The Sky Wing covered the child’s whole body, providing constant protection and warmth, and I could adjust its position easily without using my hands if it was uncomfortable.
‘It was the right choice after all.’
Choosing the Sky Wing had proven to be a perfect decision—yet another win, and I’d never once regretted it.
While adjusting the baby’s position with the Sky Wing, I felt a bit sorry for keeping it out so late, as it seemed exhausted.
Professor Liana, a spirit magic specialist, had gained considerable knowledge about fairies while working with spirits, given their close relationship.
In fact, she had once sought out fairies herself, ultimately leading her to connect with the Taesan Clan, where she found fairies within their domain.
But knowing about fairies didn’t mean she had answers to everything.
Specifically…how should one raise a fairy? She couldn’t offer definitive answers, unsurprisingly. After all, she was a spirit mage, not a fairy specialist.
All she could provide were fragments of knowledge about fairies from her limited experience and various interspecies cases.
For a clearer understanding, I would need to seek out individuals or groups more knowledgeable than Professor Liana about fairies.
Both she and I knew of such a place.
‘Taesan…’
The Taesan Clan.
Taesan, grouped among the Three Great Clans alongside Geomhwa and Changhae, holds considerable significance in the original storyline due to its formidable power.
The Taesan Clan’s influence was not primarily due to brute force.
Since its inception, Taesan established itself in the mountainous southeastern region of the peninsula, abundant in valuable natural resources. Its mountains, full of medicinal herbs and other materials, bring in wealth that rivals a large gold mine.
Their unique ability to manage the land’s vitality only adds value, turning their territory into land truly worth its weight in gold.
One area of Taesan’s territory is even home to fairies.
The clan’s members, specifically those responsible for managing the fairies, would have extensive knowledge about them.
‘…But I don’t have any real connections with Taesan.’
The issue is that I’ve established no rapport with the Taesan Clan.
Through Hong Yeonhwa, I have ties with Geomhwa, and through Baek Ahrin, I’ve built a relationship with Changhae.
Both of them are heirs to their clans, forming solid connections with me.
However, I still had no contact with anyone from Taesan.
The only encounter with Taesan’s heir had been a brief observation at the tournament arena.
‘Lee Jiyeon.’
Lee Jiyeon, the heir of the Taesan Clan and currently a second-year cadet in Class 120 of Shio-ram Academy.
She is a significant character in the original story.
In the first timeline, I met her early on, built up her affection, and fought alongside her as we resisted the tower invasion.
I had crossed paths with her in other timelines as well.
In the third timeline, we got entangled when she discovered my unique ability from Taesan. In the fourth timeline, we traded resources, such as monster by-products and natural materials, to enhance my abilities.
In the ninth timeline, I… devoured her to absorb her strength.
Timeline 9, Gluttonous Ghost.
In that path, I cast aside all notions of righteousness and plunged into a true villainous route.
Utilizing my unique ability, “Devouring,” I absorbed the power of Lee Jiyeon and other members of Taesan.
In that timeline, I committed countless atrocities, ultimately earning myself the Association’s “Top Priority Extermination Target” label. It wasn’t long before a coalition arrived and wiped me out.
Regardless, to establish ties with the Taesan Clan, meeting Lee Jiyeon would be ideal.
I plan to apply to her mentorship class in the second semester, where I’ll likely meet her formally.
While there’s no guarantee she’ll accept me, I think it’s quite possible. After all, there aren’t many other options.
Arriving at the dormitory, I avoided any encounters by cloaking myself in magic and utilizing my Observation Power to evade attention.
‘It’s not a strictly prohibited matter… but it’s not something to advertise to everyone either.’
I swallowed a sigh as I gently moved to place the baby on the bed.
But just as I was about to settle it down with the Sky Wing, tiny fingers gripped my clothing.
A clear sign it didn’t want to be separated. The baby had done this in Professor Liana’s lab, too.
I’d tried laying it down on a makeshift bed using the Sky Wing to make it more comfortable, but it clung to me with all its might.
Resigned, I continued with the baby in my arms.
I opened the package I’d picked up from the dormitory lobby, which I’d ordered earlier in the day.
The contents were simple: baby clothes and diapers.
Though I’d quickly bought a set on my way to the lab, it was a single outfit and diaper. Now I had several, ensuring I wouldn’t run out.
And then…
On the dining table sat several round containers with a pale yellow background, dotted with small white clouds and featuring a smiling baby on the label.
Infant formula, specifically purchased to feed the baby.
While I’d considered introducing soft foods since it had a few teeth, Professor Liana had advised formula, so I’d bought some.
I picked up the container, looking at it with a peculiar expression.
I’d never thought I’d buy or use something like this.
Ding.
[Starting heating process.]
First, I boiled water for the formula, and to my surprise, there was even a specific device for this—a formula kettle.
While the water boiled, I sanitized and magically purified a bottle multiple times. I measured out the formula powder, carefully scooping it into the bottle.
When the kettle beeped, signaling the water had reached the right temperature, I poured a little into the bottle, stirred to dissolve the powder, then added the remaining water.
The process was simpler than expected. In a world where magic exists, some steps seemed streamlined.
“Sniff… sniff…”
The baby, previously tilting its head curiously, sniffed as the bottle neared. Its eyes opened wide, mouth gaping as it latched onto the bottle.
Suck… suck?
Its cheeks moved instinctively as it drank, eyes widening as it eagerly gulped down the contents.
“…”
Watching it was both strange and mesmerizing.
The bottle emptied quickly. Though I’d fed it in the lab earlier, babies are known for their frequent feeding needs.
I shifted the baby in my arms. Warm and with a full belly, it snuggled sleepily against my shoulder.
Hic.
Then, a tiny hiccup escaped its mouth as its body bounced slightly, burping on its own without any guidance.
After a few more burps, the baby drifted back to sleep, breathing softly.
The baby… I should give it a name.
As I observed the sleeping baby, a peculiar feeling grew within me, and I found myself lost in thought.
Names are markers of individuality, a word that represents each person.
Usually, a parent gives a child their name.
Sometimes, grandparents or other relatives name them, or people might visit a naming expert to find a meaningful one.
I named myself.
My parents didn’t give me a name; it wasn’t until my home burned down and I entered an orphanage that I realized the need for one.
At that time, I didn’t care much about the name, but the thought of someone I barely knew naming me felt off, so I dug through a dictionary and chose my own.
Lee Hayul.
A combination of characters meaning “upright,” “what,” and “law.” Roughly translated, it could mean “one who abides by their principles wherever they go.”
I’m satisfied with my name.
Although I haphazardly picked it, I’ve never been teased for it, nor has it caused me any trouble.
‘…’
But if I were naming someone else, I wouldn’t be so careless.
And now, I found myself in that situation.
I couldn’t keep calling the baby “child,” “kid,” “baby,” or “little one” forever.
I need to give it a name.
The thought made my head spin.
That’s typically a family’s job… a parent’s responsibility.
I’m not this baby’s parent. I lack the qualifications, the means, to be one.
I won’t judge others’ definitions of parenthood, but by my own standards, I don’t measure up in the slightest.
I lack funds, child-rearing knowledge—there’s nothing I have that qualifies me.
Yet…
“…”
The baby looks to me as its parent… And the thought of leaving it in an orphanage felt so unbearable that my head hurt.
That would make me no better than my “parents,” a despicable act I vowed never to replicate. It would betray my very essence.
Hoo…
I slowly exhaled, organizing my thoughts.
Keeping it simple:
Parenthood was daunting.
The baby sees me as its parent.
I don’t have the right to be a parent.
But abandoning a child who considers me their parent is an idea I find utterly revolting. Impossible.
So… I have to raise it.
‘…Fairies grow quickly.’
Fairies don’t take as long as humans to reach physical maturity.
According to Professor Liana, Fairy Knights, especially, grow even faster within their species.
In a few years, it will reach maturity and be capable of independent thought and judgment.
Until then… I’ll raise it.
While I lack the qualifications to be a parent, my lifespan is uncertain. If I were to die unexpectedly, it would put the child in a difficult position.
But if all goes as expected, I should have a few years left, even if I can’t lift the curse. By then, the fairy will be grown enough to survive on its own.
Moreover, I’ll be establishing contact with the Taesan Clan soon, and if I do die, I’ll arrange for the child to be taken to the fairies.
Feeling strangely conflicted, I patted the baby’s back softly.
“Hehe…”
Even that small gesture was enough to bring a bright, contented smile to the sleeping baby’s face.
And my heart felt even more tangled.
The sun had set and risen again, marking a new day.
Yellow eyes blinked repeatedly, displaying a mix of confusion and deep thought.
Elia, scanning my face, glanced down to the baby nestled in my arms, its expression slightly displeased.
“So…you’re asking if my family can watch over this baby during the break?”
[Yes…]
One day after resolving to raise it until adulthood, I’d uttered something that only a pathetic excuse of a guardian would say.