For a while, I skipped all common lectures. Given the break period, it was manageable; under normal circumstances, it would’ve been impossible.

Naturally, skipping classes would result in minor setbacks in my development, but that’s a consequence I’m willing to handle.

I didn’t skip without notice. I submitted leave forms to each professor, citing “personal training” as the reason, and gave similar responses to anyone who asked out of concern.

To my surprise, the permissions were granted easily. Perhaps it was due to the timing or the diligent reputation I’d built.

Of course, “personal training” was just an excuse.

 

[Seoryul? It’s time to eat.]

“Food? Yes! Food!”

[That’s right. Come here.]

In reality, I spent my days in the dormitory with the baby… Seoryul.

As much as I disliked the idea of being a negligent guardian over the break, I couldn’t bear to waste this short, free period neglecting Seoryul.

With practiced ease, I lifted Seoryul into my arms.

Sip… sip…

[No rush. Take it slow… No one’s taking your food.]

I gently stroked Seoryul’s head as he calmly sucked on the bottle, his snowy-white hair gliding softly through my fingers, feeling like something otherworldly.

‘…’

Once again, I marveled at how angelic Seoryul was.

Not that he was literally an angel, but his demeanor was genuinely serene.

I’ve never had any prior experience with childcare, but I’ve learned from various sources that raising a baby can be a nightmare.

Caring for a baby is notoriously challenging; one doesn’t even need direct experience to know that.

Babies have weak immune systems, so hygiene is critical. You have to be mindful of their food, clothes, and sensitive skin.

Their bones are soft, their skin delicate, and almost everything around them poses a potential threat.

You have to watch for sudden, unpredictable behavior and be prepared to soothe them at any time, day or night.

All of these concerns piled up the moment I began thinking about what caring for a baby would entail, so I mentally prepared myself for sleepless nights during this break.

 

But Seoryul was different.

After finishing his bottle, Seoryul squirmed in my arms, perhaps getting drowsy. When I gently asked if he wanted a nap, he shook his head.

Over the past few days, I’d learned that he wasn’t trying to sleep but instead enjoyed basking in his post-feeding drowsiness—particularly while nestled in my arms.

If I tried putting him down, he’d throw a rare little tantrum, which meant I held him for a while longer. Sitting by the window, the sunlight poured down just right.

“Hehe…”

Seoryul smiled, his wings fluttering slightly with a soft shimmer following their movement.

I had thought caring for a fairy would be different from caring for a human, expecting unique challenges. But surprisingly, Seoryul was peaceful and easygoing.

He hardly ever cried.

Being awake at all hours probably helped, as he would either call out with a mumbling sound or crawl over to tap me when he needed something.

Another thing… Seoryul understood my words and acted accordingly, despite never being explicitly taught language.

He almost never dirtied his diaper. Though I kept one on him, he hadn’t had a single bowel movement, and only trickles of urine came out.

When I examined him, I discovered that he absorbed nearly all nutrients, leaving no waste.

This made my expression shift as I thought about it.

He understood my words without being taught, just as I once understood my parents’ words without learning.

He absorbed nutrients almost entirely, just like me. I rarely used the restroom except for minor bodily needs.

• "I wonder if Cadet Lee Hayul isn’t human… Could he be a fairy instead?"

 

Fairy, not human. That idea had thrown me off at the time.

I hadn’t given it much thought then, but seeing the growing similarities between Seoryul and myself… it was hard not to wonder.

‘I’ll think about it later.’

Now wasn’t the time to dwell on it, given how busy I was. It was too soon for any conclusions, so I left the thought for another time.

 

Just then, the doorbell rang.

I’d already sensed the visitor’s presence, so I stood up. Seoryul, basking in the sun and lying comfortably in my arms, frowned, looking uncharacteristically annoyed.

Stifling a laugh to avoid upsetting him, I tapped the hologram on the wall to open the door remotely.

Beep… clink

The door swung open.

“Good morning again!”

[Good morning.]

I responded to the cheerful greeting I’d been receiving regularly for the past few days.

[Elia.]

Elia, stepping in and removing her shoes, waved with a bright smile. She carried a plastic bag, as though she’d been shopping.

Since accepting my request on the first day of the break, Elia had been visiting my dorm regularly.

[Didn’t you buy groceries yesterday?]

“Oh, I just brought a few snacks and some jelly in case you’d get peckish.”

I took the plastic bag with one feather from the Sky Wing.

“Oh, thank you!”

With her hands free, Elia quickly removed her shoes and stepped inside.

She glanced at the items scattered around the living room, a strange expression crossing her face.

“…More new things overnight?”

It was the reaction I’d expected—slightly incredulous.

I quickly scanned the dormitory with Observation.

Initially, my dorm was a barren place with little personalization or furniture, as I rarely used it.

Now, however, it was lively.

The hard tile floor was mostly covered with a soft mat. The living room, which had only a table and a sofa, was now filled with furniture padded for child safety.

The kitchen, which had been bare with only a few basic utensils, was now stocked with a variety of items.

The once-empty room had also been furnished, giving the dorm an unexpectedly homely atmosphere.

“…Is that a cradle? Did you make it yourself?”

Elia, lightly touching the newly added furniture, looked at me with curiosity.

I nodded calmly.

[Yes. I made it.]

In the room that had once been empty, there were now bookshelves, a small table, and furniture suited to Seoryul’s size, along with wooden toys.

Even Seoryul’s clothes, including what he was currently wearing, were crafted by me.

I’d made the furniture in the room I used as a workshop and tailored Seoryul’s clothes with the sewing techniques I’d picked up.

My “Jack of All Trades” skill had greatly improved, along with my skills in crafting, woodworking, and other related abilities.

Unlike weapons or complex machines for superhumans, furniture and toys were easy enough for me to make.

I’d put a lot of effort into his clothes. With my improved skills, I’d added various convenience and protection spells. Though only having one arm made things a bit more cumbersome, the results were satisfactory.

“Honestly… I don’t know what to say.”

Hearing my explanation, Elia shook her head in mild disbelief, then reached out to lift Seoryul gently by his armpits.

Seoryul flinched and responded by snuggling deeper into my arms.

“Come on, Seoryul~ Won’t you come to big sis?”

The brief power struggle didn’t last long. In the end, Seoryul’s resistance waned, and he allowed himself to be lifted into Elia’s arms.

“Eek…!”

“Let’s give your dad a little break, shall we?”

“Mmph…”

“Good boy, Seoryul~”

Even while buried in her chest, Seoryul’s little struggles subsided as Elia reassured him.

Elia stroked his head with a gentle smile, and though he puffed his cheeks out in defiance, he didn’t resist her touch.

A significant improvement, considering that Seoryul had outright rejected both Elia’s and Professor Liana’s attempts to hold him at first.

It was why Elia kept visiting; her repeated presence was helping Seoryul warm up to her.

I suspected Seoryul could sense Elia’s genuine care for him.

 

Later, as Elia ate the simple breakfast I’d prepared, she tilted her head with a question.

“How’s Seoryul’s registration status?”

Seoryul currently had no official status. In other words, I hadn’t registered him yet.

Petting Seoryul, who was now back in my arms, I replied.

[I was going to talk about that today.]

[Can you watch him this afternoon? I have someone I need to meet about his registration.]

There was a plan in place.

 

A few hours later, I entered a quiet café.

This wasn’t in the Shioram commercial district but a more secluded spot.

The small bell on the glass door jingled as I entered, the clear sound ringing pleasantly.

The café was spacious and well-furnished, but empty.

“Cadet Lee Hayul, you’re booked for the second floor.”

The only staff member at the counter recognized me and directed me upstairs.

I nodded and took the stairs to the second floor.

The wooden steps creaked underfoot as I entered a space just as roomy as the first floor, bathed in warm sunlight streaming through a nearby window.

I sensed someone’s presence.

As on the first floor, there was only one other person here.

He had neatly combed hair, a tailored black-and-white suit, and a luxury wristwatch on one wrist.

A typical businessman’s appearance.

Sitting at a table with his fingers interlaced, the man slowly opened his eyes.

Dark eyes met mine, and he rose, his professional smile never wavering.

As he pushed his chair back, a faint sound reached my ears.

I approached until I was standing right before him.

With a courteous smile, he extended his hand.

“It’s an honor to meet a hero. I’m Maxwell, from the Association’s Disaster Management Department.”

Maxwell.

I turned the name over in my mind, sharpening my senses.

 

Player Adjustment System: Affection Level

Lee Hayul → Elia Seraide
●●●●●●●○○○ (75 ▶ 76/100)
"Fondness" "Gratitude" "Tenderness" "Guilt"