Chapter 23 (1/2)

TL: pineapples

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The feeling of gaining the only person in the world that would take side was sad, reassuring, but also embarrassing.

I was fiddling with my red ears and approached him.

But before I could take many steps, Cheonma held up his hand to stop me.

“Stay here.”

“…Why?”

“My appearance is not in a good state. You won’t be able to see it but my clothes are covered in blood.”

Since he was wearing black clothing, I didn’t notice. But his white sleeves and collar were covered in blood.

Cheonma didn’t want the blood soaked in his clothes to dirty me.

He had just eradicated a sect for me so I couldn’t understand was he so concerned about getting me dirty.

I pursed my lips. Cheonma was making excuses in a way that was unlike him.

“It’s not that I don’t like you… ..and I smell like blood, and I’m dirty, so if you have anything to say, talk to me later…”

“Daddy!”

I put down the basket and jumped before Cheonma could finish talking. Cheonma reflexively hugged me, who was dangling from his neck.

I tightened my arm around my neck before he could put me down. And I buried my face in his chest

.

It was such a strange thing.

In my previous life, I didn’t cry to the point of being called a robot. But why do I keep crying?

Is it because I have someone to comfort me if I cry?

The frozen Cheonma exhaled a long breath. Then he patted me on the back.

“Don’t cry, child.”

It was a clumsy touch. Even his low whisper was devoid of emotion. I shed tears in Cheonma’s arms.

At first, I didn’t know why I was crying. But reflecting now, I knew why I started crying.

“I was afraid. Afraid that daddy wouldn’t come.”

Afraid that I would be left alone again. Like in my previous life, I was afraid that I would be thrown out alone into a world of terrible loneliness.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“You could get hurt.”

“You are the only one who can hurt me.”

I can’t believe Cheonma is such a good speaker. My heart dropped when he said that with such a beautiful but serious face.

I’m glad I’m your daughter. I might have fallen for you if I wasn’t.

I rubbed my eyes to cover my red face.

“Stop, you will hurt yourself.”

Cheonma spoke bluntly and carefully grabbed my hand.

Huh? Rubbing my eyes a little bit won’t hurt me, right?

I tilted my head. The wind caused my unwiped tears to fall.

Only then did the elders, who were watching Cheonma and me, snuck up and surrounded us.

“Why are you crying like that? We’re gonna get rid of everything that hurts you!”

“Just think about growing up healthy, my lady! Can you even walk if you are that small? I’ll carry you around tomorrow, won.”

“Why are you appointing yourself first?… oh, whatever, stop crying! You’re going to end up with carp eyes! Well, you are still gonna be pretty, though. Hmm, hmm.”

The tone was blunt but the content was warm. I wiped the remaining tears with the back of my hand.

“Are grandpas all elders?”

“Oh, yes! I didn’t mean to deceive you, it just happened…”

The red-faced elder tried to make excuses. I tilted my head as if I didn’t know anything

“But why are all your names ‘elder’?”

“Hmm? Elder means title, not name…”

“It’s too hard. Can’t I just call you grandpa?”

The elders blinked heavily as if they were speechless. Then they coughed loudly.

“…hmm,hmm,hmm! Well, you can, you know. In terms of age, I am your grandpa.”

“I originally liked the word ‘grandpa’. From now on, feel free to call me Grandpa….”

They must like me calling them ‘grandpa’.

The elders who were blushing were shyly touching my hands.