055
Shupetty was unusually fearless, even for an awakened one.
Such a trait was innate, typically inherited from one’s parents.
Diegon, who found Shupetty admirable, elegantly waved his hand like an orchestra conductor, sending the sea dragon soaring into the sky.
Boom!
A thunderous roar echoed as if something was ravenously devouring within the swirling vortex. At the same time, a pure white waterspout emerged.
Though destructive, the water pillar carried no malice, making it appear almost beautiful.
Everyone was mesmerized, unable to take their eyes off it.
For the navy gathered here, it was the first time in seven years that they had seen such a radiant, multicolored waterspout.
Since the day of the tragedy, all they had witnessed were ferocious whirlwinds that seemed to consume the entire sea.
“Thank you very much, young lady…”
Diegon turned his gaze toward the distant sky, pretending not to notice Colonel James blowing his nose into his handkerchief.
He wished that this long-awaited hope and happiness, returning after seven years, would remain steadfast.
***
“Did you have fun today?”
“Yes!”
The warm, orange sunlight, reminiscent of a freshly split sweet potato pie, wrapped around the beach.
Shhh, shhh…
Gentle waves caressed the sand, leaving it damp. I deliberately walked only on the wet parts, leaving behind small footprints.
Big ones belonged to the Admiral.
Small ones belonged to me!
“A seashell!”
“Yes, a shell indeed.”
“Can I take it home?”
“As many as you like.”
With permission granted, I eagerly searched for the prettiest seashell.
But, hmm…
This one is round and pretty, that one is sharp and pretty.
This one sparkles beautifully, and that one curls up and whispers the sound of the sea.
[The Spirit King of Earth, ‘■’, smiles warmly.]
[Yes. Everything in this world has a different shape, and that uniqueness is what makes it beautiful. Each has its own charm.]
[The Spirit King of Air, ‘Shaparsi’, boasts.]
[My contractor is truly exceptional in thought.]
Reading the glowing words from the Spirit Kings, I suddenly recalled something the Admiral had said earlier.
‘A pufferfish is beautiful because it is a pufferfish, and an octopus is beautiful because it is an octopus.’
Being compared to a pufferfish was a bit of a shock at first, but now I’m fine with it.
With my hands full of collected seashells, I concluded my thoughts with maturity.
“Shupetty, do you know what a bank is?”
“I learned… I learned about it, but I don’t really understand.”
“It’s a place where you safely keep your money. Do you remember your idea about the claw machine? You’ll be receiving your share from it.”
I looked up at the Admiral with a blank expression.
Oh, right, my money!
Money is important. At the daycare, the teachers always sighed about not having enough money.
Not in front of the kids, of course, but in the office.
Since I was the class leader, I often went to the office and overheard them saying it many times.
So, I had thought, ‘Having a lot of money must be nice.’
But—
“I have received your rightful share of earnings under my authority as your father. I have opened an account in your name at the Imperial Bank and deposited the money there. If you need it, ask Carmen to withdraw it for you.”
Honestly, I only understood about half of what he said, but I nodded firmly.
Anyway, it’s mine, right?!
[The Spirit King of Fire, ‘■■■■■’, shows curiosity.]
[What will you spend your money on first?]
‘Hmm…’
[The Spirit King of Emotions, ‘■■■’, advises.]
[Money only has value when it is used. Just holding onto it is meaningless.]
So… I have to spend it?
First, I want to buy cotton candy for my friends in the Carrot Class.
Whenever a cotton candy cart passed by, everyone really wanted some.
Just then—
Quest!
‘Getting Closer to Dad’ Project – Ver.1
The Spirit King of Fortune has assigned a task!
✔ Host a birthday party for Admiral Diegon Pashayen!
Reward for success: ★Well Done!★ stamp (1)
Penalty for failure: □□□□□□□□ punishment (3 days)
Deadline: One day after Diegon Pashayen’s birthday
Wait a second!
‘Admiral’s birthday?!’
I had no idea!
As I blinked in surprise, another quest popped up.
Quest!
‘Getting Closer to Dad’ Project – Ver.2
The Spirit King of Emotions has assigned a task!
✔ Choose and give a birthday present to Admiral Diegon Pashayen!
Reward for success: ★Well Done★ stamp (1)
Penalty for failure: □□□□□□□□□□□□□ (3 days)
Deadline: One day after Diegon Pashayen’s birthday
Oh, right!
A birthday must have a present!
‘Looks like I suddenly have something to spend money on!’
But that wasn’t the last quest.
Quest!
‘Getting Closer to Dad’ Project – Ver.3
The Spirit King of Water has assigned a task!
✔ Sincerely call Admiral Diegon Pashayen ‘Dad’
Reward for success: ★Well Done★ stamp (2)
Deadline: None
Dad.
Dad.
Dad…
‘Ugh, this is embarrassing!’
I no longer felt uncomfortable with the word ‘Dad.’
But still, it wasn’t easy to say.
My heart tickled so much that I kept glancing around nervously. Even when I tried to say it, my lips just moved slightly before closing again.
Not because I didn’t want to.
It was the opposite.
It was because I liked him too much.
Now, I feel like I could call him ‘Dad,’ but for some reason, it’s still embarrassing.
My body twists awkwardly, like I’m all tangled up.
‘But since the Admiral’s birthday is coming up soon…’
Maybe that would be the perfect time to gather my courage.
I just need to take a deep breath, close my eyes, and do it.
I’ll think about all the fun I had with the Admiral today.
‘I’ll give him his present and say, ‘Dad, happy birthday!’’
Holding his large, firm, and warm hand tightly, I walked home.
I repeated this plan over and over in my mind.
For me, this was a huge decision.
‘But… why won’t they show me the full details of the punishment?’
That part made me nervous, but neither Yupyrhos nor the Spirit Kings would say anything. They just kept smiling.
‘It feels like these quests keep piling up one by one…’
But as long as I succeed, it’s fine!
I decided to stay positive.
***
Today, a gentle rain fell.
Since the kids couldn’t play outside, they all naturally gathered in one place—the library.
Even Ilyad and Mikard, who weren’t exactly suited for a quiet space, were here. The reason was simple.
Shupetty was here.
And Shupetty was here because Elzen and Joy were here.
Because of that, Naiad ended up joining, too.
The once peaceful and silent library quickly transformed into a secret hideout for children.
This was mostly thanks to Mikard, who arrived carrying a pile of snacks, blankets, and cushions.
“The reason we’ve gathered here today,”
Mikard began solemnly, still munching on potato chips, “is to choose a birthday present for Father.”
“We haven’t been able to celebrate like this before.”
“But ever since the youngest became part of our family, Father has changed a lot. I think now… we can celebrate.”
Among them, Mikard knew best how bad Diegon’s condition had been.
And he also knew better than anyone how much he had improved.
Hearing Mikard’s words, Elzen nodded in agreement.
“Like Shupetty said, we can throw a small birthday party. Separate from the official banquet.”
A Different Kind of Celebration
It wasn’t that the Admiral’s birthday had never been acknowledged before.
A banquet had always been held.
But rather than a heartfelt celebration, it was more of a social gathering—a place for nobles to meet, exchange pleasantries, and strengthen political ties.
High-ranking officials, heads of noble families, promising young talents… all people he needed to network with.
But that was the only purpose of the event.
That’s why everyone here was so drawn to Shupetty’s idea.
“Just something small. We can bake a birthday cake, and it’ll be just us!”
Wearing her favorite bunny-ear headband, Shupetty looked adorable as always.
“What about a present?”
Ilyad, who had been tugging at Shupetty’s bunny ears playfully, suddenly asked.
“My dad loves gifts! You know what I gave him last year? I promised not to break any furniture in the house for a whole month!”
Ilyad announced proudly.
Naiad sighed.
Although they technically had rooms in the main estate, most of their daily lives were spent in a separate residence.
So when Ilyad mentioned ‘house furniture,’ he was talking about that place.
Judging by his words, it was easy to imagine just how much destruction he usually caused.
“Hmm… a present… this is hard.”
Shupetty scrunched up her round face, deep in thought.
“I have a lot of money! Should I buy something?”
“Yeah. The money in your account is probably more than what all of us have combined.”
“…Huh?”
