"I think being able to dedicate yourself to improving who you are is sothing wonderful. And so is having the determination to stay true to it. If you’re worried about whether it’s normal or not, then you don’t need to be. After all, it’s only natural for every person to be different."
Danan had spent his whole life being told he was not normal.
But Qiong Xing had simply called it natural.
"You’re fine, Danan. You’re very beautiful."
When Qiong Xing said that and smiled, Danan could not stop the tears from flowing from his eyes.
Without a word, he pulled the boy into a tight embrace.
There was no way an older sister could tolerate idiots like these wandering around soone like him!
Alright, you morons.
Prepare yourselves!
...
As Theodora laughed and explained that she had been making an effort little by little ever since then, Qiong Xing smiled and told her that was wonderful.
Looking closely, her hairstyle was much more elaborate than before, making it easy to see how hard she had been trying.
"Lately, even Danan has been teaching all sorts of things! Danan, of all people!"
Qiong Xing was not entirely sure which version of Danan she ant by "of all people," but if they had grown closer than before, then he was happy to hear it.
"So, can you teach sothing else?"
"Sothing else?"
"Yeah! Recently people have been telling I’ve beco prettier, and it makes really happy. The hairstyles helped, but if there’s anything else that can make more feminine, I’d love to learn it."
That was...
Wasn’t she asking the wrong person?
It was true that Qiong Xing knew a little about hairstyles and had been able to help with that.
But he was still a man.
Asking him how to beco more feminine was not exactly sothing he knew much about.
"Um, in that case, rather than asking , why don’t you try asking soone else... Ah, Grandma... I an, Ms. Katarina?"
"Ms. Katarina? Who’s Kata... Wait, that’s the Guild Master! No, no, no! Absolutely not! Even I don’t want to die yet!"
Why would she need to prepare herself for death just to have a conversation?
Apparently, the image of Katarina in Theodora’s mind was that of an extrely terrifying person.
"She’s kind, you know? And she’s a very cute person too."
"Pffft! Y-you’re the only one who says things like that, Qiong Xing!"
Was he really?
He was certainly aware that Katarina had always been kind to him, but he had also heard that lately she had been speaking much more casually with the guild employees as well.
"Why not try having a proper conversation with her at least once? You and the others are Rank A adventurers. If sothing ever happens, wouldn’t it be better if you could communicate properly with Guild Master Katarina and the others?"
"Ughhh... I know, but..."
She seed reluctant, but judging by her expression, she did not actually dislike Katarina.
Rather, she seed to have a strong sense of intimidation toward her.
As Theodora continued groaning to herself, Qiong Xing decided to offer a lifeline.
"If you’d like, I can go with you."
"Really!? Please do!"
The request ca back with surprising speed and enthusiasm.
"Then let’s invite Danan too and go right now..."
"Albe?"
For so reason, Qiong Xing suddenly felt as though soone had called his na.
He turned around, only to find Albe looking back at him with a puzzled expression.
"What?"
Judging from his reaction, it clearly had not been Albe.
Qiong Xing quickly glanced around, but could not find anyone who seed to have called for him.
In that case...
"I’m sorry. I have sothing to do after this today, so would it be alright if we did it another day instead?"
"Huh? Ah, sure, sure. Anyti is fine. We’re the ones asking for the favor, so we’ll work around your schedule."
"Thank you. Then let’s do that another day."
After apologizing with a small bow, Qiong Xing quickly left town with Albe in tow, leaving behind a very confused looking Theodora.
"Nura! Nura!"
"Huh? What is it? What’s wrong?"
The mont Iseul arrived to et them, Qiong Xing practically launched himself at him in a hug.
Although caught completely off guard, Iseul managed to catch him without even stumbling.
"It’s soon! Probably very soon! Today!"
"Huh? Um... what’s happening?"
Unlike the excited Qiong Xing, Iseul looked completely lost.
Qiong Xing accepted the egg from Albe and carefully handed it to Iseul.
"It was a very small voice, but I heard it calling. It always calls at night, but it’s still dayti. It might be a little early based on the timing, but I just have a feeling."
Only then did Iseul seem to understand what Qiong Xing was trying to say.
He gently stroked the egg he was holding.
The shaking had stopped.
The voice that had been calling monts ago had gone silent as well.
Yet sothing deep inside still stirred uneasily.
"...Finally... it’s finally going to hatch."
"That’s right. It’s our child, Iseul."
This was the mont they had all been waiting for.
But before that happened, there were things they needed to prepare.
Qiong Xing had never witnessed the birth of a dragon before, so he had no idea what would be necessary.
Still, if it was hatching from an egg, they would probably need towels and warm water ready to clean the hatchling afterward.
"I think it’ll hatch soti today, but I don’t know exactly when. So let’s hurry ho and get everything ready. Will you help?"
"Yeah! It’s my baby!"
"That’s why I keep telling you not to say things like ’my baby.’ Well, whatever. Qiong Xing, if there’s anything I can do, I’ll help too. Just tell ."
Even while sounding exasperated with Iseul, Albe naturally offered to help as family.
That made Qiong Xing smile.
After thanking him, the three of them hurried ho together.
"I’m telling you now, but don’t interfere until this little one breaks out of the shell on its own."
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