I Became the Protagonist’s Favorite

It was originally a fact that dragons were a species with an extreme individualistic nature.

Now, as for why they had this individualistic tendency, it could be due to their overwhelming strength.

Also, when (the polymorph spell is) undone, their bodies grow extremely large, meaning the amount of food and territory required per individual dragon far surpasses that of other creatures.

Anyway, the important thing is that there were incidents which caused these individually-oriented dragons to no longer exhibit such tendencies.

Namely, the “War” that led countless dragons to death.

And also due to the phenomenon starting from a certain point where “no hatchlings were being born at all.”

“Since the war already happened, there’s nothing we can do about it, so let’s just move on.”

The problem was that there were no more hatchlings being born in this world.

“Even though the probability of dragons getting pregnant was low, this was clearly abnormal.”

Though it could be extremely low, it made no sense for it to be zero.

Numerous dragons, including the elders, set out to find the reason, but despite using every means at their disposal to try and uncover the cause, they couldn’t even grasp a clue.

Of course, it wasn’t completely fruitless.

Perhaps because the situation was excessively dire, dragons lost their individualistic tendencies, and they even began accepting half-dragons, who they would have previously rejected, as part of their community while pursuing harmony.

“But since the root issue of zero births remains unresolved…”

Everyone has lived with the anxiety that the entire species might disappear for hundreds of years.

As they gradually gave up and proposed new alternatives, but since all of them were only temporary measures, they found themselves repeatedly in meaningless situations.

Then Hae-un appeared.

Literally out of nowhere—POOF!

This Hae-un turned out not to be a regular dragon but a half-dragon, actually closer to humans—an artificially created half-dragon—but…

“What does that matter? A hatchling has appeared!”

After centuries of despair, this sole seed of hope was enough to invigorate all the dragons.

Perseus, recalling how precious Hae-un was, posted a picture and a few words in the group chat that even the elders were part of.

[Perseus – (Picture of Hae-un’s tail, foot, and hand print on paper)]

[Perseus – All you elders know there’s nothing like this, right? 😄]

Oh, here comes a response.

Unable to hide his smile, Perseus continued posting messages.

[Perseus – By the way, Hae-un even did the flower petal arrangement at the end!]

[Vesith – What? Is this some kind of torture?]

[Meltheria – Do you want to die? If you don’t want to die, send over Hae-un’s picture immediately.]

[Serena – Ev’ryone… plz d’n’t fight… Let me grab a rose for ya… ^^ @—— ]

Same old chaotic group chat.

Actually, it makes sense. Since dragons live for nearly eternal periods, after about a thousand years, they tend to get bored with most things, so they’re quite quick to embrace “new things.”

“So, ironically, they’re trendier than today’s youth.”

Of course, there are exceptions like Elder Serena, who’s maybe a few decades behind, but chances are high that she’ll naturally catch up over time.

“Well, I’m not sure if it’s fortunate, but it’s lucky that they don’t use what people call ‘internet slang’ too much.”

Given their age, they avoid doing anything undignified whenever possible.

[Meltheria – If you don’t send it right now, I’ll poop my pants.]

Cancel that.

Anyway, among the elders, there are those who participate in online communities, and some who hang out with young humans while maintaining a youthful appearance, making them quite diverse.

Just as I was thinking that, Grandma Leseia appeared.

[Leseia – Haven’t seen Hae-un’s face lately, huh? Want her paw prints, footprints, tail prints, and even her hidden signature too, hehe.]

While reading Grandma Leseia’s somewhat intimidating message, Perseus regretted saying anything.

* * * *

After taking a bath, night had fallen deeply.

Because autumn was turning into winter, it felt somewhat chilly. As I hugged the blanket tightly and lay down blankly, Cha-a, who was rolling around next to me, suddenly remembered something, clung to me, and started talking.

“Mommy, blow my nose!”

She then patted my body, giggled, looked satisfied, and rolled off somewhere again.

I was wondering what that meant when Yuna, who had been walking around holding Seoa’s hand, approached me and said,

“Haeuni, blow your nose! I’ll pat you!”

“Okay~”

Were they talking behind my back?

As I wondered while watching the three of them take turns patting me, Seorin came in and spoke to us.

“Ah, you must’ve worked really hard today, kids! You all did such a great job!”

Seorin, seizing the moment, hugged each child, grinned, and then laid down next to me, saying,

“Doesn’t your hand hurt? You did a lot of signings today, didn’t you?”

Well, “a lot” might be an exaggeration since it was only ten, but compared to usual, it did feel like I used my hand muscles more, so she seemed worried.

As I showed her my palm to indicate I was fine, Seorin pulled me into a hug, stroked my head, and said,

“It feels so good to hold you like this.”

I smiled back, feeling the same way.

As we played around with Seorin for a while, Somtul and Somi caught my eye as they bounced toward us.

“Pii!”

“Chii!”

They both jumped onto me simultaneously, as if they had planned it, and started venting their frustrations.

“Piiik! Pii!” (Why didn’t you play with us?!)

“Pii pii!” (Where did you go?!)

Since I had to leave early in the morning for a fan signing event and prepare various things, I left Somtul and Somi sleeping, which seems to have upset them.

I quickly apologized to them, unsure of what to do, when Yuna picked up Somtul and said,

“Don’t bother Haeuni! Yuna will scold you!”

“Ko-om!”

Thanks to Yuna and Seoa stepping in, Somtul and Somi quickly calmed down and started looking sheepish.

I alternately stroked their heads to soothe them, then got back into bed and said,

“Let’s sleep?”

At that, everyone gathered closely and lay down together in the bed.

As I felt the warmth and fuzziness around me, I thought how incredibly happy I was.

*

The first thing I saw the next morning was a call from Grandma Leseia.

Wondering what was up, I quickly grabbed the phone and pressed the call button.

“Hello?”

At my greeting, Grandma Leseia’s laughter gently echoed.

Listening to it, I wondered why everyone laughs when I say “hello,” and waited for Grandma Leseia to speak.

Grandma Leseia then asked me with a voice trying to suppress her laughter,

[Hae-un, have you been doing well?]

“Yes.”

[That’s good. Have you been eating properly?]

“Yeah, I ate a lot of what was served yesterday.”

[Good. If the association doesn’t provide proper meals, tell this grandma anytime. I’ll go and make sure they buy Hae-un something delicious. Oh, and if you want anything specific, feel free to ask grandma. I’ll rush over and buy you whatever you want.]

If I did that, wouldn’t it cause chaos everywhere?

Thinking I’d feel too guilty to ever ask, I awkwardly laughed when Grandma Leseia subtly brought up the main topic.

[Hmm, Hae-un. Grandma has one wish.]

A wish from Grandma Leseia? Unexpected, but suppressing my surprise, I asked what it was.

[Grandma wants to get a signature too, preferably with a tail print, hand print, foot print, and autograph.]

“…?”

Completely unexpected request, leaving me flustered.

After calming myself down and nodding in reality, I replied,

“I’ll do it for you.”

[Really…? Then grandma will bring a little present.]

“What present? I’ve already received so many.”

[No, no. Anything for a granddaughter is never too much, worry not. Anyway, it’s getting cold, so let’s wrap up. And if possible, come visit grandma’s lair sometime. Grandma has prepared a lot of delicious food for Hae-un.]

Saying she’d hang up quickly but continuing with various topics.

Feeling overwhelmed by Grandma Leseia’s overflowing affection, I smiled broadly when nearby, Yuna, still half-asleep, approached me.

“The baby needs to sleep…”

Then she took my phone, placed it aside, laid me down on the bed, and covered me with a blanket.

Confused by Yuna’s actions, I blinked, and she stared at me silently, wagging her tail before falling asleep right away.

Seeing Yuna fall asleep while hugging me, I carefully sat up, grabbed the phone, and ended the call.

“Anyway, since Grandma Leseia said she’s coming…”

I should probably prepare to welcome her.

Thinking about what I should prepare for her, I fell into deep thought.

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