TMLOWSC 03

Chapter 3

When she narrowed her eyes and looked closely, it was something white.

Pushing through the tall grass and running toward her was the large wolf Mel had mentioned yesterday.

• The wolf is here! Now we can go down to the village!

“Hmm…”

While she was worrying that she might fall off after getting on, the wolf had already arrived in front of Juhee and shook its body.

Its fur looked soft, so Juhee unconsciously reached out and stroked its head.

The wolf closed its eyes and leaned in closer, nudging her hand.

• Juhee, we don’t have time to waste.

“Ah… okay.”

Juhee withdrew her hand and carefully climbed onto the wolf’s back.

She had been worried about losing her balance, but thankfully she didn’t fall.

As Juhee tightly grabbed the long, fluffy fur, the wolf picked up the herb basket in its mouth and began to run slowly.

A gentle breeze tousled Juhee’s hair and tickled her cheeks.

Glancing at Mel, who was sticking close beside her, Juhee asked,

“Can other people see you?”

• No! You can see me because you’re a child loved by the forest!

The wolf was fast, but still at a pace Juhee could handle.

After running a bit longer, the entrance to the village came into view in the distance.

The wolf stopped not far from the village entrance.

“Thank you.”

It dropped the herb basket it had been carrying.

Wagging its tail vigorously, it stared at Juhee, so she reached out and gently patted its head once more.

After receiving her touch, the wolf let out a pleased howl and ran off again.

• Let’s go, Juhee!

“Okay.”

Juhee watched the wolf’s retreating figure before picking up the herb basket.

As she slowly walked into the village, she began to feel something strange.

The closer she got, the louder the villagers’ whispers became.

When Juhee turned her head, they flinched and scattered like cockroaches.

She had worried they might make a fuss, but it was better that they avoided her on their own.

“Look over there, the witch is here.”

“Tsk, tsk. Today’s going to be unlucky.”

Some people even spoke ill of her and spat.

“Witch?”

• Don’t mind them. They’re just jealous of you.

Mel, who was always cheerful, spoke angrily for once.

Juhee decided to ignore it and followed Mel to the herb shop.

After walking diligently, they arrived at a place filled with a scent similar to herbal medicine.

Juhee felt at ease with the familiar smell and set down the heavy basket.

Looking around, there was no one inside, but a small bell hung nearby.

• Juhee, if you pull this, the owner will come out.

Thanks to Mel explaining things, she didn’t hesitate.

Juhee pulled the string, and the bell rang.

After waiting a few seconds, an old man’s voice came from inside.

“Who’s there?”

The old man coughed a few times as he came out.

“Oh, Airil, you’re here.”

“…Hello.”

She wasn’t Airil, but she greeted him anyway.

At least the old man didn’t openly frown or avoid her.

“Hmm, let’s see…”

He carefully examined the herbs Juhee brought.

They were all rare herbs that could only be found in the Melina Forest.

Juhee stood idly until he finished inspecting them.

After transferring the herbs elsewhere, the old man handed her the empty basket.

“Thank you as always, Airil.”

“It’s nothing.”

“Here, your payment. There was more than usual today, so I added extra.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He handed her a heavy pouch of coins.

Though she didn’t fully understand the currency, it looked like quite a lot.

Juhee accepted it and bowed politely.

With that money, she bought ingredients and returned home.

When buying supplies, the shop owner looked at her uneasily and didn’t welcome her, but she ignored it.

Instead, Mel grumbled beside her, clearly annoyed.

• We’re having stew for dinner!

“Okay.”

Mel fluttered happily, scattering sparkling dust.

While cleaning the somewhat messy house, the sun had already begun to set.

Juhee, who didn’t eat regularly, was finally starting to feel hungry.

As she headed to the kitchen, Mel flew over and sat on her shoulder, chattering.

• I love potato stew the most! It’s so good when you dip bread into it!

She didn’t know how to bake bread, so she decided to skip that and started preparing the stew.

Having cooked often at the orphanage, she could handle basic dishes.

• Stew~ delicious stew~

Mel hummed as she flew around Juhee.

Juhee skillfully chopped potatoes, onions, and carrots.

• Juhee, it smells so good!

As Mel said, the stew turned out well.

Honestly, Juhee wasn’t used to taking care of others, so serving a portion for Mel felt awkward.

But she didn’t dislike it.

She couldn’t remember the last time she had spent such a quiet day.

She vaguely wished every day could be like this.

But that peaceful life didn’t last long.

A week had passed since Juhee came to this world.

At times, she was bewildered by the kindness the forest showed her, but she was gradually getting used to it.

If she felt hot, a breeze would blow. If she felt cold, warm sunlight would shine—such things had become normal.

During that week, Juhee also learned why the villagers called her a witch.

Mel didn’t want to tell her, but eventually gave in.

• It’s because you’re loved by the forest.

“Why is that a problem?”

• The Melina Forest is full of monsters, so no one goes near it. But you’re different. Because you’re loved by the forest, monsters can’t approach you.

“…”

• The villagers see that as ominous and think you’re a witch. But that’s not true!

Mel puffed up angrily.

• You tried to approach them first, but they rejected you, so you had no choice but to come here.

Mel sat on Juhee’s finger, muttering gloomily.

Juhee looked at her and said calmly,

“I’m fine. I like being alone.”

• That’s a lie! You cry every night because you’re lonely. I know everything.

That wasn’t Juhee—it was Airil.

“I’m really fine.”

• It’s okay, Juhee! I’ll stay by your side!

Mel kept talking, so Juhee eventually gave up arguing.

As Juhee headed to the pond to wash, Mel followed closely, determined to keep her promise.

But as soon as they arrived, Mel suddenly perked up.

• Juhee, I need to go into the forest for a bit! You can stay alone, right? Just wait a little!

Before Juhee could ask why, Mel flew off.

Left alone, Juhee calmly undressed and neatly folded her clothes before stepping into the pond.

“It’s warm…”

Though it was a pond, the water was warm.

Being in it made her body feel relaxed and drowsy.

Then suddenly, she heard a voice.

• Call my name.

Startled, Juhee looked around, but no one was there.

She thought she imagined it, but the voice came again.

• Call me, Juhee.

It wasn’t her imagination.

She wondered if it was Mel playing a trick, but that seemed unlikely.

After hesitating, she asked,

“…What’s your name?”

• Undine.

The answer came instantly.

Juhee’s eyes widened slightly.

Even though she didn’t read much fantasy, she knew what that name meant.

“…Undine?”

As she murmured it, a fist-sized clump of water floated up and transformed into a mermaid-like figure.

• You finally called me!

The small water spirit’s tail flicked and splashed against Juhee’s cheek.

It was cold.

After rubbing against her face a few times, the spirit pulled back and smiled brightly.

• It’s been so long! I’ve been waiting for you to call me again!

“Me?”

• Of course!

Undine nodded vigorously.

Juhee was confused.

She thought she was just an extra character, but she could summon a spirit?

• Last time, you told me to go away right after calling me. That surprised me.

“Did I?”

• Yes! And after that, no matter how much I asked, you wouldn’t call me again!

Undine puffed her cheeks slightly while staring at her.

Then she began circling Juhee happily.

• I have to go now. If you want to see me again, call my name.

She whispered softly by Juhee’s ear and then disappeared.

Juhee decided she would ask Mel about it later.

Still dazed from discovering this unexpected ability, she got dressed just as Mel came flying back.

• Juhee! Juhee!!

“What is it?”

• Blood! There’s so much blood!

“Blood?”

Juhee tilted her head in confusion.

She checked Mel for injuries, but she was fine.

Mel kept talking about blood and grabbed Juhee’s hand, pulling her urgently.

• Hurry, hurry!

Following her, Juhee quickened her pace.

Soon, she saw a strange man standing in front of the house.

As she got closer, she stopped, and Mel exclaimed,

• Juhee, blood! He’s bleeding a lot!

“….”

It seemed Mel was talking about that man.

He was clutching his side, and blood was pouring out between his fingers.

“…Who are you?”

At Juhee’s voice, the man slowly turned around.