<Chapter 18>

Ahem!

Eldic, who had been standing at the back of the classroom, cleared his throat loudly at Ardishu’s shocking words. He was visibly flustered.

Honestly, I was just as caught off guard.

But the kids didn’t seem fazed at all.

“What’s a ‘new mom’? She already has a mom, so that just means she wants a second one.”

“I’ll lend you my mom.”

Their earnest attempts to support their friend were truly touching. Regardless of the content, it was clear they’d put thought into their responses.

Still, I figured it was time to offer a more realistic solution.

“How about writing a letter asking your mom to come back? Ardishu, you’re really good at writing letters.”

“She sends a reply saying she’ll come back if I behave… but she never does.”

Now I finally understood why Ardishu had such an obsession with being “good.” She believed that was the only way to bring her mother back.

Feeling a pang of sympathy, I looked over at her.

“But since my big brother came to daycare today, I’ll introduce him to you!”

Huh?

Just like that, the topic changed.

Ardishu flipped over the drawing that showed her teary-eyed. On the other side was a portrait of Eldic, drawn with sparkles and effects to make him look as cool and handsome as possible.

“My big brother is the greatest elf ever. He’s super handsome and cool. All the elves want to marry him. And like a true elf, he’s amazing with a bow and great at magic, too.”

Eldic, still standing at the back, cleared his throat again, clearly embarrassed.

Normally, Ardishu would’ve been watching his reaction, but this time she kept speaking boldly, eyes locked on mine like she was speaking directly to me.

“I see.”

“Bus Teacher said my big brother is the Elf Leader! And leaders are the best!”

“That’s right. Mr. Eldic is the head of the elves.”

“Whoever marries my big brother will be really, really happy!”

I nodded sincerely. Despite his picky, uptight personality, he was actually quite thoughtful in his own way.

‘The savior of my phone, after all.’

Thanks to Eldic, I could listen to music, read novels, and scroll through my gallery at night again.

And like a proper elf, just looking at his pretty face could make someone happy.

“You must really love your brother.”

“I like him about 90 points.”

“Ninety?”

When I tilted my head, Ardishu scampered over and whispered in my ear.

“He’s scary when he’s mad.”

“What would he even get mad at you for…”

Eldic was strict, and Ardishu was gentle. I could see how that dynamic might create tension. The age gap probably made communication harder, too.

‘Still, ninety points means her overall view is super positive.’

I’d been worried when she changed the “Three Bears” lyrics to say her brother was scary, but now I was a little relieved.

After all, nothing’s more important for a child’s emotional development than a stable relationship with their primary caregiver.

‘I hope something fills in that last ten points soon.’

And if possible, I hoped I’d get the chance to help.

Once weekend sharing time ended, we moved on to the next class, which was storytime.

Today’s story was Beauty and the Beast.

A tale of a prince cursed by a witch and a girl who chooses to stay in his castle to save her father.

Ardishu and Valentin were completely drawn in. When we got to the part where the curse could be broken by true love, both of them clenched their fists in anticipation.

“True love… that’s so romantic. I hope my big brother finds someone he truly loves one day.”

“It’s amazing how love can break a curse. Feelings aren’t visible, so how did the curse even recognize them?”

Paul, on the other hand, wasn’t impressed.

“Turning into a beast and just sitting around in a castle? Pathetic.”

“Dragons also sit around in their lairs.”

“Hmph. Says the vampire who lounges in a coffin.”

…Do dragons and vampires just not get along? Valentin sure seemed to pick fights with Paul more than anyone else.

“Teacher! Teacher Sora, do you want true love? Are you going to get married like in the fairy tales?”

“Someday, probably?”

I gave Ardishu a vague answer. Love and marriage were the last things on my mind. I hadn’t even fully adjusted to life in this world yet.

‘I do want to build a happy family though.’

One filled with the kind of warmth I never had, something I could give to my child one day.

Though for now, these kids were my top priority.

“My big brother isn’t married yet! He still has a chance!”

Eldic cleared his throat again at Ardishu’s enthusiastic declaration.

And suddenly I became hyperaware of his presence. I’d been doing all these exaggerated character voices for storytime, and now I was embarrassed.

‘Maybe I should’ve just sung the story…’

At least then, I could’ve blended in with the kids’ voices!

“Ahem. I’ll leave this copy of Beauty and the Beast on the bookshelf. If anyone’s interested, feel free to read it again. Now it’s free playtime. Go have fun!”

“Yes!”

The kids scattered like fireworks.

Ardishu began folding paper roses at the arts and crafts table, Valentin flipped through the picture book, and Paul started stacking blocks into a tall tower inspired by the Beast’s castle.

‘His attention to detail is impressive.’

Once I checked on what everyone was doing, I approached Eldic. He’d been watching Ardishu the whole time but now turned to look at me.

“I’d like to discuss Ardishu with you. I wrote it in the notebook last time, but I think it got overlooked.”

“Go ahead.”

He responded with his usual stern expression.

“Ardishu doesn’t like carrots. What would you prefer I do? Should I try to get her to eat them?”

“It’s not a problem if she doesn’t eat carrots.”

That… was unexpected. I thought for sure Eldic would tell me to guide her into eating them.

“So you’d prefer I respect her preferences, then…?”

“Carrots are a cursed vegetable!”

Ardishu suddenly butted in. She had definitely been folding paper over at the other table. When did she get here?

While I stood dumbfounded, she grinned and handed both of us her paper roses.

“Thanks. But who told you that?”

“That was—”

“My big brother!”

Naturally, my gaze shifted to Eldic. He furrowed his brow and quickly turned his head away.

‘Huh. I didn’t think someone like Eldic would be a picky eater… and especially not with carrots.’

Of all things, the classic vegetable kids hate most.

After a brief surprise, I shifted my focus back to what mattered: Ardishu.

It wasn’t really about her own preference. She was clearly just following Eldic’s lead.

“Even if it’s a cursed veggie—”

“It’s no big deal, but Ardishu, what do you think?”

I gently cut Eldic off and turned to her.

“I can’t eat a cursed vegetable.”

“Then how about this? I’ll bless the carrot you’re going to eat.”

Ardishu blinked. After a beat of hesitation, she smiled brightly and said,

“Then I can eat it!”

Just as I thought.

“But please bless my big brother’s carrots too.”

“Ah, that’s tricky. My power only lets me bless carrots for one person.”

A gentle way to say, “Let the grown man handle his own food.”

“I didn’t realize Ardishu avoided carrots just because of me…”

“That happens a lot between siblings. When an older sibling dislikes something, the younger one often follows suit.”

“I see.”

With that, Eldic fell silent. Even when Ardishu said something silly, he didn’t interrupt or scold her. He just watched quietly.

‘Could it be… he’s starting to trust me?’

In the afternoon, we put on raincoats and went outside to play with water guns.

Why?

‘Because sunny days are meant for running wild!’

We blasted each other with water guns made from recycled plastic bottles.

Of course, I had one too. I had my own role to play.

“Hey! Why are you only targeting me—?!”

“Take that!”

Valentin kept aiming only at Paul, so I took Paul’s side and helped shift the momentum.

“What a rowdy game this is.”

Eldic frowned slightly from a distance. Looked like some of the water had splashed on him.

“Kids need to run around and burn energy. But if you’d like…”

I ducked as Paul sprayed me with water and added,

“You’re welcome to join us?”

“I’ll pass.”

Fair enough. It wasn’t just water. It had colored dye in it, so everything around us was a mess.

But the kids were glowing with joy.

Ardishu, Paul, and Valentin. Every single one of them.

“How about we spray the wall and make some art?”

“Yes!”

Together, we painted the wall with water gun bursts. Each splash a burst of personality, a shared memory.

And then it happened.

“Hmph! Keep spraying me and see what happens!”

Valentin, sneakily firing at Paul, triggered Paul to fire back.

But Valentin dodged like a flying squirrel and…

“Ah!”

…the water hit Eldic.

Of all days, he was dressed in pristine white ceremonial robes. The pink-tinted water splashed straight onto him.

“Paul. You need to apologize.”

“He shouldn’t have been standing there.”

“Paul.”

My firm tone cut through. His shoulders slumped.

“…I didn’t mean to hit you.”

“No excuses. Apologize.”

“Sorry. I messed up.”

After my nudge, Paul did the right thing. Then it was my turn. I walked up to Eldic.

“I’m really sorry. I should’ve given you a raincoat too. If you have something on underneath, could you take it off? I think this will wash out by hand.”

I gently tugged at the pink-stained cuff.

Shff—

Even with the slightest pull, the fabric slipped off, revealing his pale collarbone and neck.

“Gasp.”

“T-this is inappropriate!”

Eldic hurriedly pulled his robe back together.

What kind of clothes come off this easily?! Don’t they have buttons or pins in this world?!

“Sorry! I wasn’t trying to do that.”

“…It’s fine. Traditional elven garments are made by layering thin fabrics sewn together. They’re somewhat delicate.”

“Ha… ha.”

I gave a sheepish laugh. I almost made a huge mistake in front of the kids.

Still flustered, I tried to play it off. That’s when Ardishu walked up.

“Teacher Sora, you have to take responsibility for my brother!”

She stepped between us, eyes serious.

“Ardishu. What do you mean—”

“I want you and my big brother to get married!”

So that’s why she brought him today. When she said she needed a new mom, she wasn’t joking.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at her innocent logic.

“Marrying… a mere human?”

Eldic scoffed coldly.

“So that’s why you brought me here. Don’t pull such ridiculous st—”

“You can’t talk down to Teacher Sora!”

“What?”

Ardishu’s eyes flared as she cut him off. Eldic’s eyes went wide.

“You’re sitting in the Thinking Chair for five minutes!”

Before I could stop her, she grabbed his arm and pulled him over to a chair. The look on his face as he was dragged away…

“Even the handsome Elf Leader has to sit in the Thinking Chair.”

“What kind of adult sits in the Thinking Chair? That’s so embarrassing.”

Valentin and Paul whispered while watching the two elves walk off.

I felt a cold sweat run down my back.

Pretty sure she picked that up from me…
 

<To be continued>

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