TCGAD 10

Haengbok grew differently day by day. Perhaps his playfulness was starting to emerge, as he kept chewing on pillows and blankets, so I wove some yarn around a twig to make a toy for him.

I stopped fidgeting with my hands and clutched my lower abdomen. It was because I felt a small movement.

“…Ah.”

Letting out a soft groan, Lemon furrowed her golden eyebrows and asked.

“Is it kicking again?”

I gave a bitter smile and nodded.

The thing inside my body was starting to settle in earnestly. Perhaps it was feeling cramped. Occasionally, it pushed against my stomach with its hands and kicked with its feet.

“…You can’t even eat properly.”

In my twenty years of life, I had never imagined I would bear a child. My body, too, wasn’t prepared for it. The changes felt so unfamiliar and strange that my body showed signs of rejection. It started pushing food away. Even the slightest whiff of a smell made my stomach churn.

I naturally worried that this might have a bad effect on the growing life inside me. Yet, amidst this, my lower abdomen steadily swelled. While my limbs grew thinner day by day, all the nutrients seemed to be directed to my belly. It was like a shade-loving ivy thriving even in barren conditions.

“Our priest, at this rate, you might really drop dead.”

Because of this, Lemon’s worry was no small matter. She let out a deep sigh, as if the ground were caving in.

“Is there anything you feel like eating?”

She had already gone to great lengths for me. I was about to shake my head and say I was fine, but Lemon earnestly requested that I be honest.

“Taking good care of you, Priest, is part of my job. If you keep not eating like this, I’ll really get in trouble.”

Her tone and expression were almost stern. She didn’t seem like she would back down easily.

“…To be honest, I’ve been craving something spicy.”

I spoke with difficulty. For the past few days, I had been craving something with a kick. A doenjang stew with sliced green peppers, stir-fried pork, kimchi fried rice…

If the rice was cooked just right and wrapped in pumpkin leaves, how delicious would that be? Eating it with a pepper dipped in doenjang would be the ultimate appetite booster. Gulp. Just thinking about food made my mouth water. I desperately wanted to eat even just one bite.

“Spicy food… Why would you want to set your mouth on fire?”

Lemon scratched her temple, looking like she couldn’t understand. I gave a faint smile. The Korean obsession with spicy flavors must have seemed foreign to her.

“I’ll have to go to the village and ask around.”

“Sorry, Lemon…”

I truly felt bad. It was my first time in a relationship where I kept receiving without giving anything back, and it made me feel terribly awkward.

“Sorry? I’m happiest when you eat well, Priest.”

“Still…”

In the middle of our conversation, I felt a sharp poke at my waist. I raised my arm and looked down at my side. Haengbok was holding a stuffed toy in his mouth. Perhaps still half-asleep, his eyes were half-closed.

“Want me to put you to bed?”

As if in response, he dropped the stuffed toy he was carrying onto my lap. When I lowered my raised knees, he climbed up and curled into a ball. His weight had increased a bit, feeling noticeably heavier.

Lately, I’ve been trying to train him to sleep on his own. Even if I manage to get him to sleep separately, he always wakes up in the middle of the night and comes to me, throwing a tantrum like this.

“The bed would be more comfortable.”

Even though I made a separate cradle for him, he always came to snuggle in my arms like this. Haengbok, rubbing his ear against my arm, stared curiously at my rounded belly and gently pressed his cheek against it. It was a delicate gesture, not typical of a baby.

“It’s like he knows there’s a baby in there.”

“They say animals can sense it instinctively.”

I gave a bitter smile as I stroked the back of Haengbok’s neck. He seemed to enjoy it, closing his eyes and making a soft purring sound.

Lemon stared at me intently.

“Have you ever raised animals before? You seem to know a lot.”

I busily wrapped yarn around a twig. I checked the size of Haengbok’s jaw from time to time. If it got too thick, it would be hard for him to bite, so the thickness had to be just right.

“Yeah, just… I looked after a few by chance.”

Lemon gave a lukewarm smile.

“Hmm, you might want to keep that a secret.”

I didn’t need to hear the reason to guess what she meant. The vivid image of a face with sharp features flashed before my eyes, leaving a bitter taste on my tongue.

“He doesn’t seem to want to leave my side. It’s about time to start training him to return to the wild.”

“Hmm…”

At my words, Lemon let out a thoughtful hum.

“Why don’t you try talking to Bulkan-nim again?”

I shook my head.

“I’m scared of what he’ll ask for this time.”

Lemon’s gaze slowly lowered and stopped at my ankle. Following her, I looked at my ankle, adorned with jingling anklets.

“But your ankle is still perfectly attached, Priest.”

“…Yeah.”

He acted like he’d cut it off right away, but my ankle was still firmly attached to my body.

“Maybe he’s giving you a grace period? The faster he takes your ankle, the quicker it would rot.”

Lemon let out a mechanical chuckle.

“If it’s Bulkan-nim, I doubt he’d care much even if your ankle rotted.”

Her words hit the nail on the head. Lemon was, as expected, a sharpshooter.

“Probably.”

I looked down at Haengbok’s round head.

To leave this cave, I absolutely need Bulkan’s permission. I have no idea how to get it. The moment I mention going outside, his face turns as fierce as a demon.

“Bulkan-nim, you’re here!”

While I was lost in thought, Bulkan stormed into the cave.

“W-Woah, you’re here?”

Startled, Haengbok jumped up. He shoved his head under the bed, sticking his rear end up in the air. Bulkan glanced at the fawn and turned away. When with Haengbok, he always seemed wrapped in a strange tension. I worried he might harm him, but thankfully, Haengbok didn’t seem to register on his radar. He was too young and small, too weak to be considered a rival. Like a bear that would knock down a black bear but leave a small bird alone.

“Haengbok, come here.”

Feeling sorry for the trembling Haengbok, I reached out to comfort him. But suddenly, Bulkan grabbed my shoulder and pulled me toward him.

“Human.”

My frail arm painfully collided with his hot, solid forearm.

“…Ugh.”

I flinched with a groan. The grip on my arm loosened slightly. Instead, he grabbed both my cheeks, turning my face at different angles to inspect it. His eyes hardened, as if something greatly displeased him.

“What’s wrong…?”

“Your cheeks have gotten thinner.”

Worried that Lemon might catch the blame, I gave an awkward smile.

“I did eat a little today.”

Bulkan didn’t hide his displeasure, but thankfully, he didn’t cause a scene beyond that.

Maybe it’s because I’m pregnant. He seemed a bit softer than before.

Wait… softer? That word felt oddly out of place for him. It’s more like he’s being a bit more lenient.

“Come here.”

Bulkan pulled me toward him. As I was dragged along weakly, I signaled to Lemon with my eyes to take care of Haengbok. Please.

Splash. Bulkan carried me under one arm into the bathhouse. As I stripped and entered the water, I kept gauging his mood, looking for the right moment to speak.

“Smells good.”

Bulkan buried his nose in the back of my neck. His warm breath brushed against my sensitive skin.

“Y-You didn’t eat before coming?”

He paid no attention to my nonsense. He was busy rubbing his lower body between my thighs, mounting me. With his model-like looks straight out of a foreign magazine, his actions were no different from a wild dog—a stark contrast.

Since the purpose of our relationship was to conceive a child, I thought we could stop being intimate. Yet, he kept lingering over my body.

“…Ah.”

Every time his touch grazed me, a shiver ran down my spine, and my legs tingled. It felt like I needed to pee, which was uncomfortable, but at least he seemed in a good mood, which was a relief.

When making a request, it’s best to do it when the other person is at their happiest. That’s the only way to have even a sliver of hope.

I swallowed dryly. Closing my eyes tightly, I let out the words I’d been holding back.

“Um, I have a favor to ask.”

“A favor?”

Bulkan, who had been languidly l**king my ear while moving his hips crudely, opened his eyes lazily.

“About Haengbok.”

“What’s that?”

I froze like a statue, momentarily dumbfounded. It’s been days since we started raising Haengbok, and he doesn’t even know his name?

“The fawn.”

Since I had a favor to ask, I forced a smile and pulled the corners of my mouth upward.

“To release him back into the wild, we need to help him adjust.”

His eyes glinted sharply. He sensed something off. My heart raced.

“I mean, you said the entire forest belongs to you, right?”

As I stammered, he paused briefly. Thinking I might have said something wrong, I tensed up, but thankfully, he leaned back lazily, as if saying, Go on.

“You’re right, the entire forest is mine.”

His eyes gleamed with wariness, but he didn’t stop boasting. It hit me—this was my chance.

“It’s really vast and nice?”

Since it’s him, I had to keep my words as simple as possible. Words like good or pretty. No matter how complex or subtle my emotions were, I had to cut out the fluff.

“Very! With your frail, bird-like legs, it’d take you twenty nights to wander through it!”

His eyes burned brightly. My mouth went dry with tension. Even if he seemed elated, no one could predict when he might flip. I carefully continued.

“Everything in there really belongs to you?”

Bulkan let out a booming laugh, his massive chest shaking. The bathwater splashed widely as his huge frame moved.

“Mine, you say?”

In his excitement, he swung his long, swimmer-like arm, striking the water. A wave splashed up, drenching my face.

“Of course, it’s all mine!”

His mood seemed to soar endlessly. I followed with an awkward laugh. He looked more exhilarated than usual. This was my moment.

“So… even if we’re in the forest, it’s still your land, right?”

“What?”

His tone turned ominously upward. His soaring smile came to a halt. Too scared to meet his eyes, I looked down.

“You said it’s so vast, but I’ve never gotten to see it.”

He’s the type to act tougher and more violent with the strong. Standing up to him would only lead to defeat, as I had no chance in a physical fight. With near-zero odds of winning, I chose to act submissive instead.

“Lemon can come with me. …And of course, Haengbok won’t run away.”

I was saying I’m trapped here, completely under your control.

A cold silence enveloped us, and Bulkan’s gaze remained fixed on the water. The ripples that had danced with his movements had now stilled. I thought he was just staring at the water.

“Ankle.”

My heart dropped at the word that slipped from his lips. So, he was looking at my ankle.

Panic gripped me instantly. What if he said I was getting too bold and demanded I pay for it? I had said I’d give up my ankle, but now that the moment was near, the fear was overwhelming. I quickly shrank back.

“My body’s really heavy right now.”

“So?”

He growled, his jawline sharp as a blade.

“So what?”

“If I lose my ankle too, it’ll be really hard to manage. If I fall, it could hurt the baby inside me. I’m human, you know.”

He stared at me silently. I sank deeper into the water, hoping to hide my limbs, as if seeing them might tempt him.

“The village doctor said it’s good to move around for the baby’s sake. It helps them grow healthy.”

I spoke as meekly as possible. What if he demanded my memories instead? But then…

“If the males who catch your scent go crazy and come after you?”

I was about to say that wouldn’t happen. But then, a series of images flashed through my mind. A pitch-black hellhound with three heads, drooling at me. And between its legs, a gourd-sized… organ.

“That’s…”

What to do? I hesitated, then an idea struck me, and my eyes lit up.

“Then you could come with me.”

His thick eyebrows shot up. He looked like he’d heard something unexpected.

Haengbok was still terrified of him, but if Bulkan came along, safety would be guaranteed.

I knew it was an annoying request. I was about to accept rejection and plan for the next opportunity when…

“But could you be a little gentler, more delicate? He’s still a baby and gets scared… Oof…!”

Suddenly, I was pulled toward him. My lips were savagely kissed. His large tongue swept over my upper body, s**king the soft palate with w** sounds. Then, his tongue thrust into my throat, hitting my uvula.

I gagged, choking. Startled, I covered my mouth and looked up at him.

“You thrust too deep.”

His lowered gaze was thick with dissatisfaction. What he said next was completely unexpected.

“I’ve never dealt with something with such delicate flesh. I don’t know how to handle you.”

“…Huh?”

He was saying he didn’t know how to treat me.

‘But could you be a little gentler, more delicate? He’s still a baby and gets scared…’

It seemed he misunderstood. I was asking him to be gentle with the fawn, not me. And how that translated into a kiss, I had no idea.

“Just be a little softer.”

His dark pupils grew slightly larger in his sunken eyes.

“I don’t know how to be soft.”

Well, he’s the type to crush fruit because he can’t control his strength. It wasn’t much different with animals. How to be gentle…

“It’s easy. Just use a little less strength…”

I said tentatively, and to my surprise, the grip on my shoulder actually softened.

“And let me breathe a bit.”

His face came closer, engulfing my nose and mouth. The kiss still felt like he was devouring me, but at least he allowed me to breathe.

As he s**ked and rubbed my tongue, mixing our saliva, the excitement built. One hand gripped my waist, while the other covered the back of my head like a lid.

It seemed he wanted to grab my hair in his excitement. My body tensed momentarily.

‘…No way.’

Thankfully, he only slid his hand through my hair, not escalating to anything more violent.

☀️

The grass was as damp as a swamp. A place filled with dim green light. A humid breeze rushed over my entire body.

I waded into the river up to my thighs. The cool water felt good, and I splashed lightly. My feet faintly reflected in the opaque water.

“Kaek!”

Haengbok was swimming in the rippling river. When he saw small leaves, he nibbled at them. They seemed softer, soaked in the water.

He seemed to be having fun, but soon he started bleating. His ears flapped. He was looking for me again, as if saying, Where are you? I miss you…

“Come here, slowly.”

I waded through the water toward him. His fluffy body pushed through the waves, getting closer.

“Good job.”

He finally settled into my arms. Up close, I saw something in his mouth. He dropped it into my palm—a small fruit. Lemon had fed him a few before, and he seemed to remember.

“You remembered this?”

I praised him endlessly, saying how clever he was. Haengbok’s chest puffed up with pride. Even his fluffy chest fur was damp.

“Kaek.”

Haengbok shot me a pleading look with his w** eyes, as if urging me to feed him the tasty fruit.

“You want me to feed you? But if I do…”

The fawn needed to be hand-fed. At first, I thought it was due to a lack of affection, which made me feel sorry for him. But now, hand-feeding had become a habit.

“It feels like the effort of coming all the way out here is a bit wasted.”

Bringing the fruit himself was great progress, but feeding it to him like a baby would just indulge his tantrums. Even now, if I put food on a plate, he just plays with it.

“Kaek.”

As I hesitated, the fawn whined, tapping my knee with his front hoof. His small act of charm melted my resolve. All I wanted was to peel the fruit and let him taste its sweetness.

“…But he came looking for food on his own.”

I mumbled an excuse to myself, even though I knew no one was listening.

I crushed the fruit and placed it on my palm. A sweet aroma wafted up. Haengbok stuck out his small tongue and l**ked it eagerly. He was so engrossed in the taste that he buried his nose in it, completely absorbed. The soft chomp chomp sound was incredibly pleasant to hear.

“Does it taste good?”

The fawn, who had been eating with relish, suddenly had a glint in his eyes. When he turned his head, I saw a yellow butterfly fluttering through the air. Its wings moved gracefully.

“Kaek.”

The fawn bounced excitedly. His short tail wagged like a willow catkin. Chasing the fluttering butterfly as if inviting it to play, he glanced back at me.

“Don’t go too far.”

I gave a small wave of my hand.

The fawn was in a trance. He rolled around, drawn to the scent of flowers, nibbled on grass, and tumbled about. I grew a little worried as he wandered farther, but since it was just a flower field, I decided to let him be for now.

I started to step out of the river. The water rippled with each movement. I swayed like a paper boat. Was it my imagination? The waves seemed to keep pushing me forward.

Strange, there wasn’t even much wind. Why were the river’s waves so strong?

When I turned around, something was moving swiftly toward me through the opaque water, hidden beneath the surface. Black as charred coal and flexible like an eel, it bent its body and pierced through the current smoothly.

“…Gasp!”

Startled, I tried to scramble out of the river. But a pitch-black figure burst through the water and shot into the air. Water splashed wildly, drenching my face. The black shadow, soaring with fierce momentum, did a flip in midair. What had been covered in black fur transformed into a human with sleek, toned brown skin and lunged at me.

“Argh!”

I staggered. I flailed, thinking I’d fall, but a strong arm swiftly wrapped around my waist. My lower belly, which had grown larger, pressed lightly against the other’s solid lower body. My heart pounded.

“What the…”

His sharp, blade-like eyes softened into a playful curve. Mischief radiated from him.

“Hahaha!”

It was Bulkan.

‘I love bathing!’

He had said that before transforming into a dog and diving into the water. He swam through the current like a massive orca, occasionally poking just his eyes out like a crocodile, watching me eerily. Every time he did that, my heart would freeze…

“You scared me.”

The tension dissolved in an instant.

“It was you?”

I let out a relieved breath and slightly raised the corners of my mouth. I squirmed to break free, but Bulkan’s firm arm, wrapped around my waist like a string of dried fish, wouldn’t let go.

“Why…?”

When I looked up at his face, the playfulness had vanished. His lips were pressed tightly together, and he stared down at me with a heavy gaze. What was he doing?

A sudden gust of damp wind enveloped us, leaving a sticky, cloying aftertaste.

Drip, drip. Water droplets gathered on my chin. The droplets, meant to fall back into the river, were caught by Bulkan’s tongue as he l**ked my jaw. His next words momentarily paralyzed my tongue.

“I want you.”

I flinched, my knees j**king upward. Most people would understand the implications of such words, but Bulkan probably couldn’t even dream of them. After all, he was a dog.

“Me?”

I forced a smile, awkward as it was. His angular jaw clenched tightly. He sank into thought—a rare sight.

“I think I want your body.”

There it was again. He always coveted my body whenever he got the chance. Since I still owed him a debt, I quickly praised his robust physique.

“My body’s useless. Even when I was young, my ankles were so thin I’d trip and fall all the time. You’re so much taller, bigger, faster, stronger, and healthier than me.”

The more I spoke, the more I felt like a mole hiding in a cave, utterly pathetic. But I clung desperately to my survival instincts.

“Even if you get hurt, you heal quickly without scars.”

“But I still want you.”

His fierce words shattered my efforts. His eyes, burning with intense longing, poured into me. I was utterly confused.

…The atmosphere had gotten strange. No, it felt almost like a love confession.

The next thought that crossed my mind made me let out a hollow laugh. It’d make more sense for baby Haengbok, who could only bleat “Kaek, kaek,” to start speaking human words.

“I’m already here, just as you want.”

I recited the words he desired. His possessiveness was stronger than the three basic human drives, so I bowed low, groveling.

“I’m on your land. I can’t go anywhere or meet anyone without your permission…”

I spoke as simply and clearly as possible. I thought that’s what he wanted, but the ferocity on his face only deepened.

“You…”

His shadow rippled in the water. My frail body was completely hidden behind his massive frame, as if I’d been swallowed.

“You’re weird. Like your mind’s gone crazy.”

My cheeks stiffened. I couldn’t openly show my shock in case I offended his volatile temper, but it was the most absurd thing I’d ever heard. Weird? My mind’s gone crazy? Who was the one saying that?

“I want to bury you in the ground. And only open it up when I want to see you.”

I couldn’t understand what he was babbling about. I could only guess. Was it a desire akin to a child wanting a puppy or a toy, wanting to hold and shake me?

How much longer did he need to keep me chained here to feel satisfied? The pile of gold and treasures in the corner of the cave flashed through my mind. Did he want me to sit still like an inanimate object, preserving my place?

“My front paws are excellent at digging.”

If so, how suffocating must that craving be?

The silence was stifling. His staring eyes made my breath run wild.

Suddenly, he felt complex. I thought I’d figured Bulkan out. I thought I understood this one-dimensional, simple, ignorant king of the underworld who followed only the logic of strength. But now, I had no idea what he wanted from me.

“I want to bury you right now, but I also want to keep you alive.”

Bulkan scowled fiercely. His frustration was palpable. It seemed even he didn’t know the answer.

The moment dragged on too long. I wished someone would appear to break this strange atmosphere.

“Kaek, kaek!”

Suddenly, a yelping sound came from behind Bulkan. Startled, I turned my head. Haengbok was rolling around in the flower field.

“Haengbok!”

In my urgency, I pushed away the arm around my waist. It was like pushing a boulder, and my hand hurt more, but he stumbled back. The water around his thick body rippled slightly.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous as I pulled away. With his temper, it wouldn’t be surprising if he grabbed my hair from behind, but there was no reaction. It was as if he’d melted into the river.

Come to think of it, last night he’d only stroked my hair. His eerie touch on the back of my neck clearly wanted more, but he held back.

Pushing aside the flood of thoughts, I ran to the flower field and pulled the fawn into my arms. He whimpered pitifully.

“Are you okay?”

His cheek and left leg were swollen. It looked like a bee sting. There might be more bees around, so I needed to get him to the cave quickly, but there was a problem. I was already slow, and now my heavy body made moving even harder. There was only one person who came to mind.

I looked back. Bulkan was still standing in the river, staring at his hand—the one I’d just pushed away.

“B-Bulkan…”

Our eyes met in the dim light. I sent a pleading look. Another gust of wind rushed past.

“Why are you calling me?”

With that, he strode through the gust, water splashing loudly as he approached. The closer he got, the more his imposing presence grew.

“He’s going to die soon.”

Without even glancing at the fawn, his cold words cut through.

“You should bury him in the ground.”

It was a horrific thing to say. How could he say that about a living creature right in front of me? His tongue wasn’t a trash can picking up garbage.

“It’s just a bee sting. But just in case, we need to get him to the cave quickly.”

I was frantic, but all I got was a scoff.

“I don’t like him.”

The fawn couldn’t possibly understand, but I covered his small ears out of pity. Bulkan glared at my arms. His sharp gaze held no warmth.

“Don’t do that. He’s still a baby and really scared of you.”

Honestly, it wasn’t just babies—any normal creature would fear Bulkan. But to avoid riling his volatile temper, I cushioned my words carefully.

There was no time for this. I needed to get back to the cave, even a second faster. If it was just a bee sting, that was fine, but if it was a wasp, it could be serious.

“L-Look…”

Bulkan was a cold-blooded creature without tears. He wouldn’t spare a glance for a fawn stung by a bee. There was only one option.

“Sorry for asking again.”

I cautiously broached the subject. Honestly, it was half a gamble. Nothing to lose. Swallowing my embarrassment, I lowered my arm.

“C-Could you carry me?”

To think I’d stoop to such a request. My neck burned with shame.

“What?”

“Sorry, but I’m slow. The fawn’s in a lot of pain right now.”

Maybe because I was carrying his desired heir, Bulkan had been somewhat gentler with me lately. And since I was the only one he’d ever carried, I asked him to hold me.

“So, I’m saying, could you carry me?”

One second, two seconds, three seconds… Time passed helplessly.

The wind rustled my clothes. My confidence waned. Just as I was about to lower my arm, overwhelmed with self-loathing for what I was doing…

“…!”

My body was suddenly lifted. Startled, I raised my head, and our noses accidentally bumped. Heat flushed my face. I quickly lowered my head and held the fawn tighter.

In that embarrassing position, we entered the cave, where Lemon greeted us.

“Had a nice date? The weather’s great outside, with a cool breeze. Who would’ve thought you two would come back in each other’s arms…!”

“Lemon, Haengbok…”

Panicked, I held out Haengbok, and my words trailed off. A calm voice responded.

“Oh, poor thing, looks like he got stung by a bee. Shall I fetch a doctor?”

With a cheerful laugh, Lemon left and soon returned with the village doctor slung over her shoulder. When she set him down, he flattened himself on the ground.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Please spare my life…”

Seeing his tear- and snot-streaked face, I recognized him as the doctor from before. My heart ached with sympathy.

“Of course, we’ll send you home. Just save this fawn.”

Lemon pointed to Haengbok, lying on the bed.

“I’m a doctor for people, not animals. If you go to the village…”

The doctor sobbed, begging to be sent home. It seemed like he’d been kidnapped on his way somewhere. The thought sent a chill down my spine.

“You’re talking too much, Doctor.”

Lemon’s smile vanished as she spoke sternly.

“N-N-No, not at all!”

The doctor leapt to his feet, frantically wiping his tears. He examined Haengbok closely, his pitiful expression tugging at my heart.

“It’s not a big deal. There’s a dangerous wasp, but since there’s no fever, it’s likely just a bee sting.”

The doctor removed the stinger, trembling like a leaf. And no wonder—the man leaning against the window, nearly 190 cm tall, looked like he could split the cave in two with one punch. And Lemon? Her massive frame aside, the large horns on her head clearly marked her as non-human. It was no surprise he was terrified. I understood him completely.

“Just apply a cold compress for a few days, and it’ll go down.”

After the doctor left, I stayed glued to Haengbok’s side. It was a relief it wasn’t serious, but his front leg was swollen, and his cheek, stung once, was puffy like a steamed bun. It must have stung, as Haengbok whimpered pitifully. All he wanted was to play with butterflies and flowers, and he got stung.

“Does it hurt a lot?”

Keening. I patted Haengbok’s body as he lay in a cradle lined with soft bedding. I hand-fed him milk and juiced the fruit he liked.

“…Whine.”

He held out his front leg, as if asking me to look at it. I blew on it gently and rubbed his cheek. His teary, sorrowful eyes melted like ice cream.

Our time together was limited. I wanted to treat him as well as possible before we parted, but seeing him in pain made my heart ache terribly.

“I should’ve kept a closer eye on you.”

As I let the words slip with guilt, a voice immediately clung to them.

“The weak don’t deserve to survive anyway.”

I furrowed my brow. The word “deserve” in Bulkan’s mouth grated on me. Who decided what deserved to exist? Was it so laughable for a weak creature to struggle to survive?

“I’ll raise him a bit more, then let him go.”

“I was born strong. I never needed herbs or doctors.”

There he went, boasting again. The animals I’d cared for over time flashed through my mind. Of course, Bulkan was incomparably stronger than them. But…

“Even if I’d met you when you were young, I’d have treated you the same.”

Bulkan tilted his head slightly. His sharp-featured face was mottled by moonlight.

“I’d have fed you and treated you if you were hurt.”

It wasn’t because I was particularly kind or ethical. Ever since I learned my father used dogs to make dirty money, a seed of guilt took root in me. The power of guilt was immense, stronger than any kindness or morality.

“Being strong doesn’t mean you’re never lonely.”

“Lonely?”

He echoed, as if hearing something strange. Then, with a smirk, he raised one corner of his mouth.

“Priest, do I look like an ordinary human to you?”

He stepped closer. The shadow of a dog at his feet approached me slowly, like a predator stalking prey.

“I’m a dog. The cold, cruel ruler of this land.”

I couldn’t continue. I just stared at him.

“Loneliness? I don’t know that. That’s an emotion for humans to toy with!”

His massive chest heaved as he poured out the words. His excited breaths made him seem deeply uncomfortable, like someone poking at his throat.

Suddenly, he turned his back on me.

“Where… are you going?”

I stood up abruptly. Dawn and morning were fleeting here, while nights were long and oppressive. No matter how sharp his night vision, what was out there for him to leave now? I cautiously approached him.

“Hunting?”

Bulkan turned to me. Once again, a strange tension pressed down on us.

“….”

“….”

No words passed between us, only an exchange of gazes. A sudden jolt, like a strange current, stiffened my body. It hit me that this was the first time I’d asked him where he was going.

“It’s just late, so I asked.”

Asking where someone was going was natural, but between me and Bulkan, it felt discordant.

He took a step toward me. His face, hidden in the darkness, came into view. The expression I met was strikingly unfamiliar.

A sudden thought hit me. He might kiss me… Whenever I had this premonition, he’d always take my lips roughly.

“It’s none of your business!”

But, against my expectations, Bulkan slammed his head into the wall with a thud. The cave shook, and I staggered from the shock.

“How dare you try to hold me back.”

I was only holding him lightly. With his immense strength, he could easily shake me off. But he wasn’t delicate enough to consider my feelings…

“Don’t act so impudent for a human.”

The hand gripping his sleeve fell limply. Bulkan stormed out of the cave, breathing heavily. Was it the darkness of the cave? His eyes seemed unusually red.

“…Wow, how does he do that?”

Left alone, I sighed.

I’d heard something like that before. If you waste food, you’ll have to eat it all in the afterlife until your stomach bursts. Was the turmoil in my gut now the result of my father’s sins being stirred up?

It was both painfully fair and ironically unfair.

The night felt unusually long. I paced the cave. Dawn should break soon, but there was still no sign of Bulkan.

“When is he coming back?”

He’d usually collapse into a magical sleep at dawn.

What if he was out there picking a fight with a god and getting beaten? The thought kept me from sleeping, and I stayed up all night with my eyes open.