chapter 15
The topic of discussion had gradually shifted to my abilities.
Had I suddenly gained powers as a Haetae, or had they always existed but I simply never had the chance to use them?
After our family of three put our heads together, we leaned toward the latter.
Before and even after moving, I rarely went outside the house.
Even when I took walks near the annex, the people I encountered were almost always relatives, or else workers serving the family. There were hardly any outsiders.
So perhaps that’s why I’d hardly ever had a chance to encounter a villain.
Huh?
Does that mean everyone in my family is good?
When I asked, Dad said no.
Since the number of household retainers was so large, it was impossible for all of them to behave well. But those who misbehaved were subtly prevented from participating in family events.
“Is that okay?”
“It’s not as difficult as you think. We either send them away on business trips or gather evidence of their misdeeds…”
“Ethics.”
“Hmph hmph.”
Mom interrupted, and Dad cleared his throat before changing the subject.
Grandmother had always been gradually weeding out people who could harm the household. But now that it had been revealed that her granddaughter was a Haetae, she had been even more vigilant, ensuring I never came face-to-face with a villain where my Haetae traits might show.
“You had foresight.”
“Right?”
Mom exclaimed, and Dad nodded.
I felt grateful toward Grandma as well.
Good thing the symptoms showed up as sneezing. If it had been obvious that I was a Haetae, what would have happened?
Just imagining it made me frown.
“If I report this, Mom and my brothers will be pleased. It’s proof that we did the job right.”
I eagerly nodded.
“There wasn’t anyone in the house who smelled suspicious.”
“Except that person earlier?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Judging by your expression, they must’ve been pretty bad.”
When I scrunched my nose, Dad gently pressed the wrinkled part with his finger, as if it were cute.
“We’re catching that person, right?”
“Of course. Look at our little one acting like a predator who has found its prey.”
“So villains are prey to a Haetae.”
I wasn’t entirely sure about that, but I wanted to get rid of them quickly. I should have insisted earlier that they catch that person somehow.
I felt like I was looking at a garbage bag left open in a warm living room, and I frowned.
“Maybe there are accomplices.”
Dad held me and spoke gently as I fretted.
“That person earlier handled the accounts. The people responsible for managing and transporting the grain sacks are different.”
“Judging by the missing numbers, it’s impossible for them to have done it alone.”
Mom’s observation was correct.
The amount of rice that disappeared from Rose Village was a staggering fifteen sacks.
That was just what was embezzled during the first round. Who knew how much more would disappear in the second and third rounds?
“Are we short on audit personnel?”
“Hmm. We’re using them to monitor the household as I mentioned before.”
So there was no spare manpower.
But we couldn’t just leave it be. If we didn’t catch them quickly, the grain thief could escape or destroy evidence.
Just then, Mom said she would go herself.
“I want to go too!”
I raised my hand.
I was the most suitable candidate here.
Catching the culprit required evidence, and I could narrow the investigation by detecting only the people with a foul aura—what a huge time-saver!
But Mom and Dad didn’t seem enthusiastic.
“Daddy knows you’re smart, but he’s worried.”
“Because I’m young?”
“You’re barely four years old.”
“I’ll be five in two months!”
I spread all five fingers toward him, but Dad looked unsure whether to laugh at my cuteness or cry at what I said.
“Even five is too young, my little one.”
I had no words. Dad was right.
But I was a reincarnated soul. I didn’t remember my exact age in my previous life, but judging by the fact that I never received young adult benefits, I must have been well over thirty!
“Our little one, Mom wants to ask just one thing.”
Mom tapped my shoulder gently.
I pouted and looked up at her. A broad smile appeared on her face.
“Do you really want to go?”
“Yes!”
“Very well.”
“Wait a moment.”
Mom stopped Dad and asked me seriously.
“What if you don’t go yourself?”
I blinked.
I’d feel disappointed if I didn’t go. But before that, another feeling surfaced.
I gripped my skirt and spoke.
“If I don’t go, I’ll keep thinking about it and won’t be able to sleep.”
I couldn’t say that I might get sick, so I phrased it lightly.
Mom’s yellow eyes hardened.
“I see.”
She looked at Dad. I looked at him too.
Dad let out a deep sigh and, after a moment, reluctantly agreed.
Yes! We were going out!
I danced around, and Dad’s gloomy expression lightened a bit.
“There’s a good excuse to take Hyeon out.”
“You mean the sneezing earlier?”
“Exactly.”
Since arriving at the main house, I had barely stepped outside.
Most of my time had been spent reading rather than attending family events or walks. People naturally assumed I was a frail little puppy because of my small, gentle appearance.
And now, having sneezed in front of others, everyone would assume I caught a cold from the chilly air.
“We can say we’re taking Hyeon to Rose Village to eat the nutritious Golden Pine Mushroom Rice, a local specialty, since her health has weakened.”
My eyes widened.
Golden Pine Mushroom Rice was my autumn health food.
In a tiny stone pot, a large golden mushroom sat whole. Mixed with sauce, the aroma alone made it taste incredible.
I never knew it was a Rose Village specialty; I had just eaten it every year.
“Until now, she’s only eaten what we’ve received. Golden Pine Mushrooms must be eaten immediately after picking for the best effect. People will understand.”
“I always felt that was a shame too.”
“You too? Me too. And since it’s a tourist spot, there are inns and many visitors coming for health reasons this season.”
The plan was finally taking shape.
Dad fretted about leaving me alone, but Mom whispered something in his ear, and he quickly regained composure.
“We’ll keep the house safe.”
“Thank you.”
Cleverly, I pretended not to know.
I was four years old. I knew nothing.
But the commotion didn’t stop there.
Grandmother, Uncle, and Aunt, who had been away briefly on household business, hurried over when they heard the news.
They sighed after hearing the situation.
“I was surprised to hear a Haetae is sick. What a fuss over a little mouse.”
“Mother, that could be considered a speciesist comment.”
“Then call it a bug.”
“Not in front of the child!”
“……”
“I cannot yield on this.”
“Tsk.”
In any case, Grandma arranged a carriage for Mom and me to go to Rose Village the very next day.
“Dohkyung, adjust the schedule and send audit personnel.”
“Understood.”
“Yeonri, leave the children with me and meet with the officials with Dohkyung. Your keen eyes are necessary. I don’t think there’s only one thief.”
“Understood.”
Grandma gave simple instructions and encouragement to Mom and Dad as well.
“I think you’re right.”
Then she said to me,
“We need to get rid of the trash.”
With my heart filled with courage, I prepared to head to Rose Village.
The next day, I woke up early, washed, and put on my carefully chosen clothes.
A blue jeogori like autumn sky, a azalea-colored skirt, a neat black ayam with blue tassels.
Wearing these bright, crisp colors made my face look especially pale, perfect for pretending to be sick.
I added a quilted vest and long coat with rabbit fur lining—it was a bit warm.
“We’ll take it off once we’re in the carriage.”
“Yes.”
Exactly what I wanted. The heat would make me sweat.
I let my hair stick to my cheeks and climbed into Mom’s arms.
Even at this early hour, there were many people outside. They waved us off, knowing we were heading to Rose Village.
I hesitated to wave, pretending to be sick, but I couldn’t look rude. So I peeked from Mom’s shoulder and waved.
“Child, come back healthy…!”
Someone voiced a wish for my health, making me feel slightly guilty for pretending.
Soon, we passed through the gate. The carriage was waiting right outside.
“Have a good trip.”
Dad saw us off.
Mom and I climbed in, and I immediately removed my coat—it was too hot.
Mom fanned my sweaty head.
Click-clack, click-clack.
The carriage began moving smoothly.
We’d reach Rose Village by noon, so I could relax. I laid across Mom’s lap.
Sleepy… just a moment.
Why do I feel so comfortable and stable?
It’s a carriage, isn’t it?
I found the answer when the carriage paused to water the horses. Transforming into a dog, I looked under the carriage and saw springs.
That would have been fine if not for one thing.
I saw the triangular star logo engraved on the horses’ forehead ornaments.
“Huh…”
Once again, I discovered the mark of a fellow reincarnator. Awake and alert, I settled in the carriage.
The carriage raced along the road and, as planned, reached its destination.
The village where the grain thief awaited.
