Episode 21
The host’s announcement marked the beginning of the contest, and the participants stepped onto the stage.
There were five participants in total—all large, muscular men. And standing between them was… Miel.
Because of her small body, Miel looked even tinier next to the big men.
> “Oh dear, looks like a girl who doesn’t even know what she’s doing has entered.”
> “Yeah. She probably doesn’t even know who those four men are. No outsider joins this contest anymore because of them. The rumor says no one can beat them.”
Hidden in the crowd, Jade’s ears perked up as he heard the townspeople pitying Miel.
They thought she was weak just because she was small and probably didn’t eat much. Jade thought the same at first. But hearing strangers say such things about Miel irritated him.
> “She must really want the prize.”
> “Well, I want it too. So of course she does.”
It was clear the people of Hurow saw Miel, an outsider, as greedy.
Jade turned to look at the prize on the right side of the stage. What is this prize everyone’s so eager for?
> “This year’s prize is the same as last year! A box of premium apples, the same grade as those offered to the royal family!”
> “Wooooow!”
The crowd cheered loudly as the prize was revealed.
Jade sighed in disbelief. All this for apples?
Next came the introductions. When the men introduced themselves, the audience roared in excitement.
But when Miel introduced herself, the entire hall fell silent.
No one believed such a small girl could win. Jade’s eyebrows furrowed.
And then, the contest began.
The rules were simple: Whoever eats the most apples from their box wins.
As the contest started, the men aggressively devoured their apples. It was like they were possessed.
But Miel took her time. She smiled happily as she savored each bite of apple.
> “If you’re happy, that’s all that matters.”
Jade decided just to enjoy watching Miel eat. Occasionally, some citizens still booed her, but Jade didn’t want to ruin the contest by fighting them. Miel’s happiness was more important.
Then it happened.
> “Oh my gosh.”
> “Wow!”
Miel suddenly picked up speed. After enjoying the flavor, she began to eat faster—faster than the big men around her.
They had eaten too quickly at first, so now they were slowing down.
> “Miel!”
Jade clenched his fists. At this pace, she could win! He found himself cheering her on without realizing it.
> “Go, Miel! Eat them all!”
Maybe recognizing his familiar voice, Miel looked up and searched the crowd.
Jade quickly ducked down to hide. Miel smiled and began eating even faster.
Boom. Boom.
One by one, the men collapsed, stuffed with apples. Each of their boxes still had 5 or 6 apples left.
But Miel—still standing—lifted her empty box. Not a single apple was left.
> “We have a winner! Contestant number 3—Miel! The one no one expected to win!”
> “WOOOOO!!”
The crowd erupted. Miel, whom everyone doubted, had pulled off an amazing upset.
Jade, who had been silent, raised both fists in victory and shouted:
> “That’s my student!”
After the apple-eating contest, several hours had passed.
Jade returned to the spot where he had last seen Miel and waited.
Soon, Miel arrived carrying a box of apples. Jade spoke casually.
> “That box…”
> “Oh, it’s my prize from the contest.”
> “What contest?”
> “The apple-eating contest. I beat some big guys. At first, people booed me, but when I won, they all started cheering.”
> “Yeah, I heard them. I almost flipped the table and—”
Jade shut his mouth quickly. Too late. He had given himself away.
> “Wait… were you watching me?”
> “Yeah. I happened to be nearby and saw you. So I watched.”
> “Really?”
> “Of course. Since you’re representing the Magic Tower, it was only right to cheer for you.”
> “Haha!”
Miel laughed out loud. Her usually serious teacher was being shy.
He tried to pretend he hadn’t seen the contest, but now he’d admitted not only watching, but cheering for her too.
Usually, Jade didn’t act this way. But maybe because it was a festival, it felt fun and heartwarming.
The two returned to their room. Miel, tired, fell asleep quickly.
Jade gently put a blanket over her and watched her for a while.
Today, for the first time, he had seen her truly smile—and his heart pounded hard.
He realized what that feeling meant.
—
Later, Miel brought the box of apples into her room, happy she’d be able to eat them all she wanted.
Then, she noticed a letter neatly placed on her desk.
> “Dad.”
It was a letter from her father.
Actually, it was more like a package. A big envelope with her and her father’s names on it.
Inside were two letters and a thick book.
She quickly opened the letter addressed to her.
It was in her father’s familiar handwriting, neat and simple. Miel smiled brightly and began to read.
—
> To my beloved daughter, Miel,
> How have you been? It’s already been two years since I last saw you.
> I think about you all the time, no matter where I am or who I meet.
> Are you eating well? I hope you’re staying healthy and not getting sick.
From the first paragraph, she could feel his love. That was her dad—always putting her first, always full of warmth.
Miel’s smile deepened.
> Are things going well at the Magic Tower? I believe you’re doing your best in whatever you do.
> But remember, when you live among people, you’ll face conflicts too.
> When that happens, don’t feel trapped. Just believe in yourself and make your own choices.
Her father always said he trusted her. He’d told her that since she was little.
> “Whatever you choose, I’ll always be on your side.”
That was Miel’s favorite line from him.
She whispered a soft answer, knowing he wouldn’t hear, and kept reading. It was time for the main message.
—
> You became an adult recently, didn’t you? Congratulations.
> I’m sad I couldn’t tell you in person, but I’m very happy for you.
> I’ve been waiting for you to grow up since you were very little.
> Because… I have a gift for you.
A gift? From her father? Was it the book?
—
> The book isn’t the gift itself.
> But if you read it, you’ll find out where the real gifts are hidden.
> I’ve hidden presents for you all around the world.
> You love traveling, so I hope you’ll discover them one by one.
> And not just the items—the journey itself will be a precious gift for you.
Hidden gifts around the world.
It felt like a treasure hunt across the globe.
And it had just begun.
