Published at 7th of September 2021 06:35:21 AM

Compared to then, he was back to normal (?)1T/N: The (?) is in the raws.now, but it wasnt exactly the same as before.

The old Simon was more humane than he was now.These days, he is always smiling. But no, Derek did not think Simons smile held any joy or sorrow.

Strangely enough though, despite the harsh and cold expression painted on his face, Derek couldnt help but feel that sometimes, it looked like there were tears in his eyes. Even if it were true, Derek couldnt figure out why either.He didnt dare think much further though; he would have been flagged by the others if they heard his thoughts.

Dereks eyes were on the spirits hanging from Simon as he expressionlessly climbed the stairs. He looked more humane today because of the cute little spirits.

Ah, but I think theres one missing?

There were four elemental spirits but why could he only see three?

She got a little distracted but well be near the place where shes at anyways and shell come back to me on her own.

Standing on the teleportation spot, Simon recalled the black-eyed mole with a faint smile.In the next instance, a light shone, enveloping their bodies and they disappeared in an instant.

-Kkyu?

Kalia looked down at the mole that had climbed out of the ground.Two adorable black eyes looked up at her innocently.

A mole?

To be precise, it was a ground mole spirit.

Human and spirit looked curiously at each other; one looked down while the other looked up. She could feel the spirits weak power emanating from her body as she stood on her hind feet to look up at Kalia.

Seeing you out here, I dont think youre a spirit of the forest Right?2T/N: Remember, Kalias on the edge of the Fairy Forest

At Kalias words, the mole tilted her head and nodded. Behind the moles head was a view of the burnt forest.

She had just heard the news that the forest was on fire and burning some time late last night. Worried, Kalia had stopped by the woods for a while in her spare time without Humming and Allen.Fortunately, the fire in the forest didnt seem to have spread much. Since it was close to the village, the villagers had gathered quickly and worked to put out the fire together. It was extinguished in no time. Nevertheless, she felt bad seeing the inside of the beautiful Fairy Forest turn black.

Is she okay?

Gaia and her bright smile came to mind.

And that nightThe figure of the king leaving because there was an intruder.

This is the work of that intruder, isnt it?

*It was difficult for a natural disaster to occur in the forest, a place filled with so much natural power and this worlds natural energy.

Energy of nature.

The fact the fire could spread indicates a high possibility of it being an artificial fire. Kalia had wanted to enter the forest, but ultimately decided against it.

It occurred to her how greatly upset Allen and Humming would be if they found out she had snuck into the Fairy Forest while they were away.She didnt want to cause any unnecessary worries because she understood the feelings of those two, who genuinely cared about Kalia.She felt very sorry about the anxiety she had caused thus far, especially when she recalled the tremors of the man who had hugged her last night and Humming swallowing down her fear, gulping down her anxious breaths, in the forest. Nonetheless, when she thought of the incredible trust in Gaias eyes as she held her hand, she couldnt stop pacing.

-Kkyu? Kyuuu?

Perhaps it was strange of her to stand in place, blankly staring out at the burnt forest, but the mole took that opportunity to climb up her body. Plopping down on her shoulders, the small mole turned to look up at Kalias eyes with a tiny paw, the size of a fingernail, on her cheek.

-Kyuu?

The mole tilting her head at Kalia was so cute that she couldnt help but reach up and stroke her smol round head.

Im just a little worried.

-Kyuuu Kyu!

Perhaps she understood what Kalia was saying, but the mole hopped off, ran towards the forest, dug into the ground and disappeared inside. Kalia stood motionlessly, looking into the direction where the mole had disappeared.

10 minutes later.

The forest became a little noisy.The calm forest seemed to come to life as the harmony of the leaves swaying in the wind rose. Soon, she could see balls of twinkling lights approaching from the distance inside the forest.

..Are they curious about us?3T/N: they = fairies inside the forest; us = Kalia + mole

-Oh, there she is.

-Are you alright?

-Look at that, the bracelet of the ancient spirit!

-I know that person! She was with the king!

-Oh! I saw that, too! Saw her with her!

T/N: Referring to Kalia and Gaia

Numerous spirits flocked to the border of the forest and gathered together, whispering to each other as they looked at Kalia. Some even waved at her as if they remembered her.

In the meantime, the mole had returned. Climbing out of the hole in the ground, she ran up and looked up at Kalia, eyes sparkling. It was like she was saying, I did a good job, right?

Those gleaming eyes were too cute, Kalia thought as she bent down to pick up the mole.

Did you call them?

-Kkyu!

Placing the mole on her shoulder, Kalia patted her head before turning her attention to the nearby fairies. Dozens or even hundreds of spirits and fairies were gathered, butshewas nowhere to be seen.

Did something happen?

Scanning the crowd of fairies, Kalia tried calling her name but got no response.

She decided to just ask the crowd, Are you guys okay? The fire.

-Were fine! I wasnt hurt!

-Yes, our king took us to the deep woods!

At the time of the fire, the king had the fairies and spirits of the forest cross the border into the fairy realm.

Kalia smiled slightly and continued to ask, By any chance, is she here?

-What do you mean? She?

-She, maybe shes talking about- the daughter of the king!

-Oh! Her!

Yes, thats who Im talking about.

-She didnt come out with us! Shes still deep inside the forest. Shes weak by nature, so its hard for her to maintain a corporeal form for a long time!

Visit readel.me for extra chapters.

-She said: We4T/N: Refers to Gaia + Fairy Kingneed to gather our strength! Thats why Im hibernating right now! I will come if you call me!

-Shes only appeared on her birthday before, right? It looks like she didnt have a good time this birthday because of the fire!

Hearing the fairies chirping, Kalia was relieved.It didnt sound like anything had happened to her.From what she heard, it seemed that it was Gaias birthday the first time they had met. Maybe thats why her father went to visit her yesterday. She had wondered what the Fairy King was doing in such a small forest.Some of her doubts were cleared up.

-Do you miss her? Shell come if you wait. Because this is where she was born!

Where she was born?

-Yeah, a very old tree told me. This was her favorite forest when she was alive, so there were many real traces of her in this forest. A very old tree made her from its oldest roots and the fairy water she had given it for the king who was grieving after learning of her death.

A very old tree? So the tree knows her?

-Yeah, but the very old tree fell asleep, too. It may not be able to wake up either. Before it fell asleep, it said it had spent too much energy making her.

Ah, I see.

Kalia was agitated by the news that she couldnt learn more about Gaia, but she resigned quickly after a bit of thought. After all, this was a story that had nothing to do with her, so she shouldnt dig further.

Although those were her thoughts

It still bothers me.

-Human, anyway, were gonna go back now! When the forest is weakened and were at the border, we keep wanting to go outside too!

-Thank you for your concern, human!

-Bye bye!

The spirits and fairies swarmed back into the forest. The rustling noise of the shaking leaves disappeared, and silence descended upon the place again. It was time for her to go back too.It was already well off in the afternoon, way past the time it takes her to go on a short walk. Kalia took a few deep breaths and grabbed the mole that had climbed onto her head without her realizing.

I have to go back now. Its time for my friends to return. Why dont you go back to your owner too?

-Kkyu!

Jumping out of her palms and onto her shoulder, the mole stretched out her short arms to hold Kalias cheek, showing off her aegyo. Her short, stubby tail wiggled incessantly.

What a friendly and cute spirit. But wouldnt your owner hate it if they knew you were acting cute to someone else?

She didnt know if the mole understood her but she just giggled happily.

Strange guy.

Kalia laughed along with the mole and stroked her head.

The moment she let the mole down.

Throb.

Her womb clenched and pressed against her insides.

Ah?

Kalia furrowed her brow for a moment, frowning as the tightness spread. The sensation felt a little sharper than the usual belly cramping. She could feel the muscles inside her stomach contracting and expanding.The feeling wasnt something that she would call pain, but it felt uncomfortable.

Theres still some time before the due date.

Dont tell me, these are false labour pains5T/N: The raws () means false labour pains. After a little research: Before true labor begins, you might have false labor pains, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These irregular uterine contractions are perfectly normal and might start to occur from your fourth month of pregnancy (second trimester) or your third trimester. They are your bodys way of getting ready for the real thing. They can range from a completely painless tightening to a jolt that can take your breath away. They can sometimes increase in frequency and intensity as the due date approaches. Signs theyre false labour, not true labour: (1) Cause mild to moderate uterine pain thats similar to menstrual cramps. (2) Aches tend to come and go and dont feel worse over time. (3) False labour pains will subside with a change in position, rest or glass of water.)?

She had previously heard about this type of pain from Allen.It was a sign of childbirth, signaling her body in advance of the onset of labor.Some mothers feel it a few days before their due date while for others, it comes right before childbirth. Or, there are people who dont experience any false labour pains at all. Anyway, the arrival of the pain is a sign that the body can give birth at any time, so it is better for her not to overdo it and prepare for childbirth in a safe place.

-Kkyu Kkyu?

Seeing Kalia hugging her belly, the mole let out a few squeaks, as if worried about her. Kala smiled softly, reassuring the mole.

Id better get going. Ill play with you the next time I see you. Humming will play with you too. She plays very well. Well, then, see you next time.

Seuuuu. Huu.6T/N: The sound of Kalia breathing in then out. I couldnt think of the English equivalent onomatopoeia so I just used the Korean romanization.

Thankfully, the pain went away quickly after adjusting her breathing.Fortunately, the pain before wasnt so intense that she had to crouch down or curl up.The mole worriedly watched Kalia, who was walking slowly and paying great attention to her physical condition, leave.

Kyu

The ground mole alternately gazed back and forth between Kalias back as she walked away and the lords castle in the distance. Ultimately, she was unable to let go of her anxiety and decidedly followed after Kalia.

Fortunately, the false labour pains did not come back until she got home.Instead, to her surprise, there was another figure waiting for her.