[The humans seem to be managing somehow too.]
[It's hardly their first or second time dealing with something like this. Of course they are.]
[Kkiwoong.]
The Vermilion Bird chuckled at Yukgwi's grumbling, then stretched a wing toward the Mountain Lord, who was still grieving over the Adventurer's absence.
When the soft feathers of flame brushed against the scales on the Mountain Lord's head, the Mountain Lord raised its head slightly before immediately rubbing against the wing even more.
Truly, this descendant was astonishingly affectionate.
[Are you going to stay here for a while?]
The Black Serpent's successors and descendants alike were famous for being rude little bastards, so how in the world had one this sweet and docile come along?
The Vermilion Bird vigorously stroked the pampered descendant while asking Yukgwi.
The question was filled to the brim with the hope that Yukgwi would stay as long as possible.
[Dunno. That cheeky little brat told me to come back early… but I figure I should probably look after the land and whatnot before I go.]
[Mm! Then how about we spend a week or so making a circuit around the area? We can catch up on everything we've missed while we're at it.]
[Should we…….]
Yukgwi was hesitating!
Yukgwi was actually hesitating!
The Vermilion Bird recalled Yukgwi's particular formula in which hesitation was practically identical to acceptance—and for some reason, Yukgwi's temperament too seemed to run remarkably true through the generations. Though perhaps that impression was inevitable when dealing with something that lived for such an absurdly long time—and fluttered its tail feathers.
[Aww, you're stayin' a little longer?]
Just then, the Mountain Lord poked its…