The Fortune of White Snake
Harris Village part: 10
The misunderstanding is continuening~~
Oh! And he meet choi han!
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
After the whole fiasco and playing in garden with Cale, you finally return to the inn where you're staying, feeling both tired and weirdly proud of yourself.
Your arms ache, your back might actually snap in half, and your are pretty sure you’ve inhaled enough charcoal dust to shorten your lifespan—but who cares? You successfully got approval from Count Deruth! …Okay, not to enter the Forest of Darkness, but at least you have permission to go to Harris Village. (Details, details—you can totally sneak into the forest later.)
When Count Deruth had asked how much you wanted for the paintings, you didn’t hesitate.
You looked him dead in the eyes and immediately requested the autographs. No gold, no jewels—just signatures. The man blinked at you like you’d spoken an ancient language. You had to quickly explain that this was your price only for the individual portraits—because it's important for collection, duh—but for the family portrait you’d still take normal payment in gold coins.
(You’re not stupid. You want the autographs and money.)
Of course Ron then ask you about portrait for him and his son and you didn't know either if he is serious or joking, but you just shove him some draw you finish when having break from drawing the count family and playing with Cale.
You drew the Molan family with honesty, it even looks like get taken by photo rather than drawn but this world didn't have camera and everyone already see your skills in drawing.
Ron stared at the drawings for a long moment. His expression didn’t change, but you could feel the mix of emotions radiating off him—surprise, appreciation, confusion, probably an internal crisis. Then, silently, he extended a hand toward you.
You squeaked. Out loud.
Because for a split second you thought he was about to grab you.
No—he was asking for the sketchbook, The one where you’d drawn him and Beacrox a second time.
You handed it over with trembling hands.
Ron calmly signed one of the pages and said he "would tell his son to write his autograph as well" to “properly compensate you for drawing us.” and " I'll ask my son signature later too kitten young master".
.....
Okay that last part Ron definitely balant telling you he know you are noble kid while smiling like usually.
And did that assassin just call you kitten?!
'What a scary butler...... '
But! That aside you just got three main characters authographs! one of them is going to die (which mean limited) while the other one definitely can cost your life and it's worth it in you book.
For Beacrox and Cale Signature? You'll have to Marinate both of them until they are old enough to give you a proper one anyway....
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
The Harris village is quite nice in your opinion—not too crowded and not too silent either. There are even a few children running around, despite it being on the border of the Forest of Darkness. It’s a small but beautiful place, nestled near the mountains.
When you arrive in the village, you don’t bother wearing your disguise, because you feel you don’t need it.
Your flowing white hair and striking green eyes draw a few curious glances or whispers from the villagers, but you don’t really care. You have far too many things on your mind…
“Welcome, young traveler.” An old man greets you warmly, snapping you back to reality.
“Ah! Hello!” You smile back politely.
“To what do we owe your visit, dear child?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. Apologies for the lack of manners—my name is Bob, and I am a painter looking for inspiration,” you say, mixing politeness with a hint of childishness.
“Well, child, I don’t think there’s anything you can do here… or anything particularly interesting,” he tells you.
“I don’t think so, sir.” You look at him seriously. “For me, this place is different from the others. You have a wonderful village, and you must have strong people to keep it safe, even being so close to the Forest of Darkness.”
You flatter him further. “I’ve already seen some of your people who would be wonderful subjects for my collection. And this place—brimming with chilling danger and peaceful charm—gives me so many ideas for my art.”
You’re not sure if you could ever compete with Alberu when it comes to speaking with a silver tongue (no, you would definitely lose :’) ), but you think you’re at least decent at it.
Seeing the hesitation on his face, you continue, “Good sir, I have the approval from the Count himself. You can even send someone to ask him directly. And I’ve had some safe-training as well, enough to protect myself.” You place a hand lightly on your sword.
You don’t tell the old man—who is probably the village chief—that you only asked approval to visit the village, not the Forest of Darkness. You conveniently left out that little detail so you could slip into the forest without trouble.
If they did ask the Count, well…
You just simply have to find a way to sneak out later.
“If you’re still worried, sir, you can send someone as my guide, too,” you add.
Considering that by this time Choi Han should have already been found by the villagers and raised for a few years, there’s a chance they might assign him as your escort. And if they don’t… then you’ll just have to find a way to lose whoever they send.
After all, they definitely wouldn’t let you go deeper into the Forest of Darkness—and they might become a hindrance later.
“There is no need to go that far, child. Seeing that the Count allowed you to come here is enough,” the old man tells you.
Inside your mind you celebrate like crazy—party horn noises, fist-pumping error sounds, internal breakdance battle—while outside you keep a perfectly polite smile, as if absolutely nothing is happening internally.
“And for your guide,” he continues, giving you a quick look up and down, “I know someone who would be good for you—and close to your age.”
He probably assumes you’re a young teenager, maybe around thirteen to fifteen, judging by your height. Close in age to Choi Han, he thinks.
In truth, you’re ten. And Choi Han certainly isn’t seventeen. You remember clearly that the novel said he had been stuck in that forbidden forest for… how long? Sixty years? Something like that. But despite that, his youthful face and mind are still young.
And you don’t bother correcting the old man.
“I thank you for the hospitality, kind sir.” You nod politely and stay where you are.
You watch as the old man walks away—definitely off to find Choi Han and assign him to you.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Choi Han didn’t know what to think of you.
When the village chief suddenly asked him to be your guide, he was surprised. Harris Village didn’t have much to offer visitors unless they were merchants. And hearing that you had permission to go into the Forest of Darkness was another thing entirely. Why did you want to go there? What was your motivation?
It made him curious about what kind of person you were.
Finally meeting you only surprised him more.
Lovely long white hair brushing your shoulders, pale skin, green eyes like polished emeralds filled with mirth, and a stunning face.
Beautiful.
That was the first word that came to his mind when he saw you.
You were the definition of pure (not really) and saintly (well, I mean......).
Even in a disguise you had looked noble, but now without it—even dressed in simple clothes—you still couldn’t hide where you belonged, nor the faint sense of something… divine.
But the way you acted was a different matter entirely.
You looked at Choi Han like you were meeting a celebrity. Your green eyes sparkled, your smile stretched wide, your whole face lit up and—was it just him, or did you actually become brighter???
“It’s nice to meet you! I’m Bob. I hope we can get along well in the future!” you said, shaking his hand with obvious excitement.
“I… um—hi… ah, nice to meet you too?” Choi Han stammered, cheeks tinged with pink.
He wasn’t used to people—let alone someone as pretty as you—greeting him so happily. And the way you leaned in closer definitely didn’t help.
“You’re cute! Let me draw you later! I’m a painter,” you said brightly.
Before you could say more, the village chief cut in, instructing Choi Han to take you to the guest room. Some of the bystanders even giggled, finding your interaction adorable.
. . .
Choi Han quickly learned that your everyday life in Harris Village was… lively.
You spent mornings sitting under the old tree near the well, sketchbook in hand, drawing anyone who passed by. It's like a white excited cat that walk around with glaring presence that you are here, The villagers grew used to seeing you wave them over with sparkling eyes.
" You to are cute I ship it! (What?) "
"Can I draw you two?"
“Can I draw your cow?”
“Can I draw your baby?”
“Can I draw you holding your baby and the cow?”
Somehow, you always sounded sincere, and people actually let you.
You even started taking small commissions—portraits, scenery, even a signboard for the bakery. Choi Han sometimes watched from a distance, surprised by how easily you fit into the rhythm of the village.
But soon enough, the day came for your trip into the Forest of Darkness.
Walking beside him beneath the thick canopy, you hummed a little tune (that somehow familiar), stepping around roots and bushes like you were on a stroll instead of entering a place full of monsters.
“So,” Choi Han said finally, “may I ask… why exactly did you want to come here?”
You beamed at him. “Ah, that! I actually came here to train with the monsters so I can get stronger quickly.”
He blinked. “…You what?”
Not literally—well, actually yes literally, because the moment you and Choi Han stepped past a mossy boulder, three horned beasts crawled out from the underbrush. Their bodies were bulky, like boars crossed with armored lizards, tusks curling wickedly.
Choi Han shifted slightly, ready to intercept.
But your eyes lit up.
“Oh look! A warm-up pack.”
“A… what?” he murmured.
But you moved first.
“MY TIME HAS COME!” you declared dramatically.
Choi Han blinked. “Wait—”
The first beast charged straight at you, its tusks aiming for your ribs. You ducked, slid across the ground on one knee, and slashed upward—catching the gap under its throat armor. The beast choked and toppled.
'Clean. Accurate.'
Choi Han raised a brow, observing your footwork.
Another monster swung its heavy tail at your side. You twisted, jumped, and used the creature own tail as a stepping platform—springing upward and landing on its back. With a swift thrust down its spine, the beast collapsed under you.
Your landing was messy, but functional.
'He improvise well…'
The third creature roared, sprinting at you as you landed unsteady.
You exhaled, concentrating. When it lunged, you sidestepped just enough. Your blade swept low, catching its tendon, the beast stumbled. You finished it with a quick, precise strike to the skull.
Silence settled.
Three monsters lay on the forest floor.
You were panting, but your grin was wide.
You are doing all of this quite well, while you look unserious your greed eyes glint like a snake and watch the monster with focus of a hunter, your white hair didn't let it distract you and even sway into your movement.
Choi Han blinked slowly. “…That was unexpected.”
You brightened. “You mean cool, right? You can say cool. I accept praise.”
He ignored the last part. But inside, he was… impressed.
He watched carefully as you wiped the sweat from your brow and adjusted your stance.
'Good reflexes. Creative. And definitely not afraid.'
But he could already see the way your shoulders heaved a little too heavily.
“Let’s—hah—keep going!” you declared boldly.
Choi Han hesitated. “You should rest—”
“Rest is for the weak! Glory is now!”
Not ten seconds later, a much larger beast emerged—this one like a lion covered in stone plates, its roar shaking leaves loose from the branches.
You charged again before Choi Han could stop you.
The stone-lion swung its paw you ducked, rolled, and slashed along its flank. Sparks flew. The armor was too thick.
You tried again—aiming for the joints. Your hit landed, and the beast staggered.
Choi Han eyes focused, evaluating:
'Angle correct. Timing good. Targeting weak points… impressive, he thought.'
But your breathing grew harsher.
Your movements slowed—not by skill, but exhaustion.
The monster roared and lunged, jaws snapping inches from your arm.
You jumped back.
Then your knee buckled.
Your eyes widened. “Oh damn. That’s—hm. That’s not good.”
The beast lunged again, faster than you could recover.
Choi Han moved instantly.
One precise slash.
One clean kill.
The stone-lion fell at your feet.
You blinked at the corpse. Then up at him.
“…I weakened it for you,” you said weakly.
“You were about to be bitten,” he replied.
“Just a little.”
“No.”
You wheezed, hands on your knees, bent over like a grandma. “Okay… maybe. Maybe I am a tiny bit tired.”
He waited for you to catch your breath before asking the question again after get interrupted “Why do you need to become stronger so urgently?”
You straightened, a cheeky smile spreading across your face. “Because I want to build a legend in the future.”
Choi Han stared. “A… legend?”
“Yep! Big, shiny, dramatic, all that stuff.” You wiggled your fingers in the air for effect.
Then your smile softened. “But that’s the second reason.”
You raised a hand to your chest, fingers brushing the small flower-shaped brooch pinned there. Your voice grew quieter, gentler.
“The real reason… is to protect someone I hold very dear. My ‘Beloved.’ They’re important to me.”
Your thumb traced the brooch as if it was sacred.
Choi Han watched you, noticing the seriousness beneath the joking exterior, Something resolute lived in your eyes.
After a moment, he said, “If that is your goal, then… I can accompany you when you train in the Forest of Darkness. Or, if you want, I can teach you myself.”
You froze, surprised. Then a sudden laugh bubbled out of you, warm and bright. “Really? You’d do that for me?”
“Yes,” he answered, steady despite the faint redness on his ears. “You have potential. And… you shouldn’t face this forest alone.”
You looked at him for a long second before smiling—soft, grateful, and brilliant even under the tangled branches. Your clothes were smeared with dirt, your knees scraped, but somehow your white hair wasn’t even dusty and your green eyes look gentle.
“That’s… very kind of you, Choi Han. Thank you. I’ll think about it. And if I take your offer… please take care of me.”
He nodded, heart thumping unexpectedly. “I will.”
The forest wind rustled overhead, but all he noticed in that moment was your smile—bright enough to chase away even the Forest of Darkness.
