Fox Sister

“Sister and I were walking along the mountain path together.”

“While carefully descending the downhill path, my foot suddenly caught on something.”

“My body briefly floated into the air, and the ground rushed up in an instant.”

” Sister!”

“Ryeonga’s urgent voice rang in my ears.”

“I squeezed my eyes shut in that fleeting moment.”

“Owwww… ugh…”

“At the moment I expected to hit the ground, a soft sensation enveloped my body.”

“Surprised, I opened my eyes to see my sister’s worried face right in front of me.”

“The sunlight reflecting off her orange hair shone brilliantly, and her clear, sky-like eyes stared intensely at me.”

“She was so close I could feel her breath on my nose, just inches away.”

“Each inhale brought her fresh scent directly to my nostrils.”

“Sister! Are you okay? You almost fell!”

“My sister hugged me tightly.”

“The sudden closeness made it hard to breathe. Her soft arms wrapped around my back with warmth, and the gentle touch pressing against my chest made my face heat up.”

“My heartbeat grew louder and louder.”

“It’s fi… fine, Ryeonga. Thanks to you, I’m alive. Thank you.”

“Trying to awkwardly smile and push her away slightly, but my sister only hugged me tighter without hesitation.”

“Determined as ever, her embrace was too strong to move at all.”

“Hmph, Sister is always so clumsy, which is why I must always be by your side!”

“My sister puffed out her cheeks and spoke with a pouting expression.”

“That adorable look made me want to protect her even more, and for some reason, my face grew hot.”

“I’ve always thought she was cute since we were kids, but lately…”

“…why do I get so flustered seeing this side of her?”

“Sorry, I was being clumsy again.”

“In that moment, a memory from the past suddenly surfaced.”

“When learning swordsmanship and falling while swinging, Master sighed deeply and said…”

“You shouldn’t even think about wielding a sword!”

“If Master saw me like this now, he’d probably laugh heartily and shake his head at how foolish I am.”

“The familiar face and voice faintly returned, making me space out momentarily.”

“Sister… are you really okay?”

“Ryeonga’s worried voice brought me back to reality. Her hand gripped my arm, checking my condition.”

“It’s fine… really, I’m not hurt anywhere. Don’t worry.”

“As I answered and stepped out of her embrace, sharp pain shot through my right ankle, causing an involuntary groan.”

“Sensing my stiffened expression, my sister urgently called out.”

“Sister! What’s wrong? Where does it hurt?!”

“My sister grabbed me again, panic evident on her face.”

“Pointing to my injured right foot while trying to force a smile, though my furrowed brow wouldn’t cooperate.”

“Just… seems like I sprained my ankle a bit.”

“At my answer, my sister’s eyes hardened with concern, making me feel guilty.”

“This is why I must always be by your side!”

“Then, a deep voice came from behind. Definitely female, but thick and low.”

“Turning my head, there stood a woman of unbelievable size.”

“She had to be over six feet tall. Her broad shoulders and thick, sturdy thighs overshadowed even a general’s stature.”

“With one hand, she casually held a sharp axe, making it hard to breathe.”

“Looks like you took a tumble. Are you alright?”

“The woman spoke bluntly. Though her expression was gruff, her voice was surprisingly warm.”

“Her large eyes slowly scanned me, and my sister immediately stepped in front of me protectively, spreading her small arms wide.”

“Ever since ancient times, this pass has been known for people strangely tripping here.”

“The woman continued in her low, gentle voice.”

“It seems you’re not from around here… I’m a woodcutter living here. I’ll offer you a room. If you don’t mind, rest at my place until your ankle heals.”

“Though her tone and actions seemed kind and sincere, her massive presence and axe made it hard to trust immediately.”

“Sister, no way! She’s suspicious!”

“My sister clutched my arm tightly, whispering urgently. Her large eyes glinted firmly, and her sharp fangs peeked from the corners of her mouth.”

“That woman might have some ulterior motive!”

“Though I understood my sister’s caution, my throbbing ankle reminded me of our situation. Each careful step sent knife-like pain through my foot, and continuing toward the Heavenly Nine Assemblies in this state seemed impossible.”

“Then I’ll impose on you for a few days, Woodcutter.”

“Hearing my decision, my sister stuck out her lower lip.”

“Clearly dissatisfied, but there was nothing else we could do now. The woman smiled warmly and extended her giant hand.”

“Call me Hwang-Yeon. ‘Woodcutter’ sounds too stiff, doesn’t it?”

“She shrugged and offered her back.”

“Come on, hop on. Your ankle must hurt.”

“Before I could react to Hwang-Yeon’s natural assumption, my sister quickly interjected between us.”

“No way! Don’t touch my sister!”

“And then she suddenly scooped me up in her small arms. As I was lifted, her sharp voice echoed through the mountain pass.”

“Hwang-Yeon’s eyes widened momentarily before breaking into a hearty laugh and shrugging again.”

“Ho ho, didn’t expect such strength from someone so small. Do as you please.”

“Despite her relaxed response, my sister maintained her guard, holding me tightly as she began walking cautiously.”

“Her small, soft arms gripped me firmly, and her body temperature and heartbeat transmitted directly to me. The warmth pressing against my back made my face heat up.”

“Embarrassed, I turned my head but didn’t know where to look. Though she’s my precious younger sister, our constant contact felt strangely awkward.”

“Hwang-Yeon led us to a small thatched cottage deep in the mountains. The worn roof had patches missing, but it had a charming, cozy atmosphere. The yard was filled with neatly stacked logs, fitting for a woodcutter’s home.”

“We’re back!”

“Hwang-Yeon’s call was met with light footsteps from inside.”

“We’re here?”

“A soft voice accompanied the appearance of a woman completely opposite to Hwang-Yeon’s appearance.”

“Small, delicate build with porcelain skin that shimmered in the sunlight, her thin, long fingers trembled slightly. A fragile, glass-like impression radiated from her delicate features.”

“Mother, there’s a guest?”

“The woman noticed me cradled in my sister’s arms and widened her eyes in surprise. Then Hwang-Yeon chuckled and approached, patting her shoulder.”

“We found a young lady who sprained her ankle on the road.”

“How thoughtful! Of course we should help.”

“The woman covered her mouth with her hands once more in surprise but soon nodded with a gentle smile.”

“Of course we should. Please come in.”

“The woman paid little attention to Hwang-Yeon but gave me a warm welcome. For some reason, Hwang-Yeon looked slightly deflated but still guided us inside the thatched cottage.”

“The interior was much cozier and warmer than expected. The straw walls carried a soft earthy color, and dried herbs hung from the ceiling.”

“The floor was clean, and a corner housed a large stove. A savory smell wafted from the pot atop the stove.”

“Let me show you to your room.”

“The woman glanced at my sister holding me and spoke gently.”

“My sister still kept her guard up but gradually relaxed under the woman’s soft demeanor. Nodding silently, she carefully followed the woman to the room.”

“The assigned room was modest but exuded warmth and comfort. In the corner lay neatly folded bedding, and sunlight streamed through the small window at an angle.”

“My name is Yul.”

“Yul introduced herself while carefully examining my ankle. Her slender, pale hand cupped my ankle, transmitting a warm, soft sensation.”

“Your ankle is quite swollen… what happened?”

“I tripped while walking on the mountain path. I tend to be clumsy.”

“Smiling lightly as I responded, Yul shook her head sympathetically before standing and retrieving a small box from the corner.”

“Inside were clean towels, herb pouches, and a bowl of cold water.”

“After soaking the towel in water and wringing it out, Yul gently placed it on my ankle. The coolness instantly soothed the throbbing pain.”

“Next, Yul brought the herb pouch close to my ankle. An odd texture was immediately noticeable. The soft energy of the herbs seemed to seep into my ankle.”

“The strange sensation made me unconsciously open my Spirit Eye, causing me to pause. Surrounding Yul was an aura that couldn’t possibly emanate from an ordinary person – a clear, transparent energy wave like that of a spirit close to nature.”

“Realizing I had opened my Spirit Eye, Yul’s round eyes widened in surprise. Her previously pale face showed signs of embarrassment.”

“Oh my… Spirit Eye?”

“Panicking, I hurriedly apologized while closing my Spirit Eye.”

“Ah… sorry! I accidentally…”

“For a moment, Yul silently observed me before softly smiling. Though her smile remained gentle, a subtle change was detectable.”

“It’s fine.”

“Yul’s voice retained its kindness, but the room was filled with heavy silence.”

“Breaking the silence first was Yul. She quietly looked at me and spoke in a low voice.”

“Since you’ve seen… you probably understand… I’m not human.”

“Pausing momentarily, Yul finally spoke with determination.”

“I’m… a celestial maiden descended to Earth.”

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