"What happened next, Daddy?"
At the Defuli family breakfast table, Defuli's daughter stared at her father with wide, watery eyes.
"The rest... I forgot."
Defuli rubbed his slightly receding hairline and answered hesitantly, "I think this was a story I dreamed about last night. No... maybe it was a fairy tale I heard when I was little..."
For some reason, recalling that fairy tale filled him with an urge to tell it.
"Dear, I've heard that story too."
His wife wore a slightly puzzled expression as she used a spatula to transfer the fried egg from the pan onto a plate. "In the end... I think The Count defeated the Gourmand and the Man in Bloody Clothes with his own wits, found the leader of the Witches, reclaimed his treasure, and continued living happily ever after."
"How did he defeat the Witch leader who knew witchcraft?" Their daughter grew even more curious. "Mom... people who stop telling stories halfway through are cheaters!"
"Sorry... I forgot too."
His wife looked apologetic and kissed her daughter. "Mom will go back and think hard about it. Maybe the other ladies know the complete story. In return, you have to study hard and eat properly today too."
"Mm." The daughter nodded her little head rapidly. "It's a promise..."
Mr. Defuli smiled as he watched the scene. After breakfast, he put on his coat, picked up his briefcase, and headed out to work.
He was an editor at a publishing house, and his daily work involved reviewing manuscripts.
After arriving at Tucson People's Publishing House, he sat behind his desk. Watching his colleagues arrive one after another, he finally could not hold back any longer and asked the person beside him, "Jonathan... have you heard the story of The Count and the three thieves?"
"God,