Chapter 52

After hearing the whole story, Yu Seongun felt conflicted.

"..."

No, his stomach just hurt.

'I never imagined a Root entity would allow a human in. Has there ever been a case like this before?'

No matter how gentlemanly Jio was, he was still something born from the Root.

If he had to find the closest comparison, the situation suggested something like a "child of the Root," but, well, at this point, that hardly mattered.

The problem was that what Cha A-ra had probably seen was...

"... You said it was a cabin in the woods?"

Because it was likely a "Garden," a part of the Root.

If he had to find the closest equivalent, that was probably it.

'That isn't a place just anyone can visit. If someone without the qualifications enters, they'll die. To begin with, it isn't even something you can call an ordinary dungeon.'

At Yu Seongun's question, Hunter Cha A-ra fidgeted with her fingers.

Then she nodded, looking quite defensive.

As far as Yu Seongun could tell, she seemed to have a fairly sensitive and prickly personality, but the fact that she was even more withdrawn than that gave him an idea of how she had usually been treated.

"Yes, I never went outside the house, but... I think that's what it was like."

"I see."

Yu Seongun rubbed the back of his neck.

'This is a headache.'

From what he had heard, the air changed according to Jio's mood.

Hunter Cha A-ra seemed not to have thought that far, but even among humanoid monsters, there were not many boss monsters so thoroughly assimilated with their dungeons.

'At that point, the monster and the dungeon have to be treated as one body.'

In other words, Hunter Cha A-ra had gone into Jio's stomach and come back out.

'And not even an ordinary dungeon, but a Garden... Does this make any sense?'

To Yu Seongun, who knew what a horrific situation unfolded when someone without the qualifications entered a "Garden," it felt like an absurd and malicious lie.

'No matter how much Jio allowed it, a space like that isn't merciful enough for a frail F-class Hunter to survive just because of that.'

If what this person had seen really was a Garden, then even if Jio were an unusual type of Gardener, he would not have been able to protect Cha A-ra.

A mere Gardener did not have that level of authority.

If one were to compare it, it was like a roll of gimbap entering a human mouth, not being digested, and then walking out on its own after punching a hole through the person's solar plexus.

It was impossible, and because of that, Yu Seongun found it difficult to define the current situation.

"..."

Then Jio really was...

"... You must have been bewildered by such a sudden situation, so thank you for answering so sincerely."

Fortunately, Bi Sabeol only sat there smiling brightly without butting in, so it was easy for Yu Seongun to take control of the flow.

For now, Yu Seongun intended to wrap up this meeting and let the other person rest, so he continued.

"It feels as though we were the only ones asking questions this whole time, so if there is anything you are curious about, you may ask."

"... I'm allowed to ask?"

"..."

As expected, there was something sharp about her, and she was quite wary.

She seemed to know how to stretch her legs only after checking where she could lie down, but even so, she could not hide this young Hunter's sensitivity.

He did not know what kind of social survival skills she usually used to get by, but her personality itself did not seem particularly rounded.

'And he melted down someone like that so sweetly that he even fed her.'

So many people said Jio was terrifying that Yu Seongun had not considered it, but Jio might even have the ability to break down people's wariness.

Pushing that guess into a corner of his mind, Yu Seongun slowly nodded so the other person could feel as reassured as possible.

She was a precious witness even in the history of Earth, so it was right to be as considerate as he could.

"Of course you may."

Since it looked as if it would be better for him to explain first, Yu Seongun immediately continued.

"What Hunter Cha A-ra encountered is a work that has been named the Portrait of Jio."

"... A work? Not a monster...?"

"We are still in the process of identifying its exact nature, so we ask for your understanding. However, for the sake of comprehension, I think it would be better for you to regard it as a humanoid monster."

"That actually makes even less sense..."

"You may understand it as a monster with less hatred toward Earth than other monsters."

In truth, they saw him as "something" of a far higher order than that, but he could not disclose that much to this Hunter he had only just met.

The other party did not seem loose-lipped, but all sorts of variables existed in the world.

"The work titled 'Portrait of Jio' possesses an ego defined as 'Jio.' It can move through frames in the way Hunter Cha A-ra said she saw at dawn on the snowy day, and it can even come out of the painting and act outside it."

"... That... so..."

"Because it takes a considerably friendly attitude toward humans, and because there is no way to prevent it from painting beyond the frame and moving that way, the Collector is leaving it alone as a form of persuasion."

"What, no, yes?"

Cha A-ra trembled with a shudder.

"How can you just leave someone that dangerous alone...! Y-you called him a work, so that means he's being kept in the Collector's gallery, doesn't it? C-can't you do something to lock him up?"

"..."

Yu Seongun felt puzzled.

'... Did she just call him a person?'

That was not a word that should come out easily after feeling the oppressive presence of that black portrait, so it was strange.

'Even if she is saying things like it is a work and asking us to lock him up, it means she practically feels Jio as a single personality. This is certainly unique. If Hunter Cha A-ra herself isn't special, is it Jio's ability?'

While thinking that, Yu Seongun spoke with his characteristic calm smile.

"In Korea, there are exactly two places that store dangerous objects like the Portrait of Jio."

"... Oh, there was somewhere else besides the Collector's gallery...?"

"It is not well known, but the Association's research institute is one of them. It is a place with far more reliable security than the Collector's gallery."

"Then why didn't you send him there..."

"The Guild Master had a strong opinion on the matter. Ownership of the Portrait of Jio belongs to Guild Master Bi Sabeol, the winning bidder at the auction."

The Guild Master's opinion was that his ownership and time to appreciate it were more important than people dying because of a dangerous work.

Cha A-ra seemed to be at a loss for words at that brazen answer.

Had she understood this harsh world, where despite the danger of the work she could not protest, and her own position within it?

Watching her grow a little quieter, Yu Seongun continued.

"Our guild will compensate you for the inconvenience Hunter Cha A-ra experienced because of that."

"... You mean you'll pay me to shut up?"

"We would be grateful if you did. Is there any compensation you want?"

"..."

"If nothing comes to mind yet, you may ask other questions with the remaining time. Hunter Cha A-ra must also have been greatly bewildered by this situation."

Hunter Cha A-ra, who had been hesitating and watching his reaction, soon opened her mouth.

"That, um... person...? Anyway, that thing isn't human, right?"

"As I said earlier, I think you should regard him as a humanoid monster who can communicate. That does not mean he is truly a monster, but I can at least assure you he is not human."

Bi Sabeol added a comment.

"You may think of him as a god who enjoys amusement. We do not know his exact identity, but his level does not seem to be lower than the gods worshipped by priests."

"Guild Master, I think spreading uncertain information to a Hunter we have only just met could become an enormous source of anxiety."

"But would that not be easier to understand? A humanoid monster who can communicate is not exactly a term that would resonate with a Hunter. In contrast, oddball gods who enjoy amusement do exist."

At Bi Sabeol's words, Cha A-ra murmured with an uneasy expression.

"He cooked, though...?"

"..."

"Are there... gods who cook...?"

At that uncertain mutter, Bi Sabeol burst out laughing silently, and Yu Seongun forced himself to hold back a sigh.

Seriously, Jio, are you a grandmother?

'Even if you like plump humans, why are you so desperate to feed every person you see?'

It was not information he particularly needed to withhold, so he obediently nodded.

"... Yes, that is one of the habits the Portrait of Jio displays. Many people in our guild have already received gifts from Jio as well. They were things like cookies, chocolates, and candies, but..."

When Yu Seongun glanced at Bi Sabeol, the man, still with traces of laughter on his face, nodded.

With that permission, Yu Seongun continued more comfortably.

"In my case, since I am in charge of managing the Portrait of Jio, I also received gifts of prepared foods such as fruit tea and sausages. The tea Jio gave you in the cabin was probably that. We think the type of food changes depending on the other person's favorability as Jio perceives it, their relationship, and his personal judgment."

"Ah... Aah..."

"But... a question has occurred to me, so one moment."

Yu Seongun asked Cha A-ra.

"Before you ate in the cabin, did you give Jio anything?"

"...? No... I didn't? I-I'm a beggar, so... I don't have anything like that..."

"It does not have to be anything special. Did you give Jio anything, even something as small as a pebble? Or did Jio seem to feel some strong emotion toward Hunter Cha A-ra?"

"..."

With a face that said, "Why on earth is he asking me this?", Cha A-ra wavered in confusion somewhere between irritation and bewilderment, then soon sank into thought, apparently deciding this was not a pointless question meant simply to harass her.

A little time passed, but Cha A-ra's answer was the same.

"... I don't think there was anything, no matter how much I think about it... Even if you mean emotions, not at all..."

"Is that so? And Jio did not say anything about considering Hunter Cha A-ra a friend?"

"He did say in the Jewel Vein that he'd come to find a friend, but, uh, um, no. He said I was too young and weak to be his friend, so it probably wouldn't work."

"Aha."

It was a peculiar standard.

'... It is certainly strange by Jio's standards to think of someone around eighteen as young, but in any case, did he think it would be difficult for an eighteen-year-old and a twenty-nine-year-old to become friends? I am not sure whether he was worried the other person would be crushed by his level, or whether it was a conclusion tailored to humanity's general perspective...'

Yu Seongun nodded.

"It certainly seems correct that he received nothing."

"I-is that not allowed?"

"As far as we have determined, there has been no such case."

One of Jio's rules was a one-to-one exchange.

"When the Portrait of Jio interacted with humans, if he received something, he gave something in return, and if he handed something over, he wanted to receive something. The same applied even when it was not necessarily material. Jio always gave apology gifts to people he thought he had startled."

"Ah, aaah...!"

"...?"

"An apology gift!!"

Cha A-ra rummaged through her clothes as if she knew something.

"Th-that...! What I got on the snowy day, when I saw him then, the gift...!!"

"I would appreciate it if you calmed down and spoke slowly."

"Ghhhhh..."

Cha A-ra let out a long breath, then took out a pitch-black jewel from inside her clothes.

"I-I received something like this. I found it when I was so startled I fell down."

"..."

"I'd forgotten about it for a moment, and I also wasn't sure if Mr. Jio... definitely gave it to me, so I couldn't mention it..."

"... May I look at it for a moment?"

"Ah, yes."

"Hm..."

Wearing gloves, Yu Seongun lifted the jewel and observed it up close.

"..."

A crystal structure that faintly sloshed like liquid.

And yet a hard mineral substance.

"... Jio did give you this."

"H-he did?"

"Yes, Jio is the only one who can create a jewel like this."

At least, according to what they had learned so far.

"If you do not mind, may the Collector purchase this jewel?"

"What? This?"

"Because it has a crystal structure that does not exist on Earth, even if you put it up for auction, countless rumors would circulate. In the worst case, Hunter Cha A-ra and even your family could suffer harm."

"Uh..."

"I think it would be better for us, who manage the Portrait of Jio, to keep it."

Saying that, Yu Seongun shrugged.

"I am not forcing you."

"You totally are forcing me... You're bringing up my family and threatening me..."

"I merely told you the reality, and the choice is Hunter Cha A-ra's."

"Ugh..."

"I do not mean that we will purchase it immediately. Provided that Hunter Cha A-ra allows at least minimal protective measures."

"Protective measures? You mean surveillance?"

"It is a mysterious gift given by none other than the Portrait of Jio, so we cannot simply leave it alone."

"No..."

"As I said earlier, this is not something we are demanding immediately. We also feel a great burden in forcibly taking a gift given by the Portrait of Jio."

Buying it as if snatching it away before the other party had even grasped the situation was not the Collector's way.

Nor did he intend to act like a thug toward a young Hunter who seemed inexperienced with transactions or auctions.

"When you are certain, you can contact us then."

"... You're not taking it?"

"The crystal structure itself is unique, but while it may serve as research material, the jewel itself has no value on its own."

It could not compare to the Association's research institute, but the Collector also had a separate team that could research new works or fragments of works.

Jio's jewels had already been confirmed safe after Jio himself assured them they "had no particular function" and through various tests.

'Still, it isn't something we can feel completely at ease about... But it is not so dangerous or valuable that we need to do something harsh and take it from an already frightened young Hunter.'

And Bi Sabeol's opinion was that if one died from a work's goodwill, it was natural causes.

As Yu Seongun was an employee under him and a Gardener, that was a direction he had no reason not to follow.

Yu Seongun continued explaining.

"Most jewels are valuable simply because they are beautiful, and the Collector often purchases jewels that are merely beautiful, but that does not mean there will be any problem."

"What on earth won't...?"

"I meant that there should be no problem just from possessing the jewel. If you hide it well and keep it so other Hunters do not notice, they will not know the jewel is special unless they see it up close. If you intend to use it as an ordinary ornament, I would recommend not selling it."

She could have it taken from her and suffer an unfortunate incident, or be gravely injured by some danger factor even the Collector had not identified, but the guild would take protective measures regarding that.

'We also need to prevent the world from becoming excessively noisy over Jio's existence in advance.'

To reassure the other person, Yu Seongun took out a red jewel.

"I have also received a jewel in return from the Portrait of Jio."

It was the jewel he had received after drawing an apple for Jio before.

Even without any separate measures, it was still transparent and beautiful.

"The Collector examined it as precisely as possible, but it was harmless, no different from an ordinary jewel on Earth, and it does not break or scratch easily either. There is nothing problematic about it except that it is excessively hard."

"Ah..."

"Personally, I also recommend keeping it as an ornament, but detailed research on the Portrait of Jio has not yet been carried out. We do not know when or what sort of harm the jewel might cause, so if you want to make a transaction, please contact us then."

At that, Bi Sabeol suddenly grew downcast.

It was a truly detestable reaction.

"Are you not selling it now...?"

"Please preserve some dignity, Guild Master. This is not an auction house."

"I... I don't have one... I don't have one of Jio's jewels, and I've never even spoken to him..."

"That is why I am telling you to fix that personality of yours."

How burdensome must he be if even kind Jio avoided speaking with him?

'There was no way Bi Sabeol would suit someone who already likes quiet. He is not a bad person, but he can hardly be called a good person either... He is harmless to works, but as a fellow human, he is truly harmful.'

Since an outsider was present, he barely held back a sigh.

No matter how much the Collector used a free-spirited atmosphere as its image, there was nothing to gain from showing an employee insulting the Guild Master.

"Besides, as for whether a jewel received as a gift may be sold to our guild, we need to ask Jio's opinion on that as well. Monsters are strict about rules."

"... Th-that is... true..."

"Apart from that, there should be no problem for the time being, so it would be best to keep it as an ornament. If you feel uncomfortable, you may sell it now."

He did not want to see Bi Sabeol delighted enough to jump around, nor did he want it to pass into other people's hands and stir up the academic world.

If no unexpected situation occurred, it would not be bad for an individual to simply keep it.

'Though of course, unofficial storage by the Collector would be the safest.'

Cha A-ra was a rare Hunter who had come out having received the Portrait of Jio's goodwill in abundance.

She was the only person who had eaten not a simple gift like cookies or fruit syrup, but an entire meal Jio had personally prepared.

'It would be a shame to earn hostility from someone like that. She is someone who fundamentally takes an attitude of wariness toward others... Let us not make her uncomfortable.'

From his position as a Gardener, he was also curious what effect Jio's jewel would have on an F-class Hunter.

Yu Seongun continued.

"We at the Collector still do not know much about the Portrait of Jio. However, since you have received Jio's goodwill, Hunter Cha A-ra, you may someday encounter the Portrait of Jio again."

"..."

"So I will tell you what needs to be shared."

It would be troublesome if Hunter Cha A-ra needlessly incurred the portrait's anger.

"As I said earlier, Jio prefers one-to-one exchanges. After hearing Hunter Cha A-ra's story, it seems this rule applies only when a frame is between him and the other party. You said there was no problem when you ate inside the painting even though you gave Jio nothing."

"Ah, yes, that's right. I didn't really give anything..."

"If you encounter the Portrait of Jio again, a conversation itself should not be a problem. However, if you give something to Jio or receive something from him, I think you should mentally prepare yourself for a corresponding price."

"Uh, uhh, how? What kind of price do I have to pay?"

"We have confirmed that even ten fish-shaped pastries are acceptable as payment."

"..."

Modest.

Cha A-ra looked strangely as if she had seen a talking panda.

Compared to Jio's level, she seemed to think he accepted things that were quite ordinary and unimpressive, and Yu Seongun agreed with that point a hundred times over.

"We have also confirmed that telling Jio personal information such as your name is not a problem. Among our Collector employees, several exchanged names with the portrait, but no one-sided contract proceeded."

"... That's a relief."

"And..."

Yu Seongun barely suppressed a sigh at the exhaustion that suddenly washed over him.

"..."

Whether the aspect was good or bad, a Root entity being friendly to humans was still something that drained one's mental strength.

He would probably never meet a being like this again while alive.

* * *

"..."

"What... is this?"

"These are rules that our Guild Master personally organized."

"Am I really allowed to see this?"

"Actually, perhaps not..."

Yu Seongun was suffering from extreme fatigue.

"But the Guild Master himself told me to show them to you, so it hardly matters."

"Does it really hardly matter...? You've just given up, haven't you...? Is it okay for a major company to run this sloppily? The way you manage works is one thing, but something feels weird."

"These rules were created to distribute to our employees, so I think you should take matters such as terminology with a grain of salt as you review them."

"R-right..."

After looking over the rules, Cha A-ra tilted her head and asked.

"Um, but what are numbers four and five here? It looks like rules written by two different people. This isn't some ghost story."

"Ah, those are parts Jio personally added after seeing the rules the Guild Master had organized..."

"Is it okay to let a monster personally revise the rules? No, to begin with, why did you leave this as is?"

"The Guild Master said it was amusing and told us to leave it."

"..."

"If you have familiarized yourself with them, may I escort you home now?"

Seeing the face of an office worker soaked in fatigue, Cha A-ra cautiously nodded.

"P-please do..."

So not everything about major companies was good.

It was the moment she gained enlightenment.