Painter 12 - The Terror of Option

Having been raised by his grandmother, Seo Jio couldn't stand to see anyone go hungry.

'A student who looks to be a high schooler at most can't even eat properly and has to work?'

Honestly, it felt more terrible than a natural disaster.

A natural disaster was a natural event that the Earth occasionally set off when it was bored, but a child going hungry was a problem for humans.

'Unforgivable.'

Jio, who had once even been a teacher, felt a heavy sense of responsibility.

"Does it taste alright?"

"It's soooo delicious…!!"

"It pleases my heart to see you eat with such enjoyment. That is excellent."

Look at how well she eats.

'I hope she leaves after gaining about 5kg.'

There was nothing happier than seeing a young student deliciously eat the food I made.

'She eats so heartily.'

Jio didn't notice, but in response to the mood of the master of the forest, the air in the cabin also warmed up.

Cha Ara, who was already excited about the first banquet of her life, noticed it right away.

'…Huh, something feels lighter.'

The atmosphere seemed to have lightened from that of a funeral to that of an intensive care unit.

'Anyway, this is incredibly delicious….'

An 'educated Hunter,' as Cha Ara would call them, would have been more frightened by this strange phenomenon.

Although she vaguely suspected this cabin was a dungeon and the master of the dungeon was the black-caped figure before her, dungeons that changed their environment according to the boss's mood were not that common.

A dungeon that changed according to the boss's mood was no different from a living creature.

In other words, Cha Ara was currently eating inside the stomach of a monster called 'Jio.'

Perhaps if she knew a little more, her thoughts might have reached that far.

But Cha Ara was too preoccupied with the miraculous kindness that had suddenly come her way.

"Just eating the rice is so delicious. Um, is this… is the rice tasty? Or did it become like this because you cooked it well?"

"The rice is ordinary."

It was, after all, rice made by drawing the packaging of the rice he used to eat when he lived on Earth.

It felt a bit novel, like doing art for a college entrance exam after a long time.

'Anyway, when it comes to relaxing kids, there's nothing like good food.'

Actually, this didn't seem to be a story limited to just kids.

Weren't even the people who were scared of Jio due to the portrait's influence a little more relaxed after receiving a tasty snack?

I thought it might be a similar context.

Jio solidified his will to fatten up this skinny student.

"If there is a difference, it is that this rice was cooked with broth."

"With broth…?"

"I used broth instead of water. It might be a little different in that I used deer bones instead of the commonly used pork or beef, but to be precise, this rice was made with bone broth."

"…If it's bone broth…."

Isn't that very expensive?

'City people can eat it if they go to a restaurant, but for rural people like us, we can only taste it if we're lucky when a big cow is butchered in the village….'

To use that for cooking rice of all things felt needlessly extravagant.

'What am I eating right now.'

I was hungry and the meal was delicious, so I ate without much thought, but could this be a situation far more excessive than I imagined?

To Cha Ara, who was breaking out in a cold sweat inwardly, Jio spoke.

"Even if it's not bone broth, it also tastes good if you make it with anchovy broth, chicken broth, or even vegetable broth. If you don't like oily things, that would actually be better."

"Uh, no, that…."

"There is quite a lot, so you may eat as much as you wish. However, you should be careful not to get indigestion. I wasn't going to say anything since you seem to be chewing thoroughly, but you will feel unwell if you overeat."

"…Thank you."

Even anchovies or chicken were a bit much, but I felt like I could manage to make vegetable broth at home.

We had vegetables growing in our garden, after all.

'I should make this kind of rice for my little brother before he goes to the dorms.'

Because they lived so hand-to-mouth, even just eating white rice was difficult.

The most common things they ate were roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes, and the eggs the village head occasionally gave them were considered a luxury.

'I can manage vegetable broth by picking things from the garden, but what about the rice….'

Cha Ara, who had muttered inwardly, soon gave up the thought.

"...."

First, let's just enjoy my meal.

'I thought I'd starve to death or be driven crazy by ghosts, but I never expected such luck.'

Perhaps because her stomach was full, Cha Ara's tension had eased considerably by now.

She couldn't fully relax because the other party was a humanoid monster, but she felt more at ease with the thought that a humanoid monster, not bound by its own rules, was unlikely to go through the trouble of poisoning the food.

'In this respect, monsters are more trustworthy than humans.'

At the very least, monsters did not deny their own rules.

She had more trust in the monster, who had been polite from beginning to end without a single threat, than in humans who lied as easily as they breathed.

Of course, she shouldn't trust him.

There were monsters who deceived humans by feigning goodwill to make them let their guard down.

If she considered Jio a monster, this was a mistake she shouldn't have made.

"...?"

"Is there a problem?"

"No, my leg… I think it's healed…."

"Ah."

Jio nodded his head.

"Have you broken a bone before?"

"What? Ah, yes, a while ago in a dungeon, my leg was broken when I ran into a monster while moving luggage."

"The bone broth in the rice you are eating has the effect of healing bone abnormalities."

"Oh… Ah… Oh…."

"After you finish your meal, I will check if the bone has set properly before you return home. If not, it would be good to pack some soup for you. I did not prepare this meal with such an effect in mind, but I am glad it was helpful."

"I-I seeee…."

Who cooks rice with a potion.

'He's showing off that he's not human like this.'

I didn't know because it looked like a perfectly normal meal.

'To think my bone would heal completely after just a few spoonfuls of rice.'

Cha Ara's knowledge was limited, so she didn't know for sure, but that would probably be a considerable grade even among healing potions.

It was absurd enough that its form was bone broth, but to have cooked rice with it was nothing short of astonishing.

I could clearly feel that his way of thinking was fundamentally different from that of humans.

'Still… I never thought I'd say this, but he seems like a kind monster.'

Cha Ara thought as she ate the rice, which was so well-cooked that it was sticky yet fluffy grain by grain.

Bad people cooked bad rice.

'They said monsters have their own rules, so as long as I don't break them, it should be fine.'

Cha Ara decided to ask outright.

"Um, is there anything I should be careful about when I interact with you, Mr. Seo Jio, so that you don't feel bad?"

"Things to be careful about?"

"Uh, I mean… like 'don't mess up the house'… things that you particularly dislike or would like me to observe."

"Hmm."

The monster blinked twice and then answered.

"I would be grateful if you would just observe basic etiquette."

"Really?"

"As long as you do not commit any crimes, I do not mind much."

"Ah, crimes…."

I felt it back in the 'Water Vein of Jewels' we just met in, but it was clear what this monster loathed.

'He seems to hate rude and bad humans.'

And Cha Ara was confident in that area.

'I'm not strong enough to bully anyone; if anything, I'm the one who gets bullied.'

She was an F-class porter, the lowest among Hunters, openly called the slave class.

She didn't have the capacity to commit a crime in the first place.

Cha Ara felt her heart become much lighter upon learning the monster's rules.

They were things that the weak Cha Ara would never have any connection with.

"...."

But that didn't mean she could let go of all her tension.

'…His actions are very kind and polite, but….'

Strangely, it was hard to treat him comfortably.

'I know he's trying to be considerate. And he hasn't been intimidating at all, so I don't understand why I'm cowering so much. There's a strange sense of pressure….'

Still, Cha Ara was steadfast.

"…Just one more bowl of rice…."

"It is good to see you eat well."

"Ah, likewise."

Still, the rice was delicious.

'Is this a monster sent by my late grandmother? His cooking is no joke.'

Our village head should come and learn his cooking skills.

***

"...."

Yu Seong-un's mind was reeling.

"I was in a bind, so thank you for your help."

"…Uh, uh, no. It's nothing."

"I am not familiar with the geography of Korea, so I needed assistance."

"I'm grateful that you called me, really."

I never thought a perfectly normal human would pop out from beyond this gloomy picture frame.

"Hunter, what was your name again?"

"Cha-cha-cha-cha Ara…."

"Oh my, you're very nervous."

Yu Seong-un, who said that, was just as nervous.

Hadn't he and the Guild Master rashly let Jio loose out of their own greed?

'…It's a good thing I was mentally prepared. The situation is also much more peaceful than I imagined.'

Even though it was part of the process of seeking a way to coexist, it was right after he had done something that could be quite harmful to humanity… giving Jio a list of dungeons that would be okay to visit.

He had been staying awake, drinking coffee, thinking that any unexpected situation could occur.

A report could have come in at any moment that some deserted dungeon had exploded.

'I thought the Association might have to step in if it came to that, but it doesn't seem to be that big of an incident. Just a single person being spat out of a frame.'

Still, it was surprising.

'I couldn't believe it… to think it would be connected so openly like this.'

To Yu Seong-un, who had come after receiving another uninterpretable letter, Jio had said, 'I went to play in the 'Water Vein of Jewels' and found a young human and I am concerned about sending them off alone, so could you see them home.'

When Jio said 'a young human,' I momentarily thought of a 10-year-old, but thankfully that wasn't the case.

'Well, from Jio's perspective, it might be hard to tell what's young.'

Just as it's difficult for a person to guess a dog's age, Jio seemed to have been confused.

'At 18, she's a proper adult.'

Even if he didn't know that Hunter Cha Ara was an adult by Earth's cultural standards, it was a bit of a stretch to call an 18-year-old youth 'young.'

Yu Seong-un rubbed the back of his neck.

"…It would be right to take Hunter Cha home first. Is there anything I need to know?"

"I do not believe so."

"Alright, then. Let's continue our talk after I get back. Thanks for calling me first."

With Yu Seong-un's farewell, the portrait closed its eyes.

Since that meant it had nothing more to say, Yu Seong-un turned to Cha Ara without hesitation.

He would have to see this young Hunter home to complete this request-that-wasn't-a-request.

"Hunter Cha…."

"Yes, yes?!"

"…Ah."

At the intense reaction, Yu Seong-un was a little taken aback, but he soon realized something.

"If it's not rude, may I ask what class you are in?"

"...."

"I'm sure you're not pleased that I'm suddenly asking for personal information, but I don't have any bad intentions."

"…I'm F-Class…."

"Aha, so that's why."

I wondered why she was so overly tense, but she was definitely a Hunter too weak to be here.

'There's no way an F-Class Hunter could withstand Guild Master Bisabeol's gallery without issue and this is the 5th basement floor, no less.'

It was Bisabeol's gallery, full of all sorts of dangerous items.

Entry was permitted to C-Class Hunters at a minimum.

Those below that were restricted from visiting for their own protection.

'I wasn't considerate because someone this weak has never come in before. It's quite different from the atmosphere at the Association's research institute, which is generally controlled so that even civilian-level researchers can enter.'

As a former research team leader at the Association, Yu Seong-un could make the comparison, but each had its pros and cons.

From the Gardeners' perspective, they sometimes felt that the Association's research institute excessively abused the existence of the Source.

Anyway, only staff members who could at least minimally enjoy communicating with such dangerous works became curators, so it would be agonizing for an unrelated F-Class Hunter to endure.

"I'm sorry, this is the first time a Hunter below C-Class has entered this place, so I failed to be considerate."

"No, no, not at all…."

"Shall we head out for now? There are a few things I'd like to ask, but it seems it would be difficult here."

"Yesyesyesyesyes…."

"I am the curator here, so you do not need to worry too much. As long as you stick by my side, you won't get hurt."

There were a few works that sometimes attacked first, but he had no intention of going near them, so it wasn't a problem.

Yu Seong-un led the terrified and trembling Hunter Cha Ara towards the elevator.

It was when they arrived on the 1st floor.

"...."

Yu Seong-un almost closed the elevator doors again for a moment, but he managed to stop his muscles from moving by exercising the patience of a capitalist society.

A smirking Bisabeol was visible before him.

Yu Seong-un couldn't hold back and asked.

"…What are you doing here, Guild Master?"

"I was watching the CCTV, and a very interesting scene was captured, you see."

Did he really have to say that in front of the pitifully trembling F-Class Hunter?

It would be hard to be that openly delighted, but he was truly a remarkable person.

'The consideration Guild Master Bisabeol should have shown to humanity clearly went to his own collection instead.'

No matter how far human rights had fallen in this world, this wasn't right.

For the sake of protecting a guest, Yu Seong-un shook his head.

"I don't want to hear any more. It is right for me to conduct the interview with Hunter Cha first. She is very tense from just having left the gallery, and it is problematic for you to appear so suddenly like this."

"It may be a very regrettable fact, but Curator Yu Seong-un does not have the authority to stop my enjoyment. No matter how much you all harass me, am I not the Guild Master?"

"Do I need to get a promotion?"

"No matter how much you get promoted, you'll never be better than the Guild Master, but you should have taken it when I was offered."

"Hoo."

Yu Seong-un felt like biting his tongue, but he couldn't hand over this terrified and pale young Hunter to this crazy hedonist.

In that case, he'd be at a loss for words with Jio as well.

"…I know, it's a very exceptional situation and has drawn the Guild Master's interest. But wouldn't it be sufficient for me to check first and then report to you? After all, the Guild Master is the face of our guild, and if you were to handle such trivial tasks directly…."

"It would be convenient, wouldn't it? For all of you?"

"Some dignity, please, just have some dignity."

He was putting on quite a show in front of a Hunter he'd just met.

'We're one of the top 3 guilds in South Korea, and he's making our image look so cheap.'

Hunter Cha Ara was completely frozen, unable to process the unfolding situation.

It seemed she had decided to become a wisp of air rather than accept this situation, but Bisabeol was not one to leave such a delectable prey alone.

"Very well. You said you were Hunter Cha, correct? What is your full name?"

"Cha, Ara… It's Cha Ara… Please save me…."

"Oh, my. You're so scared! No one is going to kill you, Hunter!"

Written all over his face was the thought, 'Why would I kill such an interesting subject?'

His eyes were not those of a human but of a spectator who had seen a wondrous relic or a meaningful movie.

It seemed Yu Seong-un wasn't the only one who noticed, as Cha Ara slowly began to hide behind him.

'…She was wary of me too at first, but she must have thought I was safer than that human. Should I call this wise….'

Yu Seong-un hid her out of pity. Not that it would help them avoid the situation where the Guild Master himself was holding the elevator button in his own building.

"...."

Now that it had come to this, it would be difficult to sneak this poor Hunter away.

"…We were heading to the interview room…."

"Shall we go together?"

"…Let's."

It seemed the only thing Yu Seong-un could do was to block him from the middle as much as possible.

Jio, your big bro tried his best.

***

Bisabeol was excited.

"Now then, Hunter Cha Ara."

"Yesyesyes."

"Would you mind telling me what you experienced?"

"I, just, nothing…."

"We are not trying to question you about a crime, Hunter Cha Ara."

This was a very surprising event.

"I am simply in awe."

My goodness, a Source embracing a human? And a weak F-Class one at that.

'Unlike Curator Yu Seong-un's words that he prefers the appearance of overweight humans, Hunter Cha Ara is on the thin side. No, was she perhaps a choice for fattening up? She's a porter with nothing much special about her except for a rather innocent look, so maybe that simple side of her caught Jio's interest.'

Bisabeol's yellow eyes gleamed.

'As I thought, he needed an innocent little lamb, not a sinner. Considering Jio's pure disposition, there would have been no need to offer pure blood as one would to traditional evil gods, but if we had offered a good and young human from the start, we might have gotten a more definitive response….'

Bisabeol recalled Yu Seong-un, who had given his report after the meeting with the portrait and the tour.

He had been a little disappointed that Jio's first human society experience had ended so ordinarily, but this bait of visiting an Earth dungeon seemed to have been astonishingly successful.

'Is it because he is a Source that he moves more actively in a dungeon? Jio held an impartial goodwill towards the human race itself, so it might be inevitable that he becomes more active in places with fewer humans who are easily frightened by his stature. That in itself is a delightful story.'

Whatever the meaning, a portrait that dragged humans into its frame at will and then spat them out could only be sweet to a collector.

Bisabeol's smile deepened.

"You may explain how you came to be a painting beyond the frame, what happened inside… and for what reason you came to meet the monster in the black cape."

He was already looking forward to what kind of interesting story she would tell.

"You will do that, won't you?"

"…Yes, ye…."

"Thank you."

Bisabeol was so very curious as to what artistic miracle allowed this shabby Hunter to come out without dying.

-x-X-x-

After hearing the whole story, Yu Seong-un felt conflicted.

"...."

No, his stomach just plain hurt.

'…I never thought a Source would allow a human in. Has there ever been a case like this before?'

No matter how gentlemanly a being Jio was, he was still a creature born from the Source.

The closest comparison I could find was to speculate he was something like a 'Child of the Source,' but well, that didn't matter now.

The problem was that what Cha Ara had likely seen was….

"…A cabin in the woods, you say?"

…Because it was presumed to be 'The Garden,' a type of Source. That was probably the closest thing to it.

'…That's not a place just anyone can visit, because anyone unqualified who enters will die. It's not a place that can be called a normal dungeon in the first place.'

At Yu Seong-un's question, Hunter Cha Ara fidgeted with her fingers.

Then, with a rather defensive look, she nodded.

From what Yu Seong-un could tell, she seemed to have a rather sensitive and prickly personality, but she was even more withdrawn than that, which gave him an idea of how she was usually treated.

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

"I see."

Yu Seong-un massaged the back of his neck.

'This is a headache.'

He heard that the air changed according to Jio's mood.

Hunter Cha Ara didn't seem to have thought that far, but even among humanoid monsters, there weren't many boss monsters that were that synchronized with their dungeon.

'To that extent, the monster and the dungeon would have to be treated as one body.'

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

'And not just any dungeon, but The Garden… does this story even make sense?'

To Yu Seong-un, who knew what terrible things happened when an unqualified person entered 'The Garden,' it felt like a nonsensical and malicious lie.

'No matter how much Jio permitted it, it's not a merciful enough space for a fragile F-class Hunter to come out alive with just that.'

If what this person saw was truly The Garden, then even if Jio was a different type of Gardener, he would not have been able to protect Cha Ara.

A mere Gardener didn't have that kind of authority.

It was like a kimbap that had entered a human's mouth coming out on its own by punching a hole in the solar plexus without being digested.

It was impossible, and because of that, it became difficult for Yu Seong-un to define the current situation.

"...."

If that's the case, then Jio, truly….

"…Thank you for answering so sincerely when you must have been flustered by the sudden situation."

Fortunately, Bisabeol was only grinning and not interrupting, which made it easier for Yu Seong-un to control the flow.

Yu Seong-un continued, intending to wrap up this session and let her rest.

"It seems like we've been the only ones asking questions, so if you have any, you may ask."

"…Is it really okay to ask?"

"...."

She was sharp somewhere, a person with very high walls.

It seemed she knew how to test the waters before she leaped, but even so, it couldn't hide this young Hunter's sensitivity.

I didn't know what kind of social skills she used to survive, but her personality itself didn't seem to be on the gentle side.

'And he managed to melt such a person down to the point of feeding her a meal.'

I hadn't thought about it because so many people said he was scary, but perhaps Jio had the ability to break down a person's guard.

Pushing that speculation to a corner of his mind, Yu Seong-un slowly nodded his head to reassure her as much as possible.

She was a valuable witness in the history of the Earth, so it was right to be as considerate as possible.

"Of course, you may."

Seeing that it would be better for him to start explaining first, Yu Seong-un immediately continued.

"What you have met, Hunter Cha Ara, is a work designated as 'Jio's Portrait.'"

"…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, it might be better for you to think of it as a humanoid monster."

"That actually makes it harder to understand…."

"You can understand it as a monster with a low level of hatred towards the Earth compared to other monsters."

In truth, I saw it as 'something' of a much higher class, but I couldn't tell this Hunter I'd just met that much.

Her lips didn't seem loose, but there were all sorts of variables in the world.

"The work named 'Jio's Portrait' has a self that is defined as 'Jio.' It can move through picture frames, as you said you saw on that snowy dawn, and can even come out of the painting to act."

"…That… so…."

"Because it takes a very friendly attitude towards humans and there is no way to stop it from painting and moving beyond the frame, the Collectors are leaving it be as a form of persuasion."

"What, no, pardon?"

Cha Ara flinched.

"How can you just leave such a dangerous person alone…! Y-You said it's a work, so isn't it stored in the Collectors' gallery? C-Can't you confine it somehow?"

"...."

Yu Seong-un felt a question arise.

'…Did she just say person?'

That wasn't a word that could be easily said after feeling the overwhelming pressure of that black portrait. It was a strange thing.

'Even though she's saying it's a work and asking to lock it up, it means she perceives Jio as a person. This is certainly unique. If Hunter Cha Ara herself isn't special, could it be Jio's ability?'

Thinking that, Yu Seong-un spoke with his characteristic placid smile.

"In Korea, there are exactly two places that store dangerous items like 'Jio's Portrait.'"

"…Ah, there are other places besides the Collectors' gallery…?"

"It is not well-known, but the Association's research institute is one such place. It's a place with far more robust security than the Collectors' gallery."

"Then why wasn't it sent there…."

"The Guild Master had a strong opinion. The ownership of 'Jio's Portrait' belongs to Guild Master Bisabeol, the successful bidder of the auction."

The Guild Master's opinion that his ownership and viewing time were more important than people dying from a dangerous work.

Cha Ara seemed to be at a loss for words at that brazen answer.

Perhaps she understood the harsh world and her own circumstances, where she couldn't protest despite the work's danger.

Seeing her quiet down a bit, Yu Seong-un continued.

"Our guild will provide compensation for the inconvenience you have experienced because of this, Hunter Cha Ara."

"…You want me to take that and shut up?"

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

"...."

"If you haven't thought of anything yet, you may ask other questions in the remaining time. You must have been very flustered by this situation as well, Hunter Cha Ara."

After hesitating and glancing around, Hunter Cha Ara soon opened her mouth.

"Th-That… person…? Anyway, that thing, it's not human, right?"

"As I said before, you can think of it as a humanoid monster you can communicate with. That doesn't mean it's really a monster, but I can at least confirm that it is not human."

Bisabeol added his words.

"You can think of it as a god who enjoys amusement. We don't know its exact identity, but its class doesn't seem to be lower than the gods that priests serve."

"Guild Master, I believe spreading uncertain information to a Hunter you've just met could become a great source of anxiety."

"But wouldn't that be easier to understand? A humanoid monster you can talk to isn't a very relatable term for a Hunter. On the other hand, eccentric gods who enjoy amusement are not unheard of."

At Bisabeol's words, Cha Ara muttered with a sour expression.

"It cooked, though…?"

"...."

"Are there… gods that cook…?"

At that unconfident mumble, Bisabeol burst out laughing without a sound, and Yu Seong-un barely held back a sigh.

Seriously, Jio, are you a grandma?

'Even if he likes fat humans, why is he so obsessed with feeding people the moment he sees them?'

It wasn't information he couldn't answer, so he obediently nodded his head.

"…Yes, that is one of the habits 'Jio's Portrait' exhibits. Many people in our guild have already received gifts from Jio. They were things like cookies, chocolates, and candies…."

When Yu Seong-un glanced at Bisabeol, he, with a hint of a smile still on his face, nodded his head.

With that permission, Yu Seong-un continued speaking comfortably.

"In my case, as I am in charge of managing 'Jio's Portrait,' I have also received dishes like fruit tea or sausages as gifts. The tea that Jio served you in the cabin was probably that. I think the type of food might change depending on the level of favorability or the relationship Jio feels with the other party, or his personal judgment."

"Ah… Aah…."

"However… a question has arisen, for a moment."

Yu Seong-un asked Cha Ara.

"By any chance, before your meal at the cabin, did you give anything to Jio?"

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

"It doesn't have to be anything special. Did you not give Jio even something like a pebble? Or, did it seem like Jio felt some kind of strong emotion towards you, Hunter Cha Ara."

"...."

Cha Ara, with a face that said 'Why on earth are you asking this,' was confused between annoyance and bewilderment, but then, perhaps judging that this wasn't a useless question just to harass her, she soon fell into thought.

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

"…I don't think so, no matter how much I think about it… Even for something like emotions, not at all…."

"Is that so? And Jio didn't make any remarks about considering you a friend, Hunter Cha Ara?"

"He did say in the 'Water Vein of Jewels' that he came looking for a friend, but, uh, um, no. He said I was too young and weak to be his friend."

"Aha."

That was a strange standard.

'…The fact that he thinks someone around 18 is young is certainly Jio's unique standard, but anyway, did he think it would be hard for an 18-year-old and a 29-year-old to become friends? I'm not sure if he was worried the other person would be crushed by his stature or if it was a conclusion based on a general human perspective….'

Yu Seong-un nodded his head.

"It certainly seems you received nothing."

"I-Is that not allowed?"

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

One of Jio's rules was a 1:1 trade.

"When 'Jio's Portrait' interacted with humans, if it received something, it gave something in return, and if it gave something, it sought to receive something. The same was true even if it wasn't something material. Jio always gave a gift of apology to people he thought he had startled."

"Ah, aaah…!"

"...?"

"A gift of apology!!"

Cha Ara rummaged through her pockets as if she knew something.

"Th-That…! The thing I received on the snowy day, when I saw him then, the gift…!!"

"Please calm down and speak slowly."

"Thaaaaat…."

After taking a long breath, Cha Ara finally pulled a jet-black gem from her pocket.

"I-I received something like this. I found it when I fell down in surprise."

"...."

"I had forgotten about it for a moment, and I wasn't sure if it was really from Mr. Jio… so I couldn't say anything…."

"…May I take a look for a moment?"

"Ah, yes."

"Hmm…."

Yu Seong-un, wearing a glove, lifted the gem and observed it up close.

"...."

A crystal structure that faintly rippled like a liquid.

But a hard mineral.

"…Jio did give you this."

"R-Really?"

"Yes, only Jio creates gems like this."

As far as I've found out until now.

"If you are alright with it, would it be okay for our Collectors to purchase this gem?"

"What? This?"

"Because it has a crystal structure that does not exist on Earth, numerous rumors will circulate even if you put it up for auction. In the worst-case scenario, you and your family could also be harmed, Hunter Cha Ara."

"Uh…."

"It would be better for us, who manage 'Jio's Portrait,' to keep it."

Having said that, Yu Seong-un shrugged his shoulders.

"I am not forcing you."

"You are totally forcing me… threatening me by bringing up my family…."

"I have merely stated the reality, and the choice is yours, Hunter Cha Ara."

"Ugh…."

"I am not saying I will purchase it right away. That is, if you, Hunter Cha Ara, will allow for minimal protective measures."

"Protective measures? You mean surveillance?"

"We cannot just leave an unknown gift given by none other than 'Jio's Portrait' unattended."

"But…."

"As I said before, I am not demanding it right away. We, too, feel a great burden in forcibly taking a gift given by 'Jio's Portrait.'"

It was not the Collectors' way to purchase something as if snatching it away when the other party hadn't even grasped the situation yet and he had no intention of acting like a thug towards a young Hunter who seemed inexperienced in trading or auctions.

"You can contact us when you are certain."

"…You're not taking it?"

"The crystal structure itself is unique, but it's a gem that has no value on its own, unless it's for research data."

It might not be on the level of the Association's research institute, but the Collectors also had a separate team that could research new works or fragments of works.

Jio's gem had already been confirmed by him to have 'no particular function,' and its safety had been secured through various experiments.

'Still, we can't be completely at ease… but it's not a dangerous or valuable enough item to warrant roughing up an already frightened young Hunter to take it away.'

It was also Bisabeol's opinion that if you died from a work's favor, it was a natural death. As his subordinate and a Gardener, Yu Seong-un had no reason not to follow that direction.

Yu Seong-un continued his explanation.

"Most gems are highly valued simply because they are beautiful, and the Collectors also frequently purchase gems that are merely beautiful, but that should not be a problem."

"What on earth do you mean…?"

"I meant that there will be no problem just by possessing the gem. If you hide it well so that other Hunters do not notice, they will not know that the gem is special without looking at it up close. If you plan to use it for ordinary ornamental purposes, I would recommend not selling it."

She could get it stolen and suffer a mishap, or be seriously injured by a risk factor that even the Collectors hadn't identified, but in that regard, there would be protective measures at the guild level.

'We also need to prevent the world from becoming overly noisy with Jio's existence beforehand.'

To reassure her, Yu Seong-un took out a red gem.

"I, too, have received a gem from 'Jio's Portrait' as a token of thanks."

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

It was still transparent and beautiful without any special measures being taken.

"We have had it inspected as precisely as possible at the Collectors' level, but it is harmless, no different from an ordinary gem on Earth, and it doesn't break or scratch easily. Aside from being excessively hard, there's nothing wrong with it."

"Ah…."

"I personally also recommend keeping it for ornamental purposes, but a detailed study on 'Jio's Portrait' has not yet been conducted. We do not know when or what harm the gem might cause, so if you wish to make a transaction, you may contact us then."

At that, Bisabeol suddenly became sullen. It was a truly detestable reaction.

"You're not selling it now…?"

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

"I… I don't have one… I don't have a gem from Jio… 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 for the kind Jio to even be reluctant to talk to him.

'There's no way Bisabeol would be a good match for a guy who likes quiet things. He's not a bad person, but he can't be called a good person either…. He's harmless to work, but as a fellow human, he's truly a harmful person.'

He barely suppressed a sigh since there was an outsider present.

No matter how much the Collectors projected an image of a free atmosphere, there was nothing to be gained by showing an employee talking down to the Guild Master.

"Besides, we must also ask Jio for his opinion on whether it is okay to sell a gem like this, received as a gift, to our guild. Monsters are strict about their rules."

"…Th-That's… true…."

"Apart from that, there shouldn't be any problems for the time being, so it would be best to keep it for ornamental purposes. If you feel uncomfortable, you may sell it now."

He didn't want to see Bisabeol jump for joy, nor did he want it to fall into other people's hands and cause a stir in the academic world.

As long as no unexpected situations arose, it wasn't so bad for an individual to own it.

'Of course, it would be safest for the Collectors to store it unofficially.'

Cha Ara was a rare Hunter who had come out after receiving the full favor of 'Jio's Portrait.'

She was the only person who had not just received a simple gift like cookies or fruit cheong, but had even eaten a meal personally prepared by Jio.

'It would be a shame to earn the enmity of such a person. She's a person who is fundamentally disposed to be wary of others… let's not make her uncomfortable.'

As a Gardener, he was also curious about what effect Jio's gem would have on an F-class Hunter. Yu Seong-un continued.

"Our Collectors do not yet know much about 'Jio's Portrait.' However, since you have received Jio's favor, you, Hunter Cha Ara, may one day encounter 'Jio's Portrait' again."

"...."

"Therefore, I will tell you what needs to be shared."

It would be troublesome if Hunter Cha Ara were to somehow incur the portrait's wrath.

"As I said before, Jio prefers a 1:1 trade. Listening to your story, Hunter Cha Ara, it seems to be a rule that only applies when the frame is in between. You said there was no problem even though you gave Jio nothing when you ate inside the painting."

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

"If you happen to encounter 'Jio's Portrait' again, a conversation should be no problem. However, if you give something to Jio, or receive something, you should be mentally prepared for a corresponding price."

"Uh, uh uh, how? What kind of price do I have to give?"

"We have confirmed that up to 10 bungeoppang is not a problem as a price."

"...."

How humble.

Cha Ara made a strange expression, as if she had seen a talking panda.

It seemed she thought he accepted something remarkably ordinary for the class he possessed, and Yu Seong-un agreed with that a hundred times over.

"We have also confirmed that telling Jio personal information such as your name is not a problem. Several of our Collectors' staff have exchanged names with the portrait, but no unilateral contract was made."

"…That's a relief."

"And…."

Yu Seong-un suddenly felt a wave of fatigue and held back a sigh.

"...."

Whether the outcome was good or bad, a Source being favorable to a human was, as expected, mentally draining.

I probably won't meet a being like this again in my lifetime.

***

"...."

1. The name of the man in the black cape is Jio.

2. Jio is a dawn shift employee. Do not ask for his identity.

3. If Jio wants to exchange names, tell him your name. There will be no problem.

4. No matter what kind of conversation Jio starts, answer kindly and politely. If the conversation is successful, you will receive a gift from Jio.

5. Rule 4 is an exaggeration and does not need to be strictly followed.

6. Ignore rule 5. Let's always be polite employees to our clients and colleagues.

7. You can give a gift to Jio. In this case, you must receive a gift in return from Jio.

8. If you see an unfamiliar picture frame inside the building, ignore it. It is an experimental installation by the dawn shift and will be removed before daybreak. Do not touch or scratch the work.

9. Bad people cannot go in front of the portrait on the 5th basement floor. Be especially careful not to visit the front of the portrait at dawn.

"What… is this?"

"These are the rules compiled personally by our Guild Master."

"Is it really okay for me to be seeing this?"

"Actually, maybe not…."

Yu Seong-un was suffering from extreme fatigue.

"But the Guild Master himself told me to show it to you, so it doesn't matter."

"Are you sure it doesn't matter…. You've just given up, haven't you…. Is it okay for a conglomerate to operate so sloppily? The management of the work and everything seems strange."

"These are rules made to be distributed to our employees, so please take into account the terminology and check them accordingly."

"O-Okay…."

After looking over the rules, Cha Ara tilted her head and asked.

"Um, but, what's with rules 4 and 5 here? It looks like it was written by two different people. It's not a ghost story, is it?"

"Ah, that's because Jio, who happened to see the rules compiled by the Guild Master, added that part himself…."

"Is it okay to let a monster fix the rules himself? No, in the first place, why was this left as is?"

"The Guild Master said it was amusing and to leave it as is."

"...."

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

Seeing the face of an employee worn out by fatigue, Cha Ara carefully nodded her head.

"Y-Yes, please…."

So, just because it's a conglomerate doesn't mean it's all good.

It was a moment of realization.

-x-X-x-

Meanwhile, the employees of the Collectors who received the same official notice as Cha Ara were very flustered.

"...?"

"What is this?"

"Did the Guild Master play a prank or something…?"

"He's not one to joke around with official notices."

It was true that Bisabeol played pranks with high frequency, but surprisingly, he was a person who was clear about public and private matters.

Bisabeol, who always maintained a gentlemanly attitude unless it was a problem related to his collecting obsession, would not play a prank on an official notice.

"Is it like a ghost story?"

"This is about the Black Cape, right?"

The employees fell into confusion.

"So is 'Jio' a person or a ghost…."