Velvet & Read (3)
Velvet & Read (3)
March 23rd.
The desire to eat food is always there.
Picking up food with your hands or utensils, putting it in your mouth.
Chewing it thoroughly with your teeth, breaking it down into small pieces, then swallowing it down your throat.
For any living creature, it's a simple and obvious method of consumption.
Since it's such a universal method, I too wanted to eat like humans do the same way.
I begged for food even while getting scolded by Kang Tae-jun and Lee Da-eun.
And I pour it over my head.
Did I taste anything? No.
I didn't feel a thing.
Where a head should be, there is no head.
Only a blue flame flickers there, and of course, there's no tongue.
Without a tongue, there are no taste buds, and flames don't have such cells either.
So for me and other Object Heads, the phrase "eating food" is about as meaningful as chewing food with your elbow.
That doesn't mean I think my way is right and your way is wrong, with no respect for others.
We too have the desire to chew food and swallow it down our throats.
A flavor unknown.
An action never performed.
I've never experienced it, but my heart simply tells me.
I want to eat too.
This longing wasn't unique to me alone.
"Here— take this."
A wine bottle handed over by Wine Glass Head.
On the elegant label, an unfamiliar building is depicted.
From the feel of it, it looked like an extremely rare and expensive wine.
"We couldn't become colleagues— but this is a gift for future interactions—."
"Chijik— We—— can't drink it."
What's the point of a gift if we can't even drink the wine?
The same goes for running the bar.
They operate a bar and sell alcohol even though they don't run the establishment for humans.
It was a store built on perfect contradiction.
Even when I asked questions that struck at her core, Wine Glass Head showed no sign of being flustered.
Instead, she crossed her arms with elegance and explained.
"We don't— drink it."
"Chijik- Th——en?"
"We— savor the aroma."
Wine Glass Head picks up a glass and makes a motion of smelling the fragrance.
Every gesture, movement, and posture.
Everything is the epitome of elegance.
It couldn't be more graceful than that.
"We don't have throats— but we have vision, we have hearing, and we have a sense of smell, don't we?"
That's right.
I don't have a head, but I can see the wine, hear voices, and smell the aroma.
Even if the structure isn't the same as humans—where sensations are transmitted to the brain through physical organs—the senses still exist, just in a different way.
"So— instead of eating, we smell it. We savor the aroma— and enjoy it— like humans do with consumption."
It was a method I'd never even thought of.
If you can't eat it, then smell it.
This is the most impactful gift I've received from coming to this bar today.
"Chijik- So that's how it is——."
"I picked— a wine with a good aroma. Take it— and think of me often."
"Chijik- Thank you——."
At the words of gratitude, the wine in Wine Glass Head's head flushed a vivid red.
As a thick wine aroma emanated from her, Kang Tae-jun pulled out a gas mask.
"Watch your damn head. Us humans get drunk just from smelling that scent."
"I have no— intention of accommodating humans. Avoid it yourself—."
"Ha! What a bitch."
Stepping back, Kang Tae-jun led his team up the entrance stairs.
I was about to follow when Wine Glass Head tugged at my sleeve.
"Wait—. I have more to tell you—."
Even though we'd opened a channel for interaction from a hostile relationship.
I never expected her to give away so much and share information like this.
Even if I can't trust them, they're a very helpful group.
I still don't like them, but I need to maintain this interaction.
"You know— your information has spread on the internet, right?"
That's right.
I'd forgotten while staying at the Management Bureau, but my photos are still circulating online.
Even if the YouTube video was deleted, the footage had already spread across every community, so it keeps getting reposted whenever anyone feels like it.
Though I heard there's a lot of debate about whether it's fake or not.
Even after the YouTuber admitted it was staged, the overly realistic footage and some eyewitness accounts have kept the topic from dying down easily.
"From now on— you'll become a recruitment target for every Object Head out there."
She said it so casually that I almost gave a lighthearted reply.
"Chijik- Me——?"
"Yeah—. Your existence is special—. Any faction with half a brain— will swarm to take you."
"Chijik- I'm— not going anywhere——."
"I know—. That's why I got rejected too, right—?"
Still seeming regretful, she shrugged her shoulders and tapped the floor with her high heels.
But she doesn't seem to have given up.
She even declared she'd try to recruit me whenever she got the chance in the future.
"But— you shouldn't think everyone— will be as gentle as me."
"Chijik- What do you mean——?"
"Exactly what I said—. They— don't understand reason. If they can claim you— they'll take you even if it means breaking you apart."
Come to think of it, Wine Glass Head had also said at first that she'd take me even if she had to break me.
I guess it's a trait unique to Object Heads.
"So— you need to get stronger."
"......."
"Get so strong— that no one can claim you carelessly. I'll— help you too."
Then she held up one finger.
"From now on— I'll inform you— about the movements of Object Head organizations."
"Chijik- Thank you——."
I mean it.
If she's going to help me this actively, I'm ready to let the tangled history between us untangle a little.
"And— if you want, I'll tell you— the locations of anomalies hiding in the city."
Even the locations of anomalies?
No, how does she even know about anomalies that the Management Bureau doesn't?
"You're not— the only one who can see anomalies. We— can too."
"Chijik- And you knew that— and just left them alone?"
"Well, what would we do—? We can't devour them like you. Even if those anomalies harm people— it's none of our concern."
I almost forgot.
After all, she too is an anomaly.
"Chijik- Still— thank you. But—— why are you helping me so much?"
"It's an investment—."
Wine Glass Head straightens my tie and collar.
In her touch, I could feel a clear affection.
"I believe— that the Management Bureau will abandon you someday. So I'm investing— so that you can come to me whenever you want."
"Chijik- That won't happen——."
I left the bar.
The moment the door closed, the space inside the bar transformed back into a closed-down establishment.
The spatial abilities of anomalies sure are convenient. They can easily evade the Management Bureau's eyes, can't they?
I wonder if I'll ever be able to use that ability someday.
Kang Tae-jun, who had been waiting outside, loosened his shoulders and spoke.
"Blue Head. I'm telling you this just in case, but don't get the wrong idea and think this is some kind of alliance or anything."
He slung his gun behind his back and stood beside me.
Taking a cigarette out of his pocket, he put it in his mouth and patted his pockets as if looking for a lighter.
"These anomalies formed a cooperation with you, but they're still hostile toward us at the Management Bureau."
"......."
"Still, for your sake, I'm letting this slide. I'll get chewed out by the Council, but since this involves you, they'll probably let it pass."
I brought my fingers up and pinched the tip of Kang Tae-jun's cigarette.
Whrrr.
A small blue flame flickered to life, and the cigarette caught fire.
Just like with food, I don't really know what this cigarette tastes like.
It has a slightly acrid and unpleasant smell, but to the person smoking it, it seems to be treated like a snack.
He really puts it in his mouth at every opportunity, so.
"...Convenient lighter you've got there."
"Team Leader Kang! How should I write this report?"
"Uh... just handle it however. I'm going to get dragged in and chewed out anyway, it's already set in stone."
White smoke flowed from Kang Tae-jun's mouth, covered in stubble, and dispersed into the air.
Just as we were having a brief cloud-snack moment.
Seo Young-eun hurried over and stood in front of me.
"Blue Flame."
What reason does she have to call me this time?
Before, she wouldn't even give me a glance and treated me like a mere entity, but since some point, her interest in me has grown tremendously.
"Do you know what our doctors' greatest desire is?"
"......?"
"Exploration. We are people with an earnest desire to explore the unknown and pioneer that unknown territory."
I'm not really sure what she's trying to say.
Kang Tae-jun seems just as puzzled, looking at me with a bewildered expression.
If I had a face, I'd probably have the exact same expression as Kang Tae-jun.
"I know honestly that they won't accept this over there. But as a doctor, I want to ask a favor."
Seo Young-eun pointed toward the bar behind us.
Right now, with its doors closed, it's just a closed-down bar, but Seo Young-eun was clearly pointing at the anomaly world's bar.
"Help me analyze the Object Heads in there."
That's a proposal they're very unlikely to agree to.
Would that prickly Wine Glass Head really allow her own body to be analyzed?
Object Heads fundamentally hate it when someone intrudes upon their territory.
A prime example was the incident with those YouTubers who trespassed on the mountain where I used to live. I drove them away.
Though in the end, I was the one forced to flee.
"This is an opportunity. Even if the process wasn't smooth, individuals capable of interaction like this are rarer than you, next to yourself."
It probably isn't just for the sake of research.
There's also the purpose of benefiting humanity, of course.
But preparation is the biggest factor.
Newcomers might think simply, but anyone with some experience would agree.
In the face of anomalies, humans die in the blink of an eye.
So to avoid dying, one must be obsessive about analyzing anomalies.
So that we can respond at any time, anywhere.
"Keep interacting with her. No, I mean it differently—I'll provide you with conveniences, so you can convince those anomalies to move to our facility..."
"Dr. Seo. That request is far too idealistic."
Thankfully, Kang Tae-jun, having sensed my discomfort, stepped in to mediate.
"We may be interacting, but we're not allies. They're still a threat. It's only because of Blue Head that we've gotten this far."
"Then the analysis..."
"You know there's no way they'll allow that, don't you?"
Seo Young-eun's expression turned deeply sullen.
I understand her feelings.
Opportunities like this are practically nonexistent.
"Don't be too hasty. Let's first find a way to solidify this current interaction more firmly."
"...I understand."
Seo Young-eun turned away, looking dejected.
Kang Tae-jun then dusted off his hands and tapped my shoulder.
"Let's get going. You've got a lot to do from now on."
Kang Tae-jun turned on his phone and checked the scheduled itinerary.
"The transferred Blade Head will be arriving at the facility soon. And we're scheduling a date for you to consume a Yellow-grade anomaly. We're looking for a suitable one— Hmm, I hope the Council gives us something decent."
Seo Young-eun, who had been boarding the bus, turned back.
She met my eyes for a brief moment, then sat down in her seat.
She seemed to have something to say, but didn't bring it up definitively.
※※※
"Chijik— It seems you— have taken a liking to him."
At Shaker Head's words, Wine Glass Head, who had been slumped diagonally against the counter, lifted her head slightly.
The wine in her head sloshed weakly.
"I do like him—. When I think about his future."
"Chijik- But—— that future is just speculation, isn't it—?"
Shaker Head handed her a glass of wine.
A fragrant scent wafted up, tickling her sense of smell.
"Speculation or not—. He's already shown us his potential."
He displayed confidence even when facing four opponents without backing down.
The flame that flickered within him was no ordinary flame.
His declaration that he could kill all four at once wasn't arrogant bluster.
"Maybe the Pocket Watch's words— are right. He might really become— the one to illuminate the path for all Object Heads."
Then, exuding a sweet wine aroma, the color of her wine flushed red.
"I should have snatched him up earlier—. I couldn't think of it at first because I was suspicious—."
"Chijik- Who would have known— he could take down a crazy doctor and hospital anomaly all by himself."
"If I had known the Management Bureau— would approach him that quickly— I would have been waiting."
"Chijik- Still— it's fortunate that contact was made now——. Will you— continue the interaction?"
Interaction? Of course.
I've already made a promise, and this interaction is essentially an investment for the future.
If the Blue Flame becomes the being that leads all Object Heads in the future, as the Pocket Watch said.
Then by his side, it will be me standing there.
The queen guarding the king's side.
Doesn't it suit me?
"Heheh— heheheh—."
The reckless assault on the vehicle was worth it.
Even if we didn't end up on good terms, I would never have been able to meet him without that timing.
Still, what worries me a bit is his human side.
"Why— does he care more about humans?"
Why does he care more about humans than his own kind?
Why does he wish to be human when he isn't one?
Has he not looked in a mirror yet? Does he believe he's human?
No, that can't be it.
"The Pocket Watch— must have been watching him from the start. There's no way— he didn't know about his human side."
"Chijik- It seems to be— too closely tied to that human, Kang Tae-jun——."
Kang Tae-jun.
From a human perspective, a large-framed middle-aged man.
With a rough impression and prickly stubble, but his eyes were strong and steadfast.
Especially the beneficial aura emanating from him.
His presence serves as the benchmark for the Blue Flame's trust in humans.
"Maybe it's because of that human that the Blue Flame doesn't look my way—. Maybe I should just kill that human secretly—...!"
"Chijik- Stop that, Wine Glass. You'll— end up in an irreparable relationship."
A fair point.
As expected, Shaker is the intelligent one.
If only he had combat capabilities to match, it would be perfect, but it's a shame he lacks that power.
"Then— do I have to maintain this relationship with the Management Bureau too—? I hate it—."
"Chijik- Even if we're hostile— maintaining this relationship for now—— will benefit us as well."
Shaker Head, who had been wiping a wine glass, put it down, dried his hands on a towel, and came out from behind the counter.
"Chijik- Even if we can't trust them— they are still the Management Bureau. Their intelligence network and the secrets they hide—— are beyond imagination."
"That's true—. Especially those Council bastards. They've— often kept secrets from the Management Bureau— and shared them only among themselves—."
Lifting the wine to her head, she poured the contents over herself.
It might look a bit grotesque or ridiculous, but for her, it's an act of replenishing combat wine.
Even if it looks like this from the outside, for her, it's a sacred act of inspecting her weapon and preparing ammunition.
But she doesn't want to show the Blue Flame this side of her.
"Come to think of it— I trust the Council even less than the Management Bureau—."
"Chijik- It's possible— the Council might even have—— information on Object Heads."
"...The only one— approaching the origin of us Object Heads is the Pocket Watch—. But those Council bastards— are also digging into our origins. Who are they to— interfere in our business?"
The Council's obsessive thirst for information, seeking to uncover all the world's secrets, has even extended its reach to the origins of Object Heads.
Although no such information exists within the Management Bureau, Wine Glass Head knows it, albeit vaguely.
How ancient the Management Bureau, and especially the Council, truly is.
And how many countless secrets and pieces of information, unrecognizable by human standards, they have hidden.
The Council is an existence more anomalous than the anomalies themselves.
"Isn't there a way— to pull the Blue Flame out of the Council's clutches?"
Ding-a-ling—
The bar door opened, and someone entered.
Smaller in build than humans, but from an Object Head's perspective, the size of a young child.
A young Object Head wearing suspenders entered politely.
"Wine Glass—."
A young, clear, and bright voice came from a speaker they carried separately.
But the tone was a bit blunt and calm.
The fact that there was hardly any static was particularly unique.
"News—."
The young Object Head approached him.
Floating above his neck was a neatly folded envelope.
"Welcome, Letter—."
Letter Head, responsible for communication between Object Heads.
Thanks to him, some Object Head organizations can exchange information and maintain interaction with each other.
He pulled a single letter from his mail carrier bag and handed it over.
"Who sent it—?"
"The Pocket Watch—."
"So he uses you too—. Let's see what he sent."
She opened the letter, sealed with wax in this day and age, and read its contents.
Inside were several photographs.
Her cheerful voice cut off abruptly.
Letter Head spoke.
"Be careful—. The movement isn't just in Korea— it's spreading worldwide—."
"Isn't the Blue Flame video— still only a hot topic in Korea?"
"Someone is— intentionally releasing information."
"...Damn Pocket Watch—. Would it kill you to consult me first before releasing things?"
Instantly grasping the situation, Wine Glass Head spread the photos across the counter.
An Object Head with a lever for a head, dressed in a conductor's uniform.
A dozen or so Object Heads with katanas balanced on their heads.
And several other groups of Object Heads that had been captured on film.
And one photo that demanded the most attention.
"Not everyone here— can be trusted."
"Chijik- Lady Wine Glass. This man——."
"He's the biggest troublemaker of all—. You must never get involved with this one."
What appeared to be an underground space.
A space lit up with all kinds of lights like a club, filled with countless Object Heads gathered together.
Especially the being captured at the center of the frame.
An Object Head with a television for a head.
"Letter—. Do you have time?"
"Yes—. Wine Glass."
"Take these photos— and go to the Management Bureau— to deliver them to the Blue Flame. Tell him— to be most careful of the Television among these."
"Ehh—? I don't want to."
"......?"
"You're telling me to go into the Management Bureau—? You're not saying I should get myself contained and analyzed, are you?"
"......Ah——."
She realized that to continue interacting with the Blue Flame, re-establishing relations with the Management Bureau was the priority.