Chapter 208
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 208
The scars of war were being erased, one by one.
"Are you alright?"
Seong-un wasn’t even sure if the Origin possessed a physical body, but given the circumstances, physical or mental issues could have easily arisen.
"Does anything hurt?"
"Yes, I am fine."
"Hmm… How about your mind?"
"That is fine as well."
The pale figure in the portrait, obscured by black paint, continued in a mechanical, blunt voice.
"Contrary to your concerns, I was able to sort things out in my own way."
"If you say so, then that’s a relief."
Although Gio had claimed forgiveness was not his to give, he had ultimately shown affection for the mermaids, calling them his ‘cherished disciples.’ Since the persona known as ‘Gio’ existed, he couldn’t be entirely devoid of a human heart, so Seong-un had been slightly worried.
…There’s something chilling about him in moments like this. Normally, when humans are in this situation, their grief lasts a long time when someone they care about dies, regardless of the sins that person committed…
He had moved on remarkably fast.
Is this reaction in the same vein as his tendency not to dwell on death?
Perhaps he was dry and detached not only toward his own death but also toward the deaths of others. That aloof attitude toward the beginning and end of relationships sent a quiet shiver down Yoo Seong-un’s spine.
I suppose that is only fitting for the Origin, the father of countless destinies. With that thought, Yoo Seong-un changed the subject.
"Right, well, that’s a relief, but…"
"Is there another problem?"
"It’s just… I really wish you wouldn’t go outside."
"Have my public activities been banned?"
"Well… it’s more of a personal wish," Yoo Seong-un laughed awkwardly. "It’s not like you’re the type to stay put just because we try to stop you."
"My, the trust between us is incredibly thin. Even so, if you ask me to stop, I won’t go. Knowing full well how much you worry, how could I dare?"
"Do you really think I’d believe that? You seem to have adapted to human society well enough to lie quite naturally now, but I’m absolutely not buying it. You are a free spirit—acknowledged by me, acknowledged by the heavens, and acknowledged by the universe."
"How marvelous. How did you know?"
"This isn’t quite how I wanted to find out we’d gotten this close. Anyway, my point is that I want to at least block any official activities under the name 'Hunter Seo Gio.'"
At Seong-un’s words, Gio tilted his head inside the frame.
"Is that a hope of yours?"
"I’m so glad you understood me perfectly."
The fact that Gio had no intention of restraining his precious steps almost brought tears to Seong-un’s eyes.
"I’ve mentally prepared myself. So, what is it you want to do now, our dear Portrait?"
"I didn’t particularly have anything in mind…"
"Nothing? Really? Can I actually believe you this time?"
"I am sorry, but something just came to mind."
"You’re driving me crazy."
Letting out a sigh that sounded like a laugh, Yoo Seong-un soon put on his signature smile—the polished, capitalistic smile he wore from time to time.
"In that case, what can I do to help you?"
"I can just do it myself."
"Whatever you do from now on, running it through me first is highly beneficial for the mental and physical health of all humanity. That’s why I’m literally begging you with my hands clasped right now."
"You are being quite firm. This is a rather different reaction than before. Have you grown in an unexpected direction? Seeing you like this makes me feel like I’m looking at Mr. Ju-hyeon."
"I learned from watching Ju-hyeon that it’s okay to push things this far."
"This is why humans who learn quickly are so…"
For the record, Ju-hyeon was not there. Yoo Seong-un had visited the gallery alone for the first time in a while to manage the artwork, as Ju-hyeon had fallen ill from the sheer mental anguish of worrying over the kidnapped Gio.
Gio had naturally tried to send him medicine, but Ju-hyeon had vehemently refused. Apparently, humans grow through pain. It wasn’t that Gio didn’t know this, but he respected his opinion nonetheless.
"At any rate, I am not planning to do anything grand."
"Like the Demon King Project?"
"I certainly have it in mind, but even I know that qualifies as something grand."
"Well, that’s a relief. So, what is it you really want to do? Seeing as you’re dragging this out, you must have something in mind…"
"I would like to see Healer Jeong Young-won."
"…Ah."
Yoo Seong-un understood.
"That’s fine, but don’t be too flustered if she suddenly starts crying."
"Doesn’t that sound like a situation where it would be impossible not to be flustered?"
And so, Gio’s destination was decided.
Resting was all well and good, but weren’t there things that had to be finished before one could truly relax?
* * *
The Garden was an existence so noble it defied comparison to mere divinity. To gaze upon its pure, brilliant form with human eyes was to understand what a profound grace it was. It resembled a vast universe, yet it was a living creature—and a glittering destiny.
How glorious it was to be able to harbor such a thing within one’s own body…
"……."
"Jeong Young-won."
"…Ah…."
"Would you like to speak with me?"
Her vision was a sea of dark red. She still couldn’t see, but an exceedingly merciful voice struck her mind with absolute clarity.
"…Mr. Seo Gio."
She groped with her hands, crawling forward like a lowly supplicant.
"Mr. Gio, ah, I… I…"
"I am right here in front of you."
"What should I call you so as not to be irreverent?"
Was it acceptable for a wretched human mouth to speak of this vast and beautiful mystery? Yes, the Flower Garden blooming such exquisite flowers to block her vision was surely a lesson in showing the utmost courtesy to the Origin.
"Lord Black Cloak? Lord Portrait? No, there must be a much deeper, more fitting definition for you…"
"You may call me Gio, Jeong Young-won."
"May I really dare to do so?"
"Of course. Are we not friends who have played games of chess together?"
"I am overjoyed that you would call this weak creature such a thing."
He was truly not far away.
"May I… kiss your feet…?"
"A friend would not do such a thing."
"It was an arrogant wish. I am deeply sorry for speaking of something so distasteful."
"I would prefer it if you spoke more comfortably."
"Yes, Mr. Gio. I will."
Groping with her hands, she felt the touch of a freezing-cold foot.
"…Did you like the flowers bloomed by the Flower Garden?"
Even without looking, the Gardener knew. Her room was undoubtedly filled with blooming flowers right now. Even the floor where Jeong Young-won crawled was covered in soft, noble blossoms, filling the air with a fragrance that ecstatically drenched her mind.
"Would my punished form be pleasing to your eyes…?"
It was a presumptuous concern. There was no way the Eye of the Origin would be upset by a mere human undergoing punishment. Yet, she was aware that her current appearance deviated greatly from that of a human. Since a precious guest had come to visit, she ought to present herself with proper form and etiquette, yet she was so foolish.
"If I could receive just a sliver of mercy, your hand… just once…"
"Would you like to shake hands with me?"
"Ah, thank you. You bestow your love so readily."
She felt the shape of a smooth, cold hand. It was like holding finely carved, smoothly sanded marble.
"It is a great honor…"
A stinging pain surged from her eyes, which were filled with deep emotion.
She felt warm blood trickling down her cheeks. The Flower Garden was rejoicing. Its petals bloomed with vibrant life, and the green leaves stretched toward the sky.
A soft, plush emotion, like that of a doll in a child’s room, filled Jeong Young-won from within.
"Oh dear, you are bleeding."
"I could not help but shed tears at the grace bestowed upon me by the Flower Garden."
"Flowers have bloomed from your eyes instead of tears, Jeong Young-won. They are beautiful, but you do not look comfortable. You seem to be in pain; am I mistaken?"
"How could you be mistaken? Whatever you see is correct. That is the truth, the rule."
"You see me as a god."
"I am sorry…"
"I understand you, Jeong Young-won. Since your world is dark and painful, it is only natural. Sensory confusion is truly exhausting for a person."
The cold hand slipped from Jeong Young-won’s grasp and gently swept over her eyes as if holding a bouquet.
"Therefore, I shall take these flowers."
In an instant, the pain stopped.
"They are truly beautiful flowers."
"……."
"They smell wonderful."
"…Thank you."
Her vision cleared.
"Thank you, Mr. Gio."
She saw the eye that held a deep, rich fragrance.
In the ecstatic room where even the light fixtures were covered in flowers, the giant eye wrapped in a black cloak was one with the darkness. All she could see was the pure flower that the Flower Garden must have bloomed through her, and the white hand holding it.
Yes, she could see his hand. She could also see the bare feet of the Origin, who had bent down to meet her gaze. She could not see the face smelling the fragrance of the flowers that had bloomed from her eyes. However, that eye was still gazing at Jeong Young-won.
"……."
How ecstatic.
"I…"
How could anything be this beautiful?
"Living within destiny… in the embrace of the Flower Garden, among the flowers…"
"I am listening."
"In the embrace of the merciful Flower Garden, I shall meet my lowly human end."
"I see. And after that?"
"I shall bloom as another flower, and hopefully, within the Origin…"
Within the brilliant destiny held in that eye.
"…I shall become one."
"You have grand ambitions."
"Thank you."
"Then, I believe it is time for you to sleep."
"Would you please put me to sleep?"
"If you do not mind, I shall do so."
"How could I possibly mind?"
How could she ever commit such an irreverent act?
"You are merciful."
"That is a grand expression of gratitude."
A large, pale hand approached, landing like a butterfly over her blood-drenched eyes.
Feeling her heartbeat and blood flow stabilize as if being coaxed and guided, and sensing the happiness of the Flower Garden steeped in tranquility, Jeong Young-won closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Her even breathing lingered in the flower-enveloped room.
"……."
And Gio…
"…Hmm."
…looked at the fast-asleep Jeong Young-won with deep pity.
Mr. Yoo Seong-un told me not to be too surprised if Jeong Young-won cried.
But it wasn’t just tears; it was tears of blood, which had actually startled him quite a bit.
She is a very sick person, so I should be understanding.
It was only natural for a person’s judgment to be clouded when they were sick and suffering.
Above all, Giovanni was someone who had once been called the living Son of the Sun due to his unique divinity. For someone who had been praised just for breathing, this kind of treatment was something he had experienced his entire life, so there was no reason he couldn’t play along.
Indeed, when people are sick, they need someone to lean on.
He understood Jeong Young-won.
Gio quietly slipped out of her bedroom so as not to wake her. Even if he hadn’t, his body was so light that he wouldn’t have made a sound anyway.
* * *
"……."
"And that is how I went and treated Jeong Young-won."
"…I see!" asked Ju-hyeon, who was lying in his sickbed. "Does anyone else know that you treated Hunter Jeong Young-won?"
"For now, Mr. Yoo Seong-un knows."
"And?"
"You, Mr. Ju-hyeon…"
"And?"
"Jeong Young-won herself probably knows."
Ju-hyeon’s smile strained.
"So, inside the Eunwol Guild, where Hunter Jeong Young-won’s bedroom is located, they will find Hunter Jeong Young-won—who was overloaded for unknown reasons—suddenly cured and asleep, also for unknown reasons? Is that correct?"
"You mentioned that she usually doesn’t let anyone into her room when she’s in that state, so it should be fine. Even if she is discovered like that, it would only be by a coworker who is close to her. Don’t you think she’ll smooth things over well enough on her own?"
"I’m honestly speechless. It feels like you did this knowing exactly how it would play out from start to finish… I can’t say it was a bad thing to do, but it was incredibly bold and extraordinary."
He was almost dumbfounded.
"I know very well that even though you are a bit unusual and highly accomplished in many ways, Mr. Gio, you possess a heart no different from an ordinary human."
"That was quite a long preamble, but there’s no need for it—I am simply human. It’s just that you all get confused because I am more versatile than average."
"We can debate the truth of that later. Anyway, even taking that into account, you are well aware that your appearance and abilities are far from ordinary, right?"
"Well, that is true."
"And yet, you insist you are just an ordinary human and dismiss Jeong Young-won’s lengthy praise as the mere delusion of a sick person? At this point, you could stand to accept some of it."
"But I am not Jeong Young-won’s god, am I…?"
"……."
As Ju-hyeon stood speechless, Gio continued to press his argument.
"Above all, I am different from those gods with such grand and magnificent histories. If they are artisan patisserie cakes carrying a 300-year tradition, I am like a makeshift cake made by a college student stacking castella and whipped cream at home."
"…Ha…."
"Therefore, it is true that there was a slight issue with the target and manner of Jeong Young-won’s lengthy praise. It seems she reacted that way because she was in a lot of pain and having a hard time."
Unable to listen to such absurd nonsense any longer, Yoo Seong-un, who had been sitting quietly nearby, finally spoke up.
"Don’t you dare disparage my Portrait like that."
"I apologize, but it was not disparagement; it was simply self-objectification."
"Who said you could call that self-objectification?"
How dare this stubborn Portrait try to redefine Earth’s dictionary definitions? It was even more exasperating because Gio seemed to know he was being unreasonable and was just playing around. Seong-un felt a bit worked up.
"I wish you would be humble in a different way."
"I shall take that into consideration."
"You’re just going to 'consider' it again, aren’t you?"
"I am deeply pleased that we seem to have become so close."
Clutching his dizzy head at their banter, Ju-hyeon asked, "Why did you go to Hunter Jeong Young-won in the first place?"
"I visited her as a reward, as she seemed to have overexerted herself during this raid."
"I did hear that Jeong Young-won played a major role in this war."
Even for a wood-type Hunter, blooming life in a wasteland was impossible. Because of this, they usually carried seeds with them, but even taking that into account, forcibly manipulating life was a difficult task.
Yet, despite her position as a Healer, Hunter Jeong Young-won was someone who held a wood-type Hunter license. With her hood pulled low, she had stepped forward and succeeded in creating a flower garden in the sea alongside her comrades.
"Did you feel grateful for that, Mr. Gio?"
"Yes, I did."
"If so, I can understand why you treated her, but…"
Fundamentally, 'Gio’s Portrait' adhered to the 1:1 Rule. If he received something, Gio had to return the favor. It seemed the same applied to Jeong Young-won.
"……."
Even so, that couldn’t have been an easy task.
"…Healer Jeong Young-won is a Gardener, just like Mr. Yoo Seong-un. A Gardener suffering from the influence of the Garden they serve couldn’t possibly be treated with ordinary healing, right?"
"Probably not."
"But you did it, Mr. Gio. With a single touch."
"I did."
"At this point, why don’t you just admit your own extraordinariness?"
"I am not unaware that I am extraordinary. I do not deny that."
Gio looked aggrieved.
"I am simply saying that I am not the proper target of Jeong Young-won’s praise. I am not the god she serves, we have never built a proper friendship, and I have never accomplished some monumental feat that would benefit everyone in the world."
His words seemed to make sense on some level.
"……."
"……."
If only 'Gio’s Portrait' weren’t the Eye of the Origin.
"…Wait a moment, Mr. Yoo Seong-un."
"Huh? Yeah."
"Have you ever explained to Mr. Gio what kind of existence he actually is?"
"…I don’t think I have, but does he really need to be told to know?"
"Ah."
"Seriously…?"
They had finally figured out why Gio was being so stubborn, but that didn’t mean his obstinance would break. Even after listening to Yoo Seong-un’s lengthy explanation, Gio remained steadfast.
"Is that really so important?"
"I knew you’d say that."
It was clear he had no intention of backing down from the very beginning.