Chapter 219
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 219
Earth’s Sun warmly welcomed the visit of ‘Gio’s Portrait’.
“Were you expecting me?”
She was. From the moment he first revealed himself under Earth’s sunlight, the Sun had marveled at his immense vessel. She had laughed with joy, eager to speak with him.
“I came today to contemplate the stance a god should take.”
The stance a god should take?
“My father’s answer was that a god is nature—a mere bystander. He said that if the sun were to descend to the earth, it would create a hell unlike any other. Therefore, observing from afar is, in itself, an act of mercy.”
Earth’s Sun offered a different opinion.
“For what reason?”
Because the Sun was always reaching out to life.
Every life born beneath her light was her child. During the Great Catastrophe, Earth’s Sun had protected her children from the clutches of the tens of thousands of divinities that had flooded their world. There were simply too many times she had to intervene directly to protect them.
“Then what is your stance as a god?”
The birth of life, and merciful love.
“Mother Sun.”
Exactly. He seemed to understand.
“You truly are the mother of all life.”
Life on Earth emerges from the Sun’s womb and eventually returns to her embrace. Since they were no different from her own fragments, her alter egos, it was only right to create an environment where they could frolic to their hearts’ content beneath her gaze.
“A form of nurturing, then.”
Because they are her children.
“Then what do you think of my father’s stance as the Sun? He merely watched over his children with affection. He would weave the framework of fate, only to let it slip from his hands.”
That, too, must have been love.
“You think so?”
There were many times he could not bring himself to caress them, for they would burn if he held them.
“Yet you reach out your hand.”
And because of that, she had to give up many things as the Sun.
She hid herself so they wouldn’t fear her colossal body. She held her breath, worrying a single exhale might turn them to ash. She kept her eyelids closed, cradling the Earth in her embrace, fearing a single glance might melt their minds.
“It must be uncomfortable for you.”
It was bearable because of love.
“Love… what a sweet word. Then did my father, the Sun, choose not to embrace his children, including ‘Giovanni’?”
Cradling them was not the only form of love. Perhaps the mere existence of his children was already so overwhelming and dazzling that he dared not touch them. He must have loved pure humans, untouched by the hand of the Sun.
“I understand.”
The stances of gods are as diverse as their numbers.
Love in that way, O great mystery.
* * *
“…My, you actually had a conversation.”
“No wonder they said a priest in the Sun Cult went mad.”
“That’s unfair.”
“I’m not saying it’s your fault.”
It was just rather interesting.
“Could I watch the two of you converse sometime?”
“No, thank you. That would be highly embarrassing.”
“What a shame…”
In any case, they understood what Gio was agonizing over.
“Hmm, how about this?”
“Can you offer some other help?”
“You have another divine friend, don’t you?”
“Ah.”
They were referring to Earth’s Death.
“Shall I take you there?”
“Thank you.”
Gio did not refuse.
* * *
“Have you come to visit?”
Gio recognized the priest of Death who came to greet him.
“You guided me last time, didn’t you?”
“It is an honor that you remember.”
“Please guide me to your father once again.”
“That, too, would be an honor.”
Gio naturally pulled out a small envelope.
“A gift of gratitude.”
“…What kind of gift is it?”
“I’m glad you seem more comfortable around me than last time.”
“It is more than I deserve, but thanks to the Bishop’s advice…”
“I see. There was one more person who should receive a gift.”
What Gio handed over was Basram Tea.
“It’s a tea with a savory, grain-like flavor and aroma. I heard the priests of Death enjoy the tea ceremony, so I brought some. It has absorbed the warmth of cozy sunlight, so it will be good to drink when you’re tired.”
“May I share this with the believers?”
“How do you plan to use it?”
“Many believers with weak bodies come to this place.”
“Is that because it is the order of Death?”
“Yes, so…”
While the priests of Death regarded the end of life as a glorious blessing, they did not deny the happiness of living. They also helped mortals lead more valuable and brilliant lives, making their eventual end more meaningful.
“If you permit, I would like to use it for those who are suffering in life.”
If life was not happy, it would only increase the number of those who misused death.
“Will you permit it?”
“Of course, my kind friend.”
“…Thank you.”
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
“You are a cheerful person.”
Though he was a stoic-faced priest, he was definitely treating Gio with more ease than before. He didn’t seem to mind Gio suddenly calling him a friend, and Gio was grateful for that reaction.
It was truly pleasing.
“Do the priests of Death not enjoy leisure?”
“Since there are as many deaths as there are lives, we naturally have much to do.”
“It seems it would be difficult for us to spend leisure time together.”
“If you wish, I could try to make some time…”
“I’m not forcing you.”
Once again, the priest carried a round lantern resembling a bellflower and walked through the dark temple, his eyes covered by a white cloth. In the shallow water covering the floor, Gio could feel the God of Death, who formed the river.
Soon, they reached a large door. The priest stepped back, and Eun-ryeong, the Bishop, emerged.
“It is an honor to meet you again.”
“Likewise.”
“Now, Father is waiting, so this way…”
Before they could even go deeper, Death suddenly poked his head out.
“My friend.”
“Oh.”
At this sight, Eun-ryeong gestured to the priest who had guided Gio.
“…You have done well. You may dismiss yourself. The two esteemed ones wish to speak.”
“…Yes, Bishop.”
Unaccustomed to Death acting so proactively, both of them were slightly flustered but moved diligently. The guiding priest quietly withdrew, and Bishop Eun-ryeong closed the door to Death’s chamber tightly, preparing to disappear into the darkness.
Gio called out to her.
“Won’t you join us?”
“…May an insignificant creature like me join such a gathering?”
“I came to have a conversation today. Since I’m seeking opinions, the more voices, the better.”
“In that case, though it is more than I deserve, I, Eun-ryeong, shall take a seat.”
Perhaps because she lived so close to Death’s manifestation body, Eun-ryeong remained composed even between the two divinities. Seeing that a suitable atmosphere had been established, Gio spoke.
“It’s been a while.”
“It has indeed been some time, my friend…”
“I felt a bit apologetic, so I brought some food.”
“A feast, you say.”
Death chuckled.
“Did you keep your promise?”
“I fried up some savory pancakes.”
Gio held up a lunchbox wrapped in a black silk cloth.
“Would you like to join us, Ms. Eun-ryeong?”
“…Did you make them yourself?”
“Yes, I did.”
“I…” Eun-ryeong trailed off. “…I wonder if I’ll still be able to serve Death after eating this.”
“It’s not like eating this will grant you eternal life.”
“……”
“Why does nobody believe me?”
It was the same with Ju-hyeon and Yoo Seong-un. Whenever Gio offered food, the only ones who accepted it at face value were the passersby he met in his portrait form. Couldn’t they just take it and eat it, thinking, ‘Wow, delicious food’?
“It’ll be delicious.”
“I haven’t a single doubt about that, Hunter Seo Gio.”
“It’s really going to be delicious…”
“I do not doubt it.”
“It’s not some bizarre elixir either. It’s just food.”
“……”
“You’re uncannily silent only at times like this.”
“…Mmm…” Eun-ryeong soon nodded. “If you can guarantee my life as a human, I will gladly join you.”
“I guarantee it.”
“That was remarkably fast.”
“I have no intention of turning you into something other than human, Ms. Eun-ryeong.”
“And there are no such side effects?”
“Of course not.”
“If you say so…”
She looked up at her father.
“…Would you like to try some?”
“……”
Death looked highly conflicted.
“…It does look delicious.”
“…Ah, is that so?”
Eun-ryeong was also surprised. “I didn’t know Father could feel appetite.”
“I am surprised myself.”
For a divinity, eating was nearly impossible. While Death possessed a manifestation body, slightly increasing the probability, it was still no easy feat. The very concept of appetite did not exist for them.
Yet, Death stared intently at the savory pancakes neatly arranged in the mother-of-pearl decorated lunchbox.
“…My daughter…”
“Yes, Father. I am listening.”
“…I do not wish to trouble you, but I fear I might ruin this elegant gift. Please, pick up that yellow one for me.”
“…Ah, the yellow one. Do you mean the pan-fried pollack?”
“Yes, that one. It has a lovely aroma.”
Even with a manifestation body, it was difficult for a divinity—a colossal being closer to nature itself—to cleanly pick up and eat ‘food’.
As the divinity, who had never experienced such simple pleasures, hesitated and sought help from his daughter, Eun-ryeong laughed softly.
“This must be the joy of being a child. I never imagined the day would come when I would feed my father. It seems I have one more thing to thank Hunter Seo Gio for.”
“Please, feel free to speak comfortably.”
“Hmm, is that so?”
Eun-ryeong happily picked up a well-cooked piece of pan-fried pollack.
“Now… Father, how would you like to eat it?”
“……”
Sliiiide—
A colossal ‘face’ descended from the darkness.
Death, who usually resided in the shadows of the vast room, parted his ‘mouth’ slightly. As the gap, rough like twisted tree bark, opened, Eun-ryeong deduced it to be his ‘mouth’ and placed the pancake inside.
The ‘face’ did not ascend back into the darkness but remained right there.
“……”
“…How is it, Father?”
“It is delicious.”
“My goodness…” Eun-ryeong finally burst into a clear laugh. “This is truly amazing.”
She felt an immense joy. While she served Death as her father, offering him love and respect as family, she had never expected to experience such a simple, ordinary moment of ‘family’ happiness.
“Would you like another? There are vegetable pancakes, oyster pancakes, zucchini pancakes…”
“Give me that bumpy one.”
“You mean the vegetable pancake. Yes, here it is.”
Gio smiled warmly at the sight of the affectionate father and daughter.
“What a heartwarming sight.”
“Fufu… It is all thanks to Hunter Seo Gio bringing such a wonderful gift.”
“I’m glad you both like it.”
As expected, those who heartily ate the food he prepared were the most beautiful to behold.
“Perhaps I should have fried them a bit larger.”
“No, this is sufficient.”
“But your body is so large…”
“It is enough.”
Ultimately, what Gio had brought was ‘something’ in the form of food. Rather than physical volume, the concentration of mystery packed inside was what mattered, and Death was savoring the joy of it.
After some time passed, Eun-ryeong also took a bite of a pancake, coaxed by the two divinities.
“……”
“How is it?”
“…It is the most delicious thing I have ever eaten in my life.”
“To receive such high praise.”
“No, it’s not just praise, it’s simply…” Eun-ryeong blushed, a rare sight, her eyes sparkling. “…It is truly delicious.”
“I am glad.”
Death, too, laughed, sharing his daughter’s joy. His ‘laughter’ filled the chamber. Though embarrassed by her father’s reaction, Eun-ryeong carefully picked up another pancake and ate it.
“I do think this might be dangerous…”
“It’s not dangerous. That’s unfair.”
“Even so, I can’t stop my chopsticks.”
She was following the exact same path that Yoo Seong-un and Ju-hyeon had once trodden—fearing that this mass of mystery might alter her, yet unable to resist the ecstatic delicacy.
At this point, Gio even brought out alcohol.
“Pancakes must be paired with alcohol.”
“My goodness.” Eun-ryeong let out an exclamation of joy. “The aroma is wonderful. What kind of alcohol is this?”
“It’s makgeolli brewed with fruit, rice, and flowers.”
“It is ecstatic.”
And so, a delightful time passed.
“……”
“……”
Death and Eun-ryeong realized something.
“…My friend…”
“Yes, go ahead.”
“Are you… trying to turn me… into a pig…?”
“How did you know…?”
“…Oh…”
It was the same kind of realization Sa Na-rae had once reached.
‘…Hansel and Gretel…’ Eun-ryeong thought to herself. Of course, the divinity before her wouldn’t actually eat her like the witch, but still. It was so good, yet so overwhelming, that she felt slightly wronged.
Only then did Gio bring up the main topic.
“What is a god?”
“A god… is that necessary?”
“Only then do I think I can prepare.”
“What kind of preparation do you mean?”
“Preparation for my own existence.”
He wanted to define everything about himself.
“Will you help me?”
“Of course…”
Death readily granted the request. The ‘delicacy’ he had experienced for the first time was worth any price.