The Artist Who Paints Dungeon-Chapter 50

The deceased seniors said, do not trust monsters.

'Not exactly wrong.'

Cha Ara was someone who acknowledged the deep-seated distrust of monsters within the hunter community.

Actually, the term 'distrust' is a bit strange, after all, no one trusts a wild boar that comes down from the mountains.

Trusting them would be foolish.'

Before considering relationships like trust, hunters and monsters were inherently in a relationship that threatened each other's survival.

The monsters referred to here primarily inhabit dungeons, and some have settled on Earth in modern times. Despite their varying sizes and preferences, the common trait among monsters is that they are dangerous.

'Monsters inherently harbor hostility towards Earth's living creatures.'

No matter how trivial their ability is, or how strong they were. Being unilaterally antagonized by something other than humans in itself was enough to devastate a person's mind.

“…….”

In that context, Cha Ara found it difficult to accept the current situation.

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“You should watch your step.”

“Ah, yes?”

“There is a ledge right in front of you.”

“Ah…”

“Your vision is dim.”

No, it's your eyes that are sharp.

'Even if I spoke to a monster, it wouldn't understand.'

The bird, which the black cloak called 'Honey1, briefly illuminated the world brightly, but soon the bird returned to a gentle glow and hid within the cloak's hood.

Thanks to this, Cha Ara was following the black cloak with the light of the Anticat.

'Is it because the main body itself is so black? Even when it's close, it's hard to see. If it weren't for Anticat, I might really not have been able to follow….'

Anyway, it was clear that 'Seo Gio' was being considerate of her.

'Aside from being a bit clumsy at imitating humans… that is.'

In the first place, who would come barefoot to such a cold cave?

In fact, Gio had his reasons for this. The reason he sometimes walked barefoot outside the portrait was that he lived without shoes at home.

As he drew paintings to create passages and entrances, the place he usually moved to was the studio in the cabin, and Gio, who came straight to the dungeon from there, didn't bother to bring shoes.

Since the 'Gem's Water Vein' was dark, he thought that even if he encountered someone, they wouldn't likely notice his bare feet.

“…….”

However, from Cha Ara's perspective, it felt like he was clumsily imitating human attire.

“Um, by the way, about home…”

“We're almost there.”

“R-really?”

Cha Ara felt somewhat relieved by the relatively kind treatment.

'…Seeing as it answers me consistently, it doesn't seem to have any bad feelings towards me.'

Ordinary monsters didn't possess this level of intelligence, so they couldn't be compared.

However, monsters fundamentally lack intelligence, and whenever they see a person, they want to see the colour of their innards.

'I heard that humanoid monsters aren't much different…'

Even if a monster showed goodwill to humans, from a human perspective, it was a disaster.

So, even though this courteous treatment was hard to understand, Cha Ara followed behind the black cloak, trying hard to suppress her fear.

'Anyway, in this situation, I would have starved to death. Then it's better to try something than do nothing.'

As Cha Ara struggled to steady her mind, the black cloak, having come to a stop, spoke.

He pointed to the wall.

“Here it is.”

“…….”

A frame?

'…lt's a frame with a background of a forest, empty without any people.'

In that case, it could simply be called a 'landscape painting*, but Cha Ara felt something was missing, feeling that this was not a complete work.

“…Ah.”

She soon realized it felt familiar somehow.

“Could it be the one I saw last time…?”

“Yes, it's where I'm staying.”

“…Ah, I see.”

A painting of a person. She wasn't entirely sure, but, she understood that the essence of the black cloak was a portrait.

'Was it in the form of a portrait when we met before?

The black cloak extended a hand.

“Please come in.”

“…….”

It would be a lie to say she wasn't scared.

'…lf I stay here like this, I'll only end up starving to death.'

She was already tired of waiting while starving in the pitch-black darkness, for new hunters who might never come.

Some might call it a foolish decision, but, Cha Ara didn't want to miss the opportunity right in front of her.

“Phew…”

With slightly trembling hands, she grasped the other person.

“…Ah…!”

Then, her mind went blank for a moment.

Cha Ara felt as if her body was entering into the painting.

I don't feel like myself, as she felt a hazy sense of floating-it was only after the strange sensation brushed past her dozens or even hundreds of times that she was able to regain her senses.

“…….”

As if the brief confusion never occurred, a gentle and clear atmosphere welcomed Cha Ara.

“…….”

“Are you alright?”

“…Yes, yes.”

It all happened in an instant.

'…Just now, something…'

However, she clearly felt an eerie sense of vastness as she passed through the frame.

“…….”

It was fear.

Or perhaps loneliness.

Cha Ara, who had never attended school and thus lacked expressive skills, pondered how to describe the sensation she felt at that moment.

Only after quite some time could she assess it, it was an eerie and bizarre sensation, as if she had been left alone in the universe for a brief moment.

“…This place…”

“This is the house where I'm staying.”

The black cloak said this while setting down the cat, Anticat, which he had been holding.

“Honey, it'll be your sibling, so take care of it.”

“Coorrrr.”

“Good.”

The way he spoke to the bird made of water seemed like a scene straight out of a fairytale.

“…….”

This space was like that too.

A wall filled with densely packed drawers. Paint imbued with the scent of nature, and a canvas draped over an easel carved from wood….

“…Studio?”

However.

'Why is it empty?

Not a single canvas had a painting on it.

The air was mild. The scene was peaceful. Yet, for some reason, as she observed the parts that were mostly similar to human lifestyles yet subtly different, Cha Ara felt an inexplicable chill.

“Yes, this is my studio.”

“lt might be a rude question, but… there are no paintings.”

“I am always painting.”

“…….”

“lt's just that they are no longer paintings.”

It was an enigmatic story that sent an even deeper chill down her spine.

“The completed paintings either leave on their own, or… remain like this.”

“…Wasn't it a passage? Are you saying this was, uh, a painting?”

“lt is both a passage and a painting.”

The monster, who answered bluntly, covered the frame of the 'Gem's Water Vein' passage from which Cha Ara had emerged with a black cloth.

Only then did Cha Ara realize that there were several frames covered with cloth like this throughout the studio.

“…….”

“Would you like to take a look?”

“Ah, no.”

“Come to think of it, you must be hungry.”

Cha Ara blinked at the other's words.

'…Didn't his voice change somehow?

No, the voice itself was no different from before. However….

“Are you no longer afraid of me?”

“…Pardon? Ah, yes?”

“l asked because you seemed more relaxed than before.”

“Well, uh, that, that is…”

“…….”

As Cha Ara stammered, the monster tilted its head but patiently waited for her. Seeing its consideration once again from that gesture, Cha Ara soon calmed herself and continued speaking.

“…Yes, compared to before… it seems less frightening…”

“That's a relief.”

The voice of the black-cloaked figure was polite and gentle.

“When I go outside, people are afraid of me. I think it's a problem that arises because I'm a portrait.-

”

He opened the door to the studio.

“The kitchen is on the first floor.”

“The kitchen…”

It was too domestic of a word to hear in a monster's lair.

Despite feeling a strange awkwardness, Cha Ara mustered the courage to ask.

“C-can I go with you?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you…”

Cha Ara followed the monster just as she had in the 'Gem's Water Vein'. Though the atmosphere was entirely different from back then.

'…lt's incredibly bright.'

To be precise, it wasn't bright but rather serene.

This place filled with warm air gently relaxed her limbs, but there was a certain heaviness, a calmness that settled deeply.

“…….”

Why was that?

'It's like a scene from a fairy tale.'

A fragrant scent emanated from the wooden walls.

The stairs, despite being made of a hard material, felt so soft that it was almost an illusion, and the inside of the cabin filled with gentle sunlight exuded a cosy atmosphere reminiscent of well-dried blankets.

'And yet, strangely…'

Cha Ara felt as if this place was like a tomb.

“…….”

“Feel free to look around.”

“Pardon?”

“lt seems it will take a little time to prepare the meal.”

The voice of the one in the black cloak had a certain noble elegance.

“ln the meantime, it would be good to rest while looking around the cabin.”

“IS… that okay?”

“How about some fruit tea for you to carry around?”

“Ah.”

Fruittea, really.

'Isn't that really expensive?

While hesitating, the figure in the black cloak went into the kitchen and soon returned with a glass. The tea, shimmering with a mysterious hue like the sunset, looked like a magical potion and was cool, perhaps thanks to the round ice.

“You can sit on the sofa and enjoy it.”

“Th-thank you.”

Do all humanoid monsters act like humans in this way?

'Since the word 'humanoid' is attached in the first place, it might be natural in a way….'

Cha Ara carefully sat down on the sofa, holding the glass.

“I”

It was incredibly soft.

'It must be an expensive sofa.'

But thinking that way, Cha Ara felt a bit awkward realizing that a monster wouldn't buy furniture according to human rules.

From the beginning, trying to understand the rules surrounding monsters from a human perspective was a foolish act.

“…The aroma is really nice…”

Though its appearance was closer to a work of art than food, it emitted a very soft and sweet scent.

“…….”

She took a sip.

A gentle sweetness enveloped her mouth.

“Wow…”

Cha Ara's once pale cheeks faintly flushed.

'…What is this, it's incredibly delicious. Are all fruit teas like this…?'

Due to the rarity of sugar itself, Cha Ara had never properly tasted even a single piece of fruit, let alone fruit tea.

So, for a moment, she wondered if all the fruit teas in the world were like this, but that question was shortlived as Cha Ara realized an astonishing fact while sipping the tea.

“…..”

She, she wasn't hungry.

'No, I'm still hungry, though….'

The terrible hunger that felt like scraping the stomach with a fork had vanished.

'What is this? Was it really a potion?

Well, it was fruit tea obtained from a dungeon where humanoid monsters live. It might not be fair to compare it to the typical fruit tea of humans.

As she slowly grasped the situation, Cha Ara pressed her lips firmly together.

“…Hmm….”

Strangely, she felt good.

It wasn't enough to make her giggle, but she could feel a tickling sensation in her stomach indicating that she had calmed down.

The stress from recent work and the resentment towards the teammates who abandoned her seemed to ease a little.

“…….”

She quickly finished the fruit tea.

'…My body feels so light.'

Whether it was due to some special effect of the tea, the remaining injuries and fatigue were washed away.

Thanks to her relaxed nerves, Cha Ara was able to take a moment to look around with a bit more ease.

“The ceiling is really high.”

She hadn't noticed it when she was very tense, but thinking back now, it seemed like it took quite a while to come down the stairs.

Although it was only a two-story building, its scale was enormous.

'Even so, the reason it doesn't feel like a rich person's house from dramas is probably because this place is also a kind of dungeon. After all, since monsters live here, if this is a dungeon, then it must be a dungeon….'

Cha Ara blinked her eyes slowly.

The clattering sound and the unique slow breeze of spring.

The chirping of birds beyond the window was as resonant and clear as if perfectly round beads were vibrating.

“Feeling a bit sleepy…”

As she kept thinking about it, it indeed felt like a fairy tale.

“…….”

And.

It resembled a funeral.

“…ls it because it's so quiet?”

It was different from sadness or grief.

It didn't resemble someone's sorrowful weeping. Nor did it resemble the calm mourning of visitors. It simply felt abundant and heavy, like the several white chrysanthemums quietly placed in front of the deceased's photo.

“Hmm…”

It was an atmosphere difficult to describe.

'It's not uncomfortable.'

It was simply serene.

To the point where it seemed to be overwhelming.

“Miss Cha Ara.”

“…….”

“Miss Cha Ara.”

“Ah, yes…l! Hunter Cha Ara, present!!”

“You don't need to be so tense, I'm aware of it.”

The monster that emerged from the kitchen, had removed its cloak before anyone noticed.

“…….”

“ls there a problem with your movement?”

“Ah, no.”

Wow.

'Crazy.'

Can a person really look like that?

'Ah, no, I shouldn't call it a person since it's a monster… but still, it's really handsome.'

Why is something that looks like it belongs in a museum preparing a meal in this kind of cabin? It was so handsome that it felt almost distant. In many ways, it didn't seem human.

Unaware of Cha Ara's thoughts, the monster spoke with its characteristic blunt expression and tone.

“l prepared a light meal, wondering if it would suit your taste.”

“Ah, thank you.”

And then Cha Ara witnessed an unexpected sight.

“…….”

“Do you like cooked rice?”

“l can't eat it because I don't have it. I can't eat it because I don't have it, but…”

“ls there any side dish you dislike?”

“As someone receiving a meal, I won't complain about such things. But, no. That…”

“ls there a problem?”

“…Are you Korean?”

What is this seven-dish meal?

“I introduced myself as Seo Gio. Doesn't it sound like a Korean name?”

“Ah, I see.”

She was scared to death and didn't have time to think about whether it was a Korean name or not, and she never expected such a warm meal to be prepared by that noble-like, composed yet sombre face.

'So that's why it was Seo Gio.'

She just realized now that the reason forgiving the name three syllables was to capture a Korean feel.

A variety of side dishes and pure white rice which were not commonly eaten were laid out, but Cha Ara felt a sense of dujt vu.

'…Why do I feel my late grandmother's energy?

Cha Ara felt a bit of a peculiar emotion.

Considering the refined atmosphere of the humanoid monster named Seo Gio, it shouldn't match, yet it looked so natural that it felt even more out of place.

“…….”

Cha Ara suddenly realized one of her emotions.

“Please eat comfortably.”

“…Yes.”

It was a very faint feeling, and in this peaceful atmosphere, it might be quite an alien sentiment.

It was a kind of'awe.'

“Thank you.”

The kind of emotion one can hold for something not human.

'…Even though it's a bit ridiculous to say after receiving such a friendly meal…'

Cha Ara suddenly lifted her head and looked into Seo Gio's eyes.

She saw ordinary black eyes.

“…….”

“ls there a problem?”

“…No.”

It seemed quite human at the moment.

The deceased seniors said, do not trust monsters.

'Not exactly wrong.'

Cha Ara was someone who acknowledged the deep-seated distrust of monsters within the hunter community.

Actually, the term 'distrust' is a bit strange, after all, no one trusts a wild boar that comes down from the mountains.

Trusting them would be foolish.'

Before considering relationships like trust, hunters and monsters were inherently in a relationship that threatened each other's survival.

The monsters referred to here primarily inhabit dungeons, and some have settled on Earth in modern times. Despite their varying sizes and preferences, the common trait among monsters is that they are dangerous.

'Monsters inherently harbor hostility towards Earth's living creatures.'

No matter how trivial their ability is, or how strong they were. Being unilaterally antagonized by something other than humans in itself was enough to devastate a person's mind.

“…….”

In that context, Cha Ara found it difficult to accept the current situation.

“You should watch your step.”

“Ah, yes?”

“There is a ledge right in front of you.”

“Ah…”

“Your vision is dim.”

No, it's your eyes that are sharp.

'Even if I spoke to a monster, it wouldn't understand.'

The bird, which the black cloak called 'Honey1, briefly illuminated the world brightly, but soon the bird returned to a gentle glow and hid within the cloak's hood.

Thanks to this, Cha Ara was following the black cloak with the light of the Anticat.

'Is it because the main body itself is so black? Even when it's close, it's hard to see. If it weren't for Anticat, I might really not have been able to follow….'

Anyway, it was clear that 'Seo Gio' was being considerate of her.

'Aside from being a bit clumsy at imitating humans… that is.'

In the first place, who would come barefoot to such a cold cave?

In fact, Gio had his reasons for this. The reason he sometimes walked barefoot outside the portrait was that he lived without shoes at home.

As he drew paintings to create passages and entrances, the place he usually moved to was the studio in the cabin, and Gio, who came straight to the dungeon from there, didn't bother to bring shoes.

Since the 'Gem's Water Vein' was dark, he thought that even if he encountered someone, they wouldn't likely notice his bare feet.

“…….”

However, from Cha Ara's perspective, it felt like he was clumsily imitating human attire.

“Um, by the way, about home…”

“We're almost there.”

“R-really?”

Cha Ara felt somewhat relieved by the relatively kind treatment.

'…Seeing as it answers me consistently, it doesn't seem to have any bad feelings towards me.'

Ordinary monsters didn't possess this level of intelligence, so they couldn't be compared.

However, monsters fundamentally lack intelligence, and whenever they see a person, they want to see the colour of their innards.

'I heard that humanoid monsters aren't much different…'

Even if a monster showed goodwill to humans, from a human perspective, it was a disaster.

So, even though this courteous treatment was hard to understand, Cha Ara followed behind the black cloak, trying hard to suppress her fear.

'Anyway, in this situation, I would have starved to death. Then it's better to try something than do nothing.'

As Cha Ara struggled to steady her mind, the black cloak, having come to a stop, spoke.

He pointed to the wall.

“Here it is.”

“…….”

A frame?

'…lt's a frame with a background of a forest, empty without any people.'

In that case, it could simply be called a 'landscape painting', but Cha Ara felt something was missing, feeling that this was not a complete work.

“…Ah.”

She soon realized it felt familiar somehow.

“Could it be the one I saw last time…?”

“Yes, it's where I'm staying.”

“…Ah, I see.”

A painting of a person. She wasn't entirely sure, but, she understood that the essence of the black cloak was a portrait.

'Was it in the form of a portrait when we met before?

The black cloak extended a hand.

“Please come in.”

“…….”

It would be a lie to say she wasn't scared.

'…lf I stay here like this, I'll only end up starving to death.'

She was already tired of waiting while starving in the pitch-black darkness, for new hunters who might never come.

Some might call it a foolish decision, but, Cha Ara didn't want to miss the opportunity right in front of her.

“Phew…”

With slightly trembling hands, she grasped the other person.

“…Ah…!”

Then, her mind went blank for a moment.

Cha Ara felt as if her body was entering into the painting.

I don't feel like myself, as she felt a hazy sense of floating-it was only after the strange sensation brushed past her dozens or even hundreds of times that she was able to regain her senses.

“…….”

As if the brief confusion never occurred, a gentle and clear atmosphere welcomed Cha Ara.

“…….”

“Are you alright?”

“…Yes, yes.”

It all happened in an instant.

'…Just now, something…'

However, she clearly felt an eerie sense of vastness as she passed through the frame.

“…….”

It was fear.

Or perhaps loneliness.

Cha Ara, who had never attended school and thus lacked expressive skills, pondered how to describe the sensation she felt at that moment.

Only after quite some time could she assess it, it was an eerie and bizarre sensation, as if she had been left alone in the universe for a brief moment.

“…This place…”

“This is the house where I'm staying.”

The black cloak said this while setting down the cat, Anticat, which he had been holding.

“Honey, it'll be your sibling, so take care of it.”

“Coorrrr.”

“Good.”

The way he spoke to the bird made of water seemed like a scene straight out of a fairytale.

“…….”

This space was like that too.

A wall filled with densely packed drawers. Paint imbued with the scent of nature, and a canvas draped over an easel carved from wood….

“…Studio?”

However.

'Why is it empty?

Not a single canvas had a painting on it.

The air was mild. The scene was peaceful. Yet, for some reason, as she observed the parts that were mostly similar to human lifestyles yet subtly different, Cha Ara felt an inexplicable chill.

“Yes, this is my studio.”

“lt might be a rude question, but… there are no paintings.”

“I am always painting.”

“…….”

“lt's just that they are no longer paintings.”

It was an enigmatic story that sent an even deeper chill down her spine.

“The completed paintings either leave on their own, or… remain like this.”

“…Wasn't it a passage? Are you saying this was, uh, a painting?”

“lt is both a passage and a painting.”

The monster, who answered bluntly, covered the frame of the 'Gem's Water Vein' passage from which Cha Ara had emerged with a black cloth.

Only then did Cha Ara realize that there were several frames covered with cloth like this throughout the studio.

“…….”

“Would you like to take a look?”

“Ah, no.”

“Come to think of it, you must be hungry.”

Cha Ara blinked at the other's words.

'…Didn't his voice change somehow?'

No, the voice itself was no different from before. However….

“Are you no longer afraid of me?”

“…Pardon? Ah, yes?”

“l asked because you seemed more relaxed than before.”

“Well, uh, that, that is…”

“…….”

As Cha Ara stammered, the monster tilted its head but patiently waited for her. Seeing its consideration once again from that gesture, Cha Ara soon calmed herself and continued speaking.

“…Yes, compared to before… it seems less frightening…”

“That's a relief.”

The voice of the black-cloaked figure was polite and gentle.

“When I go outside, people are afraid of me. I think it's a problem that arises because I'm a portrait.”

He opened the door to the studio.

“The kitchen is on the first floor.”

“The kitchen…”

It was too domestic of a word to hear in a monster's lair.

Despite feeling a strange awkwardness, Cha Ara mustered the courage to ask.

“C-can I go with you?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you…”

Cha Ara followed the monster just as she had in the 'Gem's Water Vein'. Though the atmosphere was entirely different from back then.

'…lt's incredibly bright.'

To be precise, it wasn't bright but rather serene.

This place filled with warm air gently relaxed her limbs, but there was a certain heaviness, a calmness that settled deeply.

“…….”

Why was that?

'It's like a scene from a fairy tale.'

A fragrant scent emanated from the wooden walls.

The stairs, despite being made of a hard material, felt so soft that it was almost an illusion, and the inside of the cabin filled with gentle sunlight exuded a cosy atmosphere reminiscent of well-dried blankets.

'And yet, strangely…'

Cha Ara felt as if this place was like a tomb.

“…….”

“Feel free to look around.”

“Pa rd o n?”

“lt seems it will take a little time to prepare the meal.”

The voice of the one in the black cloak had a certain noble elegance.

“ln the meantime, it would be good to rest while looking around the cabin.”

“IS… that okay?”

“How about some fruit tea for you to carry around?”

“Ah.”

Fruit tea, really.

'Isn't that really expensive?'

While hesitating, the figure in the black cloak went into the kitchen and soon returned with a glass. The tea, shimmering with a mysterious hue like the sunset, looked like a magical potion and was cool, perhaps thanks to the round ice.

“You can sit on the sofa and enjoy it.”

“Th-thank you.”

Do all humanoid monsters act like humans in this way?

'Since the word 'humanoid' is attached in the first place, it might be natural in a way….'

Cha Ara carefully sat down on the sofa, holding the glass.

“I”

It was incredibly soft.

'It must be an expensive sofa.'

But thinking that way, Cha Ara felt a bit awkward realizing that a monster wouldn't buy furniture according to human rules.

From the beginning, trying to understand the rules surrounding monsters from a human perspective was a foolish act.

“…The aroma is really nice…”

Though its appearance was closer to a work of art than food, it emitted a very soft and sweet scent.

“…….”

She took a sip.

A gentle sweetness enveloped her mouth.

“Wow…”

Cha Ara's once pale cheeks faintly flushed.

'…What is this, it's incredibly delicious. Are all fruit teas like this…?'

Due to the rarity of sugar itself, Cha Ara had never properly tasted even a single piece of fruit, let alone fruit tea.

So, for a moment, she wondered if all the fruit teas in the world were like this, but that question was shortlived as Cha Ara realized an astonishing fact while sipping the tea.

“….”

She, she wasn't hungry.

'No, I'm still hungry, though….'

The terrible hunger that felt like scraping the stomach with a fork had vanished.

'What is this? Was it really a potion?'

Well, it was fruit tea obtained from a dungeon where humanoid monsters live. It might not be fair to compare it to the typical fruit tea of humans.

As she slowly grasped the situation, Cha Ara pressed her lips firmly together.

“…Hmm….”

Strangely, she felt good.

It wasn't enough to make her giggle, but she could feel a tickling sensation in her stomach indicating that she had calmed down.

The stress from recent work and the resentment towards the teammates who abandoned her seemed to ease a little.

“…….”

She quickly finished the fruit tea.

'…My body feels so light.'

Whether it was due to some special effect of the tea, the remaining injuries and fatigue were washed away.

Thanks to her relaxed nerves, Cha Ara was able to take a moment to look around with a bit more ease.

“The ceiling is really high.”

She hadn't noticed it when she was very tense, but thinking back now, it seemed like it took quite a while to come down the stairs.

Although it was only a two-story building, its scale was enormous.

'Even so, the reason it doesn't feel like a rich person's house from dramas is probably because this place is also a kind of dungeon. After all, since monsters live here, if this is a dungeon, then it must be a dungeon….'

Cha Ara blinked her eyes slowly.

The clattering sound and the unique slow breeze of spring.

The chirping of birds beyond the window was as resonant and clear as if perfectly round beads were vibrating.

“Feeling a bit sleepy…”

As she kept thinking about it, it indeed felt like a fairy tale.

“…….”

And.

It resembled a funeral.

“…“Isit because it's so quiet?”

It was different from sadness or grief.

It didn't resemble someone's sorrowful weeping. Nor did it resemble the calm mourning of visitors. It simply felt abundant and heavy, like the several white chrysanthemums quietly placed in front of the deceased's photo.

“Hmm…”

It was an atmosphere difficult to describe.

'It's not uncomfortable.'

It was simply serene.

To the point where it seemed to be overwhelming.

“Ms. Cha Ara.”

“…….”

“Ms. Cha Ara.”

“Ah, yes…!! Hunter Cha Ara, present!!”

“You don't need to be so tense, I'm aware of it.”

The monster that emerged from the kitchen, had removed its cloak before anyone noticed.

“…….”

“ls there a problem with your movement?”

“Ah, no.”

Wow.

'Crazy.'

Can a person really look like that?

'Ah, no, I shouldn't call it a person since it's a monster… but still, it's really handsome.'

Why is something that looks like it belongs in a museum preparing a meal in this kind of cabin? It was so handsome that it felt almost distant. In many ways, it didn't seem human.

Unaware of Cha Ara's thoughts, the monster spoke with its characteristic blunt expression and tone.

“l prepared a light meal, wondering if it would suit your taste.”

“Ah, thank you.”

And then Cha Ara witnessed an unexpected sight.

“…….”

“Do you like cooked rice?”

“l can't eat it because I don't have it. I can't eat it because I don't have it, but…”

“ls there any side dish you dislike?”

“As someone receiving a meal, I won't complain about such things. But, no. That…”

“ls there a problem?”

“…Are you Korean?”

What is this seven-dish meal?

“I introduced myself as Seo Gio. Doesn't it sound like a Korean name?”

“Ah, I see.”

She was scared to death and didn't have time to think about whether it was a Korean name or not, and she never expected such a warm meal to be prepared by that noble-like, composed yet sombre face.

'So that's why it was Seo Gio.'

She just realized now that the reason for giving the name three syllables was to capture a Korean feel.

A variety of side dishes and pure white rice which were not commonly eaten were laid out, but Cha Ara felt a sense of deja vu.

'…Why do I feel my late grandmother's energy?'

Cha Ara felt a bit of a peculiar emotion.

Considering the refined atmosphere of the humanoid monster named Seo Gio, it shouldn't match, yet it looked so natural that it felt even more out of place.

“…….”

Cha Ara suddenly realized one of her emotions.

“Please eat comfortably.”

“…Yes.”

It was a very faint feeling, and in this peaceful atmosphere, it might be quite an alien sentiment.

It was a kind of'awe.'

“Thank you.”

The kind of emotion one can hold for something inhuman.

'…Even though it's a bit ridiculous to say after receiving such a friendly meal…'

Cha Ara suddenly lifted her head and looked into Seo Gio's eyes.

She saw ordinary black eyes.

“…….”

“ls there a problem?”

“…No.”

It seemed quite human at the moment.

“Thank you for the meal.”

In other words, it means it never felt human at all.

-And since it's not fear, it can only be called awe.