Although Gio had made a new pen pal and Juhyeon had made a friend of the Black Cloak, daily life in the peaceful cabin did not change.
The Black Cloak still cooked for him.
“Please, I beg you, give me some work to do as well.”
“A guest is not supposed to work.”
“You said we were friends.”
“You are a friend who is also a guest.”
His conscience felt somewhat uneasy, but it was true that everything remained peaceful.
“Then might you watch Dana for me? The child looks bored.”
“Will she not set me on fire if I approach her? I wonder. I heard an Anti-Cat’s flames are extremely hot.”
“She does not appear to dislike you as much as before, Mr. Juhyeon. Why not summon your courage?”
“She bared her teeth at me as she passed just this morning…”
“Compared to the time she tried to reduce you to ashes, she has unquestionably mellowed.”
Three delicious meals were served each day. His room was comfortable and private, and the view beyond the veranda was as beautiful as a scene from a fairy tale. He enjoyed benefits far beyond what he deserved without having done anything.
But that did not mean his circumstances had changed in the slightest.
“……”
Juhyeon found himself contemplating his new friend’s identity.
He had followed Gio to the attic after becoming interested in the process of making paints and brushes. Once invited inside, Juhyeon began in a measured tone.
“This is an exceedingly delicate matter, but I have given it some thought.”
“I am listening.”
“I believe a friend should be able to ask this much.”
“Ask your question.”
He addressed Gio.
“Mr. Gio.”
“Yes.”
“…Mr. Seo Gio?”
“Yes.”
“Argio?”
“Yes.”
“What am I supposed to call you?”
“Aha.”
Gio acknowledged his mistake.
“My introduction was inadequate.”
Indeed, Juhyeon knew almost nothing about Gio.
‘He never explained himself separately.’
That strangely extreme indifference was itself a typical attitude for a vast Mystery dealing with a human.
“I would not want to do something that offends you.”
“I doubt there is much you could do that I would find offensive…”
“I do not imagine I would do anything of that sort either, but even so.”
“Certainly, failing even to introduce myself properly was discourteous.”
Glass implements settled into place with…