As the two latecomers entered, the man with long black hair took a seat at the head of the table, prompting Amducias and the blonde young man, who sat next to Geon, to take their seats as well. The blonde was constantly giggling and examining Geon's face with great interest. Geon felt uncomfortable under his gaze but was more concerned about the long-haired man at the head of the table.
"Why? What's this familiar atmosphere? I'm sure I've never met him before..."
The long-haired man looked over the three of them and then picked up his utensils.
"Let's introduce ourselves at this new gathering, shall we?" the blonde young man said with a smile as he picked up his utensils.
Pausing for a moment, Gamagin put his utensils down and looked at Geon.
"I'm Gamagin," he said.
The blonde young man exclaimed cheerfully, "I'm Pyemon! Nice to meet you!"
Geon straightened up and replied, "Ah, nice to meet you. I'm Geon."
Pyemon smiled and raised a glass of water.
"Yeah, I know. I never thought I'd get to have a meal with you."
Geon looked puzzled and turned to Gamagin, "Do we know each other from somewhere?"
Gamagin gave a deep smile and then picked up his utensils again.
"Who knows? Let's eat."
After cutting into a delicious veal steak and taking a bite, Gamagin gestured for Geon to try it as well. While Geon hesitantly looked at the steak on his plate, Pyemon stuffed some food in his mouth and took out a sandwich filled with avocado from Logan's bakery and placed it on Geon's plate.
"You like these, right? It's from your favorite place."
Surprised, Geon asked, "Huh? Isn't this our first meeting today? How did you know?"
"Ha ha, you may not know us, but we know you. Go ahead, try it."
While Geon was eating and chatting with Pyemon, Gamagin turned to Amducias and asked, "Has the kid already absorbed what you taught?"
Wiping sauce from his mouth, Amducias replied, "Yes, sir. He finished it last night. He's indeed very bright."
As Geon listened in, he barely caught half of the conversation due to Pyemon's constant interruptions, but he tried his best to eavesdrop. Amducias glanced at Geon then leaned towards Gamagin and spoke softly.
"Are you planning to erase his memories again?"
After taking a sip of water, Gamagin nodded.
"That would be best. Except for what you've taught him."
Amducias paused and looked towards Natalie, who was standing politely by the door, then said, "Could we perhaps leave Natalie's memories intact?"
After considering for a moment, Gamagin nodded again.
"Let's do that."
"Thank you, sir."
"You're quite sentimental. I get it for me, but what about you? An angel, getting sentimental over a human woman."
"Ha, no way. She's different from the others. She's thoughtful and kind, knows how to care even without being told. And that's why I also care for her."
While Pyemon's loud voice filled the room, Geon managed to overhear their conversation and turned his head towards Natalie.
'Saved her child? What does that mean? What child of Gamagin's did Amducias save?'
As Pyemon placed another dish on Geon's plate, he laughed.
"Try this too. It's delicious!"
Sitting next to Geon, Pyemon continuously searched for tasty treats to put on Geon's plate, like an uncle spoiling a nephew. Geon, giving an awkward smile and nodding politely, peeked at Pyemon and thought.
'He looks younger than me, but why does he seem so much older? What's with this babying?'
Pyemon chuckled.
"You're right. I am older than you. And to me, you're still a kid."
Geon was startled.
"Oops! Did I just say my thoughts out loud? Sorry, I didn't realize."
"Ha ha, no worries, just enjoy your meal. Seeing you eat happily is enough to fill me up."
Cautiously watching the familiar Pyemon, Geon asked softly, "Um, Pyemon, have we met somewhere before?"
"Why do you ask?" Pyemon said with a sly smile.
Wiping his mouth with a napkin, Geon said, "It's just…you feel familiar. I didn't feel this when I met Amducias, but with you and Gamagin, even though it's our first meeting, it feels familiar."
Pyemon grinned mischievously.
"Really? Wonder why? Hee hee."
Geon frowned and said, "Could you tell
me? It feels awkward not knowing."
"Ha ha, this is perfect timing, you rascal. Ha ha!"
Geon, frowning at the sight of Pyemon laughing while holding his belly, heard the conversation between Amdusias and Gamagin again. Amdusias asked Gamagin softly.
"Have you found the angel Shiva mentioned? The ones said to be around the child."
"Well, not yet."
"Even with Lord Gamagin's abilities, you cannot find them? Should I try looking? Ah, my apologies. If you haven't found them, surely I can't either."
"Haha, it's okay. It seems like Michael's power is shielding my eyes. And the angels near them don't seem to be of the lower ranks either."
"Hmm... they don't seem like they would obstruct the child's path, but it's a bit concerning."
"We'll just have to keep watching."
Geon perked up his ears and tilted his head in confusion.
'Angels? Who exactly is 'the child'? Why would angels be near them?'
Amdusias glanced at Geon, who was eavesdropping on his own conversation, but continued talking as if it didn't matter since the memory would be erased anyway.
"Can you guess who it might be?"
Gamagin rested his chin in his hand.
"Hmm... there are a few suspects."
"Who are they?"
Gamagin stabbed the table with his fork as he spoke.
"First, a child named Son Lin. A child with abilities not like those of a human. An ability to sway people's hearts in an instant and is helping my child."
Amdusias nodded.
"I also suspect that child. It's clear they are the most suspicious at the moment. And the other one?"
"Hmm..the other one is a bit tricky. I've narrowed it down to the human who has been most helpful in the child's endeavors. The first two humans that come to mind are..."
Amdusias paused to think then asked.
"Does the list include a child named Byungjoon?"
Gamagin shook his head.
"No, not him. He's just purely fond of the child. Haven't you been in physical contact with him? Did you feel anything then?"
"Now that you mention it, I didn't feel anything."
"Right, then the remaining humans are a woman named Sharon Isbin, a man named John Corigliano, and an old woman named Leontine Price."
"Could it be that an angel has entered the soul of the child's sibling?"
"Hmm...unlikely. The sibling hasn't been of any help in the child's endeavors. If the angels weren't foolish, they wouldn't bother."
"I see. Hmm..."
As the conversation continued, Geon's eyes flickered restlessly.
'Son Lin, the director, an angel? Professors being angels, what does that mean?'
Geon, rolling his eyes in thought, chuckled as Pyemon offered him a fruit on his fork.
"Stop eavesdropping. You'll forget everything anyway, it's a waste of time. Hahaha."
Geon took the fork from Pyemon and asked.
"Forget? Does that mean to erase? Why?"
"Hahaha, you don't need to know."
Though Geon frowned at Pyemon's words, he couldn't help but send a small smile his way, not really disliking him. Geon then glanced at Gamagin. With his sharp eyes, prominent nose, red lips, and deep-set eyes, Geon thought.
'I don't know where I've seen him before, but this man really looks like me. Anyone would think he's my father. Is that why he feels familiar? Why do I look like him? No, why do I resemble this man?'
Pyemon picked another fruit with his fork and handed it over, saying.
"It's natural to look alike, hahaha."
"Gasp! Did I just say that out loud again?"
"Hahaha, you did?"
"I'm sorry."
"What's there to be sorry about? It happens. Eat. Fruit loses its flavor if it sits too long."
"Thank you, Lord Pyemon."
As Geon ate the fruit, Pyemon asked.
"How's your learning going?"
Geon wiped the juice dripping from his mouth and cheerfully replied.
"Yes, it was really hard. I don't know how many hours have passed, but after a long time of thinking and researching, I finally found the answer."
"Oh? The answer? What is it?"
Geon put down his fork, excited to explain.
"The key point of using the paint in my mind is 'desire.'"
"Desire?"
"Yes, endlessly repeating the emotions I want to convey while drawing a single musical note. At first, the note wouldn't form properly, and half of it would be in different colors. After countless practices, I finally learned how to draw the outline."
"Oh, really?"
As Geon spoke, Amdusias, who had been conversing with Gamagin, abruptly stood up
. His sudden move and astonished eyes made everyone at the table focus on him. After a moment, Gamagin asked calmly.
"Why do you react so?"
Amdusias, looking down at Geon with wide eyes, said.
"The note was half-transformed?"
Everyone then focused on Geon, who scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
"Yes... well, that happened because I was trying to draw the outline and made a mistake..."
Amdusias's eyes widened as if they were about to tear, and Pyemon shrugged his shoulders, leaning back.
"What's wrong, Amdusias? The child is startled."
Despite Pyemon's words, Amdusias, still with eyes wide open, sighed and said.
"Haha... has he already figured out how to load three emotions? Haha..."
When Paimon saw Amdusias slump back into his seat, he asked, "Three emotions?"
Geon looked curiously at Amdusias, who remained silent. Gamagin gestured with his eyes towards Paimon, prompting Paimon to turn back to Geon and say, "Can I have a word with you in private?"
As Paimon stood up, Geon, still curious about what Amdusias was about to say, reluctantly followed him out. Once they had left, Amdusias, looking troubled, muttered, "This is dangerous... it's all happening too quickly."
Gamagin, observing him silently, asked, "What do you mean by dangerous?"
Amdusias looked up at Gamagin and explained, "I didn't consider the outcome when my abilities and His Excellency's are combined. Adding Lord Paimon's powers into the mix, I can't even imagine the kind of power that will be embedded in that child's voice."
"Do you mean your ability and mine, like an eye for music and wisdom?" asked Gamagin.
"Yes, exactly. I delivered the message without much thought, overlooking the fact that the child has received your abilities."
"Hmm, are you saying it's dangerous because the child's abilities have become too strong?"
"Yes, the child's current abilities are now comparable to those of a genius musician who once dominated an era in the human world. But since he also possesses your wisdom, it's uncertain what developments might occur in the future, and whether they will be safe for the human world."
As Gamagin's gaze deepened, Amdusias urgently said, "We must erase the memories, Your Excellency. Everything he has learned here."
Gamagin shook his head and stood up, "Let it be. I will take the responsibility."
"What? Your Excellency!"
"That's enough. After all, Paimon and I are watching over the child, and we can intervene immediately if anything concerning arises."
"That is true, but..."
"Have you also been watching the child lately?"
"Ah, yes, I knew that."
"You've given the child powers, so you have the right to do so."
"Haha, well, it's more like I find it amusing to watch."
"Right, with three of us high-ranking demons watching, what could possibly go wrong? We can handle it if something does. Don't worry."
"Um, understood, Your Excellency."
Leaving the conversation in the drawing room behind, Paimon stepped outside and glanced at Natalie, who was standing by the door, before saying, "Come along."
Natalie flinched but promptly followed a step behind Paimon and Geon. Paimon led them through the inner garden to a secluded corner where the sound of a violin resonated beautifully. They approached a white table with chairs set up.
"Stay here for a bit. I'll be right back," Paimon said with a smile, pulling out a chair for Geon to sit.
As Natalie passed by, she whispered, "I'll be back in ten minutes."
Startled, Natalie quietly bowed her head, watching Paimon's retreating back with a grateful look. She then sat down next to Geon and beamed.
"Is Kiska still unable to speak?"
Geon reflexively responded, "Yes, that's right. It's not something that can just suddenly improve...?"
As Geon looked puzzled, Natalie rummaged through her bag and pulled out a small, round frame that resembled a medieval clock. She pressed a button on the side of the frame, which clicked open to reveal a photo of a slightly younger Natalie and Kiska, both beaming.
Surprised, Geon shifted his gaze to Natalie.
"Did you know Kiska before?"
"Ho ho, yes. We're close."
"Ah, so like an aunt or a godmother?"
"Ho ho, something like that."
"As I thought, Kiska does seem familiar to you. It's nice to meet you, I'm Geon."
"I know," Natalie replied, as another servant brought over some refreshments.
"Have some," she offered, gesturing towards Geon.
"Ah, I've just eaten, so I'm quite full. Please go ahead, you must be hungry before dinner."
Geon offered a cookie to Natalie, who politely accepted it with a bright smile.
"You really are a kind soul. That's why you're so good to Kiska."
"Haha, well, I don't really do much."
"Just being there is a big help to her right now."
"Ahaha, well, that might be true."
Natalie looked at Geon warmly, then spoke with slight difficulty.
"The child will regain her ability to speak soon."
Geon looked at her in surprise.
"Really?"
Natalie nodded gently, "Kiska isn't ill. She has closed off her own heart
. If she develops a strong will to speak, she'll be able to open her mouth right away."
Shocked, Geon looked bewildered as Natalie grasped his hand tightly.
"The reason she will be able to speak might very well be because of you. I hope her first words will be beautiful. Please, I ask this of you."
Geon thought for a moment, then nodded, "Yes, I want that too. But do you also not know when she will be able to speak?"
"I don't know. But it won't be long, I'm sure of it. Since Lord Amdusias said so, it must be true. So, once again, please take good care of Kiska."
"I definitely will. Haha."
As Natalie finally released Geon's hand, her eyes caught sight of Paimon peering from behind a distant building. Noticing Natalie watching him, Paimon hastily retreated, but not before Natalie had seen him. She smiled warmly and walked towards where Paimon had been hiding. Peeking around cautiously and spotting Natalie approaching, Paimon startled and straightened his clothes before coming around the building with a stern face.
"So, have you finished what you needed to do?"
Natalie smiled warmly at Pyemon's tone, as if she found him adorable. Sensing her amusement, Pyemon coughed awkwardly.
"Ahem, it's not like I was being considerate."
Natalie held her skirt lightly and bowed her knees slightly.
"I'm just grateful to you, Lord Pyemon. I've finished what I came to do, so please return now."
"Hmm, okay. Look after it."
"Yes, thank you."
Watching Natalie leave, Pyemon scratched his head briefly and then looked up towards the upper floors. He saw Amdusias looking out of a window on an intermediate floor, nodded slightly to himself, and then spoke to Geon.
"Let's go up now."
Geon looked puzzled as he stood up.
"What, you had something to say?"
"Oh? Ah, what was it, oh yes! Hey, has your father stopped hitting you?"
Geon frowned.
"How old do you think I am? I haven't been hit since high school."
"Ah, ah, that's good then. Let's go."
"You brought me all this way just to say that?"
"Well, not exactly. It's not really a pleasant conversation."
As they walked, Geon suddenly asked.
"How do you know about my father?"
Pyemon coughed loudly and waved his hand frantically.
"Ahem! Ahem! Mosquitoes in the middle of winter! Shoo!"
As Pyemon quickened his pace, Geon frowned and followed him. Soon, they reached the door of a room filled with paintings, and Pyemon waited for Geon to speak again before hurriedly opening the door. Inside, Geon saw two people waiting for him and glanced at Pyemon, who was nonchalantly whistling and pretending to be distracted.
As Geon entered, Gamagin spoke to Amdusias.
"Then, as we discussed, please."
Amdusias deeply bowed his head and as he passed by Geon, he said,
"I will come back for you."
Geon, understanding it as an arrangement to meet later, nodded. After Amdusias left and closed the door, only Gamagin and Geon remained in the large room filled with paintings. Feeling awkward standing there, Gamagin invited him to sit.
"Have a seat."
As Geon awkwardly sat down, Gamagin smiled. Seeing Gamagin smiling at him eased some of the awkwardness, and Geon managed a small smile.
"So, have you learned a lot?"
"Yes, I've learned a lot. It's been more valuable than anything I've learned at school so far."
"Good, that's good to hear."
"This dream has been quite interesting. I've had many dreams, but nothing like this one."
"Ha, is that so?"
"Yes, and it's been quite long too."
"Yes, you've been dreaming long. It seems about time to go back."
"Now? Already?"
"Yes, if you stay longer, it might not be good. You don't need more power than necessary. But if you continue to work on yourself after you return, the abilities you currently possess will be sufficient for you to further develop yourself."
"What do you mean..."
As Gamagin's eyes turned a fiery red, Geon, startled, looked into his eyes. He wanted to look away, but his head wouldn't move, and he broke into a cold sweat and screamed.
"Ah... Ahhhh!!!"
Overwhelmed by the piercing red gaze that seemed to melt his brain, Geon collapsed onto the table. Gamagin stood and looked down at him quietly, then the door opened and Pyemon peeked in.
"Is it over?"
Gamagin gestured towards the fallen Geon, and Pyemon came over and tidied his disheveled hair.
"I'm sorry. One day, I'll invite you to my castle."
Gamagin frowned.
"To visit your castle, one would have to go to hell. The child will be taken to heaven with me when I return to being an angel, so don't even think about it."
Pyemon playfully pointed to the floor.
"This is hell too, you know?"
Gamagin scowled and looked around.
"I better send him back quickly."
"Haha, understood. I'll take him back."
After about three hours in the human world, as dawn approached, a black vortex appeared on the ceiling of Geon's empty room. Spinning and emitting a gloomy light, Pyemon slowly descended from the vortex, carrying the unconscious Geon, and laid him on the bed, gently stroking his hair. After watching Geon for a while, Pyemon smiled slightly and said,
"See you again, child."
As Pyemon was sucked back into the vortex, it disappeared, and the colorless room regained its colors. Only the sound of the ticking second hand of the clock filled the room where Geon lay as if asleep.