From getting out of the car to entering the shop, Trigo was in a daze. Well, that’s understandable, considering the intriguing items scattered everywhere.
After all, it’s normal for an artisan to be intrigued even in such a situation.
“There seems to be some sort of liquid in it. What could be the reason for storing it in that brightly lit space?”
First things first, that alone is bizarre.
Hmm, hmm-
A large rectangular machine emitting vibration sounds. Inside are numerous bottles filled with transparent liquid.
“Could it be potions instead of water? A magical device for aging potions? But I don’t sense any mana. If I get closer and…”
Unintentionally forgetting his purpose for following Jong-sik, Trigo approached the square machine. Seeing Trigo like that, Jong-sik spoke up.
“What are you doing? Sit down. Didn’t you come because you have something to hear?”
“Uh, yes.”
That’s right. There’s something important to hear! Trigo finally came to his senses and neatly took a seat. The chair, tailored to a human’s physique, is uncomfortably high and awkward.
“This chair is like garbage.”
Trigo thought, and Jong-sik chuckled. He seemed to know what Trigo was thinking.
“He probably thinks the chair is pathetic. Kutja probably thinks the same.”
If he’s a dwarf, he’ll probably think so. Their eyes met for a moment. Trigo cleared his throat and remembered his purpose.
“So, about Kutja, I mean, first of all, how did you know the name of our tribe?”
“Kutja told me. He was my colleague.”
When people who have left home gather, what else could they talk about? It’s just nostalgia for family stories that comforts them. Kutja wasn’t any different.
Whenever he spoke, he talked about the Ahchukarata Mountains. How beautiful it is there, and how great his tribe, the Puiego tribe, is, having seized the land beneath it.
“… You followed me believing in a benefactor, yet you’re lying.”
But Trigo hardly believed it. Why would he? His long-deceased father was a colleague with a young human. Trigo ground his teeth.
Nevertheless, Jong-sik continued his story. Trigo would have to believe his words anyway. He was about to reveal information that only the Puiego tribe would know. For example…
“I, too, was suddenly summoned to another dimension one day.”
“Don’t insult me any further…”
“The Eldar Continent summoned countless dimension travelers, and Kutja was among them. Dwarves distinguish tribes by hair color, right? The Puiego tribe, born from the flames, has red hair. So, it was easy to tell you belonged to the Puiego tribe.”
He clearly said there were no dwarves in this world. Yet how did this man know such things?
“There were times he talked like this. He claimed the masterpiece he made for the coming-of-age ceremony was the greatest achievement of our tribe. I don’t know if it’s true or not. But he kept telling that story until it became ingrained. And he sang countless songs. Is this how you sing it?”
“…It’s the truth! How can you not believe how magnificent his legacy is!”
Trigo bristled at the suspicion of Kutja. But he had no choice but to acknowledge it. The man clearly knew Kutja. Moreover, the song he was humming right now was a song only a member of the Puiego tribe would know.
“Is it true that he was Kutja’s colleague, or rather… comrades?”
If that’s the case, he should change his tone first. Trigo cautiously asked, and Jong-sik nodded.
“Then, is Kutja here? Where, where is he!”
“Kutja stayed on the Eldar Continent. I was the only one who returned.”
“That can’t be true. Why would Kutja…!”
“He wanted to leave traces of the Puiego tribe there. As you know, he was quite skilled.”
If it’s not something worth missing, then it’s a lie. Jong-sik reminisced about Kutja with a faint smile. On the other hand, Trigo slumped his shoulders with a helpless expression. After a moment, he looked back at Jong-sik.
“Just a little bit more. Can you tell me about your time with Kutja?”
“Of course. That’s why I brought you here.”
As Jong-sik calmly reflected on the past, Trigo’s expression changed constantly as the story progressed. It was a story that couldn’t be listened to without tears.
When Jong-sik finished his story of parting ways with his comrades, Trigo finally voiced the question that had been haunting him.
“Then why was I brought here? If the benefactor eventually returned home, wouldn’t there be a way for me to go back too? Please, teach me.”
He bends from the waist after getting off the chair. Jong-sik’s expression darkens at the sight. It was because of the sudden surge of anxiety rising from the depths of his heart. The reason why dimension travelers come to Earth. That must be the cause of his unease.
“Is what I’m thinking correct?”
If it is, what should he do?
As the thoughts continue, Jong-sik’s expression gradually hardens.
“Well… It took me decades to return, so I don’t have anything to say about that right now.”
“What should I do then?”
“For now, you need to stay alive. So, how about staying here with me for a while? Of course, I won’t hold you back if you don’t want to.”
“Is, is that really okay?”
“Why, do you really want to leave?”
“No! I was just asking if it’s okay to stay here.”
“Oh… Of course. I owe Kutja quite a bit.”
Of course, he had already repaid that debt many times over. Anyway, he wasn’t just a colleague; he was like family. If nothing extraordinary happened, Jong-sik decided to take responsibility for his safety. The investigation starting tomorrow would be the first step.
Jong-sik immersed himself in his thoughts.
***
A moment later,
Jong-sik and Trigo exchanged belated introductions.
“I haven’t heard your name yet. Or should I just call you Team Leader like everyone else?”
“No need to call me Team Leader at home. Just call me Hyungnim.”
At face value, it was clear that Trigo was the older brother. However, Trigo immediately accepted being called “Hyungnim.”
“Got it. Hyungnim. But…”
“What else do you want to ask?”
“I’m curious. What is the purpose of that box emitting light over there? Can I take a closer look?”
Jong-sik turned his head in the direction Trigo indicated. It was a beverage refrigerator tucked away in the corner.
“Ah, so that’s what you were curious about. Even in this situation…”
Whoever said he wasn’t a dwarf? Trigo was showing his curiosity about new things. Still, shouldn’t he be feeling down for at least a day? Jong-sik tilted his head with a sigh but readily answered his curiosity.
“It’s like a storage chamber for food, called a refrigerator. It maintains a cold temperature to keep the food from spoiling.”
“Oh, I see. How does it work? Can I see the design plans?”
“Well, I’m not knowledgeable about that. And there are no design plans.”
“Ugh. If it’s not too much trouble, can I open it and take a look?”
What’s so difficult about that? As Jong-sik was about to nod his head, Jong-pal interrupted.
“Hey, hey. The ramyeon is ready.”
Jong-pal brought over a bubbling pot of ramyeon in a bowl. Had he overheard the conversation between Trigo and Jong-sik? Jong-pal’s eyes seemed a bit teary.
Why wouldn’t they? Stories shared with family tend to be mostly bright and joyful.
But Jong-sik responded cheerfully nonetheless. Fortunately, Jong-pal also joined in the mood.
“Perfect timing. Stir fried squid? Or should we go for Jin ramyeon?”
“Jin ramyeon. But it turns out there’s only mild flavor left. So I added a few Cheongyang peppers.”
“As expected of my little brother. What a discerning palate. Hey, Trigo. Let’s take a look at the refrigerator later and eat first.”
Until then, Trigo had been glaring intensely at the refrigerator. As soon as he got permission from Jong-sik, he hurriedly moved to open it.
“Can I just eat after looking at that?”
“Well, ramyeon tastes bad when it’s cold. Oh well, suit yourself.”
Jong-sik was strict when it came to food. Moreover, with ramyeon right in front of him, why pay attention to the refrigerator? It was incomprehensible. Jong-sik lifted a strand of ramyeon with reverent intent.
At that moment, Trigo’s nostrils twitched. The spicy aroma brushed against his nose tip. Simultaneously, an irresistible hunger surged within him.
“This is just to follow your advice, Hyungnim.”
Trigo closed his eyes and turned his gaze from the refrigerator. As Jong-sik, sitting back up straight in his chair, finally lifted his chopsticks.
“So that’s how you hold it. Then…”
With a clumsy grip, he barely managed to pick up a strand of noodles. Trigo, on the other hand, quickly opened his mouth, afraid to miss even that.
“Chorororok!”
It’s just a strand. However, even that was enough to awaken his taste buds. Trigo gave a rabbit-like glance, not suited to him. The clumsy chopstick skills continued.
“Why is this so difficult!”
Each strand of ramyeon that came his way was tantalizingly close. Eventually, in his haste, Trigo resorted to slurping it up. Jong-sik watched him with satisfaction.
“A dwarf who knows how to eat. Kutja’s kid was always so delicate.”
“It’s, it’s really delicious. It’s spicy and makes my mouth tingle, like nothing I’ve ever tasted before.”
“Hehe. Refreshing, isn’t it?”
“Uh? Refreshing…”
“Doesn’t it feel like it’s piercing through your stomach? Calling that refreshing.”
“Umm.”
Trigo slurped up more soup, then nodded as if he understood.
“Ah, it’s refreshing!”
Seeing this, Jong-sik and Jong-pal burst into laughter.
“Come on, try some beer too. It goes well with ramyeon.”
“I’m Jong-pal, your younger brother. Let me get you a glass.”
Through alcohol, the cheerful atmosphere continued to blossom.
***
Early morning.
Jong-pal, stepping out of the door, made a surprised sound.
It was because of Trigo, who was staring quietly at the garden.
“Wow, you scared me!”
“Eek! Did I startle you? I’m sorry about that.”
“No, it’s okay. But why are you up so early… No, well, I guess even I wouldn’t be able to sleep properly.”
Jong-pal came down to the yard and stood quietly beside Trigo, offering comfort. Trigo chuckled and replied.
“I was waiting for you, Jong-pal.”
“Me? Me?”
Jong-pal asked in confusion at the unfamiliar words.
“Jong-sik hyung said to take it easy, but that’s not how dwarves operate. There’s no such thing as free meals in the dwarf dictionary. So, I woke up early to help you.”
Trigo remembered Jong-pal mentioning the need to prepare for business early in the morning. He had made up his mind to pay his dues.
However, Jong-pal firmly declined. There was a reason he couldn’t accept.
“I really appreciate the thought. But when it comes to handling ingredients, I feel more comfortable doing it myself. So, please go inside and rest assuredly.”
“I’ve had enough sleep. Please let me help. I insist. I’m not planning to cook, though. I’m confident in handling knives. Just leave the kitchen knife to me. I, Trigo, will sharpen it meticulously.”
“Alright, fine! But please stand up straight!”
However, Jong-pal couldn’t help but eventually agree to the earnest request.
