Chapter 26: A New Companion

The Cup I brought from the Underground White Coffin had a mysterious quality to it.

When I placed the Cup on the table and let go, it naturally floated up.

Then, as if it were alive, it approached and rubbed its body against the back of my hand.

“So fascinating.”

The rough texture pressing on the back of my hand was surprisingly pleasant.

Was this what it felt like when a cat asked for pets?

Even when I first saw it, this Cup felt just like a living pet.

“Good, aren’t you? Sit.”

After rubbing against my hand a couple more times, the Cup settled itself back down on the table.

Such a clever little thing.

“Can you answer the questions I ask? Honestly. Let’s use the table for answers. If I’m right, tap once, if not, tap twice.”

Tap.

The Cup tapped the table once.

So, Spirit Communication is possible.

“Did you choose me, by any chance?”

Tap.

Just as I expected.

That feeling had been strong from the start.

Next question.

“Did Grandfather make you?”

Tap-tap.

This time, it was a denial, which was unexpected.

I had assumed Grandfather was the one who made this item.

After all, only Grandfather could do something so mysterious.

I hesitated for a moment.

But soon, another hypothesis occurred to me.

“Did someone give you to Grandfather as a gift?”

Tap.

This time it was a yes.

Then, who was the sender?

That hypothesis quickly followed.

The Existence who spoke to me earlier through No-Rani’s body.

If it was that being, clearly not human, then it all made sense.

Clatter.

As my thoughts dragged on, the Cup carefully approached and rubbed against me again.

It was just like how a puppy would nuzzle with its tongue.

It almost seemed like it was reading its Owner’s mood and trying to match it.

Maybe it’s because I found it cute once—now, everything it does just looks cute.

“Sorry, was I thinking too long? Next question. Do you have a reason for coming to me?”

Tap.

A purposeful approach.

But why didn’t I feel anything malicious about that reason?

Was it to help me?”

Tap.

“And, is it also for the sake of the Spirit Children?”

The Cup hesitantly moved to the corner and hid.

It had told the truth, but now seemed to be sunk in guilt.

Should I not have asked?

As I gently stroked the Cup, I mulled over what I’d just learned.

I still didn’t know exactly who it was, but it was clear that the one who gifted the Cup was a Spirit close to Grandfather.

And what it wished from me—

Would be the same as Grandfather.

“Be happy together with everyone.”

Thinking that, I lightly scratched the Cup’s side with my fingernail, and its mood seemed to improve right away, as it returned to my side.

This fellow, it really is adorable.

“I’ll stop with the questions now. It’s too late at night, anyway.”

When I checked the clock, it was already past 1 a.m.

If I was to brew tea for Hyeon Ung at dawn, I’d have to go sleep and get at least three hours.

Tomorrow, I’d also have to prepare some tea for my own fatigue recovery.

“Ah, could you wait for me at the Tea Shop?”

Unlike the Spirit Children, the Cup is, well, a Cup.

It would be odd to carry it around all the time.

“If you don’t like it, just say no. Let’s go together.”

We only just met, but the Cup is also my fate.

I can’t treat someone who came to help me badly.

If I come off as weird, so be it.

Tap.

The Cup tapped the table once.

That tap seemed a little stronger than before.

“Will you be okay? You’ll have to be here alone all night.”

Tap.

Such an understanding Cup.

No, by now, even calling it ‘Cup’ feels a little wrong.

This Cup is no ordinary Cup, but a truly special one.

“Can I give you a name? Did you have one before?”

Tap. Tap-tap.

Yes to the first, no to the second.

In that case.

“Udi. How about it?”

I borrowed the name from the main character of a favorite comic movie.

That character was also a toy but moved and lived, and Udi is a Cup, but moves and lives as well.

Tap. Tap. Tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap.

“Haha. Looks like you like it. Then from now on, I’ll call you Udi.”

Seeing Udi so excited, almost tap-dancing, made me feel bashful.

I should’ve given it a name before bombarding it with questions.

Udi bounced energetically around the table, then seemed to think of something and flew into my hands.

“Hm? What’s up?”

When I opened my hands, the Cup trembled for a moment, then went still again.

I didn’t know the reason, but it felt satisfying, somehow.

Like a cat content after being stroked under its chin?

I knew it was pleased.

Leaving the excited Udi on the table, I went into the inner room.

Then, careful not to wake the soundly sleeping No-Rani, I scooped them up in my arms.

“Well then, Udi, see you tomorrow—no, in about four hours. Keep the Tea Shop safe, okay?”

Tap.

“If any strange people come in, bite them.”

Tap. Tap. Tap.

“So reliable. See you tomorrow.”

I left the Tea Shop and looked toward the kitchen through the window.

Faintly, I could still hear Udi moving about inside.

It really feels like I just got a puppy.

But I can’t say I mind.

***

Sleeping for just three hours and waking up—truly torturous.

No matter how young your blood, it’s still hard.

I don’t know how I managed this in my past life.

“Ajusshi.”

As I was putting on my shoes, I heard Naru’s voice.

Naru, who’d also fallen into a deep sleep last night while I was putting No-Rani to bed.

She rubbed her sleepy eyes and came closer.

“Why are you up? Sleep more.”

“I keep waking up at this hour. Huaaam…”

“Sleep a little more. After you’ve rested, come with No-Rani to the First House later.”

No matter how good No-Rani is at picking up on when I wake up, I came back way too late last night.

She should rest more.

“Ajusshi.”

“Yeah?”

“Did you… meet another Spirit last night?”

“Hm?”

Another Spirit?

“No. I didn’t. Why?”

“Really?”

“Why would I lie to you, Naru? Did something happen?”

“No, it’s just… you smell like wood, Ajusshi.”

A smell?

I sniffed myself, but couldn’t detect any particular scent.

As the thought lingered, Naru pressed her face close and took a sniff.

“Yes, it’s this. The smell of wood.”

“Really? I smell like that?”

“Yes. But it doesn’t feel natural. It’s a bit… artificial? Like wood that’s been handled by someone a lot.”

“…You can sense all that?”

“I’m a Spirit of wood. So, Ajusshi.”

Naru’s eyes grew sharp, as if interrogating me.

“Are you really sure you didn’t meet another Spirit? Another wood Spirit?”

“Naru, you sound just like a wife grilling her husband about cheating.”

“Are you dodging the question?”

“No, really. I haven’t met any other Spirits.”

Honestly.

But even so, Naru’s suspicion wasn’t so easily erased.

At this rate, I’d have to explain everything that happened last night.

But Hyeon Ung would be arriving soon.

“Naru, how about coming to the First House with me? Let No-Rani sleep a bit longer.”

“Why the Tea Shop?”

“I think I know why you picked up that smell. You’ll see when we get there.”

Naru’s face twisted into a conflicted expression.

But only for a moment.

“I’ll go change my clothes.”

“Okay, but don’t rush and trip.”

“I’m not No-Rani, you know!”

Naru darted off to her room.

Whether out of curiosity or something else, she’s just like No-Rani when there’s something she wants to do, fatigue or not.

“All done.”

“Then let’s go. We’ll be walking a bit fast, is that okay?”

“Huh?”

“Still, don’t trip—hold my hand.”

So, for the first time, Naru and I headed to the Tea Shop together.

As we walked the still-dark night streets, I briefly told Naru what had happened last night.

“That all happened while I was asleep?”

“Yeah.”

“I see.”

“So, Naru?”

“Yes?”

“The one who spoke through No-Rani’s body—do you know who they are? That person—or, that Existence?”

If anyone would know, it would be Naru.

As expected—

“I do.”

“Really?”

“But, I can’t tell you.”

Naru covered her mouth firmly with both hands.

I could sense a firm determination not to say a word.

“Can you at least tell me why?”

“They didn’t give me permission to tell you. If you needed to know, they would have told you themselves.”

Calling them “that person” — sounds like they’re someone pretty high up even among Spirits.

Or maybe higher?

Questions arose, but I left them at that.

I didn’t want to pressure Naru any further.

“Alright. I won’t ask, either.”

“…Aren’t you curious?”

“I am, but if getting the answer makes things hard for you, it’s not worth it. Because I like you a lot, Naru.”

At my words, Naru bowed her head.

I couldn’t see her face, but I could tell her mood had brightened.

“Naru, even if another wood Spirit comes, your place won’t be replaced. There will just be more precious people.”

“…I know. I told you before.”

“You remember?”

“Of course I do.”

The reason Naru had been sulking since morning was this.

She was jealous I might get close with another wood Spirit, more than with herself.

It’s one thing to understand logically, and another to feel it emotionally.

Even if Naru’s a Spirit, she’s still a child.

“Ajusshi.”

“Yeah?”

“You’re mean.”

“Is that so?”

“Take back what you said about being a good person.”

“That’s a problem.”

Seems like I’ll have to make Green Dawn stronger than usual to cheer Naru up.

***

Chalak, ddrang.

“Udi, we’re here.”

As soon as we entered the Tea Shop, Udi’s tapping on the table greeted us.

Udi, sitting on the table, floated up excitedly and came over to me.

It was just like a puppy welcoming its Owner home.

I responded by cupping Udi in both my hands.

“Nothing happened last night, right?”

Nod, nod.

Light vibrations replaced taps as a reply.

As I held Udi, Naru peeked over.

“Is this the Cup you were talking about?”

“Yeah. Want to see?”

“…Just a moment?”

Naru closed her eyes.

Then, on her hands, tiny green motes of light began to bloom.

Those motes spread gently, and the Udi in my hands floated into the air.

Almost mesmerized by the sparkling light, Udi slowly drifted and settled in Naru’s hands.

Naru exhaled slowly and stopped channeling the motes.

“Hello? So you’re Udi?”

U-woong.

“Hmm, yes. I see.”

“Naru, can you understand what Udi’s saying?”

“It’s more like reading its feelings than words.”

“Really?”

Naru cradled Udi and nodded.

“You named it Udi, right?”

“Yeah. There’s a wood vibe, and it’s also from an animation I like.”

“Then I’ll call it Udi, too. Udi, nice to meet you.”

After a few vibrations, Udi left Naru’s hands and returned to mine.

So cute.

While I was stroking Udi, I noticed Naru quietly staring at me.

“What is it?”

“It’s nothing. Udi just seems to really like you, Ajusshi.”

“But just now, Udi liked you too, didn’t it?”

“That’s just because I’m a Spirit. Wood is attracted to my power.”

Naru’s eyes sharpened.

Maybe it was just my imagination, but hmm.

“Naru?”

“Yes?”

“Ajusshi, you need to start working now.”

“I know.”

As I went to tie on my apron, Naru clung to my leg.

That’s usually something No-Rani does.

“With No-Rani not here today, it’s your turn, huh?”

Still holding onto my leg, Naru stared at Udi, who clung to my hand.

It almost felt like Udi was gazing back at Naru, too.

“Why are you both doing this?”

“It’s nothing.”

U-woong.

“…Alright, it’s nothing.”

After a while, Udi clung to my shoulder, and Naru stuck to my waist like a spider.

Now I get it.

Naru’s behavior—this was just like a child guarding against a new sibling.

Ddrang.

“Good mor—what are you all doing?”

“Hm?”

When Siwoo arrived for work and asked, I could only answer with one line.

“Carrying the weight of being the head of the house.”