Chapter 84 (1) - The Mysterious Art Museum
I was conflicted watching Henri introduce himself with a sly yet hearty laugh.
Whats with this dream? I just cant get used to it.
I thought I knew when and how I get sucked into these dreams. The expectation that no one would see me was shattered. This dream, seemingly refusing to allow any preconceptions, still feels strange.
Henri raises his hand and shouts.
Arian! Bring me the usual!
A waitress, standing afar, nods understandingly and goes to fetch the drink. How often must he have been here to be able to order the usual?
This man, his mind and health deteriorated due to alcohol, eventually leading to his confinement in a mental hospital.
I know his future.
What if I can change this mans future?
Is it even possible?
No, should I even try?
Henri, wiggling his hips, moves closer to me.
Hey, Ban. Youre Japanese, arent you?
Where are you from? Cant you tell me about Japanese art? What I've seen are just crumpled pictures that came with Japanese trade ships.
Artists in Europe at that time, enchanted by the unique charm of Japanese art, hadnt seen proper artwork.
Japan, exporting tea sets to Europe, would wrap them in any paper to prevent breakage. The Ukiyo-e () drawings on these wrappers captured the artists' interest, presenting a style of art they had never seen before.
Im not Japanese.
Henri looks disappointed, his eyes dimming.
No?
Is it because hes handsome? Despite his physical impairment, I find him quite likable. I dont want to disappoint someone with such an expression.
I come from a country right next to Japan. So I know quite a bit about Japanese art.
Henris face brightens up again.
No.
Great! You haven't booked a hotel yet, right?
Yes, thats right?
My house is nearby. How about you stay at my place tonight? I'd like to see and learn about Joseon's art.
Wow, am I going to stay at his house?
But can I sleep while dreaming? I've never tried that before.
Henri grabs my arm and urges me.
Say yes! Right now!
Ah well, okay.
After all, I don't have anywhere else to spend the night.
And I don't know when I'll wake up from this dream.
Just going and disappearing when I wake up from the dream, that's all.
As soon as I give my consent, Henri jumps onto the sofa with his short legs and starts dancing joyously.
"Oh l l l l!"
I don't like having guests at my house other than family. What's so exciting about this?
I laughed at his ridiculous dance.
"People will think you're strange, Henri. Stop it and come down."
"So what? I'm just a dwarf roaming these hills anyway!"
""
Why does he keep belittling himself?
I waited for him to stop dancing and called out to him as he sat down with a pleasant expression.
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