KTC | Chapter 30

After that day, unlike other agents who chose not to delve into supernatural phenomena, Natasha developed a strong trust in Choi Seonwoo and often sought his advice on cases that seemed impenetrable. Of course, this wasn’t an official advisory role.

“All three cases do not show signs of an evil spirit. The residual images on the first and second corpses match. They seem to be those of a short man, about 5 and a half feet tall, with no emotional waves of resentment detected. The third corpse is different. This looks like an isolated incident…”

For Choi Seonwoo, these advisory cases were always a dilemma. As a priest, he was doctrinally bound not to lie, but he couldn’t disclose everything he saw.

Choi Seonwoo was acutely aware of how people viewed supernatural abilities that couldn’t be explained by science. If he revealed all he could see, they would surely judge him as something other than human.

Thus, Choi Seonwoo was always wracking his brain for ways to help within the boundaries of honesty and righteousness. Even if he clearly saw the culprit’s face, he would only provide a vague silhouette and never directly identified a suspect. That was the best approach.

After sending his response email, Choi Seonwoo shut down his laptop and sprawled out on his bed. Angela, who had taken refuge on the cat tower, promptly took over his side. The day’s many events had quickly brought on drowsiness.

Lying properly on his back, Choi Seonwoo’s eyes flickered weakly as he looked up at the cross necklace hanging on the wall above his desk. Seo Jihan’s face, flushed like a boy giving his first love a gift, shimmered above it.

…Ah, please. It surely won’t go that far, right?

Kids his age fall in love easily and cool off just as quickly. They date for ten days and think it’s a love for the ages. It’s something that can only happen at such an innocent age.

Seo Jihan would surely get over it too. There was no need for significant worry.

With that crumpled thought, Choi Seonwoo fell asleep.

＊＊＊

On September 29th, the day of Chuseok, Choi Seonwoo’s birthday, and the anniversary of his mother’s death, Choi Seonwoo woke up early and started packing. His bag contained only a day’s worth of clothes, underwear, some of Angela’s food, and water. He had requested a day off for his mother’s memorial a month earlier, so there wasn’t much else to prepare.

Ah, but there was one more substantial thing he had to take care of. Despite repeatedly saying Seo Jihan could roam around the church as much as he liked, like a one-man dog, he followed Choi Seonwoo around all day.

“How about we stop by an open photo studio on the way back and get some pictures taken?”

Seo Jihan shook his head sharply at the suggestion offered during breakfast.

“No, I’ll take them when I’m more presentable.”

“You look perfectly fine now.”

“My looks aren’t just about being fine.”

Seo Jihan retorted shamelessly. If he had been any less attractive, he might have been scolded for showing off.

Choi Seonwoo finished his meal regardless and got ready. Dressed in his usual clerical shirt and slacks, he went downstairs, where Seo Jihan was sitting on the sofa, dressed up as if he were going on a trip, though his destination was no secret, so his demeanor lacked arrogance.

“Will you be returning tomorrow evening?”

Lee Jeongae asked, and Choi Seonwoo nodded in affirmation.

“Then I’ll have dinner ready from then on. If you need lunch prepared, please call ahead.”

“That won’t be necessary, so consider yourself on holiday today and tomorrow.”

“Oh, I should really do that.”

Choi Seonwoo smiled and grabbed his bag from the sofa. Angela, who had brought her own bag and settled into it, was draped around his neck. Seo Jihan glanced down at Angela and reached out his hand, only to receive a slash of her sharp claws.

“What kind of person does she even like? Shouldn’t she let me touch her head by now?”

Rubbing the red marks, Seo Jihan’s voice was full of complaints. Choi Seonwoo chuckled and deftly scratched behind Angela’s ears.

“Angela dislikes everyone but me.”

The cat quickly purring was a sharp contrast to her previous ferocity. Why Seo Jihan doted on such a temperamental cat was beyond understanding.

“Let’s go.”

Choi Seonwoo, ready to leave, led the way out of the priory. As usual, Seo Jihan’s bodyguards brought the car around. The number of bodyguards accompanying them on this trip was six. At least this year, thanks to the wealthy young master, they could skip the hassle of taxis and buses.

“Have you only ever held a memorial for your mother on this day every year?”

Seo Jihan asked cautiously as two luxury sedans pulled up at Sammok Pier.

“Yes.”

Choi Seonwoo answered simply. Silence ensued again as their car plunged into the holiday traffic chaos.

Ah… Chuseok… This year it coincided with my mother’s anniversary.

Staring blankly at the congested road, Choi Seonwoo leaned between the driver and passenger seats. Although the car navigation had initially estimated a five-hour journey, it now indicated ten.

“My goodness. A bus might have been better.”

They wouldn’t arrive until after dark at this rate. Scratching his head in frustration, Choi Seonwoo pulled out his phone and made a call. Seo Jihan’s eyebrow twitched at the name ‘Elder Nam Sang’ displayed on the screen.

Elder Nam Sang?

He had heard that name before. As he pondered, Choi Seonwoo began to speak.

“Elder, it’s Seonwoo.”

[Yes, are you on your way?]

Nam Sang’s distinct raspy voice filled his ears. Choi Seonwoo replied respectfully.

“Yes, but we’re stuck in traffic and might not arrive until after 5. I thought I should let you know.”

After a brief silence, Nam Sang clicked his tongue.

[What are you bringing with you?]

Though long retired, Nam Sang’s spiritual power was still intact. Choi Seonwoo glanced at Seo Jihan.

“I’m looking after a kid these days. Can’t leave him alone, or he might attract spirits, so he’s with me.”

Something rustled through the phone, likely Nam Sang performing a divination with rice. A scolding silence followed. Choi Seonwoo muttered under his breath.

“I have to clear my karma.”

[Foolish boy. Kicking away your chance for a peaceful life.]

Nam Sang muttered disdainfully and then hung up without waiting for a response. Choi Seonwoo smiled bitterly and put his phone back in his coat pocket.

“Ah, I remember now!”

Just then, Seo Jihan suddenly spoke up.

“Nam Sang, that shaman, right? The one who could knock down a bird with a single word.”

That’s when he remembered. The shaman who had defiantly refused to perform a ritual despite his grandfather’s several attempts and threats. Known as Nam Sang Do-ryeong in his youth and Nam Sang Beopsa as he aged, he was sought after by the elite and politicians.

“Is he your grandfather?”

“No, he was like a father to my mother when she was alive. He’s also keeping my mother’s ashes.”

“Ah, I thought your mother’s grave was in Gurye.”

That was the destination currently being guided by the navigation.

“Since we’re on the topic, don’t do anything when we get to Elder Nam’s place. Stay only where you’re told, and don’t go near the shrine. The spirits he worships there definitely won’t take kindly to you.”

“I suppose I’ll have to follow your instructions, but why would they dislike me? What sin have I committed?”

“I’ve told you before. You’re just the right type to attract exorcism cases. Just different names, but Elder Nam is basically performing the same role within Korean folk religion. Getting too close might just provoke them.”

Though deeply stung by the truth, Seo Jihan had no choice but to accept his situation.

“It’s really depressing. I don’t live like this because I want to.”

Seo Jihan plaintively murmured in a sorrowful voice, leaning his head on Choi Seonwoo’s shoulder. However, Choi Seonwoo immediately shrugged him off.

“Stop your antics.”

“Last time, it was just a whim.”

Seo Jihan protested, feeling wronged, but Choi Seonwoo was busy swatting Angela’s backside as she hissed at him. The irony of being jealous of a cat who couldn’t even speak was truly pitiful. Still, he decided to be satisfied that the sinking atmosphere was at least dispelled.

“Father, you lived in the U.S. for so long, maybe you don’t know? These days, there are actually gourmet spots at rest areas.”