DTD 5

The location Shinhwan mentioned in the email was none other than his own art gallery. And it wasn’t just any gallery—it was situated in one of the most expensive areas in Seoul. As soon as I entered the narrow, steep alley, I regretted bringing my car.

“Wow, the smell of premium gasoline is strong here.”

There were luxury cars everywhere—from brands like Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, and Ferrari. The names alone could fill out a crossword puzzle. Cold sweat formed on my forehead whenever I pressed the accelerator, thinking that a scratch could cost me months of living expenses.

Ding—. 

Finally, the navigation system announced that I had arrived at my destination, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding.

“…I swear I’ll never bring my car to this neighborhood again.”

Before leaving the car, I rolled up my sleeve slightly and checked my wristwatch. It was a rare piece, something only those in The Apostles possessed. After receiving it from Simeon, I thought I’d never use it again, but life is full of surprises.

I’d painstakingly dug out the watch from where I had carelessly thrown it because I felt it wasn’t a good idea to show my face to Shinhwan. While I wasn’t an apostle, I’d been by Simeon’s side back then, and photos of me in a mask had appeared in the news articles. I wanted to avoid any situation that might cause trouble for Simeon or the other apostles.

As I turned the silver bezel to the left, I heard a click and felt a thin membrane brush over my face. I adjusted the rearview mirror to see my reflection: a completely obscured face, like an Apostle’s, hidden behind a black mask.

“Is it too much…?”

It felt like I was impersonating an apostle, but there was no harm in being cautious.

Not wanting to show up empty-handed, I picked up the tart I’d bought from a nearby bakery and got out of the car. Despite it being broad daylight, the neighborhood was eerily quiet. The gallery seemed to be on a break, as there were no visitors, and the doors were firmly shut. I had no choice but to press the doorbell attached to the wall and wait quietly.

“Phew…….”

What should I say if he asks why I’m here? ‘I’m the person who recently emailed you, sir’? 

That makes me sound too much like a stalker. ‘The professor invited me’? No, that’d be awkward to say directly to the tiny door camera. But if I say, ‘I have something important to discuss about <Blue Hope>,’ it makes me sound like a doomsday cultist…

Just then, I heard a noise from the intercom connecting to the entrance. I took a short breath to greet whoever answered, but suddenly, the automatic door slid open.

“Huh…?”

What? All I did was stand there dumbly with the tart box in front of the door camera. And yet, they opened the door so easily? There wasn’t even a security guard or a receptionist inside the gallery. Perhaps because of all the things I’d been through, I felt more wary despite being the one who needed something.

“Um, can I enter…? …Hello? …Can I come in?”

As I spoke to the air, the door started to close, so I quickly slipped inside. After passing through a short corridor, I found myself in a large hall surrounded by white stone. It was so quiet that I felt like even my footsteps and breathing were too loud. Despite being an art gallery, there wasn’t a single painting on the walls. The only piece of art was a statue of an unknown woman holding a water jug in the middle of the open hall.

Just as I was distracted by the lifelike marble texture of the statue, a voice suddenly startled me.

“Do you like that piece?”

I turned to find a middle-aged man standing there. His gray hair, neatly combed back, highlighted his refined features. With neatly shaped eyebrows, crescent-shaped eyes, a gentle smile, and eyes that seemed to hold depth—this must be what people mean by the term ‘handsome middle-aged man’. It was the first time I understood how wrinkles around the eyes or mouth could add charm to someone.

This man, who looked even more distinguished in person than in photos, was a retired violin virtuoso and the current owner of <Blue Hope>.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Shinhwan Joo.”

Even his gesture of extending his hand for a handshake was flawless. I stood stiffly, taken aback by his sudden appearance, and shook his hand a beat too late. Despite having retired long ago, his hands had the calluses of a violinist.

“I am… Hajae Shin… Thank you for inviting me, sir, even though I emailed you out of the blue.”

“No, thank you for coming, Mr. Hajae. Was the uphill road difficult for you?”

“Oh, no. I drove, so it was fine.”

Though the luxury cars parked along the alley had made me break out in a cold sweat, I couldn’t complain to someone so kind. After releasing his hand from the handshake, I suddenly remembered that I was holding the tart box in my left hand. I politely offered the paper bag to him with both hands.

“This is nothing special, but… it’s a gift.”

“Haha, you didn’t have to.”

Shinhwan pleasantly laughed as he took the bag. 

He let out an ‘Oh’ of recognition when he saw the bakery’s mark on the bag, indicating that he was already familiar with the place.

“This bakery’s tarts are quite good. Have you tried them?”

“What? Uh… No.”

“Then let’s have some together.”

“What?”

The sudden shift in conversation left me feeling as disoriented. Shinhwan, however, turned around with the tart box in hand, his gaze fixed on a corner of the hall where a woman in a neatly tied bun and a suit was standing.

“Secretary Yoon. Please prepare some tea to go with the tart.”

“Yes, sir.”

When did this Secretary Yoon even get there? Do people need to have stealth skills to work with Shinhwan? No, this isn’t the time for such silly thoughts. If I don’t hurry and refuse, I’ll end up leisurely drinking tea with him.

“Sir! I’m really fine. I don’t particularly like sweets.”

“Hm, is that right?”

For a moment, Shinhwan’s expression hardened slightly. Was he displeased that I brought something I didn’t even like, or was he upset that I refused his offer to share it? Or maybe he realized I was lying? Panicking, I blurted out whatever came to mind.

“I’m sorry for buying something I haven’t even tried, but since it’s a famous bakery… Ah, come to think of it, perhaps you don’t like sweets either, sir. But it felt rude to come empty-handed, so…”

Pffft—. 

The sound of laughter cut me off, and I saw Shinhwan laughing elegantly, his hand lightly covering his mouth. Was my rambling to explain myself that amusing? Feeling awkward, I cleared my throat, and Shinhwan finally stopped laughing and spoke gently.

“My apologies.”

He seemed so nice that I felt embarrassed to be so wary of him. But something in my gut still felt off. Maybe the momentary hardening of his expression was the real face of Shinhwan rather than his gentlemanly smile.

Was I being too suspicious? But when someone is kind to you for no apparent reason, it’s always wise to question it. Could this be another trap set by Simeon? My eyes darted around nervously, scanning my surroundings. Just then, Shinhwan, who was walking ahead, suddenly stopped.

“Mr. Hajae.”

“Yes, sir?”

Though I had done nothing wrong, I flinched as if I’d been caught in the act. In contrast, Shinhwan remained composed; his serene and calm gaze seemed to pierce through me, seeing something deep inside.

“May I ask how old you are, if it’s not too rude?”

“I’m 26 this year.”

“Hmm. I suppose he’d be around your age if I had a son.”

A son, huh? According to what I read online, Shinhwan is 54 years old. If my father hadn’t died in that accident, would it have felt like this? The thought felt strangely out of touch with reality, and I chuckled at myself. After all, he spoke so formally; what father would use such formal language with his son?

“Um… sir. You can speak more comfortably with me…”

“I’m used to using honorifics. Does it make you uncomfortable?”

“What? No. It’s fine with me…”

I quickly waved my hands, and Shinhwan warmly smiled as he resumed walking. Despite just walking, his upright posture exuded dignity.

From the moment I first met him, I felt it—there was an insurmountable barrier around Shinhwan, different from Simeon. Though he used formal language and maintained a respectful distance, I couldn’t shake the feeling of discomfort. He might be an even more formidable opponent than Simeon.

“Please, come in.”

While I was lost in thought, Shinhwan guided me to a room.

The room he’d led me to was located quite a distance from the central hall and seemed to be a private space meant only for Shinhwan. Unlike the rest of the pristine white gallery, this 533-square-foot room had a completely different atmosphere from the clean white exterior. It felt like an antique store, with colorful patterned carpets on the floor, dirty items arranged in old wooden cabinets, and an antique gramophone next to a light green rubber tree.

The cozy atmosphere here, with sunlight shining through the windows, strangely did not suit Shinhwan.

“This is a lovely space. Did you gather all these yourself?”

“Oh, this was all my wife’s doing.”

Of course. Shinhwan’s taste leans towards the white, a gallery that one would hesitate to touch. Yet, seeing how meticulously he maintains this entirely opposite space, it seems he was a devoted husband. The only thing that bothered me was that when I searched for information on Shinhwan, there was no mention of his wife at all.

“Nowadays, I’m the one taking care of it…”

Shinhwan murmured quietly, gazing at the shelf. On it were two white ranunculus flowers and a photograph of an unknown woman. Holding a large bouquet, the woman smiled lovingly at the person behind the lens.

Feeling uneasy about just standing there, I made a polite comment.

“Your wife has a beautiful smile.”

“…She had a beautiful smile, yes.”

A perfect response in the past tense, albeit a beat too late. The silver ring placed in front of the frame, the youthful appearance of the wife who seemed no older than her thirties, and the stark contrast to Shinhwan’s gray-streaked hair made it clear—for her, time had stopped not long after that moment.

Realizing my mistake, I clammed up, and Shinhwan, smiling, pointed to the leather sofa in the center.

“Please, have a seat. My secretary will bring tea shortly.”

A heavy silence fell as soon as we sat facing each other across the table. I’d hoped to earn some points by complimenting his wife, but I had dampened the mood instead. As I struggled to find a way to break the ice, Shinhwan spoke first.

“Mr. Hajae, are you a member of The Apostles?”

“…No.”

“But you own a piece of Midas’ work.”

Midas’ work? Confused, I tilted my head, and Shinhwan gestured toward my wrist with his eyes. Only then did I notice the watch hidden under my sleeve. …Right, I’m wearing a mask right now. I was so tense that I’d completely forgotten about the mask, diligently managing an expression that no one could even see.

To shake off my embarrassment, I cleared my throat and spoke.

“I received it from the Guild Leader of The Apostles when I entered the gate last time.”

“I heard that only apostles can possess it. Do you plan to become an apostle in the future?”

“What? No, nothing like that.”

“Haha, then you must have earned the Guild Leader’s immense trust.”

Trust? Our relationship had rotted to the core to the point where calling it trust would be an overstatement. He put a collar on me out of suspicion, and I couldn’t trust him enough to make a deal involving my life. There was a moment when misunderstandings almost cleared up, but it ultimately ended in mistrust. We’re still tailing each other to uncover each other’s secrets. How can something so decayed be called trust?

“…No way. I just missed the right time to return it, so I still have it.”

I feel bad for using it without permission, but that’s not what’s important right now.

I had no idea The Apostles’ watch was called ‘Midas’ work’.” I don’t know if this is common knowledge accessible through a simple search, but one thing is clear: Shinhwan knows more about The Apostles than I initially thought.

“You seem to know a lot about The Apostles.”

“I’ve been indebted to them for quite some time.”

“Indebted…?”

“Yes, in many ways.”

The more I thought about it, the more significant his words seemed. It didn’t feel like he was just talking about the current request.

“You seem surprised, Mr. Hajae.”

Shinhwan… Who is this man, really? A retired violinist and the current owner of <Blue Hope>. A wealthy middle-aged man living alone after the death of his wife… or so I thought. But the more we conversed, the more I realized he knew far more than I had expected.

This composed man is undoubtedly a key figure in uncovering Simeon’s intentions. However, at this moment, he seemed unwilling to share any information about <Blue Hope> with me. …No, on second thought, that’s only natural. I’m not an apostle with any influence, and besides, who would willingly share information with someone who hides their face?

After some thought, I turned the watch’s bezel to reveal my face, and Shinhwan’s eyes widened slightly.

“My apologies, sir. I covered my face because I was concerned that revealing my identity might cause trouble.”

“Haha, no need to apologize. It’s better to be thorough than careless.”

Shinhwan said with a crescent-eyed smile.

“Actually, I feel more assured now, seeing that you’re more reliable than I expected.”

While it’s good that I gained his trust by removing the mask, the thought that I could no longer hide my expressions made me even more nervous. As I swallowed dryly, Shinhwan subtly smiled and gently steered the conversation.

“You mentioned that there was something you wanted to hear from me.”

“Oh, yes. When did you move <Blue Hope> to the bunker?”

“Since the first signs of instability appeared. A gate shouldn’t open in such a quiet neighborhood.”

Shinhwan added, stroking his chin with his neatly kept fingers.

“It’s been problematic ever since I won it at the auction. Understandably so, given how many lives that gem has taken. Not to mention the incident that originally turned <Blue Hope> into a spirit item.”

“By the incident, do you mean…?”

“Of course, the suicide of Countess Winston.”

Before <Blue Hope> became a spirit object, its last owner and the first victim was Countess Winston. The count, who only had a daughter, brought in Ector, the second son of a baron he had known since childhood, as his son-in-law. After the Count and Countess passed away, Ector devised a scheme to take over the family.

“Ector spent a long time planning to assassinate Countess Winston. They say that he even intended to install his mistress, a maid, as the new lady of the house.”

“That’s reckless. Did he succeed?”

“No, he failed… at first.”

Ector planned to poison her during a banquet, but fortunately, the plan failed. The Countess, having sensed his murderous intent, tried to escape but was caught by Ector and driven to the terrace. And that’s when the tragic accident occurred.

“The terrace, which had been perfectly fine, suddenly collapsed?”

“Yes, ‘suddenly’ collapsed, just like that.”

Thus, the Countess drowned in the sea, along with <Blue Hope>, which she’d been wearing around her neck. The maid, who wanted the necklace, searched the area around the sea tirelessly, but no one ever found <Blue Hope> nor the Countess’s body.

After a long time passed, <Blue Hope> created a massive gate above the sea. With the accumulated resentment of its past owners and the unjust grudge of the Countess, it was only natural that it would awaken as a spirit item.

Hearing the story, I found the current situation even more confusing.

“Normally, a spirit reveals its abilities after hunters subdue it in the rift, right?”

“Yes. However, <Blue Hope> was an unusual case. That’s why I sought the help of The Apostles.”

I must figure out a solution before The Apostles do. Even if it’s only small, I need to contribute something to help seal <Blue Hope> if I want to gain the right to access Simeon’s secrets.

“What are the signs of instability that you mentioned earlier?”

“It might sound like the ramblings of an old man… but, shortly after I won <Blue Hope> at the auction, I began having nightmares. Dreams of falling off a cliff and drowning in the sea. I even heard a woman’s cries in the middle of the night when everyone was asleep.”

“Did you hear the cries alone, sir?”

“Yes. To be precise, it seems only the owner hears them. Before I won it at the auction, I heard that the previous owner suffered the same symptoms because of <Blue Hope>. Sadly, I’ve heard they’re still in the hospital.”

The previous owner, who’d suffered because of <Blue Hope>, was hospitalized, but Shinhwan seemed remarkably calm. It was as if he wasn’t concerned that he might end up in the same situation.

“After hearing the cries, I placed <Blue Hope> in a safe and set up guards. But a few days later, two of the guards collapsed. One coughed up blood, and the other lost consciousness due to a severe headache.”

“Do you believe it’s the curse of <Blue Hope>?”

“I had no choice but to believe it. We immediately sent them to the hospital for thorough examinations, but they were all completely normal.”

Accidents occurring around  <Blue Hope>, cries that only the owner can hear, and recurring nightmares. These incidents sound like something out of an urban legend, yet they’re happening in reality. And typically, when strange incidents occur in these stories, there’s only one reason behind them.

A grudge.

“If all this is true, trying to seal the spirit item using the same method would be in vain.”

“But the usual method for sealing a spirit is to recreate its origin. The Countess would once again fall from the terrace with the necklace.”

Why does the spirit stone keep showing us the tragic end of this woman? It’s almost as if it’s begging us to resolve her grudge. If, by any chance, the spirit cannot awaken due to a vengeful spirit, Countess Winston shouldn’t die again.

“Is it possible to change the ending of the origin?”

“No. The owner of the necklace must die.”

Wait. The owner of the necklace must die. That means the person who dies doesn’t necessarily have to be Countess Winston… What’s more important is the tragic ending of the person who owns <Blue Hope>. Then….

“Well, I don’t know if it’s possible, but…”

“Have you come up with a good idea?”

As soon as I nodded, there was a sudden knock at the door. Startled, I turned to look while Shinhwan, seemingly expecting it, smiled leisurely and said,

“Perfect timing. I’d feel bad making you repeat your good idea twice.”

“What do you mean by that…”

“Come in.”

The person who entered was a woman who appeared to be an assistant. As she stepped aside, the person standing behind her walked in. The man, whose dark figure stood out even more against the white gallery background, was…

“Why are you…?”

It was Simeon.

Why on earth was Simeon here?

And without wearing his mask, revealing himself to someone other than his apostles. This wasn’t normal. I began to suspect that perhaps Shinhwan and Simeon were in on this together, but then I noticed Simeon’s expression and quickly changed my mind. His usually indifferent face was twisted into a savage scowl.

“What are you doing here?”

“That’s my line.”

Simeon retorted bluntly, then glanced at Shinhwan. In the tense atmosphere, only Shinhwan maintained a relaxed smile.

So it was his idea to bring the two of us here together. I knew he wasn’t an ordinary man, but this was a bolder move than anticipated.

“You’re just in time. Please, have a seat.”

At Shinhwan’s suggestion, Simeon reluctantly entered the room. Even as he sat on the opposite sofa, he didn’t take his eyes off me for a moment. Unable to bear the suspicion that dripped from his dark gaze, I had no choice but to speak up.

“Don’t misunderstand. I didn’t know you were coming.”

“Really? So, this isn’t you caught red-handed sneaking around on me?”

Simeon’s lips twisted into a sneer. But I hadn’t done anything to deserve his scorn. He said I should find out if I were curious about his intentions. Unlike before, I had his permission to investigate this time.

“Caught red-handed? I was just doing as you said.”

“Ah, right. This is about what I said, huh? If you’re curious, find out for yourself?”

“Yes. I’m glad you remember.”

Simeon lowered his head slightly and let out a small laugh at my confident tone. He then leaned his elbow on the sofa’s armrest, resting his chin on his hand, and crossed his legs. The movement was as natural as a single fluid motion.

His black eyes, which had been lingering on the floor as if deep in thought, suddenly shot up to pierce through me.

“I underestimated you, Mr. Hajae.”

His kind smile was underpinned by a fierce intensity that made me clench my fists. Even so, I didn’t avoid his gaze and looked straight back at him, causing one of Simeon’s eyebrows to lift slightly. It was as if he was silently saying, ‘let’s see how far we can take this.’

Just then, Shinhwan cleared his throat softly and interjected into the conversation.

“My apologies. I was curious if Mr. Hajae really was someone who’d worked with an apostle. Judging by your reactions, it was indeed the case.

So, he’d been suspicious of me all along. It made sense; public attention was on <Blue Hope>. I’m one of many who would’ve contacted Shinhwan seeking information. But I never imagined that his method of clearing up his suspicions would be to bring the person in question directly in front of me without warning.

Simeon, too, seemed to find the situation rather absurd, his discomfort subtly showing.

“You could’ve given me a heads-up.”

“I’m sorry, but I thought you might not have come if I’d told you beforehand.”

Simeon only sighed quietly in response. I was genuinely surprised that he didn’t say much more. Knowing him, I expected him to get angrier. How he so quickly became compliant reminded me of how Sang acted in front of me when I was Johan. He really is polite to his elders…

While I was briefly lost in thought, Shinhwan pointed to me and spoke.

“In any case, this person said something interesting. That sealing <Blue Hope> in the same way as before would be useless.”

“Oh…?”

Simeon glanced at me with an intrigued look. Additionally, even Shinhwan was staring at me intently, his crescent-shaped eyes brimming with expectation.

“Isn’t that right, Mr. Hajae?”

“…Yes?”

“Please continue the story you were telling me earlier.”

Unintentionally, I now had a larger audience, and the pressure doubled. One was the owner of <Blue Hope>, and the other was the leader of The Apostles’ guild. I wondered if my theory would sound convincing to such formidable figures, but I continued without hesitation since we were discussing possibilities.

“If what <Blue Hope> wants is a reenactment of the incident, then the Countess must indeed die in an unexpected accident. But <Blue Hope> has continuously shown its owner the same scene from the past as if to remind them not to forget what happened. So I wondered if the reason for this was…”

I hesitated, took a deep breath, and continued.

“It might sound a bit ridiculous, but I thought it could be because the Countess’s vengeful spirit inhabits <Blue Hope>.”

I glanced up to gauge their reactions. But no one was laughing. Although I hadn’t meant it as a joke, I expected Simeon to scoff, yet even he listened intently, which only intensified the pressure. The silence seemed to urge me to keep talking, so I calmly continued.

“The gate closed after reenacting the incident, but the vengeful spirit is blocking the awakening of the artifact’s power. So I thought, what if we try to change the flow without altering the outcome of the necklace owner dying?”

“Are you suggesting… that we sacrifice someone else?”

At Shinhwan’s question, I slowly nodded and replied.

“The maid who was Ector’s lover.”

The person who’d replace the Countess as the new owner of <Blue Hope> and meet a tragic end. The one who harbored greed for <Blue Hope> and was willing to sink to the depths of the sea with it. There was no one else but the maid who’d been coveting the position of the Winston family matriarch.

“The maid had such a strong desire for <Blue Hope> that she wandered the sea alone after the Countess’s death in search of the necklace. So it wouldn’t be strange if she became the new owner.”

The pivotal moment in the tragedy is when the terrace suddenly collapses, and the owner of <Blue Hope> falls off the cliff. So, all we need to do is place <Blue Hope> in the maid’s hands before the accident happens. Of course, I knew any awkward behavior inside the gate would result in immediate expulsion. So, we’d need to plan every action and movement carefully.

“It would be difficult, of course. But it’s worth a try.”

While Shinhwan stroked his chin, deep in thought, Simeon shook his head firmly.

“No. It’s too risky.”

“But…”

“There’s no ‘but’ when it comes to danger.”

Simeon spoke with a furrowed brow.

“Do you remember when we sealed <Codex Gigas>?”

“…How could I forget?”

“That was just a single page. Out of over 300 pages, just one. And yet, the power that the artifact possessed was extraordinary. You, of all people, should know that.”

I know. I know it all too well. The bizarre hallucinations that Phenex showed me that day are still vivid. When I fell silent at the memory, Simeon narrowed his eyes and asked in a quiet voice,

“<Blue Hope> is an A-rank artifact, or perhaps even higher, like <Codex Gigas>. Have you considered what might happen if it goes wrong?”

“I know how dangerous failure would be.”

“Yet you’re trying to carry out a plan with no basis?”

He was right from start to finish. Simeon was always right. I hadn’t failed to consider these things either. But I never intended to involve anyone else in my reckless plan.

“I’ll go alone.”

I said calmly, and Simeon’s face twisted in fury.

“…What did you say?”

“Since the risk is so high, let me enter the rift alone.”

I have an undying body. No matter what dangers lie ahead, they’re not much of a threat to me. It might hurt a bit, but somehow, I’ll survive. This was a conclusion drawn by someone who’d been through numerous hellish experiences and had completely ruled out the possibility of death.

But Simeon seemed to think my resolve was nothing more than foolish bravado.

“Mr. Hajae.”

He frowned as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing and laughed incredulously.

“I appreciate your efforts so far. But this isn’t your place.”

“I’m sorry, but isn’t Shinhwan the current <Blue Hope> owner? I’m not asking you; I’m asking him.”

Simeon was momentarily at a loss for words.

Taking advantage of that, I stepped forward and stood in front of Shinhwan. My sudden movement left a look of surprise on his wrinkled face. Nonetheless, I placed my hand on my chest and spoke honestly, releasing what I had wanted to say.

“Sir, please use me to seal <Blue Hope>. I won’t let anything hold me back.”

Simeon, who’d belatedly stood up, grabbed my arm as soon as I finished speaking. His powerful grip forced me to look his way. His dark eyes glared at me disapprovingly as if he were going to eat me at any moment.

“…Are you trying to joke with me?”

“I’m serious. Just like you said, I have no intention of dragging someone else into a vague plan.”

“Since you can’t die, I guess you can do anything now, right?”

“Yes. That’s why you took advantage of it, didn’t you, back in <Codex Gigas>?”

A suffocating tension overcame me, but Simeon smiled as if he were having fun. At the same time, the eyes staring at me were not smiling at all. I felt a chill in that gap, and cold sweat ran down my spine.

Just when I thought I might get a mark on my wrist, Shinhwan stood up from his seat.

“Alright, alright, let’s all calm down, shall we?”

When Shinhwan placed his hand on Simeon’s shoulder, it felt like a taut string had suddenly snapped. Clicking his tongue softly, Simeon released my arm and sat down. His expression, now calmer, seemed less about having his anger cooled and more about having his amusement ruined. Feeling like I’d needlessly put Shinhwan in a tough spot, I quietly returned to my seat also.

After a brief moment, as the tension eased, Shinhwan spoke gently.

“Mr. Hajae, your suggestion sounds quite reasonable to me.”

“Sir, then…”

“But going into a rift alone is too dangerous. As you just heard, anything that happens inside an A-rank rift or higher can impact reality outside the gate. This isn’t just your problem, Mr. Hajae.”

I hadn’t considered that. Realizing my oversight, I shut my mouth, and Shinhwan smiled softly.

“So, considering your suggestion and developing a new plan would be best.”

I thought things were heading in a positive direction, but I was mistaken.

“Forget it. It’s a waste of time.”

Simeon’s voice was calm and cold.

“One of the guards near the gate had a mental breakdown yesterday. It’s not a good idea to waste time with uncertain methods.”

“Which is why we should prepare even more carefully, don’t you think?”

“I’m the Guild Leader, so I’ll decide who goes into the rift.”

Simeon’s argument was sound. Moreover, since Shinhwan entrusted this matter to The Apostles, Simeon had full authority over handling the rift. I’d been hoping to somehow use Shinhwan’s <Blue Hope> ownership to my advantage, but I guess this is as far as I can go. Would I not be able to get involved with <Blue Hope> or uncover Simeon’s secrets after all?

Just as I was about to give up on everything, something happened.

“Simeon-ah.”

Simeon… -ah? Surprised by the oddly unfamiliar term of address, I was even more shocked by Shinhwan’s next words.

“I’m not speaking as a member of The Apostles but as the client of this incident.”

……What? A member of The Apostles?

“A member… of The Apostles?”

Did I just hear that wrong? As I stood there dumbfounded with my mouth agape, Shinhwan let out a small sigh.

“Oh dear, did I not mention it?”

“No… not at all.”

“I’m sorry. I tend to forget things a lot as I get older.”

Shinhwan smiled, placing a hand over his chest while still seated on the sofa.

“Let me introduce myself again. I am Justino, the 10th Apostle.”

Can you say something that important, like it’s just something you could easily forget to do, like doing your laundry?

I hadn’t realized that the favor he owed to The Apostles for so long meant this. More than anything, I had thought that someone as well-known as Shinhwan could never be an apostle. In reality, wearing a mask should’ve made it easier for anyone to be free from fame.

“I didn’t mean to deceive you, Mr. Hajae.”

“Oh, um, sure….”

Yes, yes. Of course, you didn’t. It’s not like you reached out using Simeon’s name because you were curious about who had the nerve to send an email that would provoke The Apostles. Surely, it wasn’t to immediately put someone who might be snooping around in front of Simeon and then lock them in The Ark.

My head was aching so much it felt numb, and I found myself staring off into space. Regardless, Shinhwan continued speaking.

“Anyway, Simeon, I hope to handle this matter with Mr. Hajae. I don’t yet know the extent of his abilities, but he seems trustworthy.”

“On what basis?”

“You’re the one who knows him better than I do. After all, you wouldn’t work with anyone if you had even the slightest suspicion about them, would you?”

Did he hit the mark? Simeon, who’d been responding brusquely, eventually fell silent. After contemplating for a long time, Simeon finally stood up and spoke detachedly.

“Talking anymore would be pointless. I’ll show you myself.”

With that, he abruptly left the room. Not knowing if I should follow or wait, I hesitated, glancing around for clues. Shinhwan stood up and spoke.

“Let’s go.”

“Huh? Where to?”

“You’ll see.”

They were so cryptic that I had no way of knowing where we were going. We headed to the underground parking lot, where I got into Shinhwan’s car. Feeling awkward about striking up a conversation, I quietly gazed out the window at the passing scenery when Shinhwan suddenly asked,

“Are you upset?”

“Huh? About what?”

“About me not telling you I’m an apostle.”

I’d thought he wouldn’t care about my reaction, so his words caught me off guard.

“Oh, it’s fine. I was surprised, of course… But I think I would’ve kept it secret, too.”

I chuckled awkwardly, shaking my head, and Shinhwan slowly blinked as if reassured.

I still couldn’t believe it—that Shinhwan was an apostle. There might not be a rule saying public figures couldn’t become apostles, but somehow, Shinhwan didn’t fit the image of an apostle I had in mind. It was probably because those serene eyes looked like they no longer yearned for anything from this world.

“But why did you join The Apostles, Sir?”

The question slipped out of my mouth before I even thought about it. Thinking I might’ve been too abrupt, I was about to add more, but Shinhwan answered readily.

“Because The Apostles was the only place that I could fulfill my wish.”

“Your wish?”

Tilting my head in curiosity, Shinhwan replied calmly.

“My wife was a reporter and a fan. She loved seeing me perform in front of crowds more than anything. That’s why I never stopped performing, even when it affected my health. I even pushed myself to the point of exhaustion during a world tour because it made her happy.”

He suddenly looked up at me. The gentle smile on his face seemed somehow sad.

“Now that I think about it, maybe she wasn’t truly happy. Every time she saw me off at the airport, she looked a little sad. She probably pretended to be happy to ease my guilt about being away from home so much.”

His voice, murmuring to himself about the futility of realizing it now, was soaked with regret.

“Then, just before a concert, she called me one day. Her voice sounded strange, but I brushed it off, thinking she was just tired. After the concert, I found several missed calls from the hospital.”

“No way…”

“Yes, she’d gotten into a car accident. Even while losing consciousness, she managed to call me.”

For some reason, his face, with its usual gentle smile, looked as though he was crying.

“If I hadn’t brushed off her strange voice, at least I could have been there in her final moments. Thinking about that, I couldn’t bring myself to play the violin anymore. Even on stage, my fingers stiffened and refused to move.”

“During a performance?”

“Yes. It was a disaster. I was probably the first professional to stand in front of thousands of people and fail to play a single note for a whole minute.”

His weak laughter dissipated as feebly as a breath of air.

“After that day, I put down the violin for good. I was so determined never to see it again that I burned the violin that had been with me for ten years. But…”

Shinhwan stopped speaking and clasped his hands together. Though his hands trembled slightly, I pretended not to notice. After a brief hesitation, he exhaled a sigh that carried a truth buried deep within him.

“That’s when my abilities awakened.”

Ah, how cruel fate can be. When you give up the thing you hold dear, it hands you an opportunity you never dreamed of. As if fate were mocking you or forcibly pulling you back to the surface when you were about to drown, having already lost all will to live. Just like when I met Sang and then lost my parents, Shinhwan, too, began a new life upon awakening his abilities.

“As soon as I awakened, I was obsessed with learning about spirit items. I felt that, perhaps, they could help me achieve what was impossible in reality.”

A spark of life returned to his dark, somber eyes.

“And I finally found it. A way to see my wife again.”

“How?”

“The <Seikilos Epitaph>.”

<Seikilos Epitaph> was renowned as the oldest surviving piece of music.

‘May you shine while you live. May you never be sad. For life is but a moment, and time will call for its end!’

Some interpret these ancient Greek lyrics as a hymn to a god, while others see them as a song expressing the sorrow of losing a loved one.

“The origin doesn’t matter. What’s important is that <Seikilos Epitaph>’s melody reaches the soul. Although its whereabouts are unknown now, there’s documented evidence that proves someone performed it in the past.”

“So, you joined The Apostles to find it.”

“Yes. If you work for The Apostles, you can learn about many different relics.”

Shinhwan lowered his head and stared at the ring on his left ring finger. His determination could be felt in his unwavering eyes.

“I will definitely find it someday… definitely.”

I deliberately avoided offering words of encouragement like, ‘I’m sure you’ll find it.’ I knew all too well that false hope doesn’t help someone genuinely desperate. So, I remained silent, gently placing my hand on his shoulder. Silence would be the only comfort I could offer him.

I didn’t know how much time had passed when I noticed a highway sign out the window that read ‘Gimpo’. Shortly after, the car came to a stop. Outside the window, I saw a vast open field, a concrete building standing alone, security guards patrolling the area, and signs warning against trespassing.

This place was none other than an underground bunker in Gimpo, the location of <Blue Hope>’s gate. 

“Mr. Hajae, just in case, turn the bezel before you step out of the car.”

“Oh, yes.”

Following Shinhwan’s instructions, I turned the bezel on my watch. A thin film covered my entire face, and I stepped out of the car only then. Simeon, who’d arrived earlier, saw us getting out and crossed the barricade ahead of us. Whether he’d already spoken with the association or not, no one blocked us as we headed toward our destination.

After crossing the wide-open field, we finally arrived at the bunker. The rough concrete structure looked like it could withstand any attack. I had heard that these were installed throughout the city to prepare for potential fissures, but I’d never entered one until now.

“Is the gate down there?”

When I asked in disbelief, Shinhwan nodded silently. Meanwhile, Simeon tapped his hunter license to the terminal next to the door. With a loud thud, the massive stone began to move, and the entrance opened. In front of us lay a seemingly endless underground path. The stairs stretched on, making it impossible to gauge the depth.

“Do we… go down here?”

“Haha, of course not. There’s an elevator, so don’t worry.”

Fortunately, just as Shinhwan had said, there was an elevator next to the stairs. Breathing a sigh of relief, I joined them in the elevator. After descending for some time, it finally stopped at a certain point underground.

There was yet another entrance. It appeared ordinary on the surface, but I could instinctively sense that something beyond reality lay beyond the door. As we approached the door, the already cold air grew as frigid as the dawn of a winter’s day. The hairs on my body stood on end, my lips turned blue, and my breath came out in icy puffs of air. Unlike me, who shivered and hunched myself inward for warmth, Simeon seemed accustomed to the cold as he calmly deactivated the security system.

Thud—!

The door, which looked as though it would never budge by force, slowly began to open. As a gust of dust swept by, my view became clear. Without thinking, I lifted my head and was stunned by the sight before me.

“This is…”

It was a massive void. In the middle of a high-ceilinged underground space stood an oval-shaped black sphere. Even though I’d seen a rift during the <Codex Gigas> incident, the sheer scale of this one overwhelmed me. It appeared to be over 22 feet wide and easily over 33 feet high. The space around the fissure was subtly distorted, much like the event horizon of a black hole. Approaching it even slightly made me feel like the void would consume me, and my body would disintegrate into particles smaller than dust.

But that wasn’t all. The cold emanating from the fissure couldn’t be explained by the usual winter chill. It was a coldness I’d never felt before, one that froze me to the core. No, this was murderous intent. From the pitch-black darkness, where we couldn’t see what lay beyond, a deadly intent seemed to spill out, ready to devour us.

This was the true power of the cursed diamond, <Blue Hope>, which had claimed countless lives. While I could barely stand, Simeon boldly approached the fissure. He stopped just at the perilous boundary and, with his hands clasped behind his back like he was admiring a piece of art, looked up at the massive fissure and spoke.

“How do you feel, Mr. Hajae?”

His eyes resembled the vast void when he subtly glanced back at me.

“Have you finally come to terms with reality?”

As Simeon had warned, if the fissure were to explode, it would easily obliterate the underground bunker. As if expecting my hesitation, Simeon chuckled at my inability to confidently assure that everything would be fine. His dark gaze then shifted past me to Shinhwan.

“Is everything ready?”

“Yes.”

“Then let’s begin.”

Simeon took a few steps back from the fissure and lightly signaled with his eyes. As I stood dumbfounded between them, Shinhwan touched my shoulder and whispered.

“Mr. Hajae, it’s dangerous, so please step back momentarily.”

“What are you planning to do?”

“I’m going to try and subdue the heavy resentment and anger leaking from the fissure.”

I quickly realized what he meant. Shinhwan was about to use his ability.

Obediently stepping back, I watched Shinhwan walk toward the gate, stopping where Simeon had been standing. He let out a long breath, his back to the fissure exuding a solemn aura. After a moment, Shinhwan slightly tilted his head to the left, raised both arms, and held them in the air, as if holding an invisible violin.

At that moment, blue smoke began to flow from his fingertips, quickly forming the shape of a violin and bow. Before I could even be surprised, Shinhwan took a sharp breath and began playing the violin. The lively melody filled the empty bunker. His fingers danced lightly across the strings like a boy’s nimble footsteps. The bleak, gray bunker was transformed into his concert hall as he fully displayed his mastery.

As I was entranced by the captivating solo performance, the blue smoke grew thicker. It soon completely surrounded the crack, noticeably dampening the biting cold and murderous intent. The blue mist moved in time with the melody, forming a barrier that shielded us from the fissure’s power.

Finally, the performance came to an end. As Shinhwan lowered his arms, the smoke that’d formed the violin and bow dispersed into the air. His hair, usually neat and tidy, now had a few strands falling over his forehead, a testament to the intensity of his performance. I couldn’t help but applaud.

Clap… clap, clap, clap, clap, clap—!

The sound of my applause echoed through the quiet bunker. It sounded as if multiple people were clapping. Shinhwan’s eyes widened in surprise as he turned to look at me.

“I’m sorry. I did it without thinking…”

“Haha, no need to apologize. It’s been a long time since I last received applause after a performance.”

What…? No one ever applauded after such a performance? Simeon, you heartless bastard.

I glared at him sharply, but Simeon was too busy inspecting the state of the fissure to notice. Meanwhile, Shinhwan, like a performer who’d just finished a concert, placed his hand on his chest and bowed respectfully to me.

“Thank you.”

“No, I should be the one thanking you.”

I knew the world was full of unique abilities, but this was the first time I’d encountered one so artistic. The blue violin and the skillful performance that formed the barrier layer by layer suited Shinhwan perfectly, an ability only he could possess.

Come to think of it, the piece Shinhwan played earlier sounded somewhat familiar.

“Was that… Mozart?”

I asked cautiously, and Simeon, who was standing beside me, quietly interjected.

“Bach.”

“Oh, right, Bach. So, a sonata?”

“Partita.”

Damn it. I got everything wrong. I thought I’d learned something by going from one request to another, but it seems my superficial knowledge is useless.

As I cleared my throat to shake off the embarrassment, Shinhwan kindly explained.

“It was the Gigue from Bach’s Partita No. 2 in D minor.”

“I see… It sounded familiar, so I thought I knew the piece.”

“Really? Then I hope my performance was better than the one in your memory.”

“Of course! It was the best I’ve ever heard.”

Shinhwan smiled, clearly pleased. Thanks to his ability, the murderous intent that had weighed down the air was gone, making breathing easier.

If Shinhwan could play another piece before we entered the fissure…

“Surely you don’t think that just because it’s a bit more bearable now, it’s going to be fine.”

A voice suddenly interrupted my thoughts, making me cringe. When I glanced to the side, I saw Simeon frowning down at me.

“There’s a limit to how much we can suppress the entity’s power. If things go wrong, the people guarding this place will fall. Are you still thinking of doing something reckless?”

I hesitated momentarily, knowing that even Shinhwan could be in danger, but I couldn’t give up now.

“Now that I’ve seen how powerful <Blue Hope> is, I understand its magnitude. But my decision hasn’t changed.”

“Sigh…”

“You know it too. The previous methods won’t awaken the power of <Blue Hope>.”

It wasn’t just the scale that was different from the <Codex Gigas>. From the moment I stepped into this place, I could vividly feel the resentment and murderous intent directed at me. This only strengthened my conviction. That necklace, adorned with the blue jewel, surely contained the soul of a woman who’d met a tragic and unjust end.

“Just one time. Please, allow me to go in alone.”

Despite my earnest plea, he acted as if he didn’t hear me. He left me no choice but to play my trump card.

“If I manage to awaken <Blue Hope> safely, I’ll hand it over.”

“What…”

“In return, let me join in on what you’re doing from now on.”

His eyes, which had widened in surprise, soon filled with suspicion.

“You mean collecting spirit relics?”

“Yes.”

“This is so ridiculous, I can’t even laugh. Why would you help with my work, Mr. Hajae?”

“Because I believe what you’re doing will also benefit me.”

His furrowed brow seemed to urge me to explain properly. Reluctantly, I stepped closer to Simeon and spoke in a low voice that only he could hear.

“You mentioned before… that you’re looking for a way to erase the memory of that person.”

I deliberately avoided saying the name, but as soon as I mentioned “that person,” Simeon’s face hardened. Touching his sore spot had severe consequences. His eyes, sharp and gleaming in the shadowed face, glared at me as if they could kill. I quickly shook my head, trying to show I didn’t mean to provoke him, and spoke carefully.

“I also… have memories I want to erase.”

I don’t even hope to break the curse. I just want to erase the memories before I die. There are only eight months left. Within that time, I needed to completely cut Sang out of my mind. If I can do that—no, if I have to do that—I think I can finally rest without guilt, regret, or lingering attachment.

“I almost gave up because I couldn’t find a way until now… but since you have the same goal, I’m asking you.”

Did my sincerity get through to him? The harshness on Simeon’s face softened a bit. He seemed lost in thought for a long time, then finally sighed and nodded.

“Alright. If this plan succeeds, I’ll consider it.”

“Then…!”

“But.”

Simeon spoke sternly, his expression firm.

“If things go wrong, don’t return to reality.”

“What?”

“I’m telling you not to bring <Blue Hope>’s grudge out with you.”

Was he telling me to stay in the rift forever? His expression was devoid of humor, and the command not to return was serious. A strange feeling gripped my heart, squeezing it tight.

“Wait, Simeon. That’s… “

Shinhwan, startled, tried to add something, but Simeon raised his hand to stop him. His cold gaze seemed to warn him to stop interfering. Only after Shinhwan took a step back did Simeon continue.

“If you fail, you must bear the full responsibility, Mr. Hajae. Do you understand? Even if 72 hours pass in the rift, and your body disintegrates, leaving only your consciousness, don’t think about coming out.”

For a moment, I felt like I couldn’t breathe. At first glance, it sounded like he was trying to scare me into giving up, but considering how Simeon had always been, he was undoubtedly serious. And it’s not like he was being harsh on me on purpose. The Sang I knew was someone harsher on himself than anyone else. The Apostles… at least Simeon, always faced the rift with that resolve.

I didn’t want to run away irresponsibly after starting this.

“Okay.”

“You agreed quite easily.”

“I made this proposal with that resolve from the start.”

Seeing my firm determination, Simeon didn’t argue further. It seemed like it was settled, but then Shinhwan, who’d been quietly watching the situation, suddenly made a strange proposal.

“Given the circumstances, how about letting Mr. Hajae stay at The Ark until this mission ends?”

“What?!”

I couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise. Simeon, equally shocked, looked at Shinhwan with wide eyes. But Shinwan, looking incredibly serious, continued.

“There were no reporters near the gate today because I didn’t give them advance notice, but the guards must have seen Mr. Hajae. No matter how much the Association tries to keep it quiet, it won’t last long. So, instead of letting Mr. Hajae potentially become a target and cause unnecessary trouble, I think it’s safer to let him stay in The Ark.”

It sounded like he was concerned for my safety, but Shinhwan’s top priority was probably information security. He likely wanted to avoid complications by keeping me under close watch in The Ark.

Simeon seemed to understand his reasoning and slowly nodded.

“Who knows what unpredictable thing Mr. Hajae might do next, so that might be best.”

So, I’m being treated like a loose cannon. Well, considering my past actions, it’s not entirely unreasonable. I didn’t want to be wrongfully accused of being the mastermind behind something by some stranger again. But, still…

“But… aren’t you going to ask me what I think?”

Even though I’m just a guest, couldn’t they ask for my opinion at least? As I subtly expressed my dissatisfaction, Simeon smirked coldly and spoke in a low voice.

“Do you think my decision would change even if you refused, Mr. Hajae?”

With that one remark, I quietly followed them.

An awkward silence lingered as we ascended to the surface. Once outside the bunker, a guard waiting in front spoke to Simeon. I slowed my pace, not wanting to intrude on what might be an important conversation, but Shinhwan suddenly came up to me and whispered.

“To be honest, I was nervous.”

I turned to look at him, surprised to see Shinhwan calmly watching Simeon’s back. He looked like someone who’d lived without ever knowing the meaning of tension. 

“Excuse me?” I asked, puzzled.

Shinhwan glanced at me and spoke.

“I mean the situation earlier. It’s the first time I’ve seen Simeon argue with someone.”

“The first time? Then have you never had disagreements while working together?”

“It’s not like we’ve never disagreed… but his orders are absolute within the Apostles. Besides, Simeon’s decisions are always rational, so there’s never really been a reason to argue.”

I nodded in agreement because I completely understood. When it came to work, Simeon was always right. So whenever I requested something that deviated from his plan, I always felt like I was being unreasonable. Well, it’s not like I was wrong. Thankfully, Shinhwan stepped in this time; otherwise, I wouldn’t have even been able to see <Blue Hope>’s rift.

“Honestly, I survived thanks to your support, Sir.”

“I didn’t do much. If anything, I should be thanking you.”

“Thanking me?”

Shinwan nodded, then looked at Simeon with a warm gaze.

“It’s only today that I realized he’s capable of such a range of expressions.”

At his words, I recalled the series of expressions Simeon had shown from the gallery to the bunker. He was flustered when he first saw me, angry when I said I’d go into the rift alone, sneering when he said it wasn’t my place to interfere, angry again when I mentioned Johan. Finally, he even smiled, albeit sarcastically. 

There wasn’t a single moment where Shinhwan’s delighted smile seemed appropriate.

“He was angry the whole time…”

“Haha, but it was all new to me.”

It reminded me of what Raphael had said before: Simeon was gradually changing because of me. Unfortunately, I’m not a positive influence on him; instead, I’m the one who’s driven him to this point.

Shinwan, unaware of the complicated circumstances, patted my shoulder with a cheerful smile.

“I hope this mission succeeds.”

“Haha… It has to.”

We passed the restricted area and arrived in front of two parked cars. Naturally, I intended to ride in Shinhwan’s car, as I had on the way here, but he spoke apologetically.

“Unfortunately, I have other business to attend to, so I’m heading elsewhere.”

“What? Then…”

“Simeon will go straight to The Ark, so you should ride with him.”

Wait. Ride with Simeon? My neck stiffened as I slowly turned to look at the front car. Simeon must’ve already gotten in because he was nowhere in sight, and the guard was just standing there with the back door open, waiting for me. 

I wasn’t thrilled about it, but I couldn’t exactly walk, so I said goodbye to Shinhwan.

“Thank you for today, Sir.”

“See you next time, Mr. Hajae.”

After bowing, I hurried toward the front car. Once inside, I saw Simeon reading documents on a tablet. I glanced at the screen, curious if it was related to <Blue Hope>, but it was all in English, so I quickly looked away.

The guard in the driver’s seat then asked Simeon.

“Where should I take you?”

“To the nearest gate.”

“Yes, Sir.”

The car quietly pulled out of the lot.

Would we use the ‘key’ again if we were heading to The Ark? That mysterious item that allows you to enter The Ark from any door with a keyhole. Until now, Simeon had used strange methods to knock me out every time we went to The Ark, just to hide the existence of the key. So, was he planning to knock me out again this time…?

The thought of it made me inwardly groan, but suddenly Simeon spoke.

“What did you two talk about?”

“Huh?”

“I asked what you talked about after leaving the bunker.”

“Oh, just now? Nothing important.”

When I answered indifferently, Simeon’s hand, which had been sliding through the pages on the screen, suddenly stopped. The slight frown gave off an air of displeasure about something. It seemed he thought I was intentionally hiding the contents of my conversation with Shinhwan.

“It’s not that serious, Mr. Suspicious…”

I unconsciously muttered my thoughts before quickly clamping my mouth shut. At that moment, Simeon’s gaze, fixed on the tablet PC, flew to me. His expression was devoid of any hint of a smile as he stared at me intently. It was scary. I swallowed hard and tried to cover it up with an exaggerated smile.

“Haha! Just kidding. He said he hopes this mission succeeds.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes. He also asked me to look out for you.”

As I stumbled over my explanation, Simeon quickly lost interest and returned to reviewing the documents.

“He’s mistaken in who he should be asking. You’re the one indebted to me, Mr. Hajae.”

What a knack for leaving someone speechless. He wasn’t even wrong, so I bit my tongue and stayed silent.

In the quiet, the car left the city and stopped at an unknown mountainside. Through the thick trees and underbrush, an old shack came into view. The wind blew, making the large willow tree sway, adding to the bleak scenery.

As I pressed my nose to the window, curiously observing, an indifferent voice broke the silence.

“Hop out.”

I turned to Simeon at the sudden command and asked, “Here?”

“Unless you want to stay in the car.”

Left with no words again, I quietly stepped out of the car.

The area around the shack was overrun with weeds, untouched by human hands. The underbrush was thick enough that anything could jump out at any moment. Yet, Simeon and the guards walked through it with long strides as if it were nothing. If only I were as tall as they were… But no, it seemed they were headed to the Ark through the shack’s door.

Hurrying to follow them, I called out, bewildered.

“What is this place?”

“What do you mean?”

“Aren’t we going to The Ark?”

I pretended to know nothing about the key. At that, Simeon stopped in front of the door and turned to look at me with a puzzled expression. I continued to play innocent until his indifferent expression gradually furrowed. It wasn’t long before I realized he was suppressing laughter.

“Why are you laughing?”

I asked bluntly, and Simeon finally couldn’t hold back a chuckle.

“Did you really think I wouldn’t know?”

“W-What do you mean?”

“That Raphael used the ‘key’ in front of you.”

It felt like I’d been struck on the back of the head for a moment.

What the hell, Raphael? He said not to tell Simeon because using the key in front of an outsider was forbidden! I tried to act like I didn’t know, but Simeon already knew.

“Uh……”

While I was gaping like a fish, Simeon pulled the key out of his jacket pocket. When he inserted the thin branch into the keyhole, there was a clicking sound, and light streamed from the gap in the door. As the sound of waves came from beyond the door, Simeon reached for the doorknob and glanced at me.

“You’re quite the actor. You almost had me fooled.”

Embarrassed by his leisurely smile, I muttered in a low voice. 

“Thanks, I guess…”

“You’re welcome.”

Simeon opened the door and stepped back, gesturing for me to go in first. As I crossed the threshold, a horizon touching the clear sky spread out before me. The refreshing view was enough to clear my mind of all distractions.

I closed my eyes momentarily, savoring the sea breeze, when Simeon casually spoke.

“You’re free to roam around while you’re here. Anyway, the doors to places you’re not allowed to enter won’t open.”

“What’s the occasion? You’re not locking me up in a room like before.”

It was a purely curious question, but Simeon seemed to interpret it as some kind of provocation and smiled.

“Should I lock you up? I wouldn’t mind.”

“…I’m just kidding.”

This guy always leaves me speechless. I cleared my throat and changed the subject.

“Anything else I should be careful about?”

“Unless it’s essential, don’t engage in unnecessary conversations with my people.”

He elegantly worded his warning not to bother the Apostles. He also said he’d assign someone to me so I could request anything I needed from them. As I listened to more instructions, I recalled Raphael’s words.

“Keep it brief. Request whatever you need. Lying is fine, but don’t let me catch you. ..Isn’t that right?”

I repeated the words Simeon had supposedly told Raphael when he first joined the Apostles, and his dark eyes widened in surprise. I looked up at him and smiled, and Simeon’s lips twitched before he nodded.

“Right. But from now on, don’t lie to me, Mr. Hajae.”

“Why not? …Are you implying my acting skills are terrible?”

“Well, I wouldn’t say they’re great.”

Simeon chuckled and started walking toward the sea. There was no hesitation as he walked toward the cliff. His figure, always seeming so strong, looked like it could be blown away by the wind today, so I quickly followed and stayed by his side.

He stopped at the edge, so close that the tips of his shoes hovered over the cliff, and suddenly spoke as if talking to himself.

“Earlier, you called me out for being suspicious of others.”

“No, that was just a joke…….”

“I don’t enjoy suspecting others.”

His dark eyes, gazing at the distant horizon, flickered with the waves. His sharp profile seemed sorrowful and detached as if he’d abandoned all worldly concerns.

“I, too, wished I had someone I could completely trust. And now…”

His calm gaze swept across the sea and settled on me.

“I hope that someone could be you.”

Rather than feeling joy at his words, I felt guilt. How could he believe in someone like me, whose very existence is a lie? It was far better to be constantly doubted than betray his trust again.

“Sorry, but I’m not someone you should trust.”

With a self-deprecating smile, I firmly shook my head. I expected him to be at least slightly surprised, but Simeon calmly replied as if he had anticipated my response.

“Yet someone like that dared to ask for a job.”

“You don’t have to worry about me regarding work.”

“And personally?”

I couldn’t say anything, averting my eyes like someone caught in a crime. I wished Simeon would lose interest, but his piercing gaze never left my face. Why do his usually dry, black eyes always burn so quietly when he looks at me? Could it be that he still thinks I’m Johan…?

Just when the heavy silence felt suffocating, I sensed a presence behind me.

“Guild Leader.”

Only then did his gaze leave me. When I turned to look where his eyes were focused, I saw a woman dressed in a neat suit standing nearby. Sensing the tense atmosphere, she cautiously began to speak.

“I apologize for interrupting, but the preparations have been completed as you requested.”

She bowed politely, her posture perfectly straight. As I fidgeted in the awkward atmosphere, Simeon suddenly began to walk away.

“Well, I have business to attend to, so I’ll be going.”

His sudden exit left me speechless. Simeon had already walked to the Ark’s entrance with long strides in that brief moment. I rushed over and blocked his path as he was about to open the door.

“Wait a minute. You’re just going to leave me here alone?”

“Yes. Why?”

“What do you mean, why….?”

This is my first time being allowed to roam the Ark freely. It’s full of strangers, and I don’t even know where my room is or what’s where. And now he’s just going to abandon me here? I don’t even have a key to leave!

My head was filled with so many questions that I didn’t know where to start. With a furrowed brow, I expressed my frustration with a glare. But Simeon, raising one eyebrow as if he didn’t understand, suddenly reached out to me.

I instinctively stepped back, but the door was behind me. With nowhere to retreat, I stood frozen, averting my gaze as he approached and cradling my cheek in his hand. Despite his indifferent expression, his gentle touch stroked my face.

“Are you worried I’ll leave you here like a guard dog?”

“No, that’s not…”

“I’m not that harsh. This employee will guide you and provide anything you need. Are you still anxious?”

What? So that’s what it was? Then he should have explained that earlier. Just as I was about to voice my frustration, his cold fingers brushed against my ear. The way he toyed with and gently pressed my earlobe was teasing. Unable to stand the tickling sensation, I turned my head to face him, only to freeze. Simeon’s face was close enough that I could count the lashes on his long eyelashes.

“Or maybe…”

With the sun behind him, casting deep shadows, he exuded a dangerous yet alluring aura. As I was entranced by the slight upward curve of his lips and his straight nose, Simeon whispered in a low voice.

“Are you worried you’ll be lonely without me?”

My eyes widened in surprise.

“What?! No, not at all!”

I denied it with all my might, sidestepping awkwardly, and he chuckled as he withdrew his hand. Then, Simeon opened the Ark’s door and subtly gestured to the employee over his shoulder.

“Take good care of Mr. Hajae.”

“Yes, I will serve him without fail.”

It was strange to see him so light-hearted as he entered the Ark. He was in a foul mood just a while ago in the car, but now, even though he tried not to show it, he seemed incredibly excited. It reminded me of Sang Heo as a child, who’d be over the moon when he heard that I would stay the night at the cathedral.

I heard a dry voice as I blankly watched the figure receding into the distance.

“Mr. Hajae Shin?”

“Yes?”

“I will guide you this way.”

Seeing the stern face of the staff member, my mind, which had drifted off because of Simeon, quickly returned to the present.

I followed her around the various parts of the Ark. I thought there would be nothing to do except look at the sea on this desolate island. Still, surprisingly, there were many cultural activities to enjoy within the Ark. The library had enough books to last a month, the fitness center included a hot spring and a swimming pool, and there was a home theater with a large screen and expensive speakers. Moreover, a chef was always on duty, so I could eat whatever I wanted. It was truly a paradise.

“Do the apostles all stay here?”

“Most do, but you probably won’t see them often.”

They were usually too busy with work to stay in the Ark for long periods. My hope of meeting other Apostles while staying here was quickly dashed.

“You can sleep in this room.”

The room the staff opened was where I had been confined in the past. I didn’t miss those days, but I couldn’t help feeling reassured by the familiar layout. This time also, the wardrobe was filled with clothes that fit me perfectly. It was a bit eerie. I didn’t ask how they even knew my underwear size.

Having finished the tour, the staff member stood in the middle of the room and spoke mechanically.

“Since you cannot use the key, please let me know if you need anything brought in from outside. If you must go out, I will inform the guild master.”

“I don’t think I’ll need to go out. I’m free to move around within the Ark, right?

“Yes. If you need anything else, please use that phone.”

She pointed to a phone on the bedside table. It felt more like hotel room service than being watched.

“If you wish, I can bring your meals to the room daily.”

“Oh, please do.”

“Do you have any food preferences or allergies?”

“No allergies. I eat everything.”

After a brief exchange, the staff left, promising to bring dinner later. As I lay on the soft bed, the day’s fatigue hit me all at once.

“Am I really staying here…?”

I sighed deeply and turned on my side. I could see the blue sky and the sea through the large window. My gaze wandered along the walking path until I spotted the edge of the cliff where I had once slit my throat and jumped. I let out a hollow laugh.

I had escaped in a frenzy only to return on my own shamelessly. Simeon must’ve been even more baffled, but he took me back. Whether he believed I’d be helpful to his plans or had other reasons, we would be together until we found the ‘spirit object that erases memories.’

I have about eight months left… so we had to find that spirit item by next January. If everything went according to plan, maybe I could enjoy the rest of my life a little. Even if I can’t return entirely to the past, isn’t it okay to have an everyday life where I talk and play chess with Simeon…? No, Sang.

“If I’ll forget everything anyway….”

If the memories are to disappear without a trace, isn’t it okay to be a little greedy one last time before I die?

****

I woke up early in the morning. Crumpled papers were scattered on the bed, remnants of my late-night pondering over our plan to seal the <Blue Hope>. I gathered the notes, placed them on the table, and then staggered to wash up.

I heard a knock while drying my hair with a towel. According to my phone, it was exactly 8 a.m. Last night, they brought dinner at precisely 6 p.m. This regimented schedule somehow felt akin to how I’d imagined prison.

“Yes, coming.”

I opened the door, put a towel around my neck, and faced an unexpected person.

“Good morning.”

It was Simeon’s personal bodyguard. Despite his neat suit, he held a wooden tray with both hands. On the tray were an English breakfast and orange juice—clearly, my breakfast.

“Why are you…?”

“I was instructed to bring this to you and ensure you eat it all.”

“What? Who gave that order?”

Who else but the boss? Realizing my question was pointless, I asked another.

“Will this be every day?”

“I don’t know.”

The bodyguard, evidently unfamiliar with this task, looked quite troubled. He was just following orders, so I opened the door wider to let him in.

“Please, come in.”

After clearing the notes off the table, the bodyguard silently set up the breakfast. The clinking of dishes was the only sound in the awkward atmosphere. If I felt like this I couldn’t imagine how the bodyguard felt, so I opened my mouth to speak.

“Have you eaten?”

“Yes.”

My mouth felt dry, so I sipped the orange juice but couldn’t taste anything.

“And has Simeon eaten?”

“No. He’s busy checking an important document that arrived from overseas.”

I was about to pierce a grilled tomato with my fork but paused at his response.

What on earth? He’s telling me to eat while he skips meals? Annoyed, I set the fork down and asked casually.

“Does he skip meals often?”

“…He makes sure to get the necessary nutrients.”

“…Let me guess, he drinks meal replacement shakes?”

The bodyguard nodded silently. It’s amazing how he maintains that balanced, muscular body on shakes. Still, proper meals were better than substitutes.

“That can’t be good for his health.”

A long silence followed. The bodyguard sighed quietly. I knew very well how much he cared for Simeon. He once defied orders to come to my house and ask me to save Simeon. But he probably couldn’t scold Simeon for skipping meals just because he was his subordinate.

Pondering over how lonely it was to eat alone, a well-timed thought entered my mind.

“Could you prepare one more serving?”

“Is the portion insufficient?”

“No, I want to take it to Simeon so we can eat together.”

The bodyguard’s eyes widened at the word “together.” He, usually calm, even stuttered.

“I’ll prepare it right away.”

The towering man of over 6ft 2 hurried out awkwardly. His uncharacteristic behavior made me laugh involuntarily.

“Good, that’s a relief.”

I had worried there might be no one I could fully trust, but it seemed Simeon had more good people around him than I thought. Besides the bodyguard, even Shinhwan Ju and Raphael seemed to wish Simeon happiness. Someday, Simeon would realize their sincerity.

“So now, you don’t need me here… Sang-ah.”

As I felt lighter, a strange sense of bitterness lingered.

A while later, the bodyguard returned with freshly made food. The tray was heavier than expected, with plates and cups for two. Despite the weight, the bodyguard led the way to Simeon’s office without complaint.

I glanced at the bodyguard for confirmation, and he nodded silently. Feeling nervous, I took a deep breath and knocked. There was no answer for a long time. I knocked again, and finally, a voice came from inside.

“Come in.”

I quickly took the tray from the bodyguard and opened the office door. Simeon was at his desk, with the large window behind him. He usually wore a suit while working, but today, he wore a white dress shirt with a few buttons undone, revealing his long neck and collarbone.

Simeon, reviewing documents, didn’t look up as he spoke in a low voice.

“What’s the matter? I said I wouldn’t eat.”

Did that mean, ‘you ignored my order and came in, so this better be important’? His low voice was laced with irritation. No wonder people couldn’t even joke about his skipped meals.

“Does someone who refuses their meals have the right to monitor whether other people eat theirs?”

I spoke sarcastically and sighed. Simeon’s hands stopped mid-page turn. He looked up, his face filled with surprise.

“Mr. Hajae, what are you… doing here?”

He finally noticed the food I was holding and looked at me with disbelief as I smiled.

“I came to eat with you, of course.”

I went to the middle of the office and placed the tray on the guest table. Conveniently, only two sofas were facing each other, perfect for sharing a meal. I set the fork and knife and, without hesitation, sat on the sofa, motioning for Simeon to come over. He gave me a curious look.

“Do you dislike eating alone?”

“No, not really, but…”

“It’s okay. Just eat comfortably by yourself here.”

Considering my effort, I thought he would eat out of courtesy, but Simeon declined without hesitation. Was he telling me to eat alone in the office? I had no interest in being watched while eating, so I deliberately put the fork down loudly and said,

“Well, I guess I have no choice. I’ll starve, too.”

“…Excuse me?”

“If you’re too busy working to eat, how could I eat alone? I’m not trying to tease you.”

I exaggeratedly shrugged my shoulders and leaned back on the sofa, almost lying down, waiting for him to react. But it remained quiet for a long time. Finally, I muttered loudly enough for him to hear,

“Ugh, I’m so hungry. If I starve to death, who will light incense for me…”

Still no response. Was he really ignoring me? I raised my head slightly to look at Simeon. He had a dazed expression as if seeing a rare creature. Pretending not to notice, I lay back on the sofa and patted my stomach.

“Ah, I wish someone would eat with me.”

Even I found my tactic childish. But it seemed to work. I heard a faint sound of air escaping, and when I looked, Simeon was smiling slightly. He put down the documents and pressed a button on the phone.

“Bring two cups of coffee to the office. Hot.”

Then he got up and came over. I quickly straightened up and gestured to the seat opposite me.

“See? It’s better to come right away.”

I grinned slyly, and Simeon sat down on the sofa with a sigh.

“I’ve noticed since before, Mr. Hajae, you have a knack for surprising me in the most unexpected ways.”

“I don’t like being predictable.”

“So, there’s never a dull moment.”

“Well, that’s an honor.”

In tennis terms, it was 45:15, with me leading. I felt proud for getting Simeon to sit down for a meal during work.

“If you want to use your brain, you must eat properly.”

As I cut the omelet into bite-sized pieces, Simeon hesitated before asking,

“Did someone ask you to do this?”

“What do you mean?”

“This meal.”

“I just wanted to eat with you.”

When I answered honestly, a thin smile spread across his lips. It differed from the usual smile, which seemed like he was plotting something. He genuinely looked happy, which was a relief.

“So, what’s keeping you so busy this morning?”

I casually asked while chewing on some bacon, but I felt his gaze. Holding the fork in my mouth, I looked up to see Simeon with a knowing expression.

“This time, it was quite natural. I almost answered.”

“…Hey. I was just asking. Haven’t you ever heard of small talk?”

I gave him a look of disbelief, and he laughed lightly.

“It looks like one of the artifacts taken overseas might return to the country.”

“Oh, it must be something special if it’s caught your interest.”

Simeon only tilted his head slightly without answering. It was quite irritating. We finished our meal without any more significant conversation, and just then, a new employee brought the coffee. Blowing on the hot Americano, Simeon asked,

“Aren’t you curious about <Blue Hope>?”

“Oh, I was going to ask about that.”

I took a sip of coffee and continued,

“Can anyone attend the banquet?”

“If you have an invitation with the Winston family seal. If you enter the rift, you’ll have one, so don’t worry.”

“Oh, so I’m invited as a member of a family?”

“Yes. And there’s no need to reveal your identity. Masquerade balls were popular in that era.”

I was worried about what to do if someone asked about my family, but a masquerade ball meant I wouldn’t have to worry. The implicit rules of the ball would prevent anyone from prying into my identity. Plus, with my face hidden behind a mask, it would be easier to approach the Countess.

But the problem lies ahead.

“Is your plan still the same as you mentioned?”

“Yes. I’ll switch the person falling from the terrace with the necklace from the Countess to the maid.”

“How will you pass the necklace to the maid?”

The Countess wouldn’t easily give up <Blue Hope>. Not just because of its value, the blue jewel was an heirloom from her grandmother. She wouldn’t readily hand over such a precious item to her husband’s mistress. Since stealing it at the banquet was impossible with all the eyes around, there was only one way.

Persuade her that I’m there to help or threaten her to follow me if she wants to live.

If the Countess was reasonable, I could persuade her with some evidence.

“Can I tell the Countess that Ector is planning an assassination?”

“She probably already knows. A will was found in her room shortly after the incident.”

“A will?”

“If I die at the banquet, it means I’ve fallen into Ector’s plot…”

The servants of the Winston family almost fell for Ector’s act of a grieving husband, but as soon as they found the will, they turned against him completely. As a result, Ector was never recognized as the Count of Winston until his death. Meanwhile, the maid searched day and night for <Blue Hope> after it’d been buried at sea. And she, too, was eventually swept away by the waves and drowned. It was a fitting end, though not entirely satisfying.

“Although it all happened after the Countess died, so it was pointless.”

As Simeon said, the Countess was already dead. So she remained a vengeful spirit, stewing in her resentment over what happened. What was once a mere urban legend now seemed more valid.

“Now I understand why the owners of <Blue Hope> kept seeing the accident scene…”

Of course, she’d be aggrieved. Who could’ve predicted the terrace would suddenly collapse? She avoided poison, having sensed Ector’s intentions, only to be caught in an unexpected accident. Naturally, she couldn’t accept her unjust death. Without the curse of <Blue Hope>, she would’ve survived, ousted Ector and the maid for attempted murder, and remained the rightful lady of the household.

“It’s best to ask for the Countess’s cooperation directly.”

Knowing Ector’s true intentions, the Countess would willingly give up the necklace. No one holds on to their valuables with a knife at their throat. Whether I succeed in persuading her is entirely up to me.

“Do you know who poisoned the Countess’s drink?”

“It was the maid, her husband’s lover. Ector was too busy entertaining guests, but his real reason for using the maid was different.”

“Don’t tell me…”

“In case the poisoning failed, he planned to blame everything on the maid.”

As the saying goes, you expect the worst, and it comes true. I began to doubt Ector’s sincerity towards the maid. At the same time, I wondered if the maid truly wanted Ector’s love or the large, alluring blue jewel.

“Anyway, I have to divert the maid’s attention to approach the Countess.”

The maid was Ector’s watchdog. If an unfamiliar man approached the Countess, she might not only be wary but also report it to Ector. So, how could I avoid suspicion and lure the maid to the terrace?

While I was lost in thought, Simeon brought up an unexpected topic.

“I don’t know if this will help, but the maid was notorious for her affairs with men.”

“Affairs with men?”

According to him, the maid was constantly interested in men, even while having an affair with Ector. Whenever a young, handsome male servant joined the household, she would always make a move on them. If I could use that to attract her attention and lure her to the terrace…

Honestly, I wasn’t confident. Everyone has their preferences. No matter what I did to attract her, it would all be in vain if I didn’t match her taste. Unless I was an exceptionally handsome man who surpassed a person’s personal preferences.

But such a man was rare.

“Haa…”

I sighed deeply, and Simeon asked curiously,

“What’s wrong?”

When our eyes met, a soft smile spread across his face. His sharp eyes turned into crescent moons, making his previously sharp features seem only attractive. I stared blankly at him momentarily before quietly sipping my coffee and looking away.

“…Nothing.”

There he was. An exceptionally handsome man who surpassed all personal preferences.

But I’m the only one who entering the rift. There must be another way to lure the maid. Lost in thought with just my lips touching the coffee cup, Simeon suddenly asked.

“Do you know how to waltz?”

“Why are you all of a sudden asking about waltzing?”

“Well, it is a ball.”

I belatedly understood his point, and my mouth dropped open slightly.

Entering the rift means performing my role appropriately, like an actor stepping onto the stage. In other words, the person invited by Lady Winston isn’t the resilient Korean man, Hajae Shin, but the offspring of an unknown noble family. A noble holding banquets as frequently as eating meals would certainly be able to waltz.

As the unexpected remark flustered me, Simeon pointed out another issue.

“Have you learned noble etiquette?”

“Ah… no.”

“There are books on the subject in the library. You should read them.”

Is this what sets veterans apart? While I was focused solely on how to hand over the necklace to the maid, Simeon paid attention to the details. Reflecting deeply on what else I might have missed, a necessary item for planning came to mind.

“Could I see the mansion’s layout? I want to confirm how to get from the banquet hall to the terrace in advance.”

“Sure. I’ll bring it to you as soon as it’s ready.”

Click—. 

Simeon put down his empty coffee cup and spoke.

“We leave in a week. Make sure you’re fully prepared by then.”

I thought he was encouraging me with that refreshing smile, but…

“If you don’t want to disintegrate in the rift.”

That was just a delusion.

****

It was an afternoon with persistent spring rain, and I was alone in the peaceful Ark, wrestling with a headache.

“Ah, this is killing me.”

Since that breakfast with Simeon, I’ve spent two days living in the library. I’ve read all the books on social etiquette and even practiced the bowing postures in front of a mirror. I’ve transformed into a fairly convincing fake noble thanks to my enthusiastic academic efforts. But no matter how hard I tried, one thing didn’t improve.

“What’s this nonsense about waltzing…?”

How would I know how to dance if I’ve never tried it before? The only ‘dancing’ I know, if you can call it that, is nodding my head to the beat. But what choice do I have? 

As Simeon had said, I at least had to try if I didn’t want to disintegrate in the rift.

Watching basic waltz step videos on my phone, I followed the steps slowly. But I was just someone clumsily moving about with a phone, nothing more, nothing less. With the idea of improving my posture, I extended my arms into the air when the door suddenly burst open.

“Hm…?”

The man who entered the library was startled at seeing me but soon smiled kindly.

“We meet again, Mr. Hajae.”

“Sir!”

I was nervous, thinking a stranger had come, but it was Shinhwan. As I approached him with a bright smile, his crescent-shaped eyes curved like a crescent moon. Today, his impression seemed softer, thanks to his usually neatly swept-back grey hair down and loose. 

“You didn’t style your hair today?”

“I didn’t have anything special to do today.”

Seeing his hair styled like that reminded me of his usual appearance at interviews and our first meeting at the gallery. I felt like I had bumped into a boss who always wore suits, but now I met him casually at a supermarket on the weekend. His relaxed demeanor made Shinhwan feel like an old acquaintance.

“But why are you here?”

“I heard some noise in the library, so I dropped by. What were you doing?”

“Oh, that….”

Instead of explaining, I showed him the ‘basic waltz steps’ video I was watching. Shinhwan looked slightly puzzled.

“Waltz…?”

“Yes. Because of <Blue Hope>, I’m learning just in case. But it’s harder than I thought.”

I needed a partner to get the posture and feel right, but I was just floundering alone with no progress. Still, I hoped that I might improve with five more days of hard practice. Organizing the scattered etiquette books on the floor, Shinhwan naturally approached and helped pick them up.

“Shall I teach you? I know a bit about waltzing.”

“Really?”

“If Mr. Hajae is okay with it. I learned it a while ago thanks to a spirit object.”

Wow, hunters aren’t just good at fighting. With no time to be picky in an emergency, I eagerly nodded. Shinhwan smoothly took the book from my hand and smiled.

“First, the posture.”

Is he asking me to try it right now? I felt like I was submitting a poorly done assignment to a teacher.

“By the way, it’s been less than ten minutes since I watched the video….”

Making excuses, I took the basic waltz posture. I didn’t need to look in the mirror to know my stance was awkward, like that of a newborn giraffe. Nevertheless, Shinhwan watched me without amusement and then came closer to correct my posture step by step.

“Relax your shoulders and hold your partner’s hand with this hand. Don’t lower your arm further, and hold your partner gently with the other hand… Ah, but don’t bend your waist. And lift your chin slightly.”

I felt like a mannequin, moving my body as he guided me. As my posture became more awkward, I resignedly spoke. 

“Sir, if you want to give up, now is the time….”

“Haha, not at all. You’re following well.”

He’s truly a good person. However, even if the teacher is excellent, if the student is clumsy, then… Despite trying hard, it wasn’t turning out as I’d hoped when Shinhwan made an unexpected suggestion.

“Can I lead first?”

“What? Are you asking to dance together?”

“Yes. Understanding the flow of the steps will help you learn much faster.”

Imagining two men waltzing felt odd, perhaps even ridiculous. Still, since he volunteered to teach, I had to comply silently.

“Then that might be better.”

Shinhwan gestured lightly in the air. Blue smoke followed his fingertips and seeped into an old phonograph in the library corner. The needle, which didn’t move no matter how much I tampered with it, now moved on its own to read the record created by the blue smoke. A slow, dark, minor piano waltz began to play.

“This song is…”

“Chopin’s Waltz Op. 34 No. 2.”

Thanks to his kind explanation, I avoided embarrassment. While recalling the waltz steps, Shinhwan turned his right hand behind his back, bowed slightly, and extended his left hand toward me.

“Shall we dance?”

His gentle, smiling eyes looking up at me were more graceful than any illustration. I had been worrying about how to ask the Countess for a dance, but now I had the perfect model in front of me.

Admiring inwardly, I belatedly placed my hand on his. At that moment, Shinhwan pulled our clasped hands and gently wrapped his other arm around my waist. It felt strange to take the female role when I needed to learn the male steps, but since he was demonstrating, I quietly followed.

“Step on my feet all you want; just follow slowly.”

Carefully stepping to the slow music, I realized the importance of a lead, as emphasized in the tutorial video. With Shinhwan maintaining balance, my posture became more natural, and I stepped on his feet less often.

As I was getting the hang of it, Shinhwan spoke softly.

“I heard you had breakfast with Simeon.”

“What? Ah… has the rumor spread that far already?”

“Haha, it’s not a rumor. I asked our staff because I was concerned about you.”

He sent me off with Simeon but still worried about me.

“I’m glad to see you getting along with Simeon.”

The meaning of ‘getting along’ must have changed without my knowledge. I suddenly became deep in thought and stepped heavily on his foot. 

“Oh, sorry.” 

Flustered, I didn’t know what to do, but Shinhwan laughed it off, saying it was fine. Thus, we continued our steps, conversing.

“Anyway, we’re not getting along. Honestly, we’re worse than strangers.”

“Really?”

“You saw it in the rift, right? My opinion doesn’t matter to him. I have no idea what he’s thinking. He seems to have something on his mind but never tells me. He doesn’t even explain why he’s gathering spirits…”

I wanted to emphasize that there was nothing between us. I forgot that excessive denial could act as affirmation. As my words stretched, Shinhwan’s expression became subtly strange.

“Then, can I ask what your relationship is?”

“Huh…? Well, we’re just in a mutually beneficial relationship. Like with the other apostles.”

“I see.”

His mechanical response made me glance at him.

“Why?”

“It’s fascinating that you both gave the same answer as if you’d prearranged it.”

“Haha….. No way.”

Did Shinhwan ask Simeon about my relationship with him, too? What kind of conversation transpired between them? My mind quickly grew complicated, and my steps began to falter. I ended up stepping hard on Shinhwan’s foot again. I immediately looked up to apologize, but the atmosphere had changed, leaving me speechless.

“Mr. Hajae, honestly, I’m fine as long as I get compensated for my work. Even though I’m worried about Simeon, as long as I can get <Seikilos Epitaph> safely, I don’t care about his goals or true intentions. The other apostles probably feel the same.”

His usually kind face now showed no emotion.

“But it seems like your interest in Simeon goes beyond mere business.”

“I think you’re misunderstanding…”

“Even if there is a secret between you two that I don’t know, it’s none of my business. But there’s one thing I want to make clear.”

Before I knew it, the room filled with a blue mist. It was so thick that only sounds and sensations were perceptible. A firm, cold hand gripped my waist and hand. The gloomy sound of a piano infused with the sound of rain accompanied a quiet, whispering voice.

“Is it okay to keep you around us?”

“That…”

“Is your interest in Simeon beneficial to us? Or detrimental?”

Of course, when he said ‘us,’ that didn’t include me.

“I don’t want to turn you into an enemy, Mr. Hajae.”

Just then, lightning flashed outside the window. I saw Shinhwan’s troubled smile through the blue mist when it lit up the surroundings. His eyes were darker than the stormy sky, like an ominous gray.

Shinhwan’s treatment of me so far was just a minimal courtesy. He took my side in front of Simeon solely because it seemed advantageous for the Apostles to use me. Even now, he spoke to clarify that stance further.

“I have no intention of causing trouble. Not to you, sir, nor to Simeon.”

Though it was a mere declaration, it reached Shinhwan sincerely.

“Thank you for being clear. I’m sorry if it made you uncomfortable.”

“It’s fine. I would’ve done the same if I were an apostle.”

There’s no need to apologize. It’s human instinct to doubt an outsider, like Sang, who lingered at the orphanage, or me, who intruded on the Ark. Ever since my parents died, I’ve wanted to belong somewhere, but I chose to be an outsider myself. So, even though I have to explain myself to the apostles every time, it’s entirely my fault.

Trying to keep the mood light, I added with a smile.

“You’re probably worried about disrupting the order of The Apostles.”

“That’s part of it, but it’s not the whole reason.”

After a moment of hesitation, Shinhwan spoke cautiously.

“Mr. Hajae, you said it’s a relationship based on benefits, but it doesn’t seem that way to me.”

“Pardon? As I said, it’s a misunderstanding.”

“Even if it’s a misunderstanding for you, it might not be for the other side.”

“What do you mean…”

His grip on my right hand tightened momentarily.

“Someone who only knows how to wield others is now being wielded himself.”

Anxiety flashed in Shinhwan’s eyes as he looked down at me. No wonder. Simeon was the cornerstone of The Apostles. For someone who couldn’t easily be shaken to suddenly be acting out of character because of some newcomer, it would naturally cause anxiety.

“Don’t worry. Once I finish my job, I’ll leave The Apostles… and Simeon’s side completely.”

I thought that was the answer Shinhwan wanted. But his expression only grew darker.

“Did you tell Simeon that too?”

“No.”

“But he must have noticed by now.”

I almost habitually denied it but stopped.

‘If there’s no more secrets between us, Mr. Hajae will leave me, right?’

What expression did Simeon have when he said that? Neither smiling nor crying, his face was calm, showing no ripples of emotion. It was a face that had already concluded countless times that I would leave.

“Anyone who’s ever experienced a breakup instinctively recognizes a person who’s started a relationship with the assumption of a breakup… and from the moment they realize that that person will leave one day, their anxiety grows, and that anxiety soon becomes worse. It becomes an obsession that can destroy them.”

“Sir, I…”

“I don’t know much about Simeon’s past. But I can tell. He has a similar pain to mine.”

Losing a loved one is a pain, like having a part of your body torn away. We both have experienced it by a strange coincidence, so we know the extent of the pain. In fact, I know very well that invisible wounds do not heal easily. That’s why I don’t want to go through it again.

So, how many times have I cut off Simeon’s arm?

“I hope he never experiences the same wound again.”

How many more times must I cut him?

“And I hope the one inflicting that wound isn’t you, Mr. Hajae.”

Shinhwan earnestly pleaded. Earlier, he’d said he didn’t care about Simeon’s true intentions—a lie. His eyes showed fatherly concern, so I couldn’t face him and turned my gaze away.

“I’ll… try my best.”

Shinhwan’s words seemed to mean that he wanted me to stay by Simeon’s side even after I achieved what I wanted. I felt the same way. But in the end, I would inflict that same wound. Whether I lose my memory due to a spirit or disappear due to the curse, the outcome is inevitable… I am destined to die.

“Sorry for making an unreasonable request.”

Shinhwan shook his head with a faint smile and brought up an unexpected topic.

“If you have time, you should meet Mr. Enoch.”

“Enoch…?”

“The second Apostle and the person closest to Simeon.”

The Apostles are numbered based on the order in which they joined. So, the ‘second’ means the person Simeon first brought in after forming the apostles. Maybe Enoch knew Sang before he became Simeon after we parted ways.

“Is this Enoch currently in the Ark?”

“No. Mr. Enoch is overseas now, but he’ll return next week.”

Next week. Another reason to successfully subdue <Blue Hope>. I need to return safely to uncover Simeon’s past or anything else. Resolving myself, I thanked Shinhwan.

“Thank you. For teaching me the waltz… and for the advice.”

I found a good ally. Of course, on the premise that I don’t betray Simeon.

“You’re welcome. Feel free to ask me if you need anything.”

Just then, the piano piece ended, marking the end of the waltz lesson. My skills still need to improve before I can dance at the banquet, but just knowing the flow was satisfying. In fact, what I learned wasn’t the waltz but the weight of the heart.

Shinhwan, saying he had things to do, was about to leave, but I quietly called him.

“Sir.”

He stopped and turned to look at me. Meeting his gentle eyes gave me the courage to speak the words I’d kept inside. I spoke clearly, knowing there’d be no turning back once I sincerely said those words.

“I also want him to be happy.”

When I looked him straight in the eye, Shinhwan responded with a generous smile.

“In that case, why don’t you be more honest?”

Honest? About my secret? Or… about my feelings for Simeon? I couldn’t utter any of it, so I saw him off in silence.

The study, now devoid of piano sounds, fell into heavy silence. The suffocating feeling persisted despite the vast sea view through the large glass window. As I carefully opened the window, I heard rain fiercely pouring down. Taking a deep breath with my eyes closed, the cold air cooled the heat in my head.

Just as my tumultuous mind began to calm down, the door to the study opened.

“Sir?”

I thought Shinhwan had returned for something he’d left behind, but it was an unexpected visitor. As always, his handsome face contrasted sharply with his dark black shirt, making him look especially pale. It seemed he had business with me, not the study, so I closed the window and asked.

“What’s up?”

“You said you needed the mansion’s floor plan.”

Simeon walked over briskly and handed me a tablet. As I took it and turned on the screen, a detailed floor plan of the Winston Mansion, spanning four floors, appeared. The meticulously drawn map was perfect for planning routes.

I was about to thank him when Simeon spoke first.

“But why did you call me ‘Sir’?”

Did he hear that even over the rain? There was no reason to hide it, so I placed the tablet on the table and answered honestly.

“Oh, Shinhw… I mean, Justino came by earlier and taught me how to waltz.”

“The waltz?”

“Yes. Seeing me stepping to the video alone, I think he felt bad, so he danced with me.”

I ended up learning the female steps, though. As I murmured, Simeon’s lips twitched slightly. Simeon gazed down at me with his chin slightly raised, seeming somewhat displeased.

“I was the one who told you to learn, so why did you learn from someone else?”