Ha Su-yeong Stares Down Seong Ha-yeon
Ha Su-yeong was facing off against Seong Ha-yeon. At first, she considered running away, but she decided against it—fleeing would only look suspicious. So what should she do? All sorts of ideas flashed through Ha Su-yeong's mind, but she was too scared to try any of them. Standing before her was none other than Seong Ha-yeon, the only daughter of the terrifying Seong Yu-da.
Seong Yu-da—the man who had led the papal forces during the Holy War, charging at the forefront to slaughter Voodooists. Even the supremely capable Second Cult Leader and prophet had fallen into his schemes and died. Seong Ha-yeon might not be quite on her father's level, but she undoubtedly possessed similar insight and sharpness. Acting rashly could expose her as a Voodooist.
What is it? You've been staring at me this whole time.
…….
If that happened, it would undoubtedly bring harm to Do Seon-woo as well. She'd only left the worship hall after throwing a tantrum and forcing her way out. But if Seong Ha-yeon discovered her true identity and it caused trouble… That wouldn't just mean getting scolded by Do Seon-woo or being sent home. It would harm all the Voodooists.
……A-Aren't you Seong Yu-da's daughter?
Pardon? Oh, well, yes, but… how did you know?
I'm a fan! A huge fan! I did some research because I want to get into Florence Academy too… I'm taking the entrance exam next year!
This was the best excuse she could come up with on the spot. Ha Su-yeong had planned to hold out until Do Seon-woo arrived. On paper, he'd introduce her as his cousin or just a friend of the family. So she could play the part of the little sister from the countryside who idolizes Do Seon-woo, a current Florence student. That way, no one would suspect her of being a Voodooist. As for knowing Seong Ha-yeon, she could just say Do Seon-woo had mentioned her a lot. It wasn't strange for an aspiring Florence student and devout Romanica follower to know about Seong Yu-da and his daughter.
A fan?
Yes, so…
Ha Su-yeong trailed off, glancing around. It would be perfect if Do Seon-woo showed up right now, but contrary to her hopes, there was no sign of him. She racked her brain for the next excuse. Since she'd said she was a fan, maybe ask for an autograph? No, that might make her look like a crazy person. She probably already seemed crazy enough…
What the—where'd she go? …Huh?
A welcome voice rang out just then. Ha Su-yeong whipped around, her face lighting up as she spotted Do Seon-woo. He alternated glances between her and Seong Ha-yeon, frowning in confusion at why they were together.
Ha Su-yeong blinked at him rapidly, signaling for help.
Ah, oppa! I've been waiting forever! Ha Su-yeong said as she hurried over to him. She wasn't thrilled about calling him oppa, but now wasn't the time to quibble.
Seong Ha-yeon blinked in bewilderment, looking back and forth between Do Seon-woo and Ha Su-yeong, clearly still piecing things together. Do Seon-woo seemed just as lost.
……Ah.
Do Seon-woo muttered as he finally caught on, watching Ha Su-yeong approach with sweat beading on his brow and Seong Ha-yeon standing there with her arms crossed. He turned to Seong Ha-yeon.
I was wondering why you two were together. Just a coincidence?
Yeah, pretty much… I had no idea she knew you.
Oh, that! I approached her first. You mentioned it before, right, oppa? That you run into Seong Yu-da's daughter at Florence sometimes since you go to school together.
Ha Su-yeong rattled off excuses without anyone even asking. In her panic to smooth things over, even unnecessary words spilled out.
How about we all grab coffee and chat? Um… Seong Ha-yeon-ssi? If that's okay with you?
I don't mind.
Me neither… No, wait.
Do Seon-woo started to answer casually but shook his head. He pressed his lips into a thin line, staring at Ha Su-yeong with a thoughtful expression. His face had hardened into something intimidating.
Ha Su-yeong ducked her head, assuming he was angry at her. And he had every right to be. She'd thrown a fit to leave the worship hall, then absentmindedly stared at Seong Ha-yeon and caused this mess. Whatever he said, she'd take it gracefully.
Do Seon-woo stared at her for a long moment before speaking.
Why don't you step out and wait? I think it'd be better if we talked alone.
Huh? Oh… sure?
Ha Su-yeong nodded hesitantly. She was surprised he wasn't yelling, but more than that, his tone was off—nothing like his usual self. When she asked for favors, he always responded with a scowl and curt dismissals like no or beat it. She'd never heard him speak so kindly. It felt disconcerting, almost eerie.
Yeah, just wait outside. We'll only be a minute and come right out… Sorry for making you wait.
No… it's fine! Really. Just call when you're done.
Ha Su-yeong waved it off and hurried out of the café. Through the glass window, she saw Seong Ha-yeon and Do Seon-woo sitting across from each other, talking.
……Hah.
Ha Su-yeong wandered to a nearby park and slumped onto a bench with a heavy sigh. She recalled Do Seon-woo's unusually kind and gentle demeanor. That must have been his act as a Romanica cleric and Florence student. Florence was full of children of high-ranking clergy like Seong Ha-yeon, so he probably encountered priests all the time. To survive as the Voodoo Cult Leader in that environment, he had to put on that performance every single moment.
Do Seon-woo suddenly seemed even more impressive. Remembering how she'd stammered in panic just because Seong Ha-yeon was there made it all the more so. Now she understood why he was always so prickly at the worship hall. Performing like that day in, day out must be incredibly stressful. And factoring in the tension and fear of being among priests… It was a miracle he hadn't lost his mind yet.
Bzzz—!
As she sat killing time on the bench, her phone vibrated. It was Do Seon-woo calling.
—Where are you?
Oh, I'm in the park nearby. I'll come to you.
—Okay. Hurry up.
Click.
…….
Do Seon-woo hung up after saying his piece. Ha Su-yeong pocketed her phone and headed back to the café. He was waiting out front. She approached him hesitantly. He'd been acting kind with Seong Ha-yeon around earlier, but she was gone now. No need for pretense. This was when he might actually snap…
The thought made her dread facing him. Better strike first.
S-Sorry.
Ha Su-yeong apologized the moment she reached him. Do Seon-woo just stared at her silently. She fidgeted with her hands and continued.
I know who Seong Ha-yeon is, so I stared without thinking, and things got awkward… Sorry, I didn't mean to cause trouble, I just…
She had so much to say, but the words stuck in her throat. Was it pride, or fear? She trailed off without finishing. Glancing up, she peeked at his expression. Surprisingly, it wasn't hardened in anger. If anything, a faint smile played on his lips.
It's fine. I had stuff to talk about with her anyway.
…….
Actually, it worked out.
It couldn't be fine. To Ha Su-yeong, Seong Ha-yeon was just the daughter of Seong Yu-da, the Voodoo Cult's mortal enemy. She knew he was a bad guy, but she didn't hold any personal grudge. But to Do Seon-woo, Seong Yu-da was his father's direct killer. He'd just sat there smiling and chatting amiably with the enemy's daughter. It must have been revolting, not just unpleasant.
You hungry? What do you want to eat?
Yet instead of blaming her, Do Seon-woo was asking what she wanted to eat. It seemed like he was deliberately changing the subject to spare her guilt. Living among priests and their children—enemies from the Voodoo perspective—must fill him with incomparable tension and disgust compared to what she'd felt. And he'd infiltrated Florence for the cult—for everyone. Including to access the papal underground prison and rescue her own brother.
She should be helping him, not hindering…
……Not really hungry.
Alright. Then let's just grab something at the first place we see.
Ha Su-yeong nodded.
*
…….
Seong Ha-yeon unfolded her parasol as she left the café and wandered aimlessly. She mulled over her conversation with Do Seon-woo. Her head was already a mess whenever she thought about him, and now it felt even more tangled after talking.
After sending the little sister acquaintance outside, Seong Ha-yeon and Do Seon-woo sat across from each other at the table. A long silence stretched between them. Neither spoke. Do Seon-woo was the one who'd said he had something to discuss, so Seong Ha-yeon saw no reason to start.
He glanced at her, then out the window at passersby, drummed his fingers on the table—pointless actions—before finally speaking.
You've been avoiding me lately.
…….
The words hit so directly after the silence that Seong Ha-yeon was startled. She glanced at his face. He looked utterly serious. In truth, she had been avoiding him recently, on her father's orders: Stay away from Do Seon-woo. But she shook her head.
I've never avoided you.
You have.
……It's just your imagination. And even if I did, what's the problem?
What did Seong Yu-da-ssi say about me?
…….
Even Seong Ha-yeon, who'd steeled herself to respond sharply, couldn't answer that last question. She shook her head again.
That's none of your business, is it?
No, it's not. But I want to know.
Why do you want to know? It's family business. Isn't prying rude?
Because you're avoiding me just because of what Seong Yu-da-ssi said. Can't you at least hear me out?
Do Seon-woo said. His face was still deadly serious. Seong Ha-yeon fell silent for a moment. Strictly speaking, he had a point. All her father had said was Stay away from Do Seon-woo. He hadn't explained why. She'd been following orders faithfully, though she'd speculated on reasons herself—without reaching any conclusions.
She'd wondered if it was because he was close to the Satanists or Voodooists, but that seemed unlikely. Do Seon-woo had saved students from Satanist attacks multiple times. She'd benefited from his help three times herself. He didn't seem like a heretic, no matter how she looked at it. There had to be another reason.
Fine, I can hear you out. Go ahead.
Seong Ha-yeon nodded. Maybe listening would reveal why she needed to avoid him. Do Seon-woo sighed deeply, squeezing his eyes shut. His leg jittered anxiously, sweat beading on his brow. After a brief silence, he opened his eyes—filled with fierce resolve. He stared straight at her with that steely gaze and spoke.
Help me.
……Pardon?
Seong Ha-yeon reflexively echoed in shock. It was so unexpected. And hearing help me from Do Seon-woo's mouth felt utterly alien. He stood, grabbed some napkins, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and continued.
You went to the Knight Order too, right? They asked about the museum incident?
Yes… they did.
Did Mun Yo-seop ask anything about me?
Seong Ha-yeon thought back. Yes. She'd said that when the museum lights went out, Do Seon-woo had arrived and ordered her to prepare the Purification Blessing. Mun Yo-seop had then asked if she knew Do Seon-woo's movements after that. She'd said no. He'd asked about Do Seon-woo several more times.
……Yes.
As expected.
Do Seon-woo nodded as if confirmed and pressed on.
……He's using me to investigate the Purification Clan.
Before Seong Ha-yeon could react, Do Seon-woo explained. Mun Yo-seop had long suspected the Purification Clan of hiding something and had been investigating them. But it was difficult, so he'd chosen to probe through Do Seon-woo—who seemed closest to Seong Ha-yeon. Not just as a friend, but something more special.
Even my sudden request to meet your father… it was all on Mun Yo-seop's orders.
…….
I secretly asked your father for help then… but it didn't go well.
Do Seon-woo hated being Mun Yo-seop's tool to investigate the Purification Clan. He hated deceiving Seong Ha-yeon. He hated reporting his every move. So he'd signaled Seong Yu-da for help in secret. But Seong Yu-da had no intention of aiding him. That was why he'd told Seong Ha-yeon to stay away.
As long as you keep your distance from me, the Purification Clan stays safe.
…….
While I keep living as Mun Yo-seop's tool.
Do Seon-woo let out a hollow chuckle. It was a laugh soaked in resignation and despair.
After hearing him out, Seong Ha-yeon didn't fully believe him at first—she checked for inconsistencies or logical gaps. But there were none. Assuming it was all true explained her father's sudden order. Listening to him stirred a vague discomfort and sense of wrongness, but that was probably guilt. Indirect guilt toward her father for prioritizing the clan and abandoning Do Seon-woo.
……Now that I think about it, you have no reason to help me. Keeping away keeps you and your family safe.
No, I can help.
Seong Ha-yeon cut him off. She'd only ever received help from him. The day priests fell to black magic and attacked each other, he'd recreated a miracle to subdue them. When taxidermy dolls—head, upper body, lower body severed—had surrounded her, he'd shattered a window, slain them, and saved her. At the museum, without him, she'd have been a hostage or had her throat slit.
This felt like her only chance to repay him. If it was true, there was no reason not to help. She was even disappointed in her father for casting Do Seon-woo aside for the clan's sake. Above all, she remembered the relief she'd felt when he appeared at the museum.
Not direct help, maybe… but if you need anything, tell me. I'll help with whatever I can.
Seong Ha-yeon said. She hated doing what she was told and loved doing the opposite. When her father had urged her to get close to Do Seon-woo, she'd despised him. But now, with orders to stay away…
Thank you.
Do Seon-woo said. The brief, bright smile that flashed across his face went unnoticed by Seong Ha-yeon.
(To be continued next time)