You've Worked Hard.
"Good work."
"Yeah, you too. Get some rest inside."
I bowed my head slightly to Han Dae-ho in greeting. On my way back to the dorm after wrapping up my usual duties at the Knight Order, my phone rang—Jeong In-ah. She'd been calling a lot lately, for all sorts of reasons. Nothing to do at night, couldn't focus on studying, got off work at the Priest Order and it was already dark out. I answered, curious what excuse she'd trot out today.
"Ahem, hello?"
"Why?"
"Um... What're you doing this weekend? Any plans?"
I thought for a moment. I'd promised Yuk Eun-hyeong accommodations and a training spot, so I was meeting him this weekend. Even accounting for that, I'd have at least one day free. With Jeong Yun-ah's treatment done, I suddenly had way more time than expected.
"No plans. Why, wanna meet?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah! Figured we'd hang out before exams hit."
"Sure. What time?"
Chatting while walking, I reached the dorm. Jeong In-ah hesitated before speaking up.
"Um... 4 PM?"
"Good. School gate at 4, then. Hanging up?"
"Wait, wait. Don't hang up."
I tried to end the call, but she stopped me in a panic. I bowed to the dorm supervisor and headed inside. Thirsty, I'd poured a glass of water, planning to chug it once we hung up. But every time I tried, she'd say not to.
"...Why not hang up? More to say?"
"...How about in front of my house instead of the school gate?"
She mumbled awkwardly. I shut my mouth, at a loss for words. Silence stretched.
"I mean! Mom and Dad said they wanted to see you last time, so... kill two birds. And it's not just me home. Sister's there, parents too."
"Ah... Sure, let's do that."
"...Hanging up!"
Click. She cut the line in a rush. I stared at the phone a beat, then downed the water. My foggy head cleared right up.
That's when Damballa slithered out from wherever she'd been hiding, inching toward me. She climbed my body and settled on my shoulder.
What a cute kid.
"...You heard all that?"
Of course. I've got sharp ears.
Damballa flicked her tongue as she said it. I ran a hand over her head but couldn't spot any ears.
*
Weekend arrived—the day I'd promised to meet Jeong In-ah. Might see her parents, so I dressed sharp. Got to her house and called—no answer. Doorbell—nothing. Checked the time: exactly 4 PM.
"...What the?"
She'd told me to come here, but now no sign of her. What was this?
Bang!
The door flew open. Jeong In-ah stepped out.
"You're here? Sorry, had something to do... Didn't realize it'd gotten so cold. Come on in."
"..."
I just stared at her. She looked... different. Unfamiliar. Her gaunt, deathly face had filled out a bit, and the smile she flashed me was bright and clear. Maybe she'd put in extra effort with her look.
It reminded me of the first time she'd greeted me. Revitalized like this, she was even prettier than back then—no, prettier now.
Staring too hard, apparently—she shrank back, flustered.
"Why stare like that? Too pretty, huh?"
"No... Looks like you've gained some weight."
Slam!
Before I finished, she slammed the door. I blinked at it stupidly, then snapped out of it and twisted the knob. Locked tight.
"Hey, sorry. Open up. Sorry."
I knocked. The door cracked open—but the lock held, so still no entry. Through the gap, she glared daggers.
"One more chance. What'd you say?"
"...Gained weight and look prettier now."
"Hmm... Not perfect, but pass."
Finally, she opened up. I stepped inside.
House was quiet. No sign of parents or sister. I glanced around.
"Parents? Out right now?"
"Yeah, back soon. Sister's sleeping in her room."
Was geared up to greet them right away, but plans derailed. Could've said they'd be late from the start. Grumbling inwardly—then the door to her sister's room creaked open. Jeong Yun-ah peeked out.
"..."
Pajamas on, she froze stiff at the sight of me. Stared right through me, panicked. Silence hung heavy.
Jeong In-ah glanced between us.
"Ah, you're up? This is the guy I told you about who foun—"
Slam! Yun-ah shut herself back in before her sister finished.
That shocked expression lingered vividly. Felt guilty for no reason.
Jeong In-ah gave an awkward smile at her retreating sister.
"S-Sorry. She's shy. Told her you'd come, but guess she didn't expect now."
"Makes sense... How's she doing?"
"...Honestly, not totally sure."
Jeong In-ah went on. She recounted the day she'd found her—actually, the questioning from the Knight Order right after, and the healer's report on Yun-ah's condition.
She was in pretty good shape. Some scars from beatings, but healed over. Nutrition and hygiene solid. Possible language regression, but mild. No major cognitive issues like memory or intelligence. Just... all memories from her disappearance wiped clean. No clue what happened or who did it.
At first, she hadn't even realized she'd been kidnapped.
"Still lots unknown, but hey—at least we got her back. Lived thinking she was dead."
"Yeah. Thank goodness."
"...Thanks."
"For what?"
"You found her. That's why! Get it together!"
She raised her voice, embarrassed. I smiled and nodded, but it still sat uneasy. Voodoo turned her into a zombie. Voodoo cured her. As cult leader, it was my mess to clean. Hardly thanks-worthy.
Nice to hear, sure—but bittersweet.
To change the subject and break the quiet: "How's Priest Order dispatch? Gotta be different from Knights."
Her tense face lit up with a grin.
"Oh yeah! Was gonna bring that up. Getting tons of praise lately. 'Great work' all around."
"Figures. You're smart."
"Whoa... Top-of-the-school calling me smart? Touching."
"...Why bring up grades? Unrelated."
Last midterm? Legba and Baron Samedi's help got me first. Felt more shame than pride—not earned fair.
I mumbled past it, but she latched on, teasing relentlessly. Loved seeing me squirm, maybe.
Chatting away, it was suddenly 5 PM. Time flew—probably 'cause talking with her was fun.
"Parents back when?"
She checked the clock.
"Dunno... Around 6? Why, hoping they don't?"
"...Nah, wanna greet 'em ASAP."
"Flustered much? Hit a nerve?"
"No."
Sly grin, eyes narrowing.
6 PM rolled around mid-chat. Parents returned. I stood to bow.
They startled at first sight of me, but after In-ah's explanation, beamed welcomes.
"Name's... Seon-woo, right? I remember. In-ah talks about you all the time..."
"M-Mom! Don't say that!"
Good folks. Mom a priestess, dad a paladin. Lit up when I said aspirant. Asked if questions; tossed a few casual ones. He answered patiently.
"Oh, she got first in the whole school this time. Beat me."
"Paladin hopefuls are always sharp. Tough too."
"You were basically bottom-tier."
"...Exceptions, always."
We sat chatting grades, Florence, everyday stuff. Normal family talk.
By the time dad brought tea, Yun-ah had joined—mostly listening, barely speaking.
"Thank you."
Silence fell; her dad broke it. No elaboration. But his face and tone said it all—what he meant, the gratitude behind it.
I just smiled. No need for words.
"Dinner yet? We'll fix something—stay."
"Ah... No thanks. Better head out."
Dusk settling, mom pressed—but I shook my head and rose.
"Come on, at least eat."
"Yeah, just dinner."
In-ah and parents looked disappointed. Silent Yun-ah gazed up wide-eyed.
"Ah... Family dinner planned. Thanks anyway."
Grabbed my stuff and left. Turned down escort too.
Fun family time. Parents kind, good people. In-ah too. Yun-ah? Probably same, even without much talk.
Perfect picture of happy home.
But the more I saw, the more intrusive thoughts crept in. If I weren't Voodoo—if Romanica instead. Not happy maybe, but normal birth, normal life... what if?
Stomach churned. Felt like I didn't belong.
Caw! Caw!
Crows shattered the night quiet. Looked up—two perched on wires, staring down. Gu Jun-hyeok's taxidermy crows. So familiar now, barely startled.
Met their milky eyes.
Flap, flap... They landed cautiously before me.
Sighed, squeezed eyes shut. Fists clenched, approached.
"Ah, you... fucking bastard. Why keep showing up? Lonely?"
"Nah, you look lonely. Kekeke!"
The crow spoke. Gu's eerie cackle oozed grotesquely from its gaping beak.
(To be continued)