Exorcism and Demons? 2
It seemed the mere presence of outsiders like us was already rubbing them the wrong way. Depending on who you asked, exorcisms and ghost-busting could easily come off as cultish nonsense or outright scams. And there was always the risk that the spirit might flee into someone else's body, making any ritual a delicate affair.
"...Are you from the detective agency, by any chance?"
"Looks like you know us."
"I've heard the rumors. Though I haven't heard anything about you finding lost objects."
"That's not the kind of thing that makes the rounds. Unlike religious folks, we only move for a paycheck."
The old man in priestly robes, clutching a well-worn Bible, stared at me intently before nodding as if he'd pieced something together. The eyes gleaming behind his glasses were remarkably clear. He gently restrained his assistant, who was trying to usher us out.
"It's fine. She's no problem even if she stays. And we don't need to do anything right now anyway."
"Hmm... Understood."
Thanks to the old man's intervention, we were allowed to stay in the hospital room. The devout Catholic family didn't look at us with much warmth, but at this point, they seemed desperate for anyone who could protect their daughter.
Demons numbered seventy-two, dropping to Earth like it was dinnertime, yet no one from the higher ranks—supposedly above demons—had ever bothered to visit. That alone was suspicious. According to them, all God sent were a few proxies, and somehow that turned into a religion dominating the planet. If it were me, I'd put more faith in the demons hanging around us constantly than in some deity you might glimpse once every few centuries.
As the woman at her bedside made the sign of the cross, the girl's closed eyes twitched.
"What were the results of the psychiatric and emotional evaluation?"
"Nothing out of the ordinary. It was mild enough to pass for simple multiple personalities. The other persona emerged without her even knowing—a perfectly ordinary person."
"So it's not a mental issue."
I listened to the hospital psychiatrist's exchange for a bit before stepping out. There was no new info to glean, and what my eyes saw was far more reliable than their chatter. The old priest, apparently having called in experts to gather solid evidence for a formal exorcism, followed me out without lingering.
"Sister, what faith do you follow?"
"Me?"
I paused, not believing in their God, hell, or heaven. Saying I worshipped a goddess felt a bit embarrassing. I'd thought about it since they brought up demons earlier—it made me feel like some chuunibyou kid who'd hit puberty late. Made serious conversations with strangers awkward.
"I don't really follow any religion. You've got to have a surplus of peace in your heart for God or demons to find a way in, haha."
"I see. Must be nice."
His knowing air was starting to feel burdensome, so I turned to leave when he grabbed my sleeve.
"About the holy relic."
"Yes?"
"Holy relics don't have to be from great saints or anything. Some are made through devout prayer. ...One week from now."
"Ah... Got it."
"I'll see you then."
I returned the old man's courteous bow. Watching his dignified poise made me humble myself too. Properly accomplished people from any group were tough to deal with—they always gave off that vibe of seeing right through you.
"If someone that high up knows about us, guess we've gotten pretty famous."
"Shamans, monks, and priests—you hear they don't acknowledge each other, but they're way closer than that. What they do is all the same in the end. So of course they know."
"Is that so?"
"Even highly evolved cults end up smelling like clergy. Christians, Jews, Muslims—they're all the same breed."
"Other religious folks hear you say that, and they'll brand you a heretic and burn you at the stake their own way."
"Then tell 'em not to start wars. They're the ones who love blood and murder more than anyone."
Looking at their antics these days, did they even need those seventy-two demons crawling out? I wanted no part of it. Sure, without scriptures tying me down, I could shrug off the shaman image and the annoying jobs it brought, but someone showing up with a Bible was a different story. A holy relic, though... That was the trickiest incantation.
"Boss, to find a holy relic, don't we gotta hit up antique shops or auctions? Think a stuffy Confucian country would have any?"
"Auctions would be more trouble than they're worth. They'd just demand we donate it to a church since it's 'theirs.'"
"What if we do a secret auction?"
"People track down lotto winners to guilt them into donating. Auctions won't be different."
Spending billions to fulfill a few-million-won job was backwards. And even if you bought it, you'd just stick it somewhere in the house or office as decor. Waste of money on trinkets.
"So how're you gonna get this holy relic?"
"Borrow it from someone else. No other way."
"Ooh, boss's connections never fail."
Every religion had its impure forces and relics meant to repel them, though the details varied. Like using a blunt knife to slaughter a chicken or a man—the effect was the same, so repurposing should be fine. It had worked in my memories before.
"Where to?"
"A place with tons of sacred objects stored away."
She tilted her head, not getting it at first, then nodded as if remembering a time she'd understood on her own and followed. That's why I kept Hyeon-a around as an employee. No needless suspicion or curiosity about work stuff.
Being born to the right parents was a stroke of luck. Even as an orphan, I could've avoided starving or crime with my skills, but I never would've amassed this wealth or network.
From a young age, attending kindergarten and elementary in uniforms had built serious connections in this field. Everyone has that one kid they avoid in such schools. A girl who gave off vibes that she wasn't quite human.
"Hate to approach first and ask for a favor from someone like that... Ugh."
"First time seeing you dread someone, boss. A guy?"
"Better if it was. Then I'd never have to meet 'em."
"Now I'm excited."
"Tch... She won't like you either."
She seemed thrilled at the idea of seeing someone who could counter the boss. Reality would change her mind quick.
We drove to Korea's top conglomerate-run museum. Without prior contact, before we even reached the entrance staff, the museum director—somehow knowing we were there—emerged with a beaming smile.
"Oh...! My friend!"
The director's unbridled shout echoed through the hushed museum, drawing averted glances. Hyeon-a's displeased frown softened since this was my request, and she watched.
"Long time. Heard you were studying abroad—back already?"
"Came back ages ago. Mom nagged me nonstop to return and take over the museum."
"Changed your mind from giving it to your daughter-in-law?"
"She turned it down. Wants to focus on her own business."
"Eek..."
I stepped back, but my friend closed in mercilessly and pulled me into a hug. Yes, the chaebol's pampered youngest daughter was a lesbian. Always eyeing my body. And since I preferred sprawling comfortably in bed alone, I didn't look kindly on gays or lesbians.
"Let go already. Eyes everywhere."
"Oh? Since when does our Seo-ah care about prying eyes? Age changing you?"
"Learned business. You should too."
I shoved off her sticky embrace, her face rubbing against my chest, with firm arms. She knew my work better than anyone.
"The one behind your employee?"
"Yeah."
"Hmm..."
She narrowed her eyes, scanning Hyeon-a's ordinary office attire from head to toe with a sharp gaze. Luckily not her type, she just waved and turned back to me. Her needless height meant that downward stare felt impure.
"What brings our Seo-ah—who despises me—to my door?"
"Ugh, hate to ask, but I need to borrow something."
"Museum's full of stuff. What exactly?"
"Items from Joseon-era Catholic priests. Heard you acquired some."
"Holy relics, got it. Hang on—I'm new here, so I gotta check the inventory. Come to my office."
Staff passing by widened their eyes at the sight of the usually sharp, icy director linking arms with someone, starting the sexual harassment with her elbow. I itched to smack her head. The employee behind just giggled.