Chapter 5
From yesterday after getting off work until late into the night, I'd been researching my ability. First, I experimented on anyone I could—everyone I spoke to after work was a test subject. The convenience store clerk around the corner, the officetel security guard, and so on.
In the end, my conclusion was that this absurd thing was real. Of course, at first I thought it was impossible... but.
Coming back ten years to the past, or gaining this strange ability—aren't they both equally unbelievable?
Now that this had happened, I was confident I wouldn't be surprised even if something utterly insane occurred today—something beyond imagination.
I was calmer than ever as I organized what I'd figured out.
1. I can determine at will whether someone's words are sincere or not.
2. There's no limit on usage.
3. It only works when I'm face-to-face. Phone calls or messages don't trigger lie detection.
We're always fighting between lies and truth in the legal world. This ability was ridiculously convenient.
Returning to ten years ago, gaining the power to detect lies—it felt like a divine revelation, a chance to make up for my failures in my previous life.
"Good morning."
I tested it on Prosecutor Lee Ye-jin, who looked like she wanted to die rather than come to work. Sure enough.
Everyone in society is the same. You have to say "good morning" just to get through the day.
The fact that it even detected something this trivial was impressive.
"Coming to this room again? Didn't you stop by your own office?"
"Ah, why, Section Chief? The elevator's closer to this room, so I figured I'd just show my face."
"Haha, yeah, right. Anyway, coffee for anyone?"
"Me!"
Prosecutor Lee Ye-jin waved her hand enthusiastically. Another investigator in the prosecutor's office shyly raised his.
"Latte for Prosecutor Lee. Latte for you too. And for our Prosecutor Cha, iced Americano, right?"
"Yes."
While he was out buying coffee, I reviewed the documents Section Chief Oh had handed me. Looking over the assigned cases, they were all petty offenders. Given the department's nature, all sorts of minor crimes flooded in constantly. Even with seniority, you couldn't avoid them entirely. With an average of 180 cases per month, some were bound to slip through.
But the fact that all my assignments were petty cases was surprising. It had to be the deputy chief pulling strings.
He doesn't seem opposed to accepting my resignation.
You wouldn't assign big cases to someone about to leave, after all.
"Prosecutor Cha, when are you actually leaving?"
Prosecutor Lee Ye-jin, slacking off in my office while waiting for coffee, asked.
"Not sure yet. I need to talk more with the deputy chief."
"That guy's gonna try to hold you back. He called me yesterday, asking if you'd badmouthed him or something. Not outright, but you know the vibe?"
Predictable. He probably asked if I'd ever complained about being stressed lately.
"What did you say?"
"Told him no. I did good, right?"
Prosecutor Lee Ye-jin. A straightforward beauty, two classes ahead of me at the training institute. Her husband was a lawyer at Law Firm Jangyoung, a classmate from training. In the future, she'd rise to deputy chief before moving to Jangyoung where her husband worked. She worried about my dangerous path but was pragmatic, drawing a line: she couldn't join me but supported me sincerely.
I understood her fully and believed we'd built a solid friendship to the end.
Yeah, I never expected my colleagues to join me. I just hoped they wouldn't block my way. As long as they weren't bastards like Hwang Youngchan, I didn't care.
"Not even a thanks. Should've lied and said you cursed him out big time."
"No, thank you."
"By the way, I heard rumors you're going to Taegwang. True?"
When a competent prosecutor resigns, the rumors fly. Maybe someone saw me going into the same hotel as Taegwang's CEO after landing a hit on him.
"No."
"Not? I thought you and Minjae were teaming up again."
"Minjae?"
I asked, puzzled, and she let out a disbelieving chuckle.
"You don't remember Minjae?"
"Who's that?"
"God, you're hopeless. Can't even remember your own trainee. Two years ago—Kang Minjae, your trainee prosecutor. You chewed him out until he was bawling, then gave him high marks to send him off. I teased you about playing favorites. Ring any bells?"
"Ah, Prosecutor Kang. Haven't seen him much since training ended, so I forgot. He's at Taegwang now?"
"Yeah, left after a year as prosecutor."
"I see. First I've heard."
"I bought him drinks a few times, saying he must've suffered under a top guy like you. We still chat occasionally. Unlike friendless you, I'm different."
Two years ago from now, but twelve for me. I'd trained many after, treating them all the same, so he didn't stand out.
"Anyway, Prosecutor Cha, you have zero interest in office gossip. Live and let live, huh? Is obliviousness a handsome guy trait?"
Did she like me for my skills or my looks?
"Prosecutor, your latte."
"Ooh, Section Chief Oh knows my taste too well. Extra shot—perfect touch."
"Heh, of course."
"Alright, I'm off. Enjoy your coffee."
She waved and left my office. That's when it got quiet.
"Prosecutor Cha's Americano too."
"Thanks."
"Prosecutor, smoke?"
He handed me the coffee and subtly asked. I nodded.
"Forgot my lighter. Prosecutor, got a light...?"
"Here."
"Ah, yes. Thanks."
We smoked in silence until the cigarette was done. Like a staring contest. Who'd bring up my resignation first?
"Prosecutor. What're you planning after resigning?"
Section Chief Oh broke the silence.
"You know how awkward fifth year is. Not going to Taegwang, so maybe Jangyoung...? Starting as associate there too?"
"Not Jangyoung."
"Pardon? Then where...?"
"Opening my own firm."
He stared, dumbfounded.
"Prosecutor, did something happen with the deputy chief? Why not just transfer...?"
Hwang Youngchan must've poked around hard. If he asked Lee Ye-jin, he'd grilled Oh even more.
"I realized all I can do here is handle cases from above."
"...Prosecutor."
"Better to help the weak, even if I earn less. More peace of mind."
"Because of Assemblyman Jang's son? I was pissed too."
Vague memory, but early this year if right. Ruling party assemblyman's son assaulted a woman at a bar. As usual, a thug was prepped as substitute. During investigation, I learned the politician's son was prime suspect.
First outside pressure. Vice chief called me, said bury it and indict the thug. Invited me for dinner—politician was there. I sat for vice chief's face but refused the envelope.
I planned to indict the son over thug. Predictable result: key evidence stolen from my drawer. I shelved the case—couldn't indict either.
Back then, I called the vice chief a lapdog with Hwang Youngchan.
Who knew Hwang was worse? He shared everything—except taking bribes. Without that betrayal, I'd have thought him one of us.
"I've been an investigator here ten years. Seen plenty I wish I hadn't. You'll see worse."
"Probably."
"If that's too much, journalism's out."
He smiled bitterly.
"I'm jealous, Prosecutor."
"Me?"
"Yeah. That courage to follow your conscience. Can't do it with wife and kids."
He sighed long, crushing his cigarette.
"When you get cards printed, give me one. I'll send people your way who need help. Say you're amazing. Heh."
In my past life and now, I'd always been close to Section Chief Oh. His absence would hurt from here on.
"If you're using it as a personal office, this is the best. Close to the court, not on the main road but near a subway."
Finding an office was harder than expected. Right after work daily, I rushed to spots I'd marked, finally finding a good one today. Car payments done, solid savings—rent and deposit manageable. Severance meager but something. If plans went well, money wouldn't be an issue.
"We'll take it. Resignation not processed yet—can we settle contract later? Won't take long, definite in days."
"I'll check with owner, text you."
"Sure."
Days of legwork paid off—not bad. Solo operation, minimal furniture. Odds and ends from home.
Light-hearted, I got in the car—then a text.
Seeing Mom's text, my throat tightened. I sighed deeply.
"Hoo."
Stared at it long. First day back in 2008, I'd planned to visit parents. But didn't. Better after solidifying plans—mind firm.
Seeing them alive might weaken me. Tempted to compromise, live easy.
No turning back now.
Resignation submitted, office secured. All set.