Devil’s Music

It has been two weeks since Geon returned to the United States. A new semester had begun, and although Geon went back to school, he was no longer a part of the usual student dynamics, which spared him from strenuous classes.

Geon, who had either already known the content or completed the courses, found that the only person he could discuss his situation with was Professor Sharon. He had visited her before the semester began and since he saw her daily, he felt no hesitation knocking on her office door. Sharon was alone in the middle of her office, sitting on a makeshift chair with a guitar.

"Oh, professor? Even someone of your stature practices?"

Sharon set her guitar aside with a gentle smile.

"A musician must practice daily to prevent rusting, come sit over here."

Geon sat down on a couch where he usually conversed with her, his anxious gaze not escaping Sharon's notice as she smiled and started to brew some tea.

"You're here because you're pondering whether to continue school?"

Geon, startled that Sharon had read his mind, fidgeted and replied.

"No, well, it's not exactly that, it's just something I'm contemplating."

As the water boiled, Sharon poured it into a teacup containing a tea bag and offered Geon a cup.

"Ha-ha, it makes sense. I've seen many students at your age who became stars, grappling with such decisions and eventually dropping out."

Geon pursed his lips as he watched the steam rising from the teacup.

"What should I do, professor?"

Sharon, with a beautiful smile, lifted her cup and blew on the tea to cool it.

"Ha, ha, ha, delicious. Have some."

After taking a sip of the tea on Sharon's urging, Geon cracked a slight smile.

"I always feel this way, but your tea is really delicious. Ah! I've got some tea leaves from a friend in England, their mother grows them herself. I'll bring some tomorrow; the flavor is exceptional."

"Ha-ha, that would be lovely. I'll gladly drink it."

As Geon discussed his school life and personal dilemmas, Sharon simply listened without a word. The most troubling aspect for Geon was the classes that seemed pointless; the professors were capable, but the education was tailored so that students who were learning and professors were on the same level, which didn't help him.

It had been over a week since Geon felt he was just killing time at school. He had a lot on his mind, and his monologue continued for a while.

Sharon patiently waited for him to stop talking before she finally placed her cup down.

"Are you done?"

Geon, who had not shared these worries with classmates like Byungjoon or Lin because they seemed distant, felt somewhat relieved as he sank into the couch.

"Phew, yes, I've said it all."

Sharon smiled with a twinkle in her eyes.

"Do you feel better?"

Geon looked into Sharon's eyes blankly before breaking into a deep smile.

"Yes, I feel relieved."

Sharon tested the tea with the back of her hand to see if it was still warm and propped her chin while locking eyes with Geon.

"You didn't really need a discussion, did you?"

Confused, Geon asked.

"What? Yes, that's right."

Sharon smiled and said,

"You just needed someone to listen to your complaints, didn't you? The Geon I know doesn't shift his decisions onto others; he's someone who listens to others' opinions but pushes forward with his own beliefs and decisions, a real stubborn one, right? Haven't you been told that often?"

As Byungjoon flashed in Geon's mind, he smiled awkwardly and nodded, prompting Sharon to laugh.

"See? You just wanted to vent your frustrations. So, have you made a decision?"

Geon sighed before replying.

"I've been attending for three years, and with just one year left, I think I should stick it out a bit longer, though I don't want to waste time, so I haven't decided yet."

Sharon nodded thoughtfully before suddenly looking at Geon and saying,

"Don't want to waste time? Then let's make it not a waste."

Geon looked at Sharon with puzzled eyes, and she explained with a smile,

"You're in your senior year, right? Typically, universities encourage seniors to do internships or job placements and consider it for academic credit. We don't have such a policy at Juilliard, but if your professor agrees, your activities can be credited."

Geon, slightly surprised, asked,

"Do you think the dean would allow it?"

"Ha-ha-ha, who do you think you are? The dean would try anything to prevent you from dropping out. If you hint at possibly quitting otherwise, what can they do? Ha-ha."

Worried that he might be bothering others with his decision, Geon's

 expression grew contemplative, and Sharon approached to gently squeeze his shoulder.

"I'll handle it, so just prepare for what comes next. After you graduate, you'll live a musician's life, and there's much to prepare."

Geon looked up at Sharon with gratitude in his eyes and gently placed his hand over hers on his shoulder, smiling.

"I'm really lucky you're my professor."

"Ha-ha, I'm glad to hear that. Want some cookies too?"

"Yes, please."

Sharon opened a drawer, took out a paper-wrapped cookie, and placed it in a dish.

"Actually, I have one more concern. It's not really something to discuss with you, professor... haha, I feel like a kid who wants to tell everything to their mom. Will you listen?"

As Sharon approached the table with the dish of cookies, she smiled and replied,

"I'm not old enough to be your mom, but it feels nice. Tell me anything."

Geon crossed his arms and thought of Arthur.

"I recently made an investment. A friend in England is launching a watch brand. Since I'm an investor, I want to help by appearing in advertisements, but I'm clueless about business."

Sharon looked puzzled.

"Huh? Doesn't Son Lin, the marketing genius, work for you?"

Geon scratched the back of his head.

"Ah... this investment is personal. Unless Fantagio handles the profit distribution, I can't ask the director for help. They're too busy to listen."

Sharon chuckled.

"Have you tried talking to them?"

"No, I haven't even mentioned it. But since Byungjoon knows, Director Lin probably knows about my personal investment."

"Just try talking to them."

"Ah, how can I? I'd feel bad..."

"Ha-ha, they might be waiting for you to ask."

"Really? Why would they wait? They'd be annoyed, they're always so busy..."

Sharon pushed the cookies towards Geon as if to say, taste this.

"Hmm, looks like you still have a reason to be at school. You need more mental growth, ha-ha."

Geon looked puzzled.

"Mental growth?"

"Ha-ha, 'the other person will think this, so I should act like that.' This thought process is natural for someone who has manners and common sense. Those who lack such thoughts cannot truly consider others."

Geon nodded as Sharon continued.

"But, Geon. What if 'the other person will think this' is wrong?"

"Uh... if that's wrong..."

"Ha-ha, then the actions that follow are also wrong. It's not just that my actions are wrong; not asking for advice or help on important matters from someone who cares about you can disappoint them."

"Ah... I see."

"Try talking about it. If it doesn't work out, just apologize."

"Maybe I should?"

"Want to try it here?"

"Right now?"

"Yes, ha-ha. I'm curious too."

After some hesitation, Geon pulled out his phone but lingered over calling Lin's speed dial. Sharon, finding it amusing, ate cookies while waiting. Geon glanced at her, pressed the call button, and blurted out,

"Screw it!"

"Ha-ha-ha, good."

The call tone sounded, and Lin's calm and composed voice answered as usual.

"I was wondering when you'd call, Geon."

Expecting a hello or preparing a greeting, Geon was perplexed.

"Yes?"

"It took you longer than I thought. You're calling about the investment thing, right?"

"How did you know?"

"He-he, you're practically a novice in that area, so naturally, you'd ask for my help."

"Is it possible, Director? It's a personal investment, not company business..."

"Why is that a personal matter? It's part of increasing your stock value."

"Really?"

"Everything's designed and ready. Now that you've called, we just need to execute it."

Gratitude filled Geon's eyes as he held the phone.

"Director..."

After a brief silence, Lin spoke again.

"Whenever you need anything, come to me. I'm always here to help you."

Tears welled up in Geon's eyes as he wiped them and smiled brightly.

"Thank you, Director."

"I'm heading to the U.S. tomorrow. There's a meeting, so please wear a suit."

"A meeting?"

"Yes, a meeting. It's with the board of Gretsch, the company that made your White Falcon guitar. Wear a suit even if it's uncomfortable."

"The Gretsch that made the White Falcon? Why?"

"We need to sell watches, Geon."

"What does that have to do with watches?"

"Ha-ha, we'll talk about it tomorrow. See you then."

As the call ended, Geon looked up, and Professor Sharon, smiling brightly, snapped her fingers.

"Resolved, right? Ha-ha."

Geon looked back and forth between his phone and Sharon, a smile gradually spreading across his face. Having never regretted following Lin's advice before, he decided to fully trust her this time too. Warm air filled the professor's office as the two chatted comfortably.

 Three days later.

Arthur Hodgson was called from his workshop to the directors-only meeting room after receiving a call from Alisher Usmanov.

Staring at the door of the meeting room, which always made him nervous, Arthur swallowed dryly.

Knock, knock.

"Come in."

"Excuse me."

In the meeting room, besides Alisher Usmanov, there were two other men. One appeared to be in his sixties, an elderly gentleman, and the other a younger man in his late thirties. Alisher Usmanov, noticing Arthur's hesitation, invited him to sit.

"Don't just stand there, have a seat."

As Arthur sat across from the two men, they presented their business cards.

"Hello, I'm Fred Johnson from Gretsch."

"Pleased to meet you, I'm Koby Bradley from Gretsch."

Fred was the older man, and Koby the younger. After shaking hands and taking his seat, Arthur looked at the business cards.

'Gretsch... the guitar company, huh? Wait, CEO? This guy Fred is the CEO?'

After seeing 'CEO' written in small letters next to Fred Johnson's name on the card, Arthur quickly checked Koby's card too. Relieved to see that Koby held the relatively less intimidating title of Operations Leader, Arthur raised his head to see Fred smiling at him.

"Did you have a good look at the cards?"

"Ah, yes, yes. But, why am I here...?"

Sitting at the head of the table, Alisher Usmanov gestured towards the two men and said,

"We received a proposal from Kay... Are you familiar with the White Falcon guitar series produced by Gretsch?"

"Of course, isn't that the series Kay uses?"

Fred, with proud eyes, responded.

"That's right, the 2009 model specifically. We're very pleased that a famous musician like Kay is using it."

Arthur nodded as if in agreement but still looked puzzled at Alisher Usmanov.

"But why am I here...?"

Alisher Usmanov stood up and said,

"Gretsch is launching a new Falcon series, and we planned to compensate Kay with instruments, accessories, and amps for marketing expenses, promoting it naturally through his appearances. However, Director Son Lin from Fantagio made a proposal."

Alisher Usmanov pointed at Fred and Koby and continued,

"Let me tell you exactly what Kay's side communicated to me. 'Arthur Hodgson is my friend and my business partner. I have no doubts about the performance of The Lake he will launch. I'd rather he invest in the design collaboration for his watch brand than in instruments or supplies for me. Thus, I would appear in the Gretsch and The Lake joint project advertisement without a guarantee.'"

Arthur was visibly shocked.

"What? Kay said that? Oh, my goodness... a friend..."

Fred, with a good-natured laugh, said,

"You're lucky to be called a friend by a big star like Kay."

Koby nodded vigorously in agreement.

"Indeed, you're really lucky."

Feeling a warmth in his chest as he thought of Kay, Arthur closed his eyes.

As he suddenly closed his eyes during the meeting, Alisher Usmanov patted his shoulder and said,

"Save the emotions for later, let's focus on the meeting now. Arsenal Holdings reviewed the proposal and concluded that aside from the performance and unique movement, the design aspect was lacking. So, the first launch will be a handmade watch that incorporates the design of the White Falcon, giving a more familiar image to the public, and creating a beautiful watch with the sophisticated design of the world's most beautiful guitar. What do you think?"

Arthur, with his eyes still closed, listened carefully before bowing his head and saying,

"I... I agree."

With his consent, Fred and Koby shook hands happily, and Alisher Usmanov also clapped his hands with a laughing face.

"Excellent, haha. Let's proceed with the contract then, as you must be tired from traveling all the way to the UK."

Fred stood up and offered his hand to Arthur.

"Thank you so much for agreeing, Mr. Hodgson."

Arthur, slightly embarrassed, took his hand and said,

"What permission do I have to give?"

"Oh? No, I didn't tell you one thing from Kay's message."

As the topic of Kay came up, Fred, gripping Arthur's hand, said,

"This entire proposal is invalid without the consent of my friend, Arthur Hodgson."

Arthur's eyes trembled as he choked up several times before speaking in a strained voice,

"Kay said that?"

Fred nodded vigorously, and Arthur smiled weakly.

"I'm just receiving, how can I ever repay this..."

Alisher Usmanov slapped his back a bit too hard, laughing,

"Just succeed! That's all you need to do!"

Arthur bowed deeply to the three men, a bow uncharacteristic of Western

ers, watched the contract signing, and then left the meeting room.

Returning to his workshop, Arthur, now habituated to the rhythm of the drums, tapped his thigh with his palm as he walked and placed his hand on his chest, thinking of Kay, looking out the window on the left side of the corridor.

Although he couldn't tell if the window faced America, Arthur murmured hopefully,

"Thank you."

* * *

At the annex of Red Castle in the USA.

Geon, who spoke to Kiska every night, was explaining the events of the day to her as usual.

Kiska enjoyed hearing about Geon's day, her speech was a bit blunt but gradually improving, becoming similar to girls her age. Sitting on the living room sofa with a cup of coffee, Geon spoke in a cheerful voice.

"So, the watch brand I met in England, Arthur's, is launching soon."

"Yeah, I see."

"It's a limited edition, so it will probably be outrageously priced, and since it's handmade, it won't be easy to get even if you have the money, right?"

"Yeah, probably. The doll dad bought for me is also a limited edition."

"Really? There are limited edition dolls?"

"Yeah, a teddy bear. It's one of a kind in the world."

"Wow, that must be very expensive."

"Yeah, dad gave it to me for my ninth birthday."

"Wow, dad must really love Kiska, are you giving him lots of kisses?"

"Yeah, did you check with dad?"

"No, but I heard it all the way in England?"

"..."

Kiska was shocked that her morning and evening kisses with her dad were known in England. Geon almost burst out laughing but managed to hold it in and said,

"When you go to England, everyone seems to know."

"Who knows? Tell me the name."

"Why do you want the name?"

"So I can ask Miroslav to take care of it."

Geon felt cold sweat on his back. Sweat was also forming on his forehead as he tried to change the subject.

"Ahaha, anyway, when the watch comes out, I'll take care of mine and Kiska's, so just wait."

Kiska, true to her childlike nature, quickly changed the topic.

"Is it just for Kay and me? What about Kevin and Shizuka?"

"Let's just do it for us two."

"Okay!"

Pleased by Kiska's response, Geon whistled, and listening to the sound, Kiska asked,

"How tall is Shizuka?"

"Huh? Why? I don't really know... maybe about 160 cm? Shizuka is small, too."

"..."

"Why suddenly ask about height?"

"It's nothing."

"Kiska, have you grown taller?"

"Yeah, a lot."

Considering that only three months had passed, Geon laughed and asked,

"How tall are you now?"

"150 cm."

"What! Really?"

Kiska, who had been much shorter than her peers, measuring barely 120 cm, had grown stormily, surprising Geon, who abruptly stood up from the sofa.

"Really 150 cm?"

"Yeah, I measured with dad this morning."

"Growing 30 cm in just three months? Shouldn't you go to the hospital?"

"I've been there already."

"What?"

"There are sometimes kids my age like this."

"Oh, no abnormalities?"

"Yeah, they said I'll grow more."

"Wow, really? Later you'll become a giant attacking Red Castle?"

Geon's joke made Kiska giggle, and after a while, she said,

"If I get taller than Shizuka, will you date me?"

"Haha, of course. When I return, let's go on a date every day."

After chatting with Kiska for over an hour and reading her a fairy tale until she fell asleep, Geon looked at his phone and muttered,

"150 cm, really?"

As Geon was muttering, Byungjoon, who had finished his schedule late, came home and opened the door of the annex.

"Hey, you're still up?"

"Yes, brother. You had a radio schedule, so you're late."

"Yeah, I can't understand this American system. It's all about popularity, even counting the songs played on the radio in the charts. What were you doing, talking to Kiska again?"

Geon, as if it were good timing, shook his phone and said,

"Yeah, but brother. I just heard, Kiska has grown over 150 cm."

"What? Does that make sense? Just three months ago, she barely reached my thigh, and now she's 150 cm? That's just like a woman?"

"Right? I was really surprised."

"Kids grow up fast, but that's a bit strange."

"Haha, she went to the hospital, and there's nothing wrong."

"Oh, that's good. I'll just wash up and be back."

"Okay, brother."

While dozens of security personnel patrolled the roof of Red Castle, no one noticed two people sitting on the red roof. The blond boy sitting cross-legged next to a brown-haired man asked,

"Amdusias, it's because of you that Kiska hasn't grown much until now, isn't it?"

Amdusias scratched the back of his head and shrugged.

"I couldn't help it. She was too young when she received my power, so there was a kind of restriction, Paimon."

Paimon tilted his head and asked,

"A restriction? You mean, you couldn't talk about it?"

Amdusias nodded and sat down.

"Not that I couldn't speak, but that I chose not to. The organ responsible for growth couldn't function properly until she could speak properly and open her heart. But once her heart's door opens, she'll grow normally like other girls her age. I didn't take any special measures."

Paimon crossed his arms and nodded.

"I see, so how tall will Kiska grow?"

Amdusias rolled his eyes and showed the whites. After looking up at the sky briefly, he faced Paimon.

"By human standards, she'll exceed 175 cm."

"What! Taller than me?"

"Haha, Lord Paimon, you can always change to appear taller, can't you?"

"Well... that's true, but still. She'll be really tall."

"The race she belongs to is among the taller ones. She will probably keep growing."

"Hm, any abnormalities? Make sure she doesn't get hurt."

"Would I allow that?"

As Paimon finished speaking, he stood up, and Amdusias asked,

"By the way, why haven't we seen Lord Gamigin lately? He would have been the first to act if it concerned the child, but these days it seems he's leaving it all to Lord Paimon."

"Oh, he's been busy."

"Busy with what..."

Paimon looked at the stars in the dark sky and said,

"It's almost time to prepare."

"Prepare?"

Paimon's expression was slightly sad, but it quickly returned to his usual playful demeanor as he floated into the air.

"There's a confrontation with Michael, and he also needs to prepare for Gusion and other demons. Let's go!"

The two men flew over Red Castle, stitching a black shadow across the night sky as they disappeared.