NOVEL NEXT Chapter 21
Here is the full translation of the text:
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1.
When Genji returned to the Soshie residence to rest, it was already past six in the evening.
Airi, already dressed in her shrine maiden attire and equipped for exorcism, was conducting a final check of her gear. However, she grimaced slightly whenever she moved her left hand, as if enduring pain.
Seeing this, Genji couldn’t help but ask: “Miss Somezaki, has your injury from last time not healed yet?”
“I’m used to it, it’s fine.”
Though Airi said it was nothing, her pale face betrayed her.
If she were to faint from bleeding like last time, with no one to care for her, it could be life-threatening.
Recalling the deaths of his mother and grandparents, Genji clenched his teeth and volunteered: “Can I accompany Miss Somezaki on patrol?”
“It’s too dangerous for someone untrained,” the shrine maiden replied indifferently, her hands never stopping their task.
Ah? Walking for ten hours at night is at most a bit tiring, hardly dangerous. Surely there aren’t any rogue ghosts lurking around?
Undeterred, Genji pressed on: “But, has Miss Somezaki ever encountered rogue ghosts?”
“Just stay in Soshie Town, Genji.”
As Genji was about to argue further, a young man, gasping for breath, suddenly burst through the door and collapsed. Airi immediately went on alert, her hand moving towards the sword at her waist.
The man, wearing a black hat and white robe, would have looked like a Joseon Dynasty scholar if not for his disheveled appearance.
“Raise your head.”
But the “scholar,” still out of breath, could only gesture weakly, unable to straighten up.
The guard hurried in, bowing apologetically to Airi.
The icy shrine maiden, the dust-covered Joseon scholar, and the panicked Japanese warrior created a bizarre, time-warped scene.
Just as the guard was about to eject the intruder, the man suddenly looked up, struggling to shout at Airi: “It’s me, don’t attack!”
In that moment of eye contact, Airi froze.
Eventually, the “scholar” broke free from the guard’s grasp and staggered to Airi, gripping her shoulder: “Don’t you remember me? I’m Yun Haegwe!”
Yun Haegwe’s Japanese was not fluent. He repeated himself in a mixed language of Korean and Japanese, harder to understand than “Zainichi Korean.”
Airi’s lips trembled slightly, but Genji deciphered her mouthed words, his mind buzzing.
Miss Somezaki called him Haegwe? What’s their relationship?
“There’s no time to reminisce! People in Goryeo Village are in danger, come with me!” Yun Haegwe grabbed Airi’s hand.
“Did Haegwe run all the way here? It’s almost seven; there’s no time, let’s drive.”
Airi handed the blood bottle and brush to the guard captain, who took the exorcism tools and quietly left.
After handing over everything, Airi immediately called for a driver.
“…East Hill is sick? Please rest well. Hello? This is Somezaki from Soshie Town, please connect me to Mr. Matsui. He’s busy? Okay, sorry to bother, goodbye.”
She hung up the phone and sighed:
“No choice, our driver can’t come, and the island’s buses have stopped. We’ll have to go by bike.”
At this, Genji timidly raised his hand: “Miss Somezaki, may I drive?”
He didn’t reveal that his only driving experience was in VR games, which, though realistic, were still simulations.
It’s fine, I always catch on quickly and do things right. Genji reassured himself.
“But, aren’t you underage, Genji?” Airi took his suggestion as a joke, already fishing out bicycle keys.
“Wait! If he says he can, he can. At this hour, no one’s out, so he won’t hit anyone. Little brother, it’s all on you, let’s go!”
Yun Haegwe dragged Genji towards the door.
Thus, a usually timid, underage boy with only simulator driving experience, unbelievably sped through the countryside with two lives in his hands.
2.
After safely parking the car at the outskirts of the residential area, Genji finally let out a long sigh of relief.
Stepping out of the car, Airi bowed deeply to Genji: “Thank you. This is far enough, you can go back now, Genji.”
Why is Miss Somezaki pushing me away again? Genji felt an ominous premonition.
Surrounded by neatly arranged single-family houses and low-rise apartments, what could be hidden inside the residential area?
Genji recalled conversations among institute students —
“What does ‘Onikakushi
’ mean after all?”
“It means being taken away by rogue ghosts! Villagers in ‘the tribe’ often hold mysterious ceremonies, like some cult. Minakawa frequently did free clinics there, so it’s not surprising he got involved with something unclean.”
“Cult? Isn’t that just regular shamanic rituals?”
“I think all that jumping and shouting looks pretty sinister. Who knows, maybe they even perform live human sacrifices.”
…………
From books, Genji knew that shamanistic practices were prevalent in Korea, especially the Korean Peninsula. Could Yun Haegwe’s Goryeo Village be the “tribe” mentioned by the students? He rushed to Soshie Town in a panic, claiming “someone’s life is in danger,” and immediately took Airi away. This mission must be extraordinary.
After a few seconds of deliberation, Genji decided: “It’s okay, I can wait.”
“Go back. This might be a bit complicated,” Airi shook her head.
“Is it dangerous? Then I need to wait even more.”
Miss Somezaki, I’ve made my choice; I don’t want to run away anymore. This is where I stand. Genji thought to himself.
“Then don’t come in, Genji. If anything happens, please run away immediately.”
“No, I’ll wait until Miss Somezaki comes out safely.”
Airi smiled faintly at this, but Genji saw a hint of sadness in her rare smile.
“Alright, no time to waste. I have to go.”
The setting sun stretched her departing shadow long and thin, as if she lingered in place, never moving far.
Genji watched from afar until the figures of the shrine maiden and the scholar vanished into the dark alleys, then returned to the car.
Soon, the sound of a shakuhachi flute drifted from Yama. The young man felt solemn, yet poignant.
Under the vast moonlit sky and cool breeze, he recalled an old song:
Brushing off petals, dusting off snow, a light robe
Are but distant memories of the past
The one I wait for, do they still wait on and on?
Majestic mandarin ducks take flight, stirring endless worries
Where are the cries in the cold quilt, such is fate
Midnight heart distant as the sparse bell, the lonely sleep alone
Sorrowful cries chill beside the pillow, ever more breathtaking
Tears flow, heart aches
The impermanence of life is bearable
Those in love carry deep sins
Let’s throw away boundless sorrow, all anger into the light
Forsaking the mundane world, moonlit clear winds, mountain cinnamon for company