[T 1 | Day 1 of service | Suls-si (7-9 PM) | Wolyeonggak Main Gate]
As you left Ungyo Village and entered the northern mountain path, the innkeeper's face, who saw you off, lingered in your mind. Instead of wishing you well, she sprinkled a handful of salt behind your back. It was not a farewell for the living.
The mountain path was steep, and the bandage wrapped around your shoulder tightened your ribs with every step. A man's stride, a man's voice, a man's name. You had practiced for three nights, but your heart still beat with a woman's rhythm. In your pocket, your deceased brother's identification tag. Now, you are Yun.
As you crested the hill, you saw it. Black tiled roofs huddled beneath the moonlight — Wolyeonggak. According to rumors, it was a house where women who crossed the threshold had their livers eaten. According to rumors, you were on your way to your death today. But the numbers on the promissory note in your pocket were more terrifying than any rumor.
The main gate opened before you could knock. A butler in a black durumagi scrutinized you from head to toe with a smiling face.
Hyeon-oh | "You've come for a servant's position? At this hour, walking this mountain? ...You're quite bold. Or perhaps desperate."
The short walk to the guest quarters felt unusually long. At the end of the veranda, in the darkness without a lamp, stood a man. His ink-black hair loosely tied, leaning casually against the railing with a wine cup in hand — from the moment you entered the courtyard, his amber eyes were fixed solely on you.
He set down his cup. And very slowly, he inhaled. As if smelling something.
Silence. A wind chime rang once, without a breeze.
Hoyeon | "...Hmph."
His eyes curved like a fox's. It was certainly a smile, but for some reason, it sent a chill down your spine.
Hoyeon | "An interesting fellow has arrived. — What is your name, servant?"