Chapter 12: The Tree That Remembers

“We have enough photos and video footage to perfectly restore the exterior. This time, we need to make several, so we’ll create a mold…”

Today’s filming involved capturing the process of restoring the Figurines led by the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, and I held the questionnaire written by the writer.

Because of the Kim Woo-jin incident, we couldn’t film at Changdeokgung Palace, so this shoot was quickly arranged.

“There are many stories about Figurines, such as they are decorations to prevent fire, or to ward off evil. If you put them all together, you can see that they are ultimately meant to prevent bad luck.”

“Like lucky charms or amulets?”

“That’s right. To us modern people, they are just beautiful decorations.”

The Demon that possessed Kim Woo-jin said that even if new Figurines were made, their effectiveness would be weakened. 

It was practically a statement that he damaged the Figurines with that in mind.

But in the script written by the writer, the Figurines were just symbolic decorations.

“I think the Figurines make the beauty of Hanoks even richer.”

“That’s right.”

“Then how long will it take to restore them all?”

“It won’t take long. Once the mold is made, you can say that they can be restored almost immediately.”

“I heard that tourists are very disappointed that the Figurines have been damaged.”

“Especially the damage to Changdeokgung Palace, which is designated as a World Heritage Site, is very unfortunate. That’s why the restoration of Changdeokgung Palace will begin first.”

“Then, while waiting for the Figurines to be restored, we’ll see you in the next video from Changdeokgung Palace.”

I spoke according to the script and waved my hand with the commentator while looking at the camera lens at the end.

This was because the opinion to wave instead of bowing was adopted, as it would also be used for overseas promotion.

The director’s cut sign came out, and I was exchanging greetings with the commentator when the director approached and told me the next schedule.

“We’ll film the Figurines restoration process separately in a tight schedule. Before that, we’ll film Changdeokgung Palace once without the Figurines, and then again after they are restored, so twice in total. If the weather is good, I’m thinking of filming at Changdeokgung Palace tomorrow, is that okay?”

“Of course.”

Hearing that we were re-filming at Changdeokgung Palace, I remembered the strange gaze I felt at Changdeokgung Palace last time. 

Would it still be there?

*    *    *

Standing in front of Donhwamun Gate at Changdeokgung Palace, I took a selfie with the stuffed Baekmungi doll and uploaded it to social media.

I wore the same Hanbok and Gat as last time. 

I put a Jobawi on the head of the stuffed Baekmungi.

I borrowed the Jobawi from the stylist team yesterday.

“I was worried it would be too big, but it fits perfectly.”

{Isn’t that something women wear?}

“It’s still cold, so it’s good as a substitute for a winter hat. And it matches my dress code.”

{I don’t care about heat or cold.}

“The puppy doll looks really cute wearing that. Lee Young, let’s take a picture with the doll in front of Donhwamun Gate.”

The CEO took out his phone and took a few steps back. 

Then Kim Woo-jin, who was standing in front of Donhwamun Gate, slowly backed away.

Kim Woo-jin was carrying a large golf bag. 

He probably brought the Four Evil Beheading Sword in there.

“Lee Young has rhinitis, so you shouldn’t turn up the car heater too high. Don’t forget to clean the car humidifier and fill it with water. She likes sweet coffee like iced vanilla lattes, but sometimes she says she wants to taste the taste of an adult and drinks Americano…”

“CEO.”

“She doesn’t eat well when she’s active, so you have to take good care of her nutritional supplements at this time.”

“Isn’t it a bit much to hand over like that when you’re not even her official manager?”

“You never know. How the situation might change. So it might be better to let you know in advance.”

The situation will change even more from here? 

There’s already too much going on.

I was grumbling inwardly without saying a word when the hair of the stuffed Baekmungi doll flew in the wind and covered my eyes.

“I should have tied a Daenggi. I should have tied it up.”

{Jaga, if there is something to scold, please say it in words.}

“Oh my, why is time passing so quickly. Lee Young, are you really okay without me?”

“The filming team is with me.”

“I’m just worried.”

“CEO, you said you were going to meet with the investors.”

“That’s right. Why else would I leave my seat? Lee Young, I’m sorry I can’t be with you. Have a good shoot. Mr. Kim Woo-jin, don’t forget what I told you earlier.”

Only after the CEO, who had been urging Kim Woo-jin until the end, ran off, did Kim Woo-jin and I enter Changdeokgung Palace.

“You came early?”

Last time there was only one person guarding the entrance, but today there were three. 

It seemed they had increased the number of people because of the Kim Woo-jin incident.

“I wanted to look around in advance before filming.”

“No, last time too…”

When the person who knew about the incident tried to stop me, I grabbed Kim Woo-jin and pulled him forward.

“Today I’m going with a National Intelligence Service agent.”

I emphasized the words “National Intelligence Service agent” and continued.

“It will be used as a promotional video not only domestically but also overseas, and it would be embarrassing if I knew too little about the palace. To be honest, I’ve never visited a palace before.”

“Ah… I see.”

With a sigh full of pity, I was allowed to enter, but when two people tried to follow me, I stopped them.

“When the filming team comes, they’ll be installing cameras and lighting, would one person be enough? I’ll stick right next to this National Intelligence Service agent.”

I pointed to Kim Woo-jin and gave a triumphant smile. And even nodded to reassure them.

After finally getting rid of the people and entering the palace, Kim Woo-jin asked.

“Is there a reason why people shouldn’t be around?”

{I should have left this guy behind too.}

Baekmungi didn’t seem to like Kim Woo-jin.

“You never know.”

“Pardon?”

{What are you worried about when I’m here?}

“There might be things that need to be dealt with realistically.”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I was talking to Baekmungi, but Kim Woo-jin kept responding, so the conversation was confusing.

“There was something strange when I came last time. I’m saying it’s better not to have anyone else accompany us in case something comes out.”

{Well, if something happens that goes against the laws of the world, it would be difficult for Jaga.}

“I see. Then I’ll take out my sword too.”

Kim Woo-jin took out the sword he had put in the golf bag, still in its scabbard.

“You have a scabbard too?”

“Yes, my grandfather said it’s a perfect pair with the same material and patterns as the hilt.”

“Can I see the blade?”

“Of course.”

Kim Woo-jin took the sword out of its scabbard.

The silver blade sparkled in the sunlight. 

On one side, ancient constellations were drawn in gold, and on the other side, 29 letters were written.

There were no other Spells visible. It didn’t seem like the shape was changing either.

{A Taoist’s Spell is written on the blade. It’s probably similar to the Spell surrounding that person’s neck.}

The Spell on the sword is also on my neck, it gave me goosebumps as if I had a knife to my throat.

‘What does it say?’

{Well, that Taoist is originally a bad writer… It looks like a Beksamun, a Spell to ward off Demons.}

I looked down at the stuffed Baekmungi wearing the Jobawi.

That’s a poor explanation.

‘Is that all?’

{If Jaga saw it, you would be surprised at how bad the handwriting is. It’s like he held a fine brush with his toes and wrote it. I even doubt how the Sorcery was activated.}

Baekmungi doesn’t know all the letters.

I felt sorry for Baekmungi, who was desperately making excuses, so I changed the subject.

“Was that the only time light and sound came from that sword?”

“That’s what I heard. I didn’t even see it myself.”

How much does Kim Woo-jin’s family know?

“Didn’t your grandfather say anything? He must have talked about ghosts too.”

Kim Woo-jin paused for a moment with his eyes on the ground before opening his mouth.

“I thought you would be surprised, but he gave me the heirloom without saying much.”

So the elders of Kim Woo-jin’s family knew.

“Oh, my father said that the Four Evil Beheading Sword was originally a sword to ward off bad luck, so he told me to protect you well.”

“I’m glad they let you use the heirloom. I really need to see if it reacts to Demons.”

“Yes, I will always carry it with me and keep an eye on it.”

Wouldn’t it be better for Kim Woo-jin to know about his family’s work? 

But I didn’t think it was something I should say, so I shook the thought away.

I’ll tell him when the curse is lifted.

As I walked along the tour course, I saw several old trees. 

There were even trees that sprouted even though only the stumps remained.

“The vitality is amazing.”

Kim Woo-jin answered after looking at the tree where my gaze was directed.

“Have you ever seen the Chinese juniper tree inside, which still has traces of surviving for hundreds of years?”

“No. As I said before, this is my first time here.”

“I thought you knew because we were going in the direction of the Chinese juniper tree.”

“Does it come out if you go this way? By the way, you can speak more casually. I’m much younger than you.”

“The elders of my family speak highly of you, so…”

“I’m a little uncomfortable.”

“I will correct it… I mean, I understand.”

The difference between “I will correct it” and “I understand” wasn’t that big, but I didn’t bother pointing it out.

{Do you feel anything now?}

Baekmungi asked if this was the right way as I was walking in the direction of the gaze I felt the day Kim Woo-jin attacked.

I didn’t feel the gaze now. However, the memory of that day remained vivid.

“I see the Chinese juniper tree. It’s a 750-year-old tree, so some parts are broken…”

There was an old tree in front of me.

Kim Woo-jin explained about the tree next to me, but I could tell it was a tree that had endured for hundreds of years even without someone explaining it to me.

Some parts of the tree were broken as if struck by lightning, but other parts were alive.

The body of the tree was twisted as if the ground was pulling the tree, which was trying to climb into the sky. I felt both admiration and fear.

And I could tell that the identity of the gaze I felt back then was this tree. 

Now that I see it today, I thought it was the spiritual power of the old tree, not a gaze.

While admiring the tree, I saw a sign with an explanation and took a step closer.

{Jaga, it’s dangerous!}

Suddenly, the stuffed Baekmungi felt too heavy.

‘Why did it suddenly get so heavy?’

Baekmungi increased its weight to prevent me from approaching the tree.

‘Should I throw it on the ground?’

{Jaga, that’s a Vengeful Spirit.}

Vengeful Spirit? Does that mean a ghost with resentment? Then a Demon?

{It’s not a Demon, but it’s a case where a thought with resentment contains spiritual power.}

If it’s not a Demon, then it’s not dangerous, right?

That’s when it happened.

-Swish

I heard the sound of leaves rustling.

I looked up at the Chinese juniper tree. 

There were no leaves on the dry branches.

“Do you hear that?”

Kim Woo-jin heard it too, so it wasn’t a hallucination.

“Yes, that’s strange. There are no leaves…”

-Swish

This time, a real wind blew. 

The wind rose from the ground to the sky, stirring up sand and dust.

I closed my eyes to avoid the dust and opened them to see the Chinese juniper tree trembling and standing with a figure.

What kind of situation is this now?

“Crown Prince!”

A person in Joseon Dynasty military uniform shouted at me.

“I’m not the Crown Prince or anything.”

Whether he heard me or not, the person in military uniform prostrated himself on the dirt floor.

“This subject was disloyal and failed to protect you. Please kill me!”

He’s asking me to kill him as soon as he sees me.