Chapter 194: The Ritual
It’s a real ritual, just like they said.
Muyoung poked his head out of the car and gazed at the stone wall stretching along the path.
It was a long wall, the kind you’d see at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
“Is this really the place? For real?”
“Yeah, it is. We’re in the right spot.”
At Muyoung’s question, Gyeongmin simply nodded, as if telling him to get out.
A massive hanok mansion stood before them, with a sprawling lawn in front. The well-manicured pine trees and artificial pond seemed to exude freshness all year round.
There’s a place like this in Seoul? Truly astonishing.
“Wasn’t our production company a small one?”
No matter how you looked at it, this wasn’t a place that a small company could afford to rent for a ritual.
With a separate parking area, it seemed more like a special gathering place than a regular home—perhaps for events like weddings.
“The production company is small, but the investor is big, right?”
The investment SJ had poured in alongside Muyoung was beyond imagination. Of course, they’d recoup that money through Muyoung’s appearance fee later.
“The owner is Representative Yusah. They said it’s usually used as a party venue.”
“Wow. That’s amazing.”
“When they heard we were struggling to find a place for the ritual, they kindly offered it. Even chipped in for the costs.”
The location for Dokyung’s mansion in Absolution had been decided.
It was a grand estate in Gyeongju, a modern blend of hanok and Western design. Apparently, it was built by a famous foreign architect as a vacation home.
But with the ritual, they couldn’t travel all the way there.
“Muyoung!”
“My sister!”
Kim Uri, who had arrived earlier, waved. Beside her was Chu Su-an, who smiled softly and nodded in greeting.
“What is all this, really? I’ve never seen a ritual like this before. I should’ve known something was up when the director insisted I come.”
As Uri laughed and looked around the garden, Muyoung followed her gaze.
Tables and chairs, reminiscent of a garden party, were set up.
“Is that a shaman?”
“Yeah. They’re supposed to be really skilled, specializing in rituals.”
And there was an altar table so laden with offerings it looked like it might collapse. A smiling pig’s head, alcohol, fruits, meats—all sorts of gleaming dishes were prepared.
The same went for the folding screen, colorful cords, bamboo, and bells.
Even for a regular film, they’d pray for a smooth shoot. But Absolution was a brutal film filled with blood and screams. It was only natural to make such grand offerings.
“Hmm. I see.”
“When this is over, we’re supposed to eat all that.”
“Didn’t you eat yet, sis? I’ve got snacks!”
Muyoung rummaged through his pockets for something sweet, but Uri laughed and declined.
“Thanks, but I’m good. I don’t eat snacks.”
Beside her, Chu Su-an stared down at Muyoung. She seemed to want to say something but hesitated. Muyoung smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling.
“Would you like some, Senior Su-an?”
“……Chocolate.”
“Oh! I’ve got some.”
Chu Su-an’s face turned bright red as she shyly accepted the chocolate from Muyoung. Seeing this, Uri laughed worriedly.
“Su-an, will you be able to handle the mic later?”
A greeting from the lead actor was essential during the ritual. Chu Su-an replied in a timid voice,
“……I took a sedative, so my mouth feels bitter.”
“Oh dear.”
Uri shook her head in amazement. How could someone like that be an actor? It was like she was shaving years off her life with every performance.
“Everyone’s here, then?”
Just then, Director Kim San spotted the three of them and approached.
Beside him was a woman who appeared to be the shaman, her bright red lips standing out starkly.
“This is the shaman who’ll perform the ritual today.”
“Hello.”
The shaman didn’t respond, instead scanning the three of them with sharp eyes. Her gaze was so intense that Uri and Chu Su-an flinched inwardly. Only Muyoung smiled and observed the shaman.
‘She’s got a baby on her head.’
A cute baby, about two years old, was perched on the shaman’s head. Its squishy, dough-like bottom was adorable. The baby covered the shaman’s eyes with its tiny hands.
“You must see ghosts with a job like this.”
Uri tried to strike up a conversation, and the shaman smiled silently.
“I see them sometimes. Mostly, I just sense their presence.”
“Make sure to see one today. There’s a saying that if you see a ghost during a ritual, the film will be a huge success.”
She sees them sometimes, huh? Muyoung realized it was because the baby ghost was covering her eyes. She could only see ghosts when the baby removed its hands.
He considered telling the shaman but decided against it, not wanting to cause trouble.
“……”
Even as she talked with Uri, the shaman kept glancing at Muyoung. Her expression was so uncomfortable that everyone noticed. Muyoung, seeing her unease, smiled and asked,
“Is something wrong?”
“……It would be good if Ha Muyoung could visit our shrine when you have time.”
Muyoung just tilted his head in confusion.
The shaman bit her lips and glanced around before whispering as quietly as possible,
“Did you… die and come back?”
Oh! Wow!
This is the real deal. A genuine shaman!
As Muyoung’s eyes widened in amazement, Uri and Chu Su-an frowned. It wasn’t exactly a pleasant thing to hear.
“What do you mean?”
“……Muyoung’s healthy……”
Chu Su-an even grabbed Muyoung’s arm. Not knowing how to respond, the shaman sighed with a chilly voice.
“Your fate is quite peculiar, Muyoung.”
“Oh? Is that so?”
“During today’s ritual, I’ll also perform a special prayer. If the ritual goes well, the bamboo over there will sway. Pray earnestly.”
She was referring to the bamboo stretching beside the folding screen. When a true deity descended, the branches would sway without wind—a saying among shamans. Muyoung smiled and nodded.
“Got it.”
“The shaman’s ready.”
At the staff member’s call, the shaman turned, jingling the bells on her waist.
Uri patted Muyoung’s back, trying to comfort him.
“Don’t worry too much, Muyoung. They always say stuff like that. When I get my fortune told, it’s always the same: ‘Be careful of water, be careful of fire.’”
Chu Su-an nodded vigorously.
Everyone seemed so kind, fussing over Muyoung’s expression.
Even when he said he was fine, they didn’t believe him. Like, he really did die and come back, you know?
Zing! Clang!
The shaman struck the gong, signaling the start of the ritual. The director took the mic and gave the first greeting.
“Hello, everyone. I’m Kim San, director of Absolution. Thank you all for coming today. I hope the shoot goes smoothly, with no accidents and everyone staying safe.”
Then, the three lead actors took the mic.
“I’m Ha Muyoung, playing Dokyung. I pray for a smooth shoot. I’ll do my best. Thank you.”
Chu Su-an and Kim Uri also gave brief greetings.
Especially Chu Su-an, who, thanks to the sedative, managed to get through without any mistakes, despite her flushed face.
Zing! Clang!
Crash!
Soon, the shaman’s ritual began.
The sharp sound of the gong filled the air, and the shrine attendants stood on either side, hands raised in prayer.
The shaman, draped in a bright red cloth, jumped in place, chanting in an incomprehensible language.
As the bells jingled sharply, the white cloth tied to her fingertips fluttered wildly.
“Oh……”
Uri and Chu Su-an watched, mesmerized, as if witnessing something extraordinary. Muyoung, too, squatted on the grass, not watching the shaman but what was on her head.
Ahhhh—
The little baby was jumping up and down, which was strangely captivating. Seeing the baby enjoying the ritual so much, Muyoung couldn’t help but clap along.
Clap- clap-clap!
‘This is so much fun.’
The baby spirit seemed pleased with Muyoung’s response. It jumped down and hung from a bamboo branch. The slightly curved leaf began to sway slowly from side to side.
“……!”
Uri, seeing this, moistened her finger and checked for wind, but there was none.
“Did that really just move?”
“……”
Everyone witnessed it.
They gasped in surprise, murmuring among themselves.
“What was that? The bamboo really moved, right?”
“Oh, I missed it!”
“That shaman’s got serious skills. I need to get her contact info.”
“Looks like this shoot will go smoothly, too~”
While everyone chatted and laughed, Muyoung continued to clap along, keeping the baby spirit happy.
The shaman jumped around for nearly an hour, and soon, drenched in sweat, she concluded the ritual.
“Great job~”
“Good work, Director.”
“Let’s eat some meat! Meat!”
“Can we drink, too?”
“Are we going for round two?”
The attendees eagerly grabbed their plates and crowded around. The money collected for the ritual would be used for the after-party. It was a chance for everyone to get to know each other and boost morale before the first shoot.
“Excuse me, Ha Muyoung.”
Muyoung was no exception. He was crunching on an apple when the shaman approached, clearly wanting to speak privately.
“Just a moment.”
Muyoung assured Chu Su-an and Uri with a smile and followed the shaman to the back of the estate. She wiped her sweat.
“Today’s ritual felt really good. The deity seems pleased.”
“Oh, that’s great. Lucky us.”
Of course. Muyoung had been making eye contact and cheering her on the whole time.
“So, I’ve been specifically warned. Whether you believe it or not, please don’t ignore this foolishly.”
“Yes, I’ll keep it in mind.”
The shaman’s voice turned cold. The baby on her head stared straight at Muyoung with dark eyes.
“Be careful—”
“Of water and fire?”
“No, on set.”
The shaman seemed slightly exasperated, as if wondering what he took her for. She didn’t entertain such foolish remarks.
“With a loud bang and bloodshed, be especially cautious.”
That seemed to be all the shaman had to say. With no further attachment, she turned to leave. This time, Muyoung spoke up.
“Thank you. But, Shaman, could you tell the baby spirit to move? It’s covering your eyes, so maybe try carrying it on your back instead.”
……? The shaman blinked in surprise. How did he know her deity was a baby? Had he heard from someone? Muyoung simply bowed.
“Well, take care!”
When Muyoung returned to the table, Chu Su-an and Uri looked at him worriedly.
“What did she say? Did she tell you to get an amulet?”
“No, she just said she’s a fan and told me to keep up the good work.”
“Huh? Liar!”
“Really. Don’t worry.”
Though Uri and Chu Su-an looked suspicious, Muyoung had no intention of explaining further.
Any ominous events on set would be his responsibility to handle. No need to involve his colleagues.
“Senior Su-an, can I have a word?”
“……Yes?”
Instead, Muyoung took Chu Su-an’s shoulder and looked at his face.
The sparkling flower petals were still there.
An unchanging symbol of good fortune.
“Hmm. Seeing your face makes me feel at ease.”
“……?”
As Muyoung smiled brightly and released his grip, Chu Su-an laughed awkwardly, looking embarrassed. Bring it on! Either way, there are flower petals right here.