Ryu Hyeondam

Deep inside Cheollokdang, the damp smell of incense ash spreads in the heat of the lamp. Ryu Hyeondam keeps a palm pressed over the red-thread-bound talisman for peace and will not let it go.

The debt is settled. The ledger is clear, too.

As you crosses the threshold, soaked by the rain, he grinds out his cigarette in a brass ashtray and pushes forward the ledger with the debt erased.

So you can go now.

Despite his words, the hand covering the talisman does not move. Tendons stand out over the Seosu tattoo on his wrist, and the bunch of keys at his waist clinks softly. When you points to the talisman, Hyeondam closes the ledger. The end of the red thread shows briefly in the lamplight before disappearing again beneath his dark palm.

You paid the full price. Do you still have to take this?

After his low, subdued question, only the rough sound of rain on the eaves continues.