Empress Handbook

Chapter Thirty-Eight | Criminals

The car pulls to a dainty funeral home that is wildly popular amongst the upper circle.

"Mrs Kang was assassinated," Taehyung utters, finally revealing Yeoreum's first official engagement after her two-month-long break: the mayor's funeral.

"It was an assassination?" Yeoreum shrieks. "But the news said it was an accident. Didn't Mr Kang accidentally take the wrong medications when he had a heart attack?"

Taehyung sighs. "No, the government is only saying that to stop conspiracy theories. If the current investigations are correct, Mr Kang was assassinated."

Taehyung helps Yeoruem off the car and takes her through the lavishly furnished hallway. Mr Kang has progressed from life to death, but his weary soul is still waltzing through high society's hollow vanity fair.

The people weeping below the lily wreaths were laughing mere moments ago. Yeoreum feels like these parties, weddings, and funerals are different costume parties under the guise of those names. People wear a mask of happiness or sadness that expires as soon as the event ends.

Taehyung hands a bundle of white roses to Mr Kang's son, who is responsible for welcoming the guests. The young man in his late teenage years does not seem upset. His lips form a small, courteous smile as he bows.

Yeoreum tugs Taehyung to the side as they enter the outer tier of the funeral hall that has been turned into a morning tea buffet. She draws her lips next to Taehyung's ear.

"Is that kid not sad, or am I just blind to sadness?" Yeoreum whispers.

"His father's death brought him countless real estate money," Taehyung says. "He probably doesn't need to worry over money until his grandchildren get kids."

"So fucked up."

Yeoreum shakes her head and approaches Mrs Kang, alone in a quiet corner with a glass of wine in hand. Mrs Kang won't be useful to Yeoreum anymore—this funeral also marks the death of Mrs Kang's upper circle life now that Mr Kang, her status provider, has died. But Yeoreum still wants to deliver some comfort to the poor woman. As a friendly acquaintance.

"I am so sorry for your lost, Mrs Kang," Yeoreum says gently. "It is a tragedy."

Mrs Kang's long, black curls have disappeared into a short, messy bob cut with apparent flecks of grey. Her face is so ashen that it seamlessly blends into the white wall behind her. From afar, it feels as if the wall has grown two stark black pupils.

"No, it's okay," Mrs Kang utters. "It's just the Circle of Life."

Yeoreum frowns. "Circle of Life?"

"Your Majesty, you lost your daughter not long ago," Mrs Kang cries as she stares into Yeoreum's eyes. "You must also be deep in pain. Join me, Your Majesty. Manifest your daughter's next life with me."

Mrs Kang's eyes are stern, but Yeoreum can see nothing behind them. Considering her grief, Yeoreum politely brushes her hands off. "What are you talking about, Mrs Kang?" she says with the same gentle tone.

Mrs Kang vigilantly examines their surroundings and passes Yeoreum a black hardback book. The leather cover with the characters Shinji printed in a small silver font feels as heavy as it looks.

"Take this."

"No, Mrs—"

Before Yeoreum can reject Mrs Kang, she scuttles to a familiar-looking woman at the reception.

Yeoreum stashes the book into her bag and looks at the chaos at the reception, which is now a full-blown fight. Realisation dawns upon Yeoreum as she sees the familiar-looking woman yelling at Mrs Kang. It's the waitress at that charity party who wore purple lipstick.