Risky Masquerade

7

The detectives sat on thin cushions which surrounded a long table in Ms. Oh's house. Small china cups of chamomile tea were placed before each one of them to calm their veins and pacing hearts.

"A few weeks ago", Ms. Oh began, "my mother was praying, as usual. She began shrieking sometime later about a revelation."

"What kind of revelation?", Namjoon questioned.

"Eomma was gifted not only with the power of astrology but intelligence as well. She knew about this town more than anyone else. Have you all visited the Red Palace?", she ended with a question to which the trio nodded their heads fervently. The structure which had been standing since the Joseon Era was a popular tourist attraction in Do-bong.

"Well then, you must have heard about it's history.", she commented.

"Yes. It was the Emperor's gift to his favourite concubine. However, he visited it only once in his lifetime.", Namjoon spoke.

"I knew it.", Ms. Oh cursed to herself. "That's the story all of us have been made to know. However, that's partially true. The Emperor built it for a concubine, but definitely not his favourite one. You see, this particular mistress got pregnant and gave birth to a boy while all the legitimate wives birthed girls", she explained. "In order to wipe out the identity of the heirs' mother, he locked her into this palace which served as the place where infidels were executed."

Jungkook chuckled while Namjoon huffed sarcastically. Only Seokjin looked inquisitive as ever. "What does this have to do with your mother's death?"

"You see, these 'infidels' were part of a cult that worshipped the Devil. They were rebellious, they believed in the inclusion of women, revolting against authoritarianism, things we consider ethical today.", Ms. Oh continued. "Their spirits haunt the palace till date, and it is believed that every 666th year, a ritual has to be performed to appease them and their master, the Devil himself.", she looked away. "Eomma was searching for a way to rid the town of the Devil's eye. I am certain she was killed by one of the spirits."

The three of them sighed. It is true that Ms. Oh had been warning them about signs, and somehow, they contributed to her mother's death by not paying heed to her predictions.

"We're sorry for our negligence, Ms. Oh.", Seokjin bowed as the other two followed suit.

"I was like you all too. I never believed in all these things, and didn't bother to learn my mother's craft. But now, I think the time has come to take action before other casualties are caused.", Ms. Oh suggested.

"What can be done to appease and rid ourselves of these spirits?", Jungkook asked.

"Nothing within our jurisdiction.", Ms. Oh sighed. "I'm afraid we need to ask an exorcist to help us."