The Secret of Min's Castle

Chapitre 5

Dear readers,

To reach min Yoongi's apartments I had to cross a veritable labyrinth. The place was riddled with endless corridors, hidden doors and traps. Mister Noh understood how much this place surprised me and addressed me: "Mister Min had a particular taste for architecture, an exceptional man deserves an exceptional home. I know it can be dizzying, so I suggest you stick to the same path every time. It's easy to get lost here. I've been working here for 30 years and there are still plenty of places to discover. I've heard that the castle's basement extends over two floors. So please, Doctor Lee, curb your curiosity and stick to the main rooms. It'd be a shame to find yourself in a room with no exit. You'll just end up forgetting.

That last remark sent a chill down my spine. Was it a warning? I think there was a message behind it: "Stick to your mission and don't try to understand anything more".

Of course, how could I not be even more intrigued? These warnings won't stop me from trying to unlock the secret of this place.

 We arrived at a black oak door. It looked heavy. Behind it stood Min Yoongi. My heart was pounding so hard I was sure Mr. Noh noticed. "Before you enter, let me tell you a few things. The master has never left this castle in his life. So he harbors a certain grudge against your late father, Dr. Lee. Then he opened the door;

"Master Min Yoongi, Doctor Lee is here to see you.

He turned and stared at me with his ebony eyes. He was an impressive man (and handsome, I must admit), dressed in western attire unlike his younger brothers. Black clothes covered his white skin. His hair was long and cascaded down his shoulders. I was fascinated by his appearance. He was like the protagonist of an Edgard Alan Poe novel.

 Before I had time to speak, he addressed me in a deep voice: "So you're a doctor? Look, I'm not saying this to denigrate you, but your presence here is completely unnecessary.

I don't like having you here. And I especially don't want you here. I don't know why you think I need you. But my dear, if I was looking for the company of a little lady who was supposed to be a doctor, I'd have bought a doll. So now that you've seen me, I invite you to leave - no, actually, I'm asking you to. Then he turned to look out the window at God knows what. 

Fortunately, it takes more than a pretentious young nobleman to scare me.

"Denial, the rejection of those who offer you help, yes, that's part of the criteria for illness.

I'm willing to believe you've never been out, given your lack of tact. Listen, I'm not going to play nice with you. I'm not here to make you love me. I've been given very clear instructions. It was your father who wanted you taken care of. So hate me, I don't care.

I'm here to understand the past and your mind. So no, I'm not a doll, and I would hope that a man of your make would have more thought and not deduce my skills based on my gender."

Dear readers, let me give you a word of advice. Remaining polite to someone who despises you is the best way to provoke a response, and as expected he replied,

"Dear doctor what words don't you understand in "I don't want you here?"

 "None,  I understand them all. I encourage you to continue. It's good to say what you think. Please keep this same honesty for our next interviews".

"Do you really think I would trust someone like you? he retorted,

I nodded and said more gently, "Then I'll take the time to tame you. I'll come to see you every day. Each day my visits will be longer, until you see me as a trusted part of your daily life".

My answer had troubled him, so he stepped up beside me and said in a basic voice: "Don't be part of the scenery, wasting your time hoping for my attention isn't going to get it.

With a smile, because I knew I'd managed to awaken something in him, I said, "We'll see, but I'm confident. It's been a pleasure to meet you, Min Yoongi. I'll be back tomorrow." And he pretended not to hear me. 

Once out of his room, I let out a long sigh that drew a smile from Mr. NOh, who asked me, "So how do you find your patient? I replied enthusiastically, "Stubborn as a mule".

Now I'd met him. The hard part was still to come. How do you win the trust of someone who's never been outside this house? I already know some of the anguish that gnaws at him. He shares the same fears as his father.

But surprising as it may seem, and in spite of his temper, our conversation amused me. I felt as if I'd met him before....Is that possible? Have I been here before? I have no memory of it....