Chapter Text
There were many Kingdoms within the world. One of the more remarkable was led by the Yoo family, a generational talent that originated from their first ancestor.
Originally, the man wasn't anyone worth noting, even with good looks. He was simply a traveler, who'd find different activities to appease him. He wasn't someone people could get along with, neither fawn over on a basis. The man, Yoo Min-Joon, wasn't clever. He wasn't talented even with the many hobbies he picked up, he wasn't even exceptionally good.
But he was handsome, and that was what made Joon true.
Yoo Min-Joon wasn't relatively known until one of his departures led to a discovery, The Star Stream. The foundation of a lost religion was found, and as a reward, he was bestowed a gift. The most powerful gift any mortal being could have, but there was a catch, "Each generation, there will be an heir to this power. That heir will be a ruler who can't be found of fault." Yoo Min-Joon couldn't have many thoughts about it, how could he? It was all so surreal. Instead, he focused on the boy who lit up his boring world and smiled at him.
That boy would be his Oldest Dream, and be why he'd repeat life so much so he could remember.
Yoo Min-Joon was known for the travel, but for more than one reason. The discovery of an unknown power, so great that many of the gods couldn't touch him, and for the discovery of the completed texts for The Star Stream. The religion revolving around The Star Stream wasn't dead, but it certainly wasn't as bright as it had been 100 years prior to Min-Joon's discovery, because many people had lost understanding for the religion and began to doubt it initially before the famous trip.
Yoo Min-Joon went to a nearby town that still had regular practices surrounding The Star Stream, and shared his findings.
He wasn't someone who'd help people prior to enlightenment, but chose to help the people build their town with the stars backing them. His actions made him become favorable with the people, and soon enough he was crowned by the folk.
He found love with a saint, someone who healed with methods never heard of before, and someone who had a heart of gold. With her in high regards beside the King, there was little opposition to her being Queen. They had a child shortly after, and it became generational for a Yoo to marry a Saint, someone who could help lead with their intellect, strength, power, and heart.
The story of how the Yoo family came to be, wasn't common to hear about, and you'd be crazy to have not heard it in your youth. Especially the story around the power the Yoo family came to hold, an unknown power people still couldn't understand due to the secrecy. The power was said to be great, and there were many legends surrounding it. One of them being, The power had to do with regeneration, or something akin to it.
It was believed the children had the power passed down since birth, yet no one was certain. How could a power coming from an outside source suddenly be in the genes of the royal family? It seemed impossible, yet there was nothing to have the people speculate differently.
Yoo Joonghyuk, the current king of the Minseon Kingdom, is highly popular among his people. He has striking looks, is a well-known prodigy since he was five, a kind and well mannered man, and a reliant king. If there was trouble, he'd show up for investigation before his guards had a chance. He was competent, and he preferred to stay independent.
Joonghyuk had a younger sister, Yoo Mia. The palace servants, and civilians, tried to pamper her. Unfortunately, she only had her eyes out for her Oppa, Joonghyuk. After the previous King and Queen died, Joonghyuk took over with the task of caring for his sister, and she ensured that he knew her gratitude. Although from an outside perspective Mia could seem unruly, she was commented to be well-liked by the staff, and truly cared for her people. The main places she'd hole herself up in the palace was either Joonghyuk's company, or the kitchen.
Joonghyuk inherited the unknown power from his ancestor, but there was a catch. The secret being, it wasn't passed down by his father, but rather the very same boy who gave the power to Yoo Min-Joon. The same boy who was written in many ancient texts, and legends.
It was a huge shock for Joonghyuk, for he was given it in the middle of the night while he was in bed.
"You.."
He managed to mutter despite the force coming from the boy.
"Hey!" He maintained a smile to Joonghyuk. The boy had short black hair, he looked slightly tattered yet his skin glowed alongside the rest of his being. He was dressed as any other small boy you’d find roaming town; trousers and a white shirt. He emitted a slight blue light from his presence alone, and that disregarded the unruly force of power discharged from his body. Despite everything, the boy didn't seem interested in any intention to hurt Joonghyuk, he was calm. He stared at Joonghyuk, and it was difficult to understand if the boy was real.
(Joonghyuk couldn't even tell if he was foolish, or smart for memorizing the features of the boy even to the present day.)
"You.." Joonghyuk repeated much to the boy's amusement as he stalked closer to the bed, "Yes, it's me."
"You are..? The Oldest Dream that Yoo Min-Joon spoke about, yes?" Joonghyuk carefully asked. He didn't know how, but he managed to sit up despite the strength of power the boy seemed to purposefully emit from himself. The young boy went to Joonghyuk’s side as he spoke, "I'm surprised I'm well-known. Well, that'll just make things easier. Won't it, Joonghyuk?" He clasped his hands in Joonghyuk's and Joonghyuk stiffened from the small palms, they're cold, he immediately noticed as his eyes flickered back up to the boy.
"What are you?"
"You're the heir, I entrust you with this power." The boy responded, a small smile making his lips rise, "Now, sleep well Joonghyuk."
Then Joonghyuk fell asleep, and woke up early in the morning.
The foreign power flowed through his veins since, and although it caused him a lot of hardship to understand it, adaptation was possible.
It wasn't odd for troubles to stir and be brought up around the palace within the servants, Joonghyuk just had to figure out the source and diffuse it.
He had only found out about this one recently, as he passed by several whispering servants throughout the halls.
"Did he really?" It was the first whisper he heard, nothing new. There was always gossip about the latest news, and it wasn't odd for the maids to speak about it. Rather, it was the next sentence that made Joonghyuk stop and turn around, "Kim Namwoon was seriously defeated?"
"What?" Joonghyuk abruptly asked, startling the maids. They glanced at each other as Joonghyuk waited, and finally the shorter one sighed through her nose. "There's this new servant, uhmm.. I forgot his name, it was something weird! Like.. Dokki..? Well, anyways.." The taller one jumped in, "he got into a fight with Ki- Namwoon-sii, and beat him!" She said with a slight thrill in her voice. Yoo Joonghyuk was both piqued by interest for this Dok.. Guy, but especially annoyed that he'd already start fights with one of his longest employees around his age. "How'd the fight start?" Joonghyuk wanted them to clarify who was at fault, Namwoon had his tendencies.. Despite that, he was an overall laid-back person, and was usually very respectful to others.
"I think.. It was something to do with one of the stimulations the Star Stream made?" The shorter maid tilted her head in thought. "Yeah, weren't they placed in one where they had to complete it by killing another organism?"
What the two maids spoke about wasn't entirely wrong. To get a spot as a servant, you had to go through several interviews, the stimulation was the final one, and it differed between three. They all resulted in fighting your way to survive, or in the Dok's case, killing.
Joonghyuk frowned, "Why'd Namwoon decide to join Dok..ki.. in that?" He asked, his voice halting at saying the man's name. Why did he have to have such a weird name? "It was punishment." They both said in unison. "Well, anyways.. Namwoon-sii convinced the majority of people in the stimulation to jump an old lady, while Dokki.. He found a boy with grasshoppers and killed two of them." The taller maid spoke, glancing at the shorter one as she finished the story, "Dokki must've gotten disgusted by Namwoon-sii beating the grandma, and he beat Namwoon-nim to a pulp.. Luckily Seolwha-sii" "Nim." Joonghyuk corrected, "yes.. Luckily Seolwha-nim was nearby and Namwoon-sii got treated shortly after the stimulation ended."
Joonghyuk thanked the girls for the chat before he continued back on his scheduled path.
Dok... I need to remember that as I look over the new servant files
Joonghyuk bumped into someone.
He sighed through his nose, he didn't have time for this.
The person turned to him, with a very plain stink eye after a moment of shock across their features.
"Move." Joonghyuk spoke.
He could only look at the man, confused, but quickly became dumbfounded as the shorter one hit him on his head. "Weren't you ever taught to respect people older than you?" The shorter man grinned, clearly annoyed, "because, I'll have you know I'm certainly an Ahjussi to you. I'm not in the mood for anyone else to think they're entitled to be a pushover." Joonghyuk didn't know whether to be pissed or amused, he was conflicted as the stranger stormed past him muttering something along the lines of, "handsome bastard.."
Something gnawed at Joonghyuk in the back of his mind, the man.. He looked oddly similar, didn't he?
"Kim Dokja you say?" Joonghyuk frowned, looking up at Seolwha who stood 3 feet in front of his desk, "Yes.. I recommended him a week ago?" Joonghyuk looked back down at the papers in front of him, especially the photo of the man. "So.. He was Kim Dokja?.. Dokki.." Joonghyuk mumbled, glancing at the window and sighing. Today was already a rough day as is and now he had to deal with Kim Dokja and his shenanigans.
"Oh, you recommended him a week ago?" Joonghyuk jumped out of his daze and looked back up at Seolwha with a sharp eye. Seolwha knew that in moments like this with Joonghyuk, he'd act like Sherlock Holmes, and there wasn't much she could do to get him out of his interests. She sighed through her nose, "Yes.." She said with a shaky voice, slight annoyance creeping up, "you said you looked at the files." She glanced at him, and he flinched. Got him.
"I.. Did." The lie came out with a shaky breath, "well, anyways.. Is there anything else to note about him?" Joonghyuk asked the saint, her eye twitched but she obliged. "No, not really. He's really popular with the maids and a few of the servants. Yoo Mia didn't like him, she said you were better."
Joonghyuk smiled at that, but quickly cleared his throat, "Tell her to be nice."
"Maybe you're rubbing off on her." Seolwha stopped her statement as Joonghyuk glared at her. She smiled brightly, "I'll make sure Yoo Mia understands."
Joonghyuk smiled, "Good, you're dismissed." Seolwha bowed with a small goodbye to the King before she exited the room.
"Yoo Mia.. I should visit her." Joonghyuk mumbled, he looked up at the ceiling and pondered what they should do. A brief knock came from the office door, incoherent mumbles of who it was before the door opened, Hyunsung.
To be more specific, Lee Hyunsung. He was a renowned warrior for his strength, but he didn't find much passion with it. His friend, Jung Heewon, recommended him so he could rest from his previous line of work.
Although he was in his late 20s, he had much experience as a former war hero.. In fact, Kim Dokja was also one during the same time as Hyunsung… Nonetheless, Hyunsung was a war hero. The Lee family already had a reputation to aid the Imperial family, but they were mainly neutral in politics. Hyunsung was a once in a lifetime type of talent with his strength, and although it was odd for him to serve the King directly, he didn't seem to care. His own life with his family was unknown, besides that his family still lived in the Lee Estate and ruled their territory well. Hyunsung only stayed as Joonghyuk's personal butler for his personality, efficiency, and because the Lee family hadn't yet complained about Hyunsung serving directly under the Royal family.
Hyunsung entered with trays of letters, surprisingly they were balanced in his arms and he set them down elegantly. Hyunsung could be described in many words, Yoo Mia's personal favorites? Strong, mean, and a puppy. She was always clinging on Hyunsung, and he became a second older brother to her.
Joonghyuk glanced at the trays, picked up one of the letters, and looked at the bold name in the front, "Burn this one" Joonghyuk paused, just.. Why was the air feeling different? He looked up at Hyunsung's teary eyes, oh.
"J- Joonghyuk-nim...." Hyunsung sniffed, taking the letter, "You're so strong.."
Joonghyuk shifted uncomfortably and handed Hyunsung a handkerchief, "Your snot's going everywhere."
Hyunsung wasn't known exactly as a crier, but he had his emotionally touching moments. It sometimes made him unbearable, but he was naturally empathetic to others, and you can't change that in someone. "I'm okay, remember I'm the king Hyunsung. I'm also very strong." Joonghyuk said sharply, crossing his arms to prove his point. Hyunsung chuckled, "Right.. Yeah, you're right." He sniffed, blowing his nose.
"Joonghyuk-nim.. The other letters are for social gatherings.." Hyunsung was okay minus the puffy eyes, and Joonghyuk couldn't blame him. The letters he got annually were warnings, threats, yet he didn't pay mind to them. Since.. That was the same person who sent letters to even Yoo Min-Joon, and that must've meant they've become someone of the Star Stream. They can't touch me, I'm okay. They won't touch Yoo Mia, we're okay.
It haunted him at first, like it did with all his other ancestors, worry would gnaw at them. Yet, you can't do anything when you're depressed over it.
"Set them over there." Joonghyuk pointed to the table in the middle of the room, "I'll take a look at them later." Hyunsung obliged to his command.
Joonghyuk opened the desk drawer, right. There was another thing the boy gave him, a book. The book looked like any other book, yet it had an unlimited amount of pages. It looked only about 300, but if you started reading, there were thousands.
The book was a diary, a composed piece of every ancestor's notes regarding the power Joonghyuk now held. It was depressing to go through, and it was a huge shock when he first opened it.
A wave of memories hit him when he was first influenced by its contents, a thousand lives.. No– More than a thousand of lives, of memories rushed at him. The power. It wasn't divine, it wasn't a blessing, but a curse. And now, Joonghyuk had to deal with the drawbacks of holding a curse within his soul.
When he first got the memories, the power, he was depressed. He changed, and was no longer how he once was. He now understood why each action was done by his elders, he understood what weight they carried.
"Joonghyuk-nim." Hyunsung knocked Joonghyuk out of his thoughts and he glanced up, "You were wondering where the young lady is, right?" He asked as he quickly sorted the rest of the letters.
Joonghyuk couldn't help but be thankful for his efficiency, "Yes, where is she?" He sighed through his nose. Joonghyuk wondered how much practice Hyunsung went through to be able to move his hands that fast. "She's in the west corridor with Yoo Sangah and Han Sooyoung— They're new servants." He quickly clarified nervously, and Joonghyuk nodded.
Yoo Sangah.. She used to work with Kim Dokja in the northern region, the only known information of their relationship was that they'd go home with each other on the same path from work. It definitely.. It was definitely odd.
Han Sooyoung, she was also mentioned to have some familiarity with Kim Dokja. Although.. It wasn't in good regards. They were known to often fight, yet Seolwha definitely said they seemed close during the tests, although the files stated differently.
"Thanks Lee Hyunsung." Joonghyuk stood up from his desk and departed from his room.
The halls were busy as people moved to welcome the new batch of knights and servants who were accepted and settling in, "Right.. There's a banquet tonight." Joonghyuk remembered aloud. It was nice, the people greeted Joonghyuk brightly as he passed and he gave small acknowledgements back.
Then trouble arose.
Joonghyuk felt a wave of nostalgia again when he saw Kim Dokja go into a room, and he couldn't help but frown. Dokja was suspicious, for even one of his skills wouldn't let him see who Kim Dokja was. Sure the hidden power was one, but he also got other perks for being the supposed holy heir.. And it shouldn't have been possible to bypass the divine power given to him, "Just why.. Who are you Kim Dokja?" He couldn't help but wonder.
He had to get out of his thoughts once he reached the end of the hall where Yoo Mia was on the floor in front of a plotted plant, Han Sooyoung's voice echoed as she spoke about the plant.. Except, she sounded arrogant, and Yoo Sangah seemed awfully annoyed at Han Sooyoung. It already wasn't looking good considering Sooyoung's reputation he viewed from the documents. Compared to Yoo Sangah, Sooyoung was made out to be a rule breaker. With Yoo Mia on the ground, it almost seemed like she was already starting trouble with his sister.
Joonghyuk didn't know what to think.
Kim Dokja wasn't someone remarkable, everyone who has met him could agree. People he's grown up with, school for example, typically wouldn't remember much about him besides that he was quiet. Dokja didn't exactly take it to heart, he would claim he didn't care much about anything that's happened up till the present, and people wouldn't pry further.
Kim Dokja, you can take the name two ways; reader, or only child. He was named it because his father wanted him to be a strong lone man, but rather.. His mother influenced him to live up to the name as a reader, for she'd always encourage him to read books. He lived a pretty mundane life after his hectic childhood, yet he was able to meet two people who offered him company. Although they all had their conflicts, he couldn't have been more grateful for Sangah and Sooyoung. Their personalities differed immensely but nonetheless Dokja couldn't help to think that he owed them more than anyone else on the earth, after all they were the only reason he was able to settle in.
Kim Dokja's life took a turn when he turned 20, a voice popped up. Then messages. They'd order him to do things for rewards, and honestly? It felt like he was being treated like a dog.
He didn't listen them for some time until they became more serious,
"In order for you to prevent an assassination on.."
"In 3 days there'll be... if you don't do... then... will die.."
"You must become a worker at..."
"Serve... for.. years and take.."
"The young lady of.. will die if you don't.."
Out of curiosity he tried doing one, and found it to be true. This.. Couldn't have been real. If it was then it could be treated as a prophecy, and Dokja was anything but holy. He was anything but good, he wasn't a saint at all, he shouldn't have that kind of power.
After the realization, he wouldn't leave his house. He'd just stare at the translucent holographic message in front of him, for hours.
" [Quit working for the Seo Family and become a servant in the Royal Palace in the Minseon Kingdom..]
Category: Main
Difficulty: B
Clear Conditions: Get recommended for the position by the Saint
and pass the tests to become a servant under the Yoo Family.
Duration: 34 days..
Reward: -
Penalty for failure: Death "
"Fuck.." He let his hand fall from his eyes to cover his mouth. He furrowed his brows, contemplating it.
The issue wasn't quitting, but it was leaving behind his only companions, and somehow being in good regards with the saint.. "Can't you.. Make this easier for me?" Kim Dokja glared at the sky, crossing his arms. It felt like he was gonna be a spy, basically intruding on the imperial family, for the very gods they were blessed by. The Star Stream was getting on his nerves more, and more.
Then suddenly, as if his prayers were answered, a sudden light engulfed him. He squeezed his eyes shut to not damage his sight as images flooded his head, "Seolwha... Seol- silver hair.. She.."
He gasped, opening his eyes back to his room. His clothes were drenched in sweat as he sat up, eyes wide, "That was the Saint?!" He yelled quickly covering his mouth, which he immediately regretted with how fast it was removed. "Eugh.. I should think after a bath.." He cringed, standing up and making his way to the bathroom. He peeled off his drenched clothing and turned on his bathwater, he could only be glad the Seo Family provided hot baths for their servants. He prepared the soaps and placed his clothes in a bag, he'd clean them later in the servant laundry quarters before he quits. (It’s what he deserves for being so loyal up until now)
Dokja felt the water with his finger tips as the tub filled, and once it was at a good temperature, he turned the water off. He submerged his body in the comfort of the warmth and relaxed slightly as he took his time bathing himself, "So.. The saint's really.. Her." Dokja couldn't say much else to himself aloud, I mean what could he say? He didn't know she was the saint..
He first met her after a situation when he was younger, they were around the same age yet she acted as if she was his guardian. She was why his story, or well life, didn't get too popular with the people in the town. She was probably the only reason he was able to escape questions from the odd writers for the papers in the morning. Sure.. He should've paid attention to who was the Saint, and what happened in the kingdom, but he didn't see a point when he'd never meet anyone besides the Seo Family.
Now, it was quite literally biting him in the ass for being too idiotic to not think of even familiarizing himself with the leaders of the community. He could only sigh for his own stupidity as he finished washing up. "It shouldn't be too hard since I'm already acquainted with her, but.. How do I find her?" He mumbled aloud, brows furrowed. He got out of the tub, and wrapped a towel around his waist, another was used to dry his hair as he walked back into his room and changed into clean, plain clothes.
His eyes flickered up to another sudden message popping up in front of him, and he could've snorted at the Star Stream for the bullshit.
"[Find the Saint]
Category: Side
Difficulty: C
Clear Conditions: Speak to the saint when she visits the manor,
convince her to give you a recommendation to work for the Royal Family.
Duration: 4 days..
Reward: Recommendation letter
Penalty for failure: -4 days to complete the main scenario "
"So.. She's visiting?" Dokja asked aloud only to hear a small voice reply with affirmation, he sighed through his nose. "I swear.. I feel crazy, what if this is all an illness? Am I schizophrenic?"
The game plan was to approach the saint while she was alone, and of course act. He'd run into her while she was miraculously unescorted, spill some tears, talk about moving closer to the palace for tragic reasons, and ask if she had anyone who could give him a recommendation letter to work under the Yoo Family. It was a perfect plan, and would work spotlessly, hopefully.
Putting it into action was different, much different.
At least Dokja was able to quickly find out Seolwha was visiting to help the baron with finding healing remedies for some soldiers out at the border between us and the neighboring kingdom. Fights regularly broke out in the area, and since the barony was closest, they were responsible for defense.
The saint was scheduled to arrive about.. “Now. I should start looking busy.” Dokja said, breathlessly. He walked down the corridors keeping a lookout and his ears on watch with his surroundings as he reached the garden. It really seemed like a lucky day, since he immediately spotted her, alone. Just as he hoped, and as the Star Stream told him, the baron must’ve been informed of some more urgent, and private matters involving the incidents and he must have stepped away to dutifully attend to them.
This was when a servant should’ve tended to her, but.. Much to his bewilderment no one was there, besides him, who was currently approaching her. “Noona..?” He mumbled out of reflex, and immediate regret washed over him as she looked up.
Her face contorted in disbelief and.. Joy? He could only assume. “Dokja?” She stood up immediately, and he paused in his steps. Damn, Dokja. Why now? Keep walking or you’ll make it awkward.. But his legs didn’t move, and he was embraced.
“Dokja, you..” She pulled away, looking at his face. At a closer view he could now see her expression properly, her eyes. She had unshed tears, and poked at his face like he wasn’t real. He didn’t know how to feel, he wasn’t used to being fretted over, “I’m okay,” he hesitated, “I’m here Noona.” He stuttered, fuck this is so embarrassing.
Dokja couldn’t help but feel flustered over the reunion, the only thing pushing him through was the task he had to do. “Right, of course you are.” She smiled, letting go of his face. “You were able to get a job at the Seo barony.” She commented, glancing at my uniform. “Yeah, someone anonymous gave a recommendation letter, allowing me to land the job without any problems.” He grinned, his hand placed on the back of his neck.
Soon, he’d be able to ask the silent question in the back of his throat, but he had to wait first.
Dokja accompanied Seolwha, both of them sharing bits of their lives after they went their own ways years ago. They walked through the beautiful garden, the butterflies recently hatched, and the mockingbirds sang tunes. Then out of the blue she smoothly said, “You have something to ask me, don’t you Dokja?” She smiled, her voice was sweet but sharp.
He could only sigh with a small smile, right, of course he couldn’t fool the saint who had an omnipotent being backing her, “yes, I do.”
...
"It'll be hard to do," she contemplated, and once she reached a reasonable conclusion, she sighed through her nose and smiled. "I think it'll be doable, would it be better to live within the servant quarters or in your own home?"
He would choose the servant quarters, and find out later on that it was the right choice.
He was in an unfortunate situation. Sooyoung and Sangah both found out about his plan, and demanded answers. How else besides locking him in his own room with the two confronting him?
"You're both gonna get in serious trouble, you know?" An annoyed tone could be heard from him, and it received a scoff from the black haired lady. "Us? What about you? You're seriously planning to work as a hound under the fuckin' royal ducklings?!"
"I'll work as a servant, not a hound."
"That's the same thing!"
"Sooyoung, a hound for the royals is considered a knight." Sangah corrected, and Sooyoung gave her a quick glare. She tore off her shoe and threw it at Dokja, making him yelp. "You seriously wanted to leave without even telling us?!" She yelled, understandingly pissed off. Sangah seemed to feel the same, but was able to control her own emotions with a shut smile.
Kim Dokja felt a chill down his spine and a tear down his face, when can I possibly explain myself?
Sooyoung let out a huff, "It's no use." She threw a book and grabbed a bag from Sangah. Dokja flinched, assuming the bag would be thrown too, only for two papers to be shoved in his face.
Recommendation letters, for both Sangah and Sooyoung. To work. AT THE PALACE.
He was more than shocked, bewildered. Yet, before he was able to process it, the two girls were already gone, and his room was a mess
The day of testing came quick, four days after the Saint recommended him and his companions got their own recommendation letters in, they were summoned for taking the first test.
The tests typically lasted 10 days overall, and took time to get through. The average for one test was 12 hours, fastest was under 2 hours, and longest took about three days.
Kim Dokja aimed for 2 hours or faster, Sooyoung aimed for the longest as possible, and Sangah seemed content to aim for 12 hours or under.
The first few tests were easy, first was the skills in caring for different tasks around the palace. The second one consisted of a physical exam. Their combat abilities, speed, agility, and body condition were taken into account.
Each exam passed rather quickly, and to Kim Dokja’s glee, about an hour was how long it took to complete them overall. The third exam.. Was.. ongoing.
Their instructor Han, who preferred to be addressed as only Han, was explaining their next exam. “This next one will seem daunting as it’ll be different for each individual.. But as long as you don’t think too much into it, you should find a way through it.” He grinned, signalling a pause with his hand as the group made it to the forest clearing. “Please understand, brains and brawn are used in each of them. You could surely get through only using one of the two, but it wouldn’t give you a challenge of skills.” His shoulders shrugged before relaxing.
“Say, who’d like to go first?” A grin etched across his face.
No one was stupid nor willing enough to go, for they were each warned by other soldiers what the simulations would be like prior to taking the exam. The crowd assumed only a maniac would be crazy enough to choose being the first participant.
“I will.”
Kim Dokja raised his hand from the crowd, he tried keeping an egotistical smile on his face, but his shaking hand had already sent the opposite message.
“Great!” Han clasped his hands together and gestured Dokja to go towards him. “Now, as you watch this man go through the test, take notes. It’ll alter each time so there won’t be the same solutions, but it’ll be similar nonetheless!” His voice echoed off the trees in the empty space.
“But– There’s a catch,” He suddenly became serious, then, almost as if nothing happened, his smile returned. “Our lovely soldier, Namwoon-sii, will be joining Dokja in the simulation.” He pulled a man with white hair and a scowl on his face from the crowd. “Namwoon is a war veteran, and just recently turned 17. As a young individual he’s made many mistakes, see that none of you take after him.” He grinned. The young man, Namwoon, stared daggers into Han’s face as he blatantly insulted him.
“Enough chit chat, let’s begin.” He turned to Namwoon and Dokja, placing a device on their heads attached to a machine. They sat on the ground with their legs crossed, and as soon as the device turned on, their eyes shot open.
…..
….
…
Dokja and Namwoon found themselves in a subway, it was quiet as usual and only the bustle of people moving around, adjusting to the new surroundings were found. The simulation was realistic if not for a slight glitch in the virtual reality they were placed in.
Kim Dokja tried to familiarize himself with his surroundings, glancing around as he held what was to be a phone in his hand. Had he not been crazy enough to have the voice in his head, then he wouldn’t have known the name of the strange device he looked at. There were words on it, seemingly a novel, but he couldn’t make it out.
Suddenly the train shook and people began to panic, Namwoon clicked his tongue and glanced to the end of the train carriage. There a Dokkebai appeared, it spoke nonsense and all Dokja could make out was that he needed to kill to live.
As soon as the Dokkebai was wrapping up his speech, a sudden translucent screen appeared in front of him. He glanced around and noticed everyone else, including Namwoon, had the screen appear. He heard Namwoon snort next to him, but ignored it as he read the window.
[PROVE YOUR VALUE]
KILL ONE OR MORE LIVING ORGANISMS.
CATEGORY: MAIN
DIFFICULTY: F
TIME LIMIT: 30 MINUTES
REWARD: TEST PASSING
PENALTY FOR FAILURE: TEST FAILURE
Dokja blinked a few times, frowning. “Kill..?” He muttered dumbfounded, Namwoon seemed amused by Dokja’s confusion but he had no time to pay attention to Namwoon’s ego.
Dokja had plenty of killing in his life, but never that of innocent civilians. Even if this was all a simulation, in theory everyone was innocent. It’d be the same as killing an innocent person on the streets because you heard God tell you to, even if they did no wrong. Dokja couldn’t do that.
He didn’t have the heart to do that.
Despite the turmoil he couldn’t stray too long into his thoughts and away from this new reality. The Dokkebai was about to start the countdown.
Dokja really needed to take a look at his surroundings. He glanced around, An old lady, A woman next to him who looked oddly familiar, a little boy on the opposite side of him, a man with great structure(oddly familiar as a servant he saw earlier who was a renowned war hero), and many others who Dokja couldn’t distinguish the features of before getting distracted by the Countdown displayed in front of him. “Shit.” He couldn’t help but think, he was utterly screwed.
Namwoon stood up immediately and Dokja looked away from him. The little boy caught his eye.
“Hey,” the boy looked up at Dokja, nervous but determination was set in his jaw. Dokja thought it was a good thing he didn’t trust him. “Those are grasshoppers right?” Dokja asked, gesturing to the boy’s small container of insects.
The boy looked down at his container, looked back at Dokja, “Yeah.” He nodded. Dokja held out his hand, “Mind if I have one?”
The boy paused at that, and hesitantly nodded, opening his container as the Grasshoppers went insane over the freedom. They hopped out in swarms, and Dokja managed to catch two. The boy looked at them with a frown, they got away. Kim Dokja crushed one of the grasshoppers, clearing his mission, and gave the other to the boy.
The boy followed Dokja’s example, and so did others who saw him do it nearby.
Suddenly Dokja heard noise from the other side of the cart, he looked over only to quickly look back at the boy and cover his eyes, “Keep your eyes shut and cover your ears for me.” He said urgently. The boy nodded and Kim Dokja stood up from his seat.
There, at the end of the train carriage, was Namwoon. He managed to gather a few people and they were beating the old lady to a pulp. Dokja punched the back of Namwoon’s head, and managed to slam him to the ground. This made the others in the group pause, looking at him in shock. They backed away from the lady as Dokja and Namwoon engaged in a fight.
Although Dokja finished the adjective, and already had his time down, he wouldn’t go back to reality until Namwoon finished, or failed. Dokja was aiming for Namwoon’s failure, and quickly.
“Congratulations, each of you passed, and have been placed in the positions that match your skills the most. Of course, some of you have been demoted due to your actions within the tests you made.” Han glanced at Dokja before continuing on, “For those who will be residing outside of the Castle may begin their arrival back around 6, those residing inside will be awake and beginning their first tasks at sunrise. That gives those outside of the Palace grounds an hour to make it. Food begins at..” Han read off the list of the usual schedule for the King, and then the typical schedule for most servants. “It’ll differ between each of you of course, but the gist is practically the same. Training, or extra tasks, will change. But the main thing is that everything else should continue the same. You will sleep once every task is complete, but it should be silent by 10 near the King’s chambers for he should be in bed by 9 if not later.” He finished.
A sigh tore through his lips and he smiled at everyone, “Not too hard, is it? Those who will reside here will follow Hyunsung, the King’s personal butler. Although he’s a butler, he looks over everything. Respect him as he respects all of you. I’ll see each of you around!”
Hyunsung stepped up, giving Han a moment to escape. “I’m Hyunsung, and will guide you to the servant’s quarters. I hope we all get along.” He gave a smile to us and a polite nod with his head, almost to substitute a bow with it. He seems nice. Dokja couldn’t help but get an impression of Hyunsung already.
As we became a crowd behind Hyunsung, following him, we were able to catch up to friends. “Dokja, you were really cool.” Sangah whispered with a smile, walking beside him. “Thanks Sangah, you were too. I would’ve never imagined the solution to be–” “I was cooler.” Sooyoung butted in, flipping her hair. Dokja and Sangah couldn’t help but make a face at that, slowly nodding as if it’d do anything to her ego.
“But.. I couldn't help but notice..” Sooyoung began, softer, quieter. She played with her hair slightly, almost in thought. Then she looked at us, almost terrified, “Isn’t my hair too long?”
They couldn’t help but sigh, “No, I think it’s rather flattering on you.” Sangah grinned, pointing at where her hair framed her face. “Yeah, I think it’s fine.” Dokja scratched the back of his neck, not really aware of what he should say, “are you worried it’s gonna get in your way?” He raised a brow, and Sooyoung flinched. Got it.
“Well, wouldn’t it frame my face better if I cut it?” She asked, frowning. She was looking at Sangah, but glanced at Dokja almost as if she was giving him a pitiful chance to say something right. He averted his eyes.
“Yeah, definitely, right? I think you’d look gorgeous with your hair short.” Sangah replied, taking a good look at Sooyoung’s face. Dokja nodded in agreement. “Alright, that’s enough. I’ll cut it then.” Sooyoung said, going from shy to prideful. She continued playing with her hair, almost gauging how short to cut it.
“Ah, right. Dokja, where were you originally gonna be placed to work?” Sangah asked curiously, glancing at the small envelope he held in his hand. Everyone got one after the tests, for it gave you the job you’d be placed at. Of course Dokja… His envelope had to be replaced after his demotion due to killing Namwoon in the simulation.
“Oh, I think I was gonna work as the Royal Strategist assistant, or Financial Advisor’s assistant.” He replied with a polite smile. Both Sangah and Sooyoung’s mouths dropped, and before he could react, Sooyoung already grabbed him by his shirt. “YOU KILLED HIM TO LET GO OF THAT?! YOU’RE SUCH A FUCKING IDIOT DOKJA!! YOU SHOULD’VE JUST BEATED HIM UP OR DISABLE HIM ENOUGH THAT HE COULDN’T COMPLETE IT!” She screamed. He covered his ears as Sangah glared at her, covering her own.
Sooyoung only became aware of her volume after everyone was staring at her, and out of embarrassment she reluctantly let go of Dokja. Hyunsung looked at her questioningly, “Is everything okay.. Miss Sooyoung..?” He asked, choosing the correct way to address her carefully. “Yeah.. Yeah everything’s fine..” She replied, giving a forced smile. Dokja and Sangah averted their eyes, trying to look busy.
Then Dokja whispered to Sooyoung, “I would’ve been demoted either way.” “Shut the fuck up you ugly twig.” “Okay.”
…
“Here we are! You should each have a key to your own room! In your room will be a map of the Palace so you don’t get lost. If you can’t read a map, don’t be shy to get help. Any servant in these grounds will be glad to give you advice, we enjoy the idea that we’re all brothers and sisters.” Hyunsung grinned, quickly leaving after giving a few more words for courtesy.
“Which room did you get?” Sangah asked Sooyoung, “D214, you?” “D224..” They seemed to almost gloom at this, but Dokja quickly came into the conversation. “They go back and forth, you’re only 5 rooms away from each other if you really think about it.” He smiled, waving with his hands almost as if it’d boost the mood. “Really? What’s your room number?” Sooyoung asked, crossing her arms.
He paused, “..D249...” He mumbled.
Sangah and Sooyoung couldn’t help but pity him, “It’s okay Dokja, it just means you get more exercise.” Sangah smiled, patting his arm. “Are you calling me fat?” Her smile tightened, “..no...”
“Why’s room D251 all boarded up..?” They heard someone ask aloud. “Where’d you hear that?” A guy asked them, curious. “My brother’s room is D250, across is D251, it’s all boarded up. Gave him the creeps.” They shivered.
“That’s odd.” Dokja muttered, and Sooyoung grinned. “Looks like you’re gonna be next to that haunted room.” She teased.
He shot her a glare, “Do you want my knife for your hair or not?” She flinched, and smiled at him, “yeah, please?”
Dokja was placed in front of the head maid, a relatively middle aged woman, around the age of 50. She had tight curls, and a frown on her face as she looked at him.
Sigh.
He couldn’t help but feel nervous at that. She was covering most of her face with her hand, leaving her eyes uncovered to look at Dokja. “You’ll have to do, follow me.” She said, composing herself, and turning away from him. He awkwardly followed her as she led him in front of the kitchen doors. “I’ll be brief. Listen well.” She said, turning to him, her hand on the door.
“You’ll be helping set up the table. There’s already maids in the dining room who will be setting them in the proper places, you just need to deliver what we give you.” She paused, her face becoming almost pitiful, “I don’t understand how you could be a simple servant for delivering and cleaning with a face like that.” He felt his pride chipping away, is she calling me ugly?
The rest of the afternoon consisted of him delivering food to the dining room, and back to the kitchen once it was finished with. He was then tasked with the laundry and other mundane tasks. Finally, once he had finished most of the diverse chores, another lady stood in front of him.
This lady was standing beside the head maid when he first arrived for testing. If he was correct, she was likely to be the next head maid considering she was given more lessons on the tasks the current head maid does compared to the other servants. Speaking of, Dokja was never given the head maid’s name.
“Go and bring this to the courtyard,” he was handed a bucket, and once he sent her a questioning glance she continued. “Fill it up with water, what else? Weren’t you a diligent servant for the Seo Family?” She asked, it sounded like plain mockery. She stared at Dokja for a while in silence before clicking her tongue and looking away. “Do as I have told you, or I'll find a more befitting servant for this job.” Her arms crossed and she scowled.
Dokja decided it'd be better to stay silent, turning away and heading to the courtyard. There, he passed a few patrolling knights where they each exchanged passing greetings. Then once he found the well, he filled the bucket. Careful to not fill it too high that it'd spill out.
Then, trouble arose. Namwoon stood next to him, it was sudden. Dokja couldn’t fathom how he went there so quickly, and being undetected by him.
“Hey.” Namwoon started, grinning at Dokja.
He couldn’t help but scowl in response. “What?”
“You know, I’m pretty pissed off, you made Jihye laugh at me.” He spoke as his smile turned tighter. Damn okay, not my fault. He thought, mentally rolling his eyes.
“Right, I’m sorry. Good thing it was part of the simulation, yeah?” Dokja smiled, lifting the bucket off the ground slowly, carefully.
Namwoon stared at Dokja silently, clicking his tongue as he glanced away. His smile fell as his eyes moved. “Well, here’s my proposal on forgetting this whole thing.” He said, in a lower voice. Dokja looked up instinctively, what the fuck is he gonna spout now? He frowned slightly, looking at Namwoon with a mix of worry and curiosity.
“If you teach me how to be stronger, I’ll tell the King to look past this incident. Then you can actually use that face for something.”
Dokja looked at him blankly, did he just call me ugly?
Silence ensued until Dokja gathered his thoughts and came to a conclusion, yeah, he did call me ugly.
“Maybe when you learn to respect those older than you.” He scowled, moving past Namwoon. He shoved Namwoon as he passed him, making a bit of water spill on his uniform. Although it was unintentional, Dokja didn’t necessarily regret it.
With that, his task was over.
Or so he thought.
“Great! Now why don’t you help out with cleaning the Library?” She gave him the fakest looking grin ever, oh how Dokja just wanted to bury himself 6 feet under. “Right.” He muttered under his breath, turning to the direction of the Library.
Fuming with the thoughts that he’s being treated differently because of his looks, Dokja hadn’t been able to realize he was walking into someone.
He accidentally bumped shoulders with them, and heard the voice ring out, “Move.”
He glared at the man, pausing as he noticed his features. Shit, he’s handsome. Definitely some protagonist material. But unfortunately, the man’s good looks only made him feel more pressed. He mustered up a smile, bonking him on the head with his fist.
"Weren't you ever taught to respect people older than you?" A grin formed, I’m so fucking pissed off, "because, I'll have you know I'm certainly an Ahjussi to you. I'm not in the mood for anyone else to think they're entitled to be a pushover."
He couldn’t help but click his tongue, looking away and lowering his hand. It was too much to pay attention to the man beside him, “Fucking Handsome Bastard thinking he can do whatever just because he’s got the looks.” He muttered as he stormed off.
Was Dokja Embarrassed he was acting like a kid throwing a tantrum, slightly, did he care? No. He wasn’t up for playing stupid games with the people within the Castle anymore.
[YOU HAVE MET ALL CONDITIONS TO COMPLETE THE SCENARIO]
Suddenly the holographic screen popped up again, huh? Dokja couldn’t help but be confused, why did it only complete now?
[REWARDS ARE BEING ADDED]
Now he was even more confused, wasn’t there no reward??
[3000 COINS HAVE BEEN DEPOSITED]
[YOU MAY CHECK THE SHOP WHEN DESIRED]
“Huhhhh?” He couldn’t help but speak aloud, freezing up at the idea of currency being rewarded. Quickly, he glanced around to make sure no one was nearby so he didn’t look crazy. How do I look at the shop?
Suddenly it appeared in front of him, a screen displaying tons of items and his currency in the top right corner. So it appears if I just think about it? Cool, can I close the shop? Then it disappeared, he couldn’t help but smile at that. With him feeling content with the newfound skill, he entered the Library.
There, a few servants scurried about, cleaning it up. Some swept certain parts while others dusted. One maid who was rushing past him paused and turned to him, after a moment of awkward silence for Dokja she gave him a pitiful smile. “Hah, sorry. I was trying to see if I recognized you.” She admitted shyly.
Sure. He smiled, you probably think I’m ugly too. “It’s fine, is there anything I can do here?” He asked politely. Her face brightened up, “Yes, of course! Could you help with organizing the books? Thank you!”
She sped off before being able to see Dokja give a small nod with a polite smile.
Fuck, my pride’s chipping away. He let his smile fall slightly as he glanced around.
He found a servant placing books in a bookshelf and quickly approached him, “Hello, excuse me,” Dokja placed his left hand on his chest, trying to seem respectful as he shyly asked, “do you know where any books are that need to be organized?”
The male servant looked Dokja up and down, then stared at his face for a while, raising a brow. Ouch, way to get the message across. Dokja thought, feeling slightly embarrassed. “You got a girl?” The servant asked, slightly amused. “....No..” Dokja replied, his voice feeling small.
“Sure you don’t.” The servant laughed, gesturing to a table filled with books nearby, “there’s the suckers that need organizing, anything else you need? I can’t have distractions.” He said, his voice having a tang of accent.
“No.. Thank you.” Dokja tried to give a polite smile, but instead it made him feel foolish as the man said, “try not to seem so flustered, it becomes more obvious you don’t know shit.” He laughed, Dokja didn’t.
“Alright, you two will be focusing on cleaning the windows and tending to the plants!” The head maid hollered.
Sangah smiled vibrantly, tapping Sooyoung’s foot with hers to remind her to control her expression; a very obvious scowl was seen on her face.
“Yes Ayeong-nim!” They yelled back much to her amusement. “Well, I’ll leave you to it then girls.” She said, feeling clear pride from the way she was addressed.
Sooyoung didn’t hold back after the head maid was out of their view, “Agh! I shouldn’t be cleaning windows for a living!” She complained, Sangah rolled her eyes, “It shouldn’t take long Sooyoung-ah, we can care for that cool plant after.”
She pointed at a plant with purple blooms down the hall.
Sooyoung seemed motivated by that and began cleaning at lightning speed.
Once the cleaning commenced and they began caring for the plants in the hall, a guest appeared.
Yoo Mia, the princess.
Sangah and Sooyoung quickly showed their respects.
“Hello your Highness, you’re as pretty up close as you are afar.” Sangha said lightly, a graceful smile on her lips.
Yoo Mia huffed, “of course I am.” Sangah covered her mouth to giggle, “Oh, she’s adorable.” She whispered to Sooyoung who only smirked.
“Your Highness, do you perhaps like flowers?” Sooyoung asked, tilting her head.
The princess nodded.
“Of course I do! Oppa likes flowers, they’re as pretty as me!” She said, grinning.
“Hmm, you know the name of this flower?” Han Sooyoung gestured to the one with purple blooms and Yoo Mia perked up at the topic, “No! Do you?” She asked, clear excitement.
“Why yes, I do. You see..” Sooyoung began, telling Mia the history she had with flowers, how she came to know the knowledge, and the flower’s name. “It’s an Incense Passionflower!”
The princess looked in interest as Sooyoung continued, “It originated from..”
Sometime through Sooyoung’s rant the princess sat down next to the pot the flower was in on the floor.
Sangah was clearly annoyed by this and paused Sooyoung, “The princess is tired, don’t you think we can continue this some other time?”
“I'm okay Unnie!” She smiled, and Sangah faltered, mumbling something about it being okay to continue. Despite her compliance, she still showed obvious displeasure at continuing the educational speech with the Princess on the floor.
...
“What’s going on here..?” They heard a deep voice up ahead.
Sooyoung halted in her speech, and Sangah froze.
Both Sangah and Sooyoung looked up at the same time, seeing the King glaring at them with murderous intent.
His arms were crossed, he looked alarmed, face etched with suspicion directed at them- and Yoo Mia seemed utterly clueless that it was because she was on the floor.
Then, he began taking steps to the two maids and his sister.
Suddenly their mouths felt dry, their bodies tense. Yoo Mia noticed the atmosphere, but hadn't spoken up.
This is all your fucking fault Dokja! If only you didn't decide on a whim to quit and apply here! Sooyoung cursed in her head.