"We're home," Grandmother Kang announced as soon as the car stopped at their destination and Daniel was able to relax.
This box, called a car in this world, was their mode of transportation and was much faster, and more comfortable than the carriages used in the past.
But then, throughout the ride, Daniel had frozen up as he wasn't used to being in one. He was a monk who avoided such luxury and walked a lot more than the average human does in their lifetime.
Hence, now they have come to a stop, he was finally able to breathe. He would have to get used to this. However, almost immediately, the door to the car was opened for him and he looked at the chauffeur questioningly before noticing his grandmother step out of the car and he did the same.
But then, his jaw dropped to the ground as soon as he stared at the beautiful mansion before him. This was his home? No, that was impossible. This must be heaven. Either that, or he was dreaming. So he pinched his thigh hard and the pain made him aware that he was very much awake.
"T-his is our house?" He stammered, still looking at the beautiful yet intimidating mansion.
"Yes, it's your home," Grandmother corrected him, "It would belong to you once I leave this world." She kept him informed of the fact she didn't have much time in this world.
But then, what was he going to do with all of this? Ah Hyuk was afraid of being carried away by this ostentatious lifestyle. Hence, he gradually approached the old woman with caution, aware of her fearful demeanor.
Honestly, the woman scared him for many reasons. Ah Hyuk was afraid that the woman could see through him and realize that he wasn't the real Daniel and he has no idea of what she would do once she comes to that realization.
What if they exorcize his soul? Or kill him? The Monk had no idea those practices were no longer practical in this modern age. Moreover, who would believe his absurd story?
Also, he was in a strange version of his past life, would grandma force him to do things against his faith? She was already forcing him to live the life of luxury, what else would he be forced to accommodate? Hence, the request on his lips died off as soon as he met the woman's austere look, she would kill him if he dared request being given his own quarters that was much simpler than this. So he kept his mouth shut.
As soon as Ah Hyuk stood by her side, the old woman looped an arm around him and he jumped as if he was electrocuted. What's with these people and their touching freely? He would have a hard time getting used to that.
Grandmother sighed upon seeing his reaction yet she didn't force him. The doctor said he would return to himself with time, and she had faith.
She simply gestured to the entrance, "Let's go,"
Grandmother Kang was the first to step in and Ah Hyuk followed her carefully. He couldn't be too indifferent else the woman suspects he wasn't the real Daniel. He had yet to adjust to this world so he needed someone by his side to guide him even though the ways of this world were strange.
The place was spacious and clean and the only place he could compare it to was the king's palace in his past life. Even at that, this one was more sophisticated with strange decorations. He had seen some of them at the hospital but it was nothing compared to this one.
And by strange decorations, Ah Hyuk was referring to the eye-catching modern chandelier, tufted settees and heavy swag curtains, and the classic wall mural with a nature theme or was it the main foyer where twin stairs elegantly lead up to more bedrooms. Yes, Ah Hyuk has never seen anything like that. Even the king would be intimidated by such intricate designs.
And speaking about the past, Ah Hyuk couldn't help but wonder what happened to the queen after his death. Did the king forgive her after his sacrifice or did he strip her of her title and privileges, exiling her or did he still kill her in the end?
The last thought chilled Ah Hyuk. The queen can't die, not after her sacrifice. But at the same time, it would be nice if the queen came into this world, then he would be able to find her and treat her better than the king ever did. If she was in this world, he would never let her suffer again.
"You should go to your room and settle down," Grandmother told him and almost immediately, a younger woman appeared in front of them and she instructed her, "Take the young master to his room,"
"Yes, madam,"
Almost immediately, the woman reached for the little bag slung over his shoulder, it contained the clothes he had used in the hospital. However, Ah Hyuk wouldn't let her have it, what does she want with his clothes?
But then, the woman was quite resilient and pulled on the bag and Ah Hyuk pulled back while grandma Kang watched this interaction with a furrow on her face.
Has her grandson finally lost it? Why wouldn't he let the maid have his bag? Aigoo! She could feel a headache coming!
"Just let him be!" Grandmother Kang bellowed when she couldn't watch their drama anymore. She put up her hand, "Let him be, please,"
And the maid gave up while Ah Hyuk huffed, pressing the bag closer to his side. They wanted to treat him like a king, he wasn't one. It was even blasphemous to think of himself as one and surely there must be another king in this world who deserved such respect instead.
So he followed the maid who grumbled about something like not letting her do her duty or maybe, he heard otherwise. He simply put a ten-meter space between the both of them, after all, she was a woman, and men and women shouldn't be seen too close together.
Although that can't be said for this new world he found himself in. On his way back from the hospital, he glanced through the window and saw young people mingling together - yes, men and women. How was that even possible? There were no boundaries anymore.
The both of them climbed the stairs and passed through numerous rooms before the maid suddenly stopped at one and flung the door open dramatically.
"In, you go, young master," She gestured for him to enter.
Ah Hyuk looked at her reluctantly and walked the little passage leading to the room. However, he hardly stepped in when his eyes rested on the posters of half-naked women in the room.
At once, Ah Hyuk screamed as if his throat was being slit. What in the name of righteous buddha was this? His eyes have sinned. Was this how the previous Daniel lived? He was shocked!
But no worries, he, Ah Hyuk has come to stay and he will cleanse this world of its righteousness!