I truly agonized.
How Lee Ja-heon Section Chief could successfully escape this insane Groom Training Ghost Story.
'I really, really considered every possible method….'
Methods to escape through Loopholes Outside of the Rules.
From confessing that it would be difficult to marry again because he was already married, to persuading them that he had fatal flaws as a Groom.
But considering the trends in the Exploration Records, I could only predict results that sent shivers down my spine….
'In the first place, why did the unqualified one lie? I predict the ending will be being interrogated by the Prefect and then undergoing unspeakable acts after being told, 'I will make you qualified'….'
In the first place, the Exploration Records of this ghost story had the thrill of how cleverly one matched the answer sheet of 'possessing Groom's Virtues' in any unexpected situation.
Or, how those who failed met a miserable death in some absurd manner.
Ultimately, whether it was disqualification or a reason for exclusion, those who did not meet the 'Groom's Standards' were highly likely to face only a spooky, ominous, sewer-like ending in the style of a ghost story.
Groom Training.
A Mental and Physical Labyrinth that drives people mad because it never gives up on its trainees.
Then….
'The answer is… a frontal assault.'
And the one who possesses the stats needed for the 'frontal assault' I thought of is….
Brown.
The embodiment of intense talk shows and entertainment.
A Ghost Story Entity that can operate with a different grammar than ours.
·If Brown becomes a Groom Candidate, he will undoubtedly be of help.
'It's worth a try.'
This was the conclusion I reached after hearing about the characteristics of this place, the nature of the Prefects as educators, and the descriptions of the wedding.
The problem is….
[Mr. Roe Deer, it seems this Brown has received the Reception Signal incorrectly. My goodness, my friend would never have asked me to use a Terrorist's Body, would he!]
Yes.
The problem is that I have to persuade both sides….
·Brown.
[Of course.]
[If it's a friend's earnest request, I must grant it. That is the duty of a Good Friend. A being who helps a friend without expecting any reward.]
…The voice grew closer.
[But Mr. Roe Deer, oh, I wonder how long the one who unilaterally receives services can exploit the concept of friendship, it looks a little precarious….]
....
It was fortunate that I wasn't in a human body right now.
Because I wasn't frozen by fear.
And.
·Wait a minute, Brown.
Because I could say this calmly.
·This isn't asking for a service. I'm inviting you to do this together since you're here too.
Because.
·This is the most fun, isn't it?
[…!]
·You probably wouldn't like a hollow ending that comes after flowing similarly to other Exploration Cases, would you? Do you really want such a predictable development?
·In a situation where you are participating?
Of course not.
Of course!
·I thought you would gladly do it if you could proactively and wittily steer this obvious situation.
·Like your show.
[....]
Brown was silent for a moment.
But.
[Mr. Roe Deer, you truly…!]
I felt a warm weight – how on earth?? – on my shoulder, along with a voice that sounded somewhat moved.
[You know how to persuade. And….]
The force applied to my grabbed shoulder grows heavier.
[You also know how to bring up my pride as an Entertainer only when you want it. Sometimes reacting as if hurt by it, or criticizing it.]
I thought my heart would drop.
And.
[...Hmm. This time is acceptable! That capriciousness is also the quality of a star.]
The weight patted my shoulder and disappeared.
[But, do not forget that I too possess that quality.]
[If it continues like this, a dramatic moment may come when that quality meets Mr. Roe Deer….]
....
[Even if it's not right now!]
Phew.
·Of course.
…That was close.
'There's no next time.'
From now on, I really need to be careful.
…Anyway, I was relieved that the persuasion ended well.
'Good.'
Suppressing a sigh of relief, I spoke to the current body's owner, who had been silently listening to the entire conversation.
·Manager.
·Let's take a gamble, just once.
Brown will….
'Cause a ruckus.'
A hazy morning at St. Anticus Boarding School.
"Mmm, mmm."
The Groom Candidate was in the process of shaving, wiping off the shaving cream cleanly while looking in the mirror of a small washbasin. His smoothly trimmed chin was revealed.
Then he styled his hair with pomade. A low, pleasant humming echoed from his throat, and soon a brush skillfully swept through his hair.
Beneath the white hair, a face of good quality was revealed.
Lee Ja-heon.
He was wearing the same clothes as yesterday. The uniform of St. Anticus Boarding School.
But somehow, the fit was different. The way he wore it and the way he held the collar had changed….
"Much better."
The touch of a professional.
The Anomaly, whose very existence was being in front of a camera, presenting himself to the public, smiled at the mirror.
And then he stepped out the door with a light step.
Creeeak.
The somber and ascetic interior of the boarding school was now elegantly decorated with blue candlelight and white velvet.
Roses, lily of the valley, baby's breath, silver ornaments placed beneath candle patterns melted by the blue flames….
Classic and unremarkable.
"Oh. Greetings."
Lee Ja-heon sat at the breakfast table.
His face, or rather, his ideal pale body created by excellent makeup, was arranged on the chair at the table.
Today's meal menu had been simplified. To purify the body before the wedding.
Lee Ja-heon, without touching the single glass of Willow Sap, asked cheerfully.
"Tomorrow is the wedding you've been waiting for so eagerly, isn't it?"
The Prefect affirmed.
At the same time, he gently pointed out the Groom Candidate's way of speaking. It was too ornate, eloquent, and the accent was striking, failing to give a solemn impression as a Groom.
The pronunciation was also excessively New World-like.
"Oh, I will keep it in mind."
He made a witty and elegant gesture of zipping his lips with one hand.
This was also behavior unbecoming of the White Bride's Groom, but since it was not judged as 'disqualification,' the Prefect did not assign any penalty points.
However, it affected the judgment.
The Prefect, who had raised one eyebrow, looked around at those seated at the table and lightly rang a silver cup with one hand.
Like a bell signaling time.
♩-
And he announced.
Only one among the candidates.
The name of the most excellent and perfect trainee who could become the 'Groom' for tomorrow's wedding.
That candidate was….
....
Not Lee Ja-heon.
The alias he used to enter this place was not called.
Lee Ja-heon did not become the Groom.
Unfortunately!
"Ho ho."
However, the Prefect encouraged all Groom Candidates, saying they too would have roles to play in the wedding.
This was news Lee Ja-heon had already heard.
And the announcement concluded with the plan to move to the wedding venue together in the afternoon for introductions and preparations.
Oh, additionally, an Experience Trainee was disqualified from breakfast. They vomited beneath the table.
"An…!"
As a penalty, the task of extracting and cleaning their own throat was assigned.
In any case, with that, all training was officially concluded.
Amidst anticipation, sorrow, and fear, they underwent the procedures of bathing and meditation to purify their bodies and minds.
Lunch was not provided.
Instead, a glass of White Wine was served with salt.
Lee Ja-heon experienced all of it with a smiling face.
And then.
♩- ♩-
The final bell rang.
Now, the Prefect led the trainees to the place where the wedding would be held.
Below.
The door leading to the boarding school's basement opened. The Prefect urged the trainees to be barefoot, and they descended the stairs, leaving their shoes behind. Candles placed at every corner of the stairs cast light as they melted.
The stairs turned to stone and connected to the outdoors. That place was….
A dark cave.
"..."
A primeval quartz cave, as if touched by human hands for a very long time, revealed itself.
Further inside, a large space emerged.
The wedding venue.
The place, with unreadable characters inscribed on its stone walls, was prepared with chairs for guests, decorations, and an Altar for vows.
The old silver ornaments, which should have been rusted, still sparkled in the candlelight due to persistent maintenance in this strange place.
The humid air was burned by the blue light of the candles, and strangely vivid roses, lily of the valley, and baby's breath bloomed.
And….
The Bride's seat, where white attire was placed.
"This is the place,"
said the Prefect.
The Groom Candidates, as glorious, important, beautiful, and artistic elements that would illuminate the wedding, would be distributed to the guests as souvenirs towards the end of the ceremony.
So he said.
Are you looking forward to it?
"Oh, of course. An artwork! I'm excited to see what magnificent work you are planning."
Before correcting his impertinent tone to befitting a Groom, the Prefect explained with a smile.
They would now become….
Wedding Cake.
Isn't that truly surprising?
They would be able to take on this important role that adorns the finale of the wedding. A chance to become a part of it in the Groom's mouth. Some Groom Candidates wiped away tears of emotion.
An Experience Trainee, screaming and trying to escape, seemed unable to accept their disappointment at not becoming cake.
They would be used as practice cake before the main ceremony, the Prefects decided to offer encouragement and help. Of course, they wouldn't be served.
This could cause dissatisfaction for our great White Hand's Wrathful Bride, who resides beneath our land.
Unqualified trainees who couldn't even become Groom Candidates cannot be used.
Becoming a part of the wedding is a right that should be granted to those who are grateful for having been taught as her Groom. Those who do not meet the standards should be satisfied with attendance.
"Hmm."
And there is a separate, most glorious part of the Wedding Cake.
It is the very top tier.
"What glory is that?"
It is the glory that becomes the Bride's portion.
The top tier would be cut and served as the cake portion to be offered to the White Bride, and would have the joy of being presented at the Altar.
"Indeed."
And so, the Prefect announced the candidate who would enjoy that place of joy….
You.
"Me?"
Yes.
Your most handsome face among them will be the piece offered to the White Bride.
Your tongue, which fell shortest of the Groom's Standards, will be cut out, and the inside will be filled with Rose Cream.
"..."
The Groom Candidates grabbed Lee Ja-heon. They, who would become Wedding Cake together, laughed with joy and camaraderie.
The already dead.
A Soul Wedding, repeated by those who, long ago, were buried alive and captured by some strange and powerful entity that awakened beneath the earth, would soon begin….
"Well, that's…."
The Entertainment Ghost Story smiled brightly.
"Classic."
Huh?
"White Bride! Oh, calling Human Sacrifice a wedding is also truly classic. It's a kind of metaphor. Classic, easy to understand, and simple."
Words poured out.
"It seems they tried hard to interpret the relationship with an incomprehensible, overwhelming, and terrifying being within the framework of human civilization!"
Clap, clap, clap….
"Oh, please don't misunderstand. It's not criticism, but pity. It's important to uphold tradition…. It's just a pity that it's nothing but a futile formality!"
He, who had by now taken out gloves from his pocket and put them on stylishly, adjusted his attire once more.
And asked.
"Has anyone newly discovered what the White Bride likes recently?"
Silence.
"I knew it. You seem like people with no sense of adventure."
"How many times have you repeated it? The Bride must be tired and annoyed by now. You're just pushing in a sacrifice, no, a 'Groom,' who only caters to her whims and can be tolerated!"
"At least the ceremony should be fun, or I'd lose the energy to sit and watch! But Wedding Cake? Inviting guests? Return gifts? It's utterly stale."
A barrage of piercing insults rained down.
The stunned figures stood stiffly, listening to his voice.
However, only one person suppressed a cheer, wanting to clench their fists.
'This is it.'
Well done, Brown!
It was Kim Soleum, who was inside Lee Ja-heon's mind. He, who had been watching what Brown was doing with Lee Ja-heon with bated breath, was now letting out a sigh of relief.
'As expected, it's working properly….'
This was the frontal assault method.
It was….
'Ruining the Wedding!'
The goal is to cause such a massive disturbance that the boarding school's mentality breaks and they postpone the wedding after sending all the trainees away.
Of course, in this process, one must achieve the insane combo of not dying, not being retaliated against, and successfully persuading the ghost story…
Surprisingly, the one who could do it all, or rather, the Ghost Story Entity, was attached to their minds.
The talk show host.
The legendary Entertainer.
Moreover, since the essence of this boarding school is a ghost story related to events, they could not escape its overwhelming influence….
Look at this scene.
'Not having to draw blood is a bonus.'
Good.
"Now, do you know what you need to do?"
I see Brown, who is using Lee Ja-heon's body, raise one hand.
Yes, telling them to think more carefully about the next wedding, and then disperse….
"Survival!"
....
Huh?
"A dignified yet desperate struggle until only one Groom Candidate remains!"
Wait a minute.
Thud.
Eun Haje dropped the spoon she was holding in her mouth.
This employee, who had only just been released from the Disaster Management Bureau with a verdict of 'Daydream Resignation. No charges,' and returned to My Sweet Officetel the day before yesterday….
"…What the hell is this again?"
She saw.
A crazy broadcast playing on the late-night TV she had turned on in her officetel.
[Your Perfect Groom:
Receive the Bride's Choice]
Amidst visuals and effects like a black-and-white TV from the early 20th century, a dating show was airing.
But the host had a familiar face.
"Manager?"