The change in the Black Cat was immediate.
The next morning, the Black Cat appeared in the dining hall used by the members of the Wolbok-dang. Usually, the Black Cat would eat breakfast prepared in its own space.
This time, however, it hesitated between getting served and sitting with the many members gathering together, finally choosing the latter.
“…Good morning.”
“Good morning! The Lord!”
Though there were no conversations exchanged afterward, the atmosphere had undoubtedly changed. Between the Black Cat and the Wolbok-dang members, there was only silence, but it felt more like a considerate silence, ensuring that neither disturbed the other while eating rather than feeling awkward or uncomfortable.
The transformation of the Black Cat continued.
Instead of staying holed up in its own place all day, it actively roamed the inner parts of the Wolbok-dang, greeting and engaging in conversations with the members.
It made me worry a bit that it might be overdoing it, but I figured it would be discouraging to the one who finally mustered up the courage to reach out.
After observing for several days…
“Hehe, good to see you, Lord.”
“Good morning. Gyeongwoo.”
“What should we do about this part, Lord?”
“This part…”
“I heard we’ll have dumplings for lunch today. Would you care to join me?”
“Sounds good.”
There wasn’t really a need for me to step in.
Each of the Wolbok-dang members could be considered a seasoned information gatherer. What is the foundation of information? It’s gathering rumors. And to gather those rumors? They need to easily bond with people.
Understanding the determination of the Black Cat, the Wolbok-dang members swiftly created opportunities to become closer to the Black Cat, breaking down the wall of awkwardness.
“It seems most of the Wolbok-dang members will gather for the New Year’s this year.”
“That’s good to hear. I can show everyone how I’ve changed.”
“Hahaha… The other members will surely be surprised by your transformation, Lord.”
The Black Cat and the Wolbok-dang members reached a state of natural camaraderie. I observed to see if anyone might show signs of strangeness due to getting too close to the Black Cat, but it seemed the members were keeping their interactions balanced and measured.
Hmm.
The Black Cat seemed to be enjoying itself immensely. Just being close with the Wolbok-dang members was surely a cause for happiness.
Suddenly, I had a thought.
Though I had tried to teach the Black Cat the joy of companionship by dragging it on various adventures, perhaps just being in the Wolbok-dang was enough for it.
As I pondered this while watching the Black Cat mingle with the members, someone sat down next to me.
“Is it okay if I sit here?”
It was Jin-seo, one of the veteran members.
“Please, have a seat.”
Jin-seo popped a dumpling in his mouth and washed it down with some soup before speaking.
“Thanks.”
“What do you mean?”
“I just thought I should express my gratitude since it’s thanks to you that the Lord has changed so much.”
“Uh-huh.”
“And we should also be grateful for your big decision.”
A big decision? What was he talking about?
“Over the past few days, I’ve heard bits and pieces from the Lord about you two traveling together.”
“Is that so?”
“Listening to that made me realize something. If you had wanted to possess the Lord, you could have done so easily. You’re an astute person, and the Lord was deeply lonely, so you could have captured their heart quite easily.”
“… Who knows.”
I gazed at the Black Cat again. Even in its round state, it was still captivating. The body lines illuminated through the veil of clothing were enticing, and despite most of the face being hidden, the small and delicate features shone through. Not to mention the beautifully arched brows and alluring lashes. Just looking at those big, clear jewel-like eyes was enough to take your breath away.
If I had wanted to possess the Black Cat, if I aimed to make it mine…
Well, maybe not.
“Perhaps I wouldn’t have been able to do that.”
If I hadn’t known the Black Cat well, maybe I would have truly tried to do that…
The beautiful and charming Black Cat didn’t really feel like a grown cat to me yet. Instead, it resembled a little kitten running to me with a cry for ‘Help! Help!’ and curling up on my lap to sleep.
Wasn’t that the true form of the Black Cat, hidden behind its radiant energy and beautiful appearance?
“Isn’t that right, Jin-seo?”
“Hehe, perhaps so. So don’t be too disappointed.”
“I wasn’t particularly disappointed.”
Jin-seo chuckled and said, “You looked just like a child who had their toy taken away.”
… Was that so?
“We have no intention of monopolizing the Lord either. We’re the same as you. We hope you’ll experience the world and gain skills instead of just staying in the Wolbok-dang. Therefore, we hope the Lord completely sheds their burdens. That has always been the founding purpose of the Wolbok-dang.”
Jin-seo continued.
“However… your transformation is something we’ve waited for a long time. It had been a wait so long that we had halfway given up. So can’t you give us a chance to enjoy that joy?”
I licked my lips.
With that, I had nothing left to say.
“Well, we’re companions, after all. There should be times when we allow each other to wait.”
The Black Cat kept me company while hopping from place to place, even waiting over a month at the Outcast Inn.
Maybe this time, waiting for me wouldn’t be too bad.
* *
The day before the Spring Festival.
The Wolbok-dang was also busy preparing for the Spring Festival.
“Can you take care of the ceremonial room?”
“Yes!”
The secret hideout of the Wolbok-dang was quite spacious. Usually, they just decorated the dining hall or a banquet room lightly, but this year they decided to go all out.
The reasons were many.
To celebrate the achievements of the Black Cat, as all the members of the Wolbok-dang were gathering to confirm its success, they said they were preparing a commemorative New Year event.
I had grown quite close with the Wolbok-dang members.
The Black Cat continued to reduce the distance with the members, and aside from work-related talk, what the Black Cat could share with the members were mostly stories of our adventures.
As the Black Cat listened to my stories, it seems the internal bond towards me grew, resulting in many members approaching without hesitation.
Since the Wolbok-dang members were naturally equipped with social skills, it wasn’t difficult to bond with them.
“Still, isn’t it a bit much to push work onto guests…”
In under a week, didn’t we become too close too quickly?
While I grumbled, sticking red papers up in the hallway, laughter came from behind me.
“It’s something we’re all doing together, so you should participate too, Senior!”
“Well, I didn’t exactly mean to imply I wanted to relax…”
“Give it here.”
The Black Cat snatched half the paper away. Instead of just sticking it up magically, it surprisingly pulled a chair over and methodically began to fill the walls and shelves.
“Wouldn’t it be easier to stick them up magically?”
“That might be true, but it lacks sincerity.”
We both fell into silence, focusing momentarily on putting up the red papers. Hanging the ‘fortune’ character upside down definitely set a festive New Year atmosphere.
“Actually, it’s my first time preparing for the New Year like this.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, this year is special. Normally, everyone would head home for the New Year.”
That’s true. It’s normal to spend the New Year with family. Surely even the Wolbok-dang members have families. Each of them must have siblings and parents.
“I want to experience as much as I can this year since members are spending the New Year here because of me.”
“Right.”
“What was the New Year like at the Outcast Inn?”
“Um. Nothing special?”
At the Outcast Inn for the New Year, those who enjoyed decorating would usually set up colored papers or decorations in their rooms, but I, being a modern person, never really participated in such events.
Though there was some atmosphere at the Outcast Inn, it was more about Yu Sa-yeon organizing it and specific meals being served as real indicators that the New Year had arrived, rather than a collective celebration.
Even during the New Year, the gambling den was still lit; I would just head there.
Not particularly a cheerful tale, so I just brushed it off.
The Black Cat didn’t seem to be looking for an answer either, concentrating on the decoration.
I too contemplated while putting up the red papers. The Black Cat was changing.
What was the Black Cat like when we first met? If I hadn’t answered about how I spent the New Year at the Outcast Inn, would it have just laughed it off like now?
When thinking of the clueless Black Cat back then, I wondered if it wouldn’t have asked more questions until I scolded it.
And then it would have just zipped up the papers and vanished, no talk of preparation or anything.
“Hey.”
“What?”
“Are you thinking of staying at the Wolbok-dang longer?”
“Why do you ask?”
The Black Cat shot back at my question. I wondered why I was thinking about this.
Over the past week, the Black Cat had grown significantly, especially in how to interact with people. Should I say the Wolbok-dang members naturally taught it?
Thinking of that, perhaps the Black Cat should stay here for a while longer.
Suddenly, that thought struck me.
“Since we’re forging friendships, wouldn’t it be best to solidify it? It’s rare for the Wolbok-dang members to gather like this, right?”
“That may be so. But are you okay with it, Senior?”
“Well, I should start moving soon. I need to gain some real-world experience in Sacheon City and then check back into the Tang Clan when spring starts…”
During winter, I had solidified everything I needed. Spring was here, so it was time to jump into action.
“I’ll think about it.”
Breaking the brief silence, the Black Cat answered.
“Alright.”
While the Black Cat and I decorated the room in silence.
* *
“Hahahaha!”
“Wowhahaha!”
The assembly room had transformed into a banquet hall. Tables draped in red paper held a plethora of delicious food.
The Black Cat stood on a platform, looking down at the banquet hall filled with members enjoying various dishes, including dumplings and lucky wine.
“It seems Senior Ho is also enjoying himself…”
He looked visibly red as he’d clearly drunk quite a bit, trapped in the clutches of the Wolbok-dang members.
The Black Cat raised its hand.
“Everyone, pay attention! It seems the Lord has something to say!”
With Du-hwi’s words, the banquet hall quieted down. It was not a forced silence, but a soft and comforting atmosphere.
“This year has been filled with events.”
“I’ve achieved personal milestones and the situation in Sacheon has been turbulent. Because of that, there was much to do. I think it has been a hard year for all members of the Wolbok-dang.”
“It was a year filled with fulfilling work!”
“That’s right!”
The Black Cat smiled at the members’ responses. Though its face was covered, what could be seen was a smiling gaze exchanged with the members, which made the Black Cat believe in their shared emotions.
“If it were last year, I would have been standing on this platform, draped in layers of cloth. I never imagined sharing a toast and food with all of you.”
The members nodded in agreement. The Black Cat took a moment to scan the room, reading the eyes of each member.
Pride. Joy. Admiration.
As the Black Cat made eye contact with each member reflecting positive emotions, it continued speaking.
“You enjoy my changes as if they’re your own, and I appreciate you for coming together and braving the cold this winter.”
The Black Cat’s gaze also fell on Jeon Hu-dam, a newcomer. Not yet bonded with the members as one of them, Jeon Hu-dam awkwardly scratched the back of their head. The Black Cat’s gaze also shifted toward Ho Cheon-an.
“And to Senior Ho…”
“…Me?”
“I’m really grateful to you. From forgiving my previous actions to the various things you’ve done for me.”
Ho Cheon-an looked caught off-guard, as if he hadn’t expected this. The Black Cat chuckled at his reaction.
“I asked if you’d consider staying here for a while, Senior. What do the members think of this proposal?”
“Sounds like a fantastic idea!”
“Yeah, just take a whole year to relax!”
The members erupted in applause and cheers, and the cheers quickly turned towards Ho Cheon-an, the one proposing the idea.
“Looks like you came up with a great idea!”
“Nice! Nice!”
The Black Cat giggled, watching Ho Cheon-an’s eyes widen in surprise. He must have wanted to move together but pretended to be overly considerate.
‘Do pay a little more attention to Ho Cheon-an. It seems he’s been feeling a bit isolated lately.’
‘Hehe, perhaps monopolizing the Lord made him feel anxious about mingling with others.’
Watching a Wolbok-dang member discreetly patting Ho Cheon-an’s back while ignoring him made me smile.
“However, I think after a few days, I’ll be leaving with Senior Ho. There’s not much I can do. Even if you speak to me like that, it’s inevitable I’ll have to check on him since he gets lonely.”
“Wait, when have I…!”
“You big baby! Since when has a grown man sulked and worried a lady?”
“I need to give this guy a beating!”
“Ah! Wait, stop that! Ah!”
The Black Cat’s palm struck Ho Cheon-an multiple times, expressing disappointment at the thought of parting. Ho Cheon-an twisted and turned until he stumbled, causing him to trip over someone’s leg…
As he fell, a storm of palms landed on his back.
“Ah! Wait! That hurt! Who kicked me!”
After the commotion settled, Ho Cheon-an finally managed to sit back in his spot, and the Black Cat spoke earnestly.
“Senior Ho said that there comes a time when one should be among others. To be honest, I didn’t understand what you meant at that time. I didn’t know what it meant to be together.”
Everyone in the banquet hall listened to the Black Cat.
“I can’t say that I fully understand what it means to be together even now, but this much I am sure about. If I hadn’t traveled with you, Senior Ho, I wouldn’t have known what companionship is. If I hadn’t learned how to be with you, I wouldn’t have realized how considerate all of you were.”
The Black Cat expressed gratitude towards the Wolbok-dang members.
“Over the past week, I’ve realized you all have been very considerate of me and have taught me so much. There is even more I should be thankful for; thank you for patiently waiting for such a foolish lord who didn’t know how to be with others for so long. Also, thank you for celebrating the growth of such a foolish lord.”
“Lord…”
“So this foolish lord believes it should leave to grow more and return like a rightful lord before you all. I intend to gather more experiences traveling with Senior Ho, witnessing the world… and using those experiences to improve myself and overcome my burdens.”
“I must say, I feel a bit sad about this.”
Jin-seo spoke up. Several members nodded their heads at his remark.
Initially, many had become Wolbok-dang members due to the beauty of the Black Cat, but witnessing its life closely revealed it wasn’t an easy journey.
To avoid stir, it concealed its beauty and hid from the world. How could a life like that pave the way for true connections? They sympathized with the lonely existence but could do nothing.
No one could approach the Black Cat.
But now, they found themselves able to reach the Black Cat. They could make eye contact, share feelings, and have conversations.
Saying that they wanted to spend more time would be a lie.
“However, we can’t hold back the Lord’s path.”
“… Thank you for understanding.”
But the current appearance of the Black Cat was what the Wolbok-dang members had hoped for. Not a life of shadows but a real life. It would be right to let it go so that it can face the world as any living being should.
“Instead! Until you leave, let’s continue the feast!”
“Agreed!”
The members slammed their palms on the table. As excitement filled the air, the Black Cat could only smile in surrender. Ho Cheon-an, with a slightly still red face, raised his cup too.
“For the Wolbok-dang!”
“For our Lord!”
With the Black Cat’s lead, the cheers of the Wolbok-dang followed, and their praises filled the banquet hall with the unique cheers of the revelers.
The joyous sounds within the banquet hall didn’t cease.
A new year had dawned, and spring was right around the corner as the night dragged on.
