The Grave-Digging Scheme

My mood was soaring!

It had been ages since I’d cooked so much at once, and seeing everyone, even Senior, enjoy it so much was truly satisfying.

“This is delicious! Ping-chan, how did you make this?! Teach me!”

Senior, her cheeks delightfully puffed out, ceaselessly wielded her chopsticks, devouring the food Leidi and I had portioned out earlier.

Witnessing her evident enjoyment filled me, a self-proclaimed chef, with immense happiness.

At noon, the three of us convened on the forbidden rooftop of the school building.

Though we had matters to discuss with Senior, we found ourselves comfortably seated on a picnic blanket, enjoying our lunch.

“Senior, a girl’s eating etiquette should be a little more refined,” Leidi remarked, delicately picking up a small piece of candied fruit and vegetable crisp and gracefully bringing it to her mouth.

In stark contrast, Senior, who was devouring her meal like a swarm of locusts, truly seemed more like a tomboy.

It was a shame, considering how pretty she was; perhaps I should also be more mindful of my own eating habits.

“It’s fine,” Senior declared, her cheeks still puffed, as she waved her chopsticks playfully before us.

“There are no men here, so there’s no need to put on an act!”

Shatter!

It felt as though we had just heard the sound of something shattering, leaving Leidi and me frozen in place.

‘…’

‘…’

‘Were girls truly creatures who put on airs in front of men? My illusions were slightly shattered.’

“Miu~miu~miu~miu~”

Senior, accompanied by her mysterious sound effects, ignored our stunned silence and continued to rapidly demolish her bento.

****

Satiated and content, Senior seemed to radiate happiness, as if tiny, circling flowers were fluttering around her.

I understood completely; eating was indeed a source of such profound joy!

“Senior, are you ready?” Leidi inquired, taking a sip of tea from that familiar bamboo segment kettle.

‘Did that anachronistic bamboo segment somewhat detract from the aesthetic?’

“Ah, go ahead and ask.”

“Do you know anything about the monster that attacked Xiao Bai earlier?”

This was actually what I had intended to ask yesterday, but Senior had diverted the conversation.

“The monster that attacked Ping-chan, you say…” Senior mused, stroking her chin in thought.

“That thing was handled by Number Two back in China.

You’d get a clearer picture if you asked him.

We can wait until Saturday’s training; he’s quite busy right now.”

“What happened to Number Two?” I inquired.

Considering that out-of-place copper coin from before, it seemed highly probable that Number Two was Chinese.

Incidentally, today was Thursday.

“Apparently, something significant arose from your situation, and he’s currently investigating it.

You should be able to meet him on Saturday.”

‘It felt as though the situation was more complicated than it appeared.’

“I see.

In that case, I’ll ask about something else,” Leidi stated, her expression growing serious.

“Senior, have you also been attacked by monsters before?”

“That’s right,” Senior admitted forthrightly.

“Is someone targeting us Gate Holders?”

“Yes, and quite a few, at that.”

A look of distinct annoyance, a clear sign of vexation, flickered across Senior’s face.

Had she recalled something unpleasant?

“Who are they?” I found myself growing curious.

‘It seemed unlikely that many people would be privy to such information.’

“Regrettably, they are almost never human.”

After delivering this unsettling news, Senior calmly took another sip of her tea.

‘…’

‘…’

Leidi and I froze once more, our expressions stiff.

“Oh,” they both uttered in unison.

Their voices were utterly devoid of emotion, so much so that merely hearing them made it feel as if our very gazes had died.

‘Why did things suddenly feel so bleak? “Almost never human”? This job was turning out to be incredibly high-risk!’

“Don’t worry,” Senior said, smiling as she patted both Leidi’s and my shoulders. “We’re actually very strong.”

“Speaking of which, what exactly is our duty as Holders?” I admitted, “To be honest, I still don’t quite understand.”

“Gates with their own security guards, that’s the simple way to put it~” Senior chuckled playfully.

‘…’

‘…’

‘It was definitely not that simple.’

“Oh, that reminds me, Ping-chan,” Senior exclaimed, grasping my hands, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Teach me how to cook!”

“Eh? Oh, of course, if you don’t mind,” I replied, a little surprised.

‘Senior truly wanted to learn cooking from me?’

“Nonsense! Ping-chan’s cooking is absolutely delicious, and it’s all Chinese cuisine, isn’t it? Number Two would surely love it.”

‘Number Two would surely love it?!’

‘Why did I suddenly feel an irresistible urge to ask something? Was my inner gossip demon awakening?!’

“Senior, do you want to cook for Number Two?” I asked, doing my best to keep my smile from looking too gossipy or lecherous.

“Yes! I want to treat him well, but he’s not used to Japanese food.

If you teach me, everything will be perfect!”

‘You’re smiling so happily, Senior!’

‘The grip on my hands had grown incredibly gentle!’

“Mhm, leave it to me!” I declared, returning Senior’s radiant smile.

‘I would make sure Senior properly captured Number Two’s heart through his stomach!!!’

****

Meanwhile, across the sea…

“Are you messing with me?!?”

His roar was accompanied by a furious slap on the coffee table!

The uncle opposite me was now a picture of pure fury, veins bulging, teeth clenched in a grotesque snarl.

‘Uncle, getting this angry on such a joyous occasion was incredibly inauspicious… He really should revert to his benevolent expression from earlier!’

“Everything I’m saying is true, Uncle…” I replied, offering a bitter smile that even I found profoundly unnatural.

Seated in a private room within the hotel, our conversation had reached an impasse.

Fortunately, the hotel’s soundproofing seemed decent (presumably), otherwise, for anyone outside, this would have been an utterly embarrassing “bucket of cold water” moment—no, “a bucket of ice water” would be more apt, perhaps…

‘My apologies, unknown uncle, but this was a lie… Yet, I had no choice but to deceive him.

I was truly pressed for time; Saturday was fast approaching!’

****

Tens of minutes earlier.

Dozens of neatly arranged, decorated luxury cars, a dazzling crimson carpet stretching far, magnificent floral arches and balloon gates, and a multitude of beaming guests in formal attire.

Clutching the unique, special map I had personally drawn years ago, I repeatedly confirmed the location on the street opposite a certain hotel.

“This is truly… a bit troublesome,” I muttered, as beads of sweat trickled down my cheeks.

The midday sun was intensely bright, yet its heat was not what caused my mortification (and I mean that literally…). What I was shedding now was cold sweat.

‘What was I to do? I couldn’t conjure a single plausible excuse at this moment.’

The master key Lin had told me about was certainly usable…

But, opposite me, a wedding was clearly underway…

The compatibility between that fact and my reason for being here couldn’t have been worse.

…

…

“Ugh—”

I bit my lip, furrowed my brow, but no solution surfaced.

‘I might as well try.’

‘I apologize in advance; if there are any demands, I will compensate.’

Folding the map, I crossed the street, adopting a natural smile and pretending to be a relative of one of the guests.

Thus, in my conspicuously out-of-place light hiking attire, I barely managed to evade the receptionists’ keen gazes and blend into the hotel.

Heading directly toward the hotel counter, behind which hung a massive “囍” character, I did my utmost to project an aura of “I am not a suspicious person.”

“Excuse me, is the owner of this hotel here?” I asked with a smile, addressing a receptionist who was subtly peeling a wedding candy.

“May I ask who you are, sir?” The receptionist paused her actions, scrutinizing me carefully as she earnestly inquired about my identity.

“Uh, I’m a friend of the bride and groom.

I just rushed back from the wilderness after receiving the invitation, and while my attire is a bit out of place, I didn’t have time to change.

I was wondering if I could borrow some more presentable clothes from the hotel.” I raised a hand to scratch my head, offering a slightly foolish smile.

‘This excuse should work, right? Please stop staring at me with such suspicion…’

“Please wait a moment, sir.” The receptionist turned her back to me, picked up the desk phone, and began speaking.

“Hello, sir, please follow me.”

Soon after, a male server, sporting a professional smile, led me to the third floor of the hotel.

Neatly arranged tables, chairs, and cutlery, alongside beautifully presented dishes; men and women in formal wear greeting each other; the continuous, festive wedding music echoing through the hall; and the host with a microphone before a giant screen—all unequivocally indicated that this was the main venue for the wedding celebration.

‘I hoped… I wouldn’t ruin any of this.’

“Sir, here we are.”

The male server stopped before a private room, which bore a sign reading “Family Lounge.”

…

‘Such a coincidence?’

‘Well, that’s good… fewer people to get angry at me.’

Pushing open the door, I saw only a kindly uncle with slightly graying hair, seated beside an intricately carved wooden coffee table.

“Please, have a seat,” the uncle said with a benevolent smile, gesturing for me to sit opposite him.

“Thank you.”

“And who might you be, young man?

I personally sent out all of my daughter’s invitations, but I don’t recall ever seeing you before.” The smiling uncle offered me a cup of tea.

‘It seemed the benevolent uncle had long since realized I was lying… Had he still agreed to meet me, knowing this? I should finish this quickly; my conscience was already aching.’

I straightened my posture, scratching my hair with an embarrassed expression.

“Uncle, I actually resorted to this desperate measure of impersonating your esteemed daughter’s friend because I have an urgent matter.

I bear no ill will.

Although… you’re probably going to scold me any moment now…”

“No ill will, you say…” The uncle stroked his chin, a hint of seriousness in his demeanor.

“Continue,” he instructed, then picked up the cup of tea before him and began to sip.

“Actually, I’m here to dig up my great-grandfather’s ashes…”

“Pfft!!!!!”

With virtually no delay, I was sprayed directly in the face by the uncle’s outburst.

‘I guessed as much… a perfectly natural reaction.’

‘Here he was, hosting his daughter’s wedding, and I, for all intents and purposes, was here to dig up a grave… He was being quite polite by not resorting to violence.’

‘I’m sorry, Uncle, but I truly couldn’t think of a better excuse.’

“You little rascal, say that again?!” The uncle’s expression was no longer benevolent, though he was still trying his utmost to restrain himself.

“Actually, my family has been plagued by bad luck these past two years.

We consulted a geomancer, who said that someone had disturbed our ancestors’ graves, leading to a continuous string of misfortunes.

He advised that we relocate the graves.” I offered a sheepish, seemingly earnest lie.

“Are you saying my hotel was built on your ancestral grave?” The uncle’s voice seemed to tremble slightly.

“Yes…” I replied, feeling a twinge of remorse as I twisted the knife further.

“Are you messing with me?!?” With a furious slap on the coffee table, the uncle’s expression completely collapsed, giving way to utter rage.

“Everything I’m saying is true, Uncle…”

‘I’m sorry! It’s all a lie!!!’

“Security!!!” The uncle suddenly stood up and shouted at the closed door.

“Wait, wait, wait a moment!!!” I scrambled to my feet, trying to stop the uncle.

‘Don’t tell me the hotel’s soundproofing is actually terrible!’

“Please believe me!”

‘I’m about to cry too!’

“Get out!!!”

‘Don’t shout louder than me, Uncle!’

Uncle and I were tugging at each other by the coffee table, endlessly entangled.

‘There was no other way.’

“Great-Grandfather!!!” I yelled, closing my eyes.

‘This was my final trump card!’

In that instant, a wisp of green smoke floated out from behind me, transforming into a benevolent old man in ancient attire.

“Eek!!!”

The uncle, terrified, turned ashen and plopped onto the floor, scrambling backward against the wall.

“Young man, let my descendant dig up my ashes.

I’m restless, pressed down by this earth.

I’ll yield this auspicious land to you,” Great-Grandfather (the fake one I conjured!) floated before the pale uncle, who was pressed against the corner, and continued his earnest lie.

“Alright! Alright! Alright! Whatever you say, esteemed elder!

Just don’t take my children!”

The uncle immediately knelt and kowtowed.

‘I’m so sorry, Uncle!!!!!’

“Great-Grandfather, please rest for a bit.

I’ll come collect you later,” I said to “Great-Grandfather,” playing along with the charade.

“Child, you must be quick.

It wouldn’t be good to meddle in others’ joyous affairs,” the “other party” replied, also playing along.

With that, “Great-Grandfather” gradually dissipated into a wisp of green smoke.

…

…

After a brief silence,

“I’m sorry, Uncle.” I helped the uncle, whose legs had turned to jelly, back to his feet.

‘My conscience truly ached.’

“N-n-no, it’s fine!

An elder’s matters are more important!

Go quickly and dig!

Don’t let him wait too long!” The uncle still looked utterly panicked.

‘I apologize for frightening you… My sincerest apologies.’

I took out a few copper coins, recently purchased from a prop store, and placed them in the uncle’s hand.

“Uh, these are consecrated copper coins.

They can ward off evil and bring good fortune.

Great-Grandfather asked me to give them to you as compensation.” I apologized with utmost sincerity.

“Thank you! Thank you!” The uncle hastily accepted the coins.

‘Perhaps he’ll cherish them as treasures.’

“Um, actually, the grave is probably in the hotel’s parking lot.

I hope you can help ensure guests avoid that area,” I said, smiling as I sought the uncle’s help.

“I can!

I’ll have someone handle it immediately!” The uncle instantly pulled out his phone.

“Thank you, I appreciate your trouble.

I’ll leave as soon as I’m done digging.” I offered the uncle a wry smile and a bow.

****

“Hahahahahahahaha!!! Brother, you’re so dumb!! Hahahahahahahaha!!!” Lin’s merciless laughter echoed from the other end of the phone.

“Stop laughing…” At this point, blaming Lin was useless; I could only blame my own sluggish mind.

“So, how many are left? Hehehehehe.” Lin seemed to be stifling her laughter.

‘Just get it over with already…’

“I still have eleven left here.

How about you?” I asked my sister on the phone, checking her progress.

“I’m done, you know.

Do you want me to come help?”

“No.

Even if you act this enthusiastic, I won’t take you to Japan.” I knew exactly what she was thinking.

“How could you say that~ Take me to see Ruka-nee!” Just as I expected…

“Just stay in China and study hard…”

“After all this help, you still won’t agree!

Brother, you’re a cheapskate!”

Click—

“Beep~ beep~”

The call was disconnected.

‘Next time, I should just bring Ruka to China for a visit.’

Putting away my phone, I briefly inspected the small wooden coffin I had just retrieved from the tunnel, which had been dug a roundabout way from the parking lot to beneath the hotel.

Naturally, it did not contain ashes.

“The one hundred thirty-third, normal…”

Stowing the wooden coffin into the corridor, I lay back on the bed of the temporary hotel room and opened the map once more.

…

…

“Eh—”

With a long sigh, I let the map fall onto my face.

‘How full of myself must I have been back then to set up a barrier across the entire country?’