Riding the wind, it took only a few steps to reach Ilgakmun.
Yet although Hayan-sae arrived before the voice announcing her visit had even fully faded, there was no one waiting before the gate.
Only a few flower petals heralding the arrival of spring….
Fallen blossoms drifted down at her feet.
Hayan-sae had been silently watching them when, at some point, she sensed a shadow fall across her back.
It came from where the stone Haetae statue stood.
Without turning around, she said,
“What you said did not come to pass.”
However.
“I am certain that it is in the process of coming to pass. And because of that, I can also say this with confidence.”
Hayan-sae smiled.
“You are neither a heart-demon, nor Buddha, nor a Haetae. Still less are you some evil or wicked being.”
The presence laughed as well.
“Then what do you think I am?”
“May I say it?”
“Go ahead.”
Hayan-sae spoke the answer she had found.
“Fate.”
“….”
“You must be fate.”
“….”
“So, if you will allow it, though I am a little late, I would like to…