Holy Idol [EN]: Chapter 899

◈ 899. Rembrary’s Invitation (19)

“Oh, High Priest Rembrary taught me this as an otherworld greeting. I guess not.”

Seeing Shin Jo-woon’s reaction, the highest-ranking priest immediately realized his mistake and chuckled awkwardly.

Jang Tae-ri was even more surprised. Not all high-ranking priests are clueless! Jang Tae-ri’s gaze drifted to Rembrary.

So… is Rembrary the only weird one?

“It’s not a common greeting in our world,” Shin Jo-woon kindly corrected, saving the highest-ranking priest from embarrassment. But then he worried Rembrary might be embarrassed.

After all, Rembrary was the one who taught him the finger heart. Shin Jo-woon added, exaggerating slightly for Rembrary’s benefit.

“In Rembrary’s profession back home… it’s a somewhat common greeting.”

The highest-ranking priest laughed heartily.

“I see. What did our High Priest do in the other world?”

Contrary to Shin Jo-woon’s concerns, Rembrary wasn’t embarrassed at all. He chimed in excitedly.

“I was an idol. An idol!”

“I see. You did something good.”

“Do you know what an idol is?”

“Whatever the High Priest did, it must have been a good job.”

Pleased, Rembrary opened his mouth, ready to brag.

“An idol is—”

But Shin Jo-woon cut him off.

“I’m tired. Can we go inside and talk?”

He was worried Rembrary might launch into some strange rap in front of his reverent followers.

Rembrary frowned, but the highest-ranking priest, perceptive as ever, immediately responded.

“Let’s go inside. The High Priest said he was bringing friends, so we’ve prepared a feast.”

* * *

The highest-ranking priest led Jang Tae-ri and Shin Jo-woon to the dining hall.

It was the opposite of most temples, which would offer rooms and rest before a meal.

In fact, Jang Tae-ri wanted to rest more than eat.

“Since you’re the High Priest’s friends, you must like what he likes.”

With the highest-ranking priest saying that, he couldn’t refuse.

The priest’s expression and tone were like a grandparent confidently declaring, ‘I know everything about my grandchild!’

In any case, the priest’s consideration was definitely tailored to Rembrary.

“The food here is the best temple cuisine. You’ve probably visited other places and tried their food, so you can compare. After you eat, you might want to live here!”

Rembrary had been chattering excitedly on the way to the dining hall.

Jang Tae-ri didn’t have much appetite.

However, Rembrary’s constant praise of the High Temple’s food had piqued his curiosity, and by the time they arrived, he was genuinely interested.

Although he still wanted to rest, Jang Tae-ri pretended to be excited for Rembrary’s sake.

“Is it that delicious? I can’t wait to try it!”

“From the moment the High Priest said you were good friends, I knew you’d be big eaters and gourmets.”

That consideration led to further misunderstandings, but Jang Tae-ri kept smiling.

Fortunately, his effort paid off.

The dishes the highest-ranking priest had prepared were surprisingly delicious. Rembrary wasn’t exaggerating.

“How is it?”

Rembrary asked excitedly when Jang Tae-ri’s eyes widened after the first bite. Jang Tae-ri immediately gave a thumbs up.

“It’s the best! Really!”

Rembrary looked at Shin Jo-woon expectantly.

“Myeolchi [멸치, literally ‘anchovy,’ a common Korean nickname, often used playfully], what about you?”

Shin Jo-woon also admitted honestly.

“It’s good. People would line up for this even if you sold it at any price.”

Jang Tae-ri laughed as Rembrary beamed with pride, as if he’d made the food himself.

“It’s not like Rembrary made it. Why are you so happy?”

“I usually eat this kind of stuff.”

Jang Tae-ri and Shin Jo-woon exchanged playful remarks. The highest-ranking priest watched, feeling a strange emotion.

When Rembrary said he’d made friends in another world, the priest had simply thought, ‘I see.’

Even when he started memorizing the names that frequently appeared in Rembrary’s stories, he hadn’t thought much of it.

But when Rembrary said he would visit Earth and might bring his friends, he was greatly surprised.

The passage to the other world was a top secret known only to a select few. And to bring friends through it…

Moreover, Rembrary hadn’t even told his friends about the passage, taking it for granted they would follow him.

From that moment, the highest-ranking priest realized Rembrary was quite close to his friends.

However, seeing them interact was different from what he’d imagined.

‘Perhaps people from another world can talk to the High Priest so naturally.’

The priest was impressed by how the two friends treated Rembrary without hesitation.

Even he, who had known Rembrary since he was young, was careful around the current High Priest. But these two treated Rembrary like ordinary neighbors and friends, which was truly amazing.

‘Perhaps that’s why they’re so close to the High Priest.’

The highest-ranking priest felt a strange pang and quickly lowered his head, pretending to focus on his meal.

* * *

Rembrary felt particularly comfortable there, and Jang Tae-ri and Shin Jo-woon were influenced by his attitude.

It wasn’t just the delicious food.

Jang Tae-ri immediately liked the kind gazes he received simply for being Rembrary’s friend, and the clean, dawn-like air.

“The people here really like Rembrary.”

“Does it show?”

Jang Tae-ri, who had been worried about Rembrary’s image, felt genuinely relieved.

By the time they finished eating, some welcome faces had appeared.

“It’s been a while.”

“You really came! Did you have a hard time?”

It was Mullu and Ninning. Jang Tae-ri waved excitedly.

They weren’t that close, but seeing familiar faces in another world made him feel more welcome than usual.

“The High Priest said two of you might come. But I thought it might be difficult. I’m glad you actually came!”

Ninning approached the table, looking back and forth between Shin Jo-woon and Jang Tae-ri with an excited expression.

“Was it hard?”

“It was incredibly hard. Farther than I thought,” Jang Tae-ri said, feigning exhaustion. Ninning laughed, as if she’d expected it.

“You’ve worked hard.”

Mullu comforted Rembrary first.

She seemed to assume Rembrary, who had guided Jang Tae-ri and Shin Jo-woon, had the hardest time, since they were tired.

Watching that Rembrary-first attitude, Jang Tae-ri remembered Rembrary’s words about Mullu: ‘The person I trust the most,’ and asked.

“Come to think of it, why did Rembrary bring Ardor to Earth this time? Isn’t Mullu usually the escort?”

Mullu’s expression turned sour.

Jang Tae-ri regretted his question. Had he touched a nerve? But the words were out.

Mullu didn’t answer. Instead, she glanced at her watch for no reason, then took her hand off the back of the chair.

“Teacher Jang, follow me. Teacher Shin, Ninning will guide you to your room.”

It seemed Rembrary and Ardor had separate rooms, so the four of their rooms weren’t next to each other.

Before he could ask, Mullu was already moving. Jang Tae-ri grabbed his bag and stood up.

“See you later.”

Jang Tae-ri patted Shin Jo-woon’s shoulder and followed Mullu.

Mullu didn’t say anything during the long walk down the hallway. Jang Tae-ri worried she was upset by his question.

But he realized he’d never seen Mullu initiate conversation.

Jang Tae-ri searched his memory and asked, relieved.

“Where am I staying?”

“Next to my room.”

“Next to Mullu’s room?”

Jang Tae-ri was surprised.

“Ah, then is Jo-woon next to Ninning’s room?”

“That’s right. The High Priest’s room is alone, so he asked us to take care of you two separately.”

“Why is Rembrary’s room alone?”

“Because he is the High Priest.”

“Ah… I see.”

When they reached Jang Tae-ri’s room, Mullu pointed to her own.

“If you need anything, come to my room. If I’m not there, ask anyone passing by to take you to me.”

“Thank you.”

Mullu nodded and turned back. Jang Tae-ri stared at her back, then opened the door and went inside.

Was it because Mullu was a holy knight and this room was next to hers? The room felt like a knight’s quarters.

A sword-shaped decoration hung on the wall, and all the furniture was arranged at sharp angles.

There was nothing unnecessary except the decoration.

The luggage had arrived and was lined up against the wall. Jang Tae-ri looked around and sat awkwardly on the bed.

‘I’m glad it’s not next to Ardor’s room.’

Even the mattress was hard. Jang Tae-ri tapped it a few times and tilted his head.

‘If all the holy knights’ rooms are like this, is Jo-woon’s room like this too?’

* * *

The room Shin Jo-woon was led to was the same size and layout as Jang Tae-ri’s, but the interior was cozier.

And there were temple items everywhere.

“…….”

Shin Jo-woon looked around the ivory-colored room with a serious expression, then at Ninning, who was sparkling her eyes.

As their eyes met, Ninning asked excitedly.

“How is it? Do you like it?”

Ninning ran to the closet and proudly opened it.

“You can wear any clothes you want!”

Inside, several white priest robes and holy knight uniforms hung in a row.

Ninning smiled as Shin Jo-woon frowned and closed the door.

“You don’t have to wear them if you don’t want to.”

“Is Tae-ri’s room like this too?”

“No. The manager prepared that room, and I prepared this one. But the manager’s taste is completely different from mine. Maybe there’s just furniture bleakly placed?”

“Can I change rooms?”

Ninning laughed, thinking he was joking.

Shin Jo-woon was serious. The room was bright and clean, but the temple items were burdensome.

Shin Jo-woon walked to the window. Fortunately, the view was good.

From the second floor, he could see priests walking quietly below, and a little further away, a fountain and a colorful flower garden.

“Is Tae-ri’s room far from here?”

“Yes. And it’s closer to the High Priest’s room.”

“Where is the High Priest’s room located?”

Ninning pointed. But the building was too big to pinpoint the location.

‘I’ll know when I go later.’ Shin Jo-woon nodded, agreeing appropriately, as Rembrary probably needed rest.

‘I can visit later.’

“Thank you.”

“Yes… rest.”

However, Ninning, who had walked to the door, unexpectedly lingered.

Shin Jo-woon stopped unpacking and looked at her.

“What’s wrong?”

Ninning quickly approached him and spoke with a serious expression.