(Arc 1 : The raven and the dragon)

Gwenval had been receiving all kinds of threats for at least three weeks.

At first, he thought they were just tasteless pranks. But over time, the situation worsened. It all began with anonymous letters slipped into the mailbox of his studio apartment. The messages were written in typography that imitated newspaper and magazine. They rudely urged him to quit the music world or face consequences.

Gwenval found the messages in poor taste and initially ignored them. After all, he had been attracting a lot of attention lately. It seemed almost normal that someone might try to intimidate him.

For three days, the letters kept coming, and then suddenly stopped. However, after two days of silence, the threats took a far more disturbing turn. The letters were replaced by parcels containing dead animals, mainly birds and mutilated mice, accompanied by torn photos of the musician that had been taken without his knowledge.

From that moment on, he installed new cameras in his recording studio, hoping to catch the culprit. But, the results were mixed. The packages were always delivered by couriers, who had no idea who the sender was.

One day, he found his studio ransacked. Torn photos of himself were scattered across his desk. The musician decided to work from home, focusing on his performance for the charity concert instead. At the same time, he began investigating who might be behind the threats. So far, he hadn't found anything.

Ashlay listened carefully to Gwenval’s account. Chills run down his spine. It wasn't just because of the seriousness of the threats; it was also because of how calmly Gwenval seemed to be handling it. How could someone be so composed and detached? If he were in Gwenval’s shoes, he would have called the police or hired a private investigator after receiving the first letter. Was Gwenval used to being threatened? He spoke about handling the situation himself as if he were dealing with a cockroach.

I didn’t think it was possible to be so calm when someone’s trying to mess with your life. Ashlay thought, fascinated.

Gwenval noticed the strange expression on Ashlay’s face and gave him a slight smile.

“Are you still willing to help me?” he asked.

“Of course!” Ashlay replied without hesitation.

He was thrilled at the idea of catching a criminal. His desire for thrills and thirst for justice was fully manifested. Yet, something still bothered him:

“Why don't you want to involve the authorities?”

Gwenval didn’t answer, and his gaze darkened. There was another reason the pianist refused police assistance. It wasn’t just about attracting media attention. Ashlay sensed that the topic made Gwenval uncomfortable and chose not to push it.

“I want to identify the person or people behind this myself first.” he finally admitted.

“I see…”

That air of mystery only made Ashlay more curious.

Once they arrived at the surveillance room, they found themselves facing several security agents, seated before dozens of screens showing real-time footage from various parts of the building. Gwenval lied, telling them that something had been stolen from his dressing room.

Recognizing the famous pianist, the guards didn’t ask further questions and immediately began reviewing the recordings. They couldn't afford to have a thief moving freely around the center, especially tonight.

The footage showed Gwenval leaving his dressing room and heading toward the stage. Shortly after, a stranger dressed in a staff uniform and wearing a cap and a mask arrived. The stranger entered the dressing room with a large bag and stayed for about fifteen minutes before quickly leaving and heading down the stairs, where there were no cameras. Then, he vanished. Everyone in the surveillance room was deeply concerned.

The man appeared to be about one meter seventy-six tall and rather slim. It was impossible to see his face, which made it difficult to determine his age.

Ashlay asked one of the guards for a copy of all the footage filmed since the start of the afternoon. The guard hesitated. Ashlay pulled out his wallet and placed a stack of fifty-thousand-won bills (about thirty-three euros) on the monitor in front of him. The reaction was immediate: the guards suddenly became very interested in who he was. Gwenval was surprised by the amount the young man had just offered, too.

“Let's keep this between us. Split the money and use it for yourselves or your families.” Ashlay announced proudly.

Rich kid. Gwenval thought, amused.

The guards were even more shocked and impressed after reading Ashlay’s business card. In the end, Ashlay easily obtained a USB drive containing the requested recordings. He made the guards promise to never mention having seen him. He also gave them some indications concerning the Gwenval's dressing room.

The duo then headed to the buffet hall.

“So, was I useful?” Ashlay asked with a smile.

“Yes… It's a good start.” Gwenval admitted halfheartedly.

“By the way, how old are you?”

“Twenty-six.” Gwenval replied, glancing at him.

“Ah?! I’m twenty-four! Can I call you hyung¹ ?”

“No.” Gwenval declined coldly.

He found the young man a bit too familiar.

Ashlay began thinking of another way to address him :

“ “Mr. Altaha” sounds too distant. We're not business partners, and I hope we’ll be closer in the future… If that doesn't work, then what about Altaha? Gwenval? Gwen? Gwen Gwen?… Gwen Gwen! What do you think?”

“Just call me Gwenval.” he replied, his cheeks slightly flushed.

Gwen Gwen?! What next? This boy is way too shameless.

Ashlay pouted. He actually liked the nickname he found. Also, the musician’s current expression were particularly adorable. It made him want to tease him even more.

“Could I get your number?” Ashlay asked, pulling out his phone.

Gwenval nodded and pulled out his phone. He looked depressed as he typed his number into Ashlay’s phone.

“What’s wrong?”

“I just want to put an end to this whole story as soon as possible…”

____

The banquet hall was vast and could easily host a hundred people or more. Tall white vases filled with colorful, beautiful flower arrangements were placed symmetrically on either side of the room. A long, wide, well-stocked buffet stretched from the entrance to within a few meters of the stage. A central aisle had been left clear. Bordered by elegantly set tables, guests could sit, chat, and eat. Waiters circulated with trays of hors d'oeuvres or champagne.

The Seoul Arts Center director had already given a speech and planned to return later to announce the evening's fundraising total.

Secretary Shin was anxious. More than twenty-five minutes had passed since his call with Ashlay, who still hadn’t shown up.

When the young Nienrao finally arrived with the pianist Altaha Gwenval, several guests immediately turned their attention toward them. Many came to greet them.

Secretary Shin managed to weave his way through the crowd to his employer. But he was left speechless when he saw Gwenval so close up. He was clearly star-struck in front of his idol. Ashlay found it amusing.

“Gwenval, could you give him an autograph? He’s my secretary, Shin Ha Ri. He really likes your music.”

Secretary Shin's voice rose slightly. Since when were these two close enough for Ashlay to use the pianist’s first name? Wasn’t this their first time meeting? He was confused.

Gwenval also looked at Ashlay in surprise. He’d allowed Ashlay to use his name, but he hadn’t expected him to act so casually with him in public.

“Of course.” Gwenval replied with his best fake smile.

Secretary Shin hurriedly pulled out the small notebook and pen he always carried and handed them to the musician, his hands trembling slightly. Once he got the autograph, he stood there in a trance. He was going to sleep well tonight… or not, given his excitement.

Gwenval and Ashlay could almost see an imaginary dog tail wagging happily behind Shin. They found it adorable.

“Good evening, Mr. Nienrao. It’s been a while since we last met.”

A smiling man approached Ashlay.

“Oh, Mr. Kim! Long time no see. How’s business?”

“Very well! I was just about to schedule a meeting to show you our new bedding collection. I think it would suit your hotel's aesthetic. Do you have a moment?”

“Uh…” Ashlay turned to the musician.

Gwenval gave him a small nod, signaling that it was okay.

Then, the young entrepreneur immediately switched to a more professional demeanor and walked away with Mr. Kim, followed by Secretary Shin.

It didn’t take long for Gwenval to be surrounded by other artists and admirers who wanted to talk to him again. For twenty long minutes, he engaged in various conversations until he finally had a moment of peace. Although he maintained a friendly expression, these kinds of interactions drained him.

The musician took advantage of a moment when he was no longer the center of attention to retreat to a corner of the room.

I think I’ve stayed long enough. It’s time to head home. He thought, checking his watch.

As he observed the people in the room, his gaze settled on Ashlay, who was speaking with other guests. He looked completely different from the flirty, playful man who had approached him earlier. He really had the air of a serious businessman.

Maybe he’s not just a pretty face after all.

Later in the evening, the amount raised for the charity concert was announced: three billion won, with five hundred million donated by Orchid Prestige.

Ashlay had the opportunity to go onstage and take a photo with the center’s director.

By eleven p.m., most of the people at the center, guests and staff alike, had left. Ashlay’s secretary had also left.

Ashlay found Gwenval near the building's entrance.

“Want me to drive you home?” he asked flirtatiously.

“Thanks, there's no need…. By the way, what are you planning to do with the footage?”

“You’ll see tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Yes, I only have one week, so I can’t waste time. Are you free tomorrow morning?”

Gwenval nodded, intrigued. What was this playboy up to now?

“Perfect! How about around ten? I’ll send you the address.”

Just as Gwenval was about to ask for more details, a black Audi pulled up in front of them. The driver's window rolled down, and a cheerful blond man with blue eyes poked his head out.

“I’m not too late, am I, Gwen?”

“No.” the musician replied warmly.

Ashlay felt a pang of jealousy. Who was this guy? Why was Gwenval being so nice to him?

Gwenval thanked Ashlay for his help, then got into the car with his friend. Ashlay stood there, blankly, staring at the vehicle as it drove off. Had he just tried to flirt with someone who was already taken? He felt like crying.

No! Nothing’s over yet! Gwenval had not rejected his request to catch the person who wanted to harm him. There was hope.

Ashlay called his friend, Hao Ming, and after a brief chat, he headed to Hao Ming's house.

_____

Glossary:

1. Hyung : A Korean term meaning “older brother,” used by men to address older male siblings or close older male friends.

50,000 won = €33.26 = $36.25 USD

3,000,000,000 won = €1,995,505.43 = $2,175,100 USD

500,000,000 won = €332,582.26 = $362,520 USD