I glanced at my phone again.
At some point, I had just texted Salin, but he didn't reply. He wasn't answering my calls either. It was frustrating. He could at least explain… why...
— You need to go. — my mother said.
— Mom… I...
— It's your birthday, Jun-ho! I organized a party, everyone already sees you as a leader. Act like it.
I scoffed. It didn't sound like such a powerful line anymore.
— Fine, I'll go. Of course.
— Great.
I arrived at the event with everyone bowing respectfully. There seemed to be a stronger sense of acceptance than usual. I pulled a deep breath into my lungs. But it was time.
Goden was my home. Soon, it would be my domain.
Little by little, I started talking to everyone at the party.
No one asked about Salin.
Had they noticed?
Jaeho had told me Salin had confronted an enemy and defeated him. That helped reinforce the excuse that "Salin isn't here because he's on a confidential mission."
So, really, I shouldn't be worried.
