The song Sinner was written and produced specifically as Asmodeus's theme once Averie's acting was shown to the Music Supervisor of the show.
It included a chilling melody that reminded one of the Devil, a choir that explored the theme of evil, and lyrics that suggested the desecration of morality within the human world. It was a powerful theme song that could not help but leave one speechless.
It was first played at the end of the first episode as Asmodeus danced with the dead maid.
On Monday, in an effort to continue the promotion of the show, Sinner was uploaded on multiple music and video platforms.
Within half a day, it had entered the charts. And by the end of it, it ranked 29th in the entire country.
'[Drama's Hot] Could Binsfeld's Seven Princes of Hell become the most popular drama of the year?'
Such articles were common, but even the sensationalist media could not do justice to the heights that the show would eventually reach.
'[DentActor] Should Averie Quinn Auclair be considered this year's one of three greatest rising rookies?'
And they certainly underestimated the young actor who portrayed Asmodeus.
***
"What is this shoot for again?" Averie asked, dressed neatly as Asmodeus.
"Seeing as it is a domestic success, the production is preparing to release the drama in most of Asia," Do-Yun Park answered.
Averie crossed his legs. "I thought the international release was scheduled only after the domestic airing was over."
"That was the plan," Peter Kang replied, checking himself in the mirror. "But the popularity of the show isn't going to wane. The producers believe that it would be best to move the plans forward. The interest in the drama is high, so the streaming services want to capitalize on it. Something about trends and whatnot."
"We are too old to understand trends and stuff," In-Su Kim commented. "But the executives looked excited, so it seems they are expecting great results."
One of the interns approached Averie.
"Mr. Auclair," she said, looking around shyly, "can I get an autograph?"
Averie nodded and graciously fulfilled the request.
This wasn't something new to him, but requests for autographs from the staff were becoming more and more frequent.
Peter Kang whistled. "Popular, aren't we?"
Averie glanced at Hyerin. "I wouldn't know."
She was talking with some of the other managers across the room.
"My dear friend does not allow me to leave the house. She makes me wear sunglasses even in the car."
"She is smart then," Raymond Lee commented.
John Strom nodded. "It's better not to go out without bodyguards for now."
"It's only going to get worse," Su-Jin James added, exhaustion noticeable in his voice.
'Cowards.' Averie scoffed. 'What's so scary about going out? I can walk out naked right now. Do you dare me?'
Of course, he did not say his thoughts out loud.
***
After a few days of shooting for promotional material, Averie found himself in a speeding taxi.
It was early morning, and he was whistling as he confirmed his bank balance. Payments for the first two episodes had been successfully processed.
"You didn't need to pay me yet," Hyerin complained, looking at the generous amount her friend had transferred to her bank account.
"You wanted me to wait until I was paid, so I did," Averie firmly said. "Now that I have the dough to implement our arrangement, you will be paid. I won't hear any protests unless you want a raise."
"No, I don't!" Hyerin shook her head frantically. "Just focus on your career."
"Yes, yes."
Averie looked out of the window.
Very few pedestrians could be seen on the passing streets. The roads were empty, and the shops were closed.
"Do I have to go?" He complained, sighing dramatically to earn some sympathy. "No one will even recognize me over there."
Hyerin looked conflicted. "You are not wrong, but it's still good to get acquainted with voice actors. We are not paying for anything. And unlike others, you will only be visiting Japan."
"Su-Jin James and In-Su Kim will have to tour the whole of Asia, huh?" He murmured. "Promotion is a difficult affair."
As the cab pulled into Incheon airport, Hyerin cautiously climbed out. After making sure that fans and media hadn't gotten wind of them, she signaled Averie that it was safe to come out.
Unlike his friend, Averie found all this over the top and too dramatic. In his eyes, she looked exceptionally dumb. It disgusted him a little. But still, he followed along and got out of the car.
He was dressed in a black shirt and navy blue pants. Strictly advised by Hyerin, he had to wear a pair of sunglasses. Thankfully, that is what saved him from being recognized as he walked towards the security and entered the airport.
The guard who let him in seemed to recognize his face, but he behaved professionally without mentioning anything.
To reciprocate such courtesy, pulling his sunglasses down, Averie winked at him as they passed. It made the burly man's day. He was built like a silverback gorilla, but he blushed like an anime girl.
It traumatized Hyerin.
"Have the rest of the cast departed already?" Averie asked.
"Raymond Lee and Do-Yun Park left early today," Hyerin answered, trying her hardest to erase the image of the blushing guard from her mind. "Su-Jin James and In-Su Kim will leave in a few hours, I think."
She looked uncomfortable while dragging both of their luggage bags behind her.
Averie was willing to carry his weight himself, but his friend—wanting to act like a proper manager—had insisted on doing everything herself.
At one of the ticket desks, Averie faced two suspiciously dressed individuals. Being surrounded by an entourage, they did their best impressions of ordinary people—while wearing sunglasses inside the airport.
"Hello, fellow commoners." Averie raised his arm to hail them. "How are we today, on this most ordinary occasion?"
With managers in tow, the two were Peter Kang and John Strom.
"Hello, our mutual friend whom we know from work," Peter Kang said, trying not to crack a smile. "Chilly weather, isn't it?"
The airport's AC was responsible for that.
"Perfect weather for ordinary citizens" — Averie pointed at himself and the two of them — "like you and me."
He gave them a very over-the-top wink, which made it harder for the group to hold back their laughter.
"If we were celebrities," Averie continued, grinning smugly, "we would be complaining about it, wouldn't we?"
"Yes, yes, we would." Peter vehemently nodded. "Sound logic, I say.
"Come now, you two," John Strom added. "The flying bird of science awaits."
"Of course."
"Yes, yes, I need to change my breeches."
Together, the group checked in.
The receptionists at the desk were staring at them, checking their passports and holding back the urge to utter their lines from the show. Their expressions clearly indicated that they were going to talk about it once their shifts were over.
Averie experienced the same behavior at the boarding gate. While waiting for the boarding announcement, he had spent most of his time ignoring a chatty Peter Kang, who was talking about racing horses.
It made him tired.
'Was it also like this back when I was Gene Conti?' he wondered.
For some reason, his memories of that time were too fuzzy. He could only remember the good times.
Some passengers and even air hostesses seemed to chat as they took their seats in the business class.
"Excuse me." One of the hostesses leaned down to meet Averie's eye level. "Are you perhaps—"
"Yes," Averie answered before she could complete her sentence.
He was cool like that, or so he thought.
Of course, Hyerin didn't like that. She was afraid of him being labeled as an arrogant actor.
Thankfully, the air hostess seemed delighted. She handed Averie a tissue paper, which he returned after signing on it flirtatiously. She bowed politely and resumed her duties while smiling exuberantly.
Hyerin gave him an earful about being polite to his fans. But Averie thought his cheekiness wasn't one bit impolite. That was his charm.
'Media may tear and feast upon them, but the charismatic characters are the true life of this industry,' Averie thought. 'Love me or hate me, I will always be bold—in moving pictures and in still life.'
I hadn't feared Hell, and he wasn't about to fear his new life.