After my private talk with the Poison King ended, dinner followed with the Poisonous Rakshasa and Tang Hye-seo seated together. The cooks of the Deep Fragrance Pavilion had truly shown their skill, filling the broad table with dishes. There was enough variety and abundance to make one feel properly treated.
The mood was not bad either, but throughout the meal, my mind was unsettled. Somehow, the conversation carried on without becoming awkward, but I could barely taste the food I was chewing. It was because the story I had just heard about Tang Hye-seo’s father was far too shocking.
I tried not to show it, but without realizing it, I kept watching Tang Hye-seo’s expression. Then my eyes met Tang Hye-seo’s. I had done nothing wrong, yet I flinched for no reason and turned my head while picking up a piece of chicken with my chopsticks.
After the meal, everyone had many things to prepare, so we exchanged farewells there and withdrew. Tang Hye-seo quietly followed after me, saying she would see me off. In the meantime, the sun had set, and it was dark outside.