While it was clear that the visitor had been invited by the Mountain Lord and his wife, no one seemed particularly happy to have him.
The maids sweeping the courtyard stole glances and whispered among themselves, their unease filling the front and rear courtyards with a tense atmosphere.
Even a shameless gumiho would find it difficult to remain at ease under the sharp gazes of countless eyes following his every move.
Noksu felt as though he were sitting on pins and needles.
He had even refused the tea and snacks brought to him, afraid he might choke on them.
Though they looked immaculate, who could say whether they had been laced with deadly herbs?
The dark, syrupy drink in particular looked more like a cup of poison than a dessert.
‘What a peculiar place.’
This was the thought that struck Noksu as he observed Dohwi and the grand mansion they called home.
‘That so-called Mountain Lord.’
