"Welcome."
An old woman greeted us as we stepped through the gates.
"You must have had a hard journey getting here."
The old woman had a very kind demeanor. From what Iâd heard, she was recently appointed to oversee the Tang Clan's Medicine Hall. Wasnât she one of the few surviving elders?
As I looked at her, I bowed my head politely.
"Have you been well?"
"Always the same. And how have you been, young master?"
"Oh, well⦠you know."
"Iâve heard youâve been doing so well that it makes even me proud."
"...Hahaâ¦."
I laughed awkwardly. Situations like this always left me unsure of how to respond. Acting too pleased would seem arrogant, but being overly modest would feel insincere. This much was all I could manage.
Once the greetings were over, the old woman smiled and glanced to the side.
"Young lady."
"Helloâ¦."
Responding to her cue, Tang So-yeol also bowed her head. Her reaction, for some reason, seemed slightly uncomfortable.
"Itâs been a while. Iâve heard much about how youâve been soaring to new heights."
"...Thank you."
The conversation didnât drag on. The old woman seemed to sense Tang So-yeolâs unease. Had something happened between them? I hadnât heard of anything.
I considered asking about it, but now wasnât the time.