The Golden Goblin

“Knowing what might happen if they did,” Sohwa added as she handed Siyoung a piece of rice cake as a show of comfort.

“Eat up.”

She said kindly, and Siyoung finally managed a small smile, holding the rice cake.

“You haven’t changed, Miss, and neither has Sohwa.”

“Well, neither have you and Seonhwa.”

“That’s true.”

Feeling a little better, Siyoung took a small bite of her rice cake.

Having finished her dried persimmon, Hwayeong asked again.

“Hmmm... So how is Seonhwa holding up?”

“She’s a bit down, but she was so happy that you’d arrived, Miss. It’s been tough for her here without anyone familiar around.”

“It’d be nice if our Miss were sensitive enough to feel at least a bit of misery, too.”

Sighed Sohwa, though it didn’t sound very sincere.

Hearing this, Hwayeong clutched a handful of dried apples and glared at her.

“I am miserable. If it comes to that, I’m suffering more than Seonhwa. I’m going through so much pain that I might die any moment.”