Since Kwon Jiyong told to dress up, Sandara really did more than just doing so. Kwon Jiyong was still quite cold to her when he left so she really wanted to look beautiful before him. Who knows, it might make him finally forgive her. She asked Jo Sanggung to help her put some color on her face and even asked for the old lady's advice in picking clothes.

Sandara doubted the old lady's words but nevertheless, she smiled in satisfaction since she really liked the way she looked. When before she always opted for subtle, light colors, tonight, she wore a pair of black upper robes with dainty golden embroideries over a deep red satin skirt. It highlighted the whiteness of her skin and it gave her a more regal and confident air.

"Do you think he will like this?"

"Mama, do you know that these two are His Highness' favorite colors?"

Sandara did not know that of course, so she was thankful that Jo Sanggung was always there to enlighten her.

"Let us go to the banquet hall, Mama. I heard His Highness have arrived and is currently talking to the guests."

Sandara nodded and stood up, puffing her cheeks as she let out a long breath. Come to think of it, who could be Jiyong's guests? Isn't this the first time her husband was hosting a banquet? 

But as soon as she arrived, a huge surprise welcomed her.

"Head Mistress! Seol-ah! Byeol-ah!" Sandara delightedly ran towards the three. Seol and Byeol were only there to assist Head Mistress and they had to bow and leave when Jo Sanggung signaled them they should leave.

"Let's catch up later!" Sandara mouthed excitedly at the two as they left, before she faced Head Mistress and held her cold hand in hers. "Head Mistress, when did you arrive? Why didn't you write me a letter? I should have prepared the guest rooms."

"No need, Dara-ah. I have a place to stay in the capital."

"Really?" Sandara was beyond thrilled to hear this. Until when are you staying in the capital?" Head Mistress simply smiled beneath the black veil she was wearing, concealing her wrinkled face. "Unfortunately, I don't need to run the institute anymore. I sold the Cherry Blossoms House."

Sandara's excitement was replaced with disappointment. She liked the place so much. It's a waste Head Mistress had to sell it off. She wanted to count her wealth and volunteer to buy the estate but Head Mistress said someone bought it already. With a long sigh, Sandara's shoulders sagged.

"Don't be sad. At least you'll get to see Head Mistress, Seol, and Byeol every now and then." Sandara looked up and recognized the beautiful woman beside Head Mistress.

"It's you again!" How could she forget the face of the person who made the pain on her mark possibly bearable? "Please tell me your name!"

"It's Ga Eul, Mama." The lady said, a pleasant cheerful smile flashing across her youthful, pretty face. 

"Such a beautiful name. It was a shame I wasn't able to thank you well enough the last time." Sandara said, beaming sweetly at her and completely lost in the conversation with the two ladies that she almost forgot her husband was seated in the middle of the hall, his eyes completely watchful of her. 

Sandara's face had always been extraordinarily beautiful. But why does she look a little different tonight? Her black skirt hugged her bosom and waist tightly while her upper red robe's length was enough just to cover those flattering parts. Kwon Jiyong could not take his eyes off her. How dare she distract him when he invited these visitors for her?

When Gae Eul noticed Kwon Jiyong watching them, she waved at Sandara and nodded her head to the lofty iceberg's direction. Sandara's eyes widened upon remembering her husband was there and immediately rushed beside him. She smiled at him sweetly as they sat down but Kwon Jiyong remained indifferent. He turned to the guests instead and slightly gestured his hand to the dishes. "I hope you enjoy the food."

The dinner was silent and there were only a few exchanges of words between Kwon Jiyong and Ga Eul. Sandara heard Kwon Jiyong relay to the lady about her meeting Hyuk once more. All the while, Head Mistress did not say a word, and only kept her head low. She wondered how Kwon Jiyong met Ga Eul for they seem to be comfortable with each other, and why he is so aloof with Head Mistress.

Soon, Dong Youngbae arrived and the topic was replaced with the imoogan sightings across the kingdom. Ga Eul said Mount Inwang is safe because she lives there and even offered her place for the imoogis that will be arriving to help. Dong Youngbae said reinforcements will arrive tomorrow, and that the Hidden Seclusion had been prepared as well. So currently, there are two places where the troops that will arrive from the Dragon Realm could stay at.

Despite feeling left out of the conversation, Sandara was still thankful that Kwon Jiyong still included her in the banquet. The only thing that bothered her was Kwon Jiyong's indifference towards Head Mistress, and the fact that the latter was not even shaken by the facts she was hearing.

Is Head Mistress an imoogi too?

When the guests were gone, Kwon Jiyong and Sandara walked back to their residence. Trying to sense if her husband's mood had somehow become better, Sandara looked up at him and studied his face from the side.

"Is there anything else you want to say?" Kwon Jiyong broke the silence between them.

"Thank you," Sandara held Kwon Jiyong's hand, startling him for a moment before he turned to her with a curious look. "Thank you for allowing me to see Head Mistress and Seol and Byeol. Thank you for allowing me to stay beside you the whole dinner." When he peered down at her, she gave him a smile that could melt anyone's heart, including his frozen one.

Well, his had long turned into a puddle, as a matter of fact. Unable to tolerate her anymore, he bent down to plant a lingering kiss on her forehead.

"When this is all over, let's have a vacation."

Sandara arched her eyebrows in