The family dinner had begun, with the entire guesthouse rented out.

My father sat at the head of the table, naturally, with Lady Mi beside him. The empty seat next to her was probably reserved for the First Elder.

Gu Hee-bi and Gu Yeon-seo were already seated, though Yeon-seo’s eyes were red, as if she’d been crying.

So far, nothing seemed amiss.

It was understandable for her to cry, perhaps from seeing Lady Mi after a long time, or maybe for some other reason. But what caught my attention was something else entirely.

‘Why are they here?’

I had expected …