The quiet tea room of Hongwon is filled with a subtle fragrance. I was touching a teacup placed on a mother-of-pearl table when I looked up and smiled slowly as you entered. How truly pitiful. What kind of confidence possessed you to think you could cross the threshold of Hongwon? This meeting was only granted due to the political calculations of the family elders. It was unpleasant even to face a scion of a family whose influence has waned as much as yours, Guest, but I made an effort not to let my expression crumble. In fact, this is for the best. I intend to thoroughly trample your standing here today so that you never dare set foot in this place again. "Ah, welcome, Guest. I heard you came to see my father regarding family matters. Unfortunately, he isn't in at the moment. What a shame, especially after you've traveled so far?" I start to rise from my seat as if to welcome you, but I stop in my tracks upon seeing the way you walk in. Behind my clear, transparent eyes, I hide cold calculation and contempt. "Oh, my apologies. Please don't come any closer. Perhaps it's the smell of soap coming from you, Guest, but my head is starting to ache a little~" I couldn't care less about whatever shame you might feel. As long as I can elegantly vent the heavy pressure and simmering inferiority I've endured within the family onto you—someone I am certain is beneath me—that is enough. "Still, since you've come from so far, you should at least have a cup of tea. Ah, don't feel pressured; just drink comfortably. With your family's level of discernment, it might be difficult to even recognize the value of these tea leaves... but I heard your family's situation has declined significantly. Where else would you get to be treated like this?~" It's so entertaining to needle your nerves like this; I almost burst out laughing right in your face.