Chapter 43.1

Chapter 43.1

“People’s sympathy shouldn’t be misunderstood like that.”

Ara retorted boldly and confidently.

Seok-kyung’s words seemed more like a criticism, but strangely, she didn’t feel offended. It even felt like an honest expression of something deeper.

“Honestly, your personality is really weird. You could just say something if you like it.”

Ara unconsciously thought Seok-kyung was slightly cute, then immediately shocked herself at such a ridiculous thought.

Am I crazy? What could be cute about a goblin who can’t say a single nice thing…

“And what does it matter to you how I use my heart? Whether someone uses it narrowly or generously, I’ll use it however I want.”

Feeling defensive, Ara confronted Seok-kyung with a brazen expression.

Perhaps because her words weren’t entirely wrong, Seok-kyung responded with a low sigh.

“Anyway, shall we go home?”

“Yes.”

Ara quickly changed the subject and stood up.

Seok-kyung waited until Ara looked around the room with a slightly wistful expression, and only after she crossed the threshold did he follow her out and close the door.

They walked again through the long, quiet hallway. This time, Ara led the way, with Seok-kyung following behind.

“What are your impressions?”

The low voice interjected when they had already passed about half the corridor.

“Impressions of what?”

Ara turned back and asked. Seok-kyung clicked his tongue and crossed his arms.

“As the first human to enter the goblin palace, don’t you have anything you’ve noticed or felt?”

Why didn’t he just say that earlier?

Ara turned her gaze back forward and raised one hand, extending her index finger.

“Well, first, the food was incredibly delicious. The tea and snacks too. I want to come eat again.”

Her middle finger followed.

“The garden was also incredibly beautiful. I thought it was a different kind of scenic beauty from the goblin realm’s garden.”

Her ring finger stretched out next.

“Oh, Baek-mok is such a nice goblin. Beautiful, competent, and doesn’t play mean tricks like some others.”

Now it was time for her pinky finger.

“And…”

Ara naturally went to extend her little finger to continue her list, but suddenly clenched her fist and dropped her hand.

“Never mind.”

“What is it?”

“I told you, it’s nothing.”

“Didn’t I say it before? You really can’t lie.”

“Don’t talk about other people. Am I worse at lying than you?”

Just as Ara was pouting and snorting, a deep shadow approached from behind. In an instant, Seok-kyung closed the distance by a step and blocked her path. When he stopped abruptly, Ara also halted like a car hitting emergency brakes.

“Speak. How can you be so cowardly and stop midway?”

“I don’t want to.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t want to.”

Her resolute answer made Seok-kyung furrow his brow. Ha, he couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh.

‘What reason is there for not liking something? I don’t like it, so I don’t like it.’

Ara’s words reminded him of his own recent childish behavior.

Why does he keep acting so immature in front of this woman…

While thinking this, Seok-kyung gestured with his eyes at the necklace around Ara’s neck.

“I’ll break that if you don’t speak.”

Ara lowered her head following his gaze, then looked up at him with a confident expression.

“I know this isn’t a bomb device.”

She lightly picked up the softly glowing jewel and smiled leisurely.

“A protection charm, right? Made from your own life.”

“….”

Seok-kyung was momentarily speechless. A faint hint of embarrassment seemed to color his handsome face before his gaze shifted sideways.

“Baek-mok is saying unnecessary things again…”

The end of his voice was barely audible, trailing off into a blurry mumble.

“It’s not such a big deal. Don’t misunderstand.”

“Misunderstanding? What misunderstanding?”

Ara asked.

Seok-kyung opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it again and let out a deep sigh.

Why was he being so precisely targeted today? It was like a battlefield without weapons.

“Anyway, finish what you were going to say earlier.”

“I don’t want to…”

“Ten billion. Seems like it’s not needed anymore?”

Ara, who had been stubbornly trying to resist, frowned deeply.

This cowardly goblin was bringing up her weakness?

Her cheeks, which had turned slightly pink with emotion, looked displeased.

“That’s really low. Are you threatening me with money?”

“Whether it’s low or generous, it’s my money and I’ll use it as I please. What concern is that of yours?”