Seojun gently placed the teacup back on the wooden table and turned his calm gaze toward the village chief. His voice was steady as he asked, "Where is Areum Jung?"
The chief let out a deep sigh, the kind that carried years of unspoken thoughts. His eyes, which had once looked tired but now held a quiet strength, softened with regret.
"She doesn't want to return to your academy," the chief said, shaking his head slowly. "I've spoken with her many times, tried to persuade her gently and sometimes more firmly… but the answer never changes. She prefers to stay here."
He leaned back in his chair, looking out of the window where a breeze carried the light scent of grass and wood smoke.
"This village is her home now. She loves it deeply. She says this is where she belongs."
