Looking down at the bundle and round hat in her arms, Hwayeong asked,
“So... I just hand it over, go inside, and get it back right away?”
“No. It’ll take a few hours to inspect. They’ll bring it in once it’s cleared.”
“...Why?”
“To check for poison. Or anything else suspicious.”
In other words, they’d poke and prod everything, maybe even stir it up with silver spoons.
Hwayeong made a face. She wouldn’t have minded if it were food meant for herself—but this bundle wasn’t just for her.
After a moment’s hesitation, she abruptly turned toward Sinyeong, a sly glint in her eye.
She flashed him a dazzling, utterly fake smile.
“Your Highneeeess?”
Alarmed by the sudden sugary tone, Sinyeong instinctively stepped back.
“What now?”
“Would you mind...?”
Hwayeong held the bundle out toward him with both hands, looking as meek and ladylike as he’d ever seen her.
The sight made him instinctively flinch in suspicion.
“...You want me to carry that?” he asked warily.
