Elysia's group arrived at the Hong Clan's mansion. Their arrival was greeted with proper formality and hospitality.
For some reason, the situation in that place was somewhat stiff and awkward. However, it wasn't a problem for Elysia or anyone else in her group as they didn't want to get involved in complicated matters.
Unlike Erina's expectation, it wasn't a banquet party to express gratitude but a dinner party attended by only Hong Clan's core members, mainly the patriarch's close ones.
Elysia and Erina exchanged some courtesy and pleasantries with the patriarch's family, but they only ate a few dishes. They already feel full because of the earlier city tour, after all.
"Why did you barely touch your dinner? Did our dishes not suit your taste buds?" The patriarch asked in wonder.
"My apologies, we can't afford another full course. We've had enough this afternoon."
^^