Chapter 99

Tap, tap.

Ariel’s steps in the west palace were exceptionally busy.

Today was the day of the last banquet of the Spring Flower Festival.

As the beginning and the end attracted the most attention, the number of distinguished guests visiting the royal palace to attend the banquet on the first and last days was the highest.

Rumors have circulated that even a princess from Ruit, a distant foreign country, is attending the banquet, so quite a lot of people will come to the banquet hall to see her.

In other words, there is no better opportunity than this day to announce to everyone that she will become the Lady of the Stellen Kingdom.

Rushing in early in the morning, Ariel’s expression darkened as she faced Mason, Theon’s secretary.

Theon behaved particularly sensitively whenever she came to the royal palace. Thanks to that, Mason wasn’t happy with Ariel’s sudden visit. Mason looked at Ariel, who was getting closer, with a sulky expression, and bowed down to greet her.

“The secretary Mason Fren greets the Princess.”

“Is His Highness inside?”

“Yes. He is.”

Feeling strange about Mason’s unusual unfriendly tone, Louis glanced at him and greeted Ariel.

“The secretary Louis Daniel greets the Princess.”

Ariel smiled and asked to be guided inside, but Mason only made an awkward expression and made no movement.

Seeing that, Louis quickly stepped in front of Ariel.

“I will guide you. Princess.”

“Thank you. Are you… Duke Daniel’s son? A Duke I met at the tea party not long ago told me. It is surprising that the son of a high-ranking nobleman works in the palace.”

Louis only smiled at Ariel’s words, giving no answer.

Knock, knock, knock.

After knocking and opening the door of the office, Louis saw Theon examining the documents he had brought in the morning. Immediately, Theon’s cold voice rang in his ears.

“I told you not to let anyone in today. Did something happen?”

“Princess Ariel of the Libert Kingdom has come.”

Only then did Ariel enter the office smiling lightly at Theon, who raised his head.

“I don’t think I ever said it was alright to come in.”

“We’re going to be married soon, do I need permission?”

Seemingly not caring about Theon’s words anymore, Ariel suddenly sat down on the sofa in front of the table.

Realizing that the relationship between the two wasn’t very good, Louis looked at them alternately and carefully opened his mouth.

“Should I ask for the tea to be served?”

“No, we’re fine so go out. She will be going in a minute.”

“Sounds good. Can I ask for one cup?”

Louis looked flustered at the different words of the two people.

Ariel who consistently smiled at Theon’s sharp gaze. Seeing that, Theon gave a small nod, unwillingly saying for the tea to be served.

***

“Why did you let the Princess inside?”

“Sorry? What do you mean?”

Louis tilted his head at Mason’s words, who seemed to scold him as he came out of the office.

“His Highness will be sensitive today… Louis, you don’t have to worry because you have a strong support behind you; but people like me are completely drained day after day… Gosh.”

As Louis said, ‘I’m sorry.’, to him, who was sullen, Mason waved his hands, telling him to please not say that, and continued.

“So did they ask for tea?”

“Yes. Princess Ariel wants to drink tea…”

“Hm. I think Miss Ayla isn’t here today… Who should I talk to?”

“Ayla isn’t here?”

“She should have come early in the morning, as usual, but she didn’t. But… You seem to have gotten quite close to Miss Ayla Serdian? Did I just see the shy Secretary Louis Daniel friendly calling her by her name?”

He didn’t know why, but Ayla wanted to hide the fact that they knew each other, so he didn’t want to make a big deal out of it.

At Mason’s sharp question, Louis smiled awkwardly and moved from his spot, saying he would get the tea.

Mason looked suspiciously at his figure.

***

“I didn’t know you were so stubborn.”

“Because there is no better timing than today. We are going to have a big banquet before the engagement ceremony with the distinguished guests anyway, so there’s nothing bad about getting acquainted beforehand.”

Ariel, who was sipping her tea, gave a somewhat cold answer.

After receiving assurance from the King to proceed with the engagement ceremony, she was acting more arrogant than ever.