Chapter 136

At the sound of metal ringing in his ear, Theon glanced at the dressing table and smiled softly.

Ayla got up immediately and took a seat at the table, across from where Theon was sitting.

As if he had been waiting, Theon handed a few documents to Ayla.

As she slowly examined the documents handed to her, Ayla’s eyes began to twinkle.

“It’s the list of tributes the Baron will bring tomorrow.”

“I think Baron Noir is going to steal the tribute.”

“If Baron Noir steals the tribute… This seems the most likely.”

As Ayla finished speaking, the words ‘Queen’s Elegance’ burst out of their mouths at the same time as if they had made a promise.

As if satisfied with the current situation, Theon smiled at Ayla.

The blue gem the size of a thumb, called ‘Queen’s Elegance’, emits a different glow depending on the light. The ‘Queen’s Elegance’ was one of the precious jewels of the Stellen Kingdom because of its brilliant color.

Since Zenia was visiting from the distant Ruit, they had to give her this much tribute so that both the Stellen Kingdom and Ruit would stand by each other. Literally, the ‘Queen’s Elegance’ was one of the most adequate items to be given as a tribute.

It couldn’t be excluded from the tributes that were brought because it is an expensive jewel; but if a counterfeit product was brought, it would be a different story.

“Will Baron Noir bring a counterfeit?”

“Maybe… The real Queen’s Elegance has a small groove behind it. If they made a counterfeit, they wouldn’t intentionally make a groove on it. Because they think that the value of the jewel will decrease if it has a small flaw.”

“But… It is also a problem if they resell the tribute.”

“Don’t worry about that. I have already bribed some talented people.”

As Ayla winked at Theon as if she were satisfied, Theon shook his head while touching his forehead.

‘You lived as Zenia and your flirtatiousness increased…’

Theon’s displeased expression as he looked at Ayla clearly showed his feelings.

***

Ayla’s expression when she faced Baron Noir wasn’t very good.

The incomprehensible fashion he wore was always burdensome.

Does blood even flow through those legs?

She was worried that they might explode if he sat down.

‘He would be very embarrassed.’, muttering to herself, Ayla looked at Baron Noir’s pants. Soon after, Ayla greeted Baron Noir with a beautiful smile.

“Welcome. It must have been difficult to come such a long way.”

“Not at all. I was rude the other day.”

‘You still seem rude?’

The Baron’s mouth was directed at Ayla, but his gaze was on her exposed chest.

Theon, who was watching them from behind, frowned slightly.

Because Theon also had makeup on his skin, thanks to Ayla’s help, Baron Noir didn’t seem to recognize him.

This morning, Theon had a full-fledged battle with Orhan over Ayla’s outfit.

As expected, his prediction was correct, and Baron Noir’s blatant gaze was very disappointing.

There was no fabric on her clearly exposed shoulders. The dress, which barely covered her chest and closely adhered to her body, revealed Ayla’s delicate body line as it was.

Despite Theon’s anger to change her clothes immediately, Orhan insisted that her outfits were his responsibility.

As for her, she had given up now, so she was grateful to just be given something to wear.

Well… It also looks pretty good on her?

“Go inside first.”

“Oh my, thank you. Secretary Orhan, was it? It’s so nice to see you again like this.”

He smirked and acted friendly towards Orhan, who was talking to the Baron with a stiff expression.

At Orhan’s attitude, who ignored his words and walked towards the living room, the Baron rubbed his hands awkwardly and let out a husky laughter.

As Ayla signaled him to come inside, Baron Noir blushed and hesitatingly stepped into the living room.

“Elin, please prepare the tea and dessert for Baron Noir.”

Ayla, who was sitting in the living room, instructed Elin to bring the tea.

As if she had been waiting, Elin quickly disappeared.

Baron Noir, who had maintained an awkward silence, opened his mouth towards Ayla.

“Princess Zenia was already beautiful in the banquet hall, but seeing you again like this is almost dazzling.”

“That’s enough, so let’s get to the point. Baron Devin Noir.”

Baron Noir, who flattered her, was unsightly.

Devin’s eyebrows twitched in response to Ayla’s ferocious reaction, and he gave her a strange smile.

“The Princess is impatient.”

“Because I don’t like wasting time.”

As Ayla gave a small handclap after she finished speaking, Orhan brought a pair of white cotton gloves and a magnifying glass used to distinguish jewels.

‘OK. I caught you.’

Baron Noir’s eyes started shaking slightly as he watched the situation.

At the same time, the corners of Ayla’s lips slightly curled up.

“As Ruit is famous for jewelry, counterfeit products are common. I’m just trying to make sure, so please don’t be offended.”

“Ah… Of course. I understand. I’m not offended. Ahem.”

It seemed that Baron Noir was too chicken-hearted to do this.

The Baron, who had blinked his eyes and showed signs of nervousness, purposely avoided Ayla’s gaze.