Chapter 213

The two women sitting opposite each other only looked at each other and kept their silence.

What on earth was the connection between the two?

Theon, who was sitting in the middle, tilted his head as if he did not understand the situation.

The talks had already been pushed back.

Estella wanted a private meeting, and even told the secretaries to leave.

But she was stopped by Theon.

“Estelle… Why are you here?”

“Why is the leader of the community here…”

“…”

Watching the conversation between the two, Theon’s expression distorted slightly.

“Are you acquainted with Ayla?”

“We… We met at the square.”

“If she was at the square… I don’t think the Queen would have been given permission to pass.”

“…”

As wars were frequent, the Stellen Kingdom was paying close attention to security.

In order for foreigners to visit the Stellen Kingdom, they needed permission to pass.

Was it in a territory of the Stellen Kingdom at a time when permission was not granted?

It was a problem that could even lead to invasion if things were taken seriously.

There was no way the clever queen could not have known about it.

He had heard rumors that she embarrassed the secretaries with her eccentric behavior, but he didn’t know it would be like this.

A pleasant smile appeared on Theon’s lips.

It was now his side that had grabbed the victory.

“I was just curious about the life of the Stellen Kingdom, so I took a look around. There was no other meaning. I hope you won’t make a problem out of this.”

Estella changed her posture.

His confident attitude was enough to make her fall for it.

Theon, who had been smiling all the time, slowly lowered the corners of his mouth.

Theon’s authoritative voice filled the conference room.

“Alright. Let’s not bring up this matter any further.”

“As expected, you are wise.”

Estella smirked and squinted her eyes.

Theon Ermedi, the Crown Prince of the Stellen Kingdom, was an excellent negotiator.

There is no way he would let it go so easily.

“In return, I have a condition.”

As expected. Estella nodded and waited for his next words.

“Tell me in detail what happened that day with Count Serdian. No matter what, I think there is an unfair victim.”

“Why should I do that? It was an incident that brought shame to the Raff Kingdom. Even if there is an unfair victim, it has nothing to do with us.”

Estella, who was sitting with her legs crossed, snorted and spoke.

She was completely right.

Even if there was a victim, it had nothing to do with Raff.

For that reason, there was also no obligation to re-examine the case.

As expected, she was not an easy opponent.

At Estella’s sarcastic attitude, Theon bit his lips without saying a word.

“I need the Queen’s testimony.”

“…”

Ayla, who was watching their conversation, cautiously opened her mouth.

The eyes of the two quickly shook at the sight of Ayla getting down on her knees.

Theon hurriedly got up from his seat to get Ayla off the cold floor.

Ayla shook off Theon’s hands as he approached her and maintained her posture.

Seeing that, the corners of Estella’s eyes narrowed.

“Please… Please tell us in detail what happened that day. I apologize if I was rude at the mansion. I’m begging you.”

“Don’t be like this. Helena.”

“I am not Helena. I am Ayla, the daughter of Count Serdian, who was involved in the Queen’s tribute case. I think my Father was falsely accused. It’s something very important to me.”

“…”

“Please… Please have mercy. Because my parents disappeared, I couldn’t even find out if it was true or not. In an instant, everything collapsed. Please… Help me.”

Hot tears rolled down Ayla’s cheeks.

Did her sincerity reach her? A change was taking place in Estella’s expression.

“What if… it was really the Count’s doing? Is Miss Ayla ready to handle all the facts? If the things you have been denying are true, the pain will be multiplied.”

“If I was afraid of that, I wouldn’t even have started this in the first place.”

Contrary to the tears that flowed down, Ayla’s voice was strong.

There was no faltering in her attitude.

A shallow sigh escaped from between Theon’s lips, who was looking at her sadly.

Estella, who had been organizing her thoughts for a moment with her eyes closed, opened her red lips.

“Ugh. Alright.”

“!”

“Estella always pays back her debts. I should give a present to a girl with a good heart. I will tell you the details of that day.”

Although she didn’t know whether it was a present or a nightmare…

A bitter smile appeared on Estella’s lips as she finished speaking.

***

Swoosh.

It was a very rainy day.

She was not happy to see the winter rain pouring down for two days in a row.

A cold breath escaped from between Estella’s lips as she adjusted the fur robe she was wearing.

‘Why did you come out? The weather is very cold. What will you do if you catch a cold…’

‘It’s frustrating to be inside all day. I heard an important guest is coming from the Stellen Kingdom.’

The secretary’s worried eyes turned towards her.

It seemed she had been outside for some time, as the tip of Estella’s nose was dyed red.

‘Compared to the Raff Kingdom, the winters in the Stellen Kingdom are cold and long. Go inside, quickly.’

‘It will soon be the appointed time. Even if it’s a waste to wait, I’ll stay here.’

‘But, my Queen…’

‘I’m fine, so don’t worry.’

After speaking, Estella smiled brightly at the secretary.

It was the first tribute she had received since ascending to the throne as the queen.

Even if she didn’t express her feelings, she couldn’t help but look forward to it.

Rattle, rattle.

A carriage boasting impressive patterns cut through the rain.

The huge carriage showed off its presence by making a loud noise from afar.

Estella’s red eyes sparkled with vitality like never before.

Her body, which had been immobile until a moment ago, moved quickly.

A neatly dressed middle-aged man came down from the carriage that had stopped in front of the mansion.

‘My name is Count Jaden Serdian, the treasurer. It is an honor to meet the Queen.’

‘It must have been difficult to come such a long way.’

‘The time got delayed due to the rain. I apologize for keeping you waiting.’

‘Don’t worry about it. It is quite cold. Let’s stop the greetings here and go inside.’

A small smile appeared on the Count’s lips as he looked at the tip of Estella’s nose.

***