Chapter 214

The atmosphere between the two of them was always friendly.

Her first impression of Count Serdian was that he was good-natured.

His manner of speaking was gentle, and his actions were dignified.

The neatly pulled-back black hair added to the Count’s profound charm.

The Count’s simple attire seemed to represent his principled character.

She didn’t know that someone like him would do such a terrific thing.

As she recalled the past, the corners of Estella’s lips fell heavily.

“After that, the formalities proceeded. Formalities such as being handed over the box brought by Count Serdian and confirming the tribute.”

“…”

Deep darkness spread over Ayla’s face as she listened to Estella.

Was it a vain expectation, in the end?

In her words, there was nothing that indicated he wasn’t Count Serdian.

There was no difference in her father’s favorite clothes, hairstyle, tone of voice, and even small habits.

Suddenly.

It felt like there was something hot in her throat, suffocating her.

The edge of Ayla’s eyes, who had been silently biting her lips, turned red.

“Trivial things are good too. Please tell me even the smallest things.”

“Hm.”

Estella, who was looking at Ayla, frowned slightly.

She, who had remained silent, turned her gaze to the teacup on the table.

A sweet fruity scent wafted through the hot steam.

As if she had thought of something, Estella’s red eyes moved busily.

“Peach tea.”

“?”

“We drank peach tea. I remember that Count Serdian liked it.”

“He liked peach tea?”

“He said it is a rare tea that is difficult to find in the Stellen Kingdom, and that he likes it very much.”

“That can’t be…”

Ayla tilted her head and blurred her words.

She hesitated and then continued in a firm voice.

“My Father doesn’t eat peaches.”

“What do you mean?”

“When he eats peaches, he gets rashes all over his body.”

There’s no way he could have drunk that.

Their cold gazes met.

***

Theon loosened the tie he was wearing at the stuffy atmosphere that surrounded the interior.

Ayla’s concern for Theon was evident in her gaze as she looked at him.

Estella’s deep, dark eyes naturally turned to the two of them.

There was no exchange of words, but she could tell.

It was no ordinary relationship.

The meeting between the daughter of a fallen family and the family that led to their ruin…

Even if it was unrealistic, it was too unrealistic.

Estella, who frowned, spoke to Ayla.

“Miss Ayla. Can you give us a moment? I have something to talk about with His Highness.”

“Ah… Yes. I have no tact. Thank you for helping me. You were a great help.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Turning her body around, Ayla’s footsteps headed out of the meeting room.

At the same time, Estella’s cold gaze was fixed on Theon.

Estella’s red eyes were full of hostility towards the Stellen Kingdom.

“Impersonation… It’s a fun thing.”

“I’m embarrassed because it’s something I didn’t even think of.”

Estella’s gaze at Theon became more docile than before.

She wanted to reprimand him for running state affairs like this, but she couldn’t.

Seeing his bewildered look, it seemed that he was not wrong in saying that he hadn’t even thought of it.

That’s understandable.

Who would have imagined that the person who faked their identity would look for the queen of another country?

“So what are you going to do?”

Estella shrugged her shoulders and continued.

“Tracking down the person in question should come first.”

“If that’s the case, I’ll help.”

“?”

“Aren’t I the only one who knows his face?”

“At this moment… that’s right.”

“So, I will help you.”

Theon tilted his head at Estella’s amicable attitude.

Whatever happened, it was an incident that lowered Estella’s dignity.

There was no way she would actively engage in something like this without receiving anything in return.

Theon twitched his eyebrows, as if he knew her intentions, and spoke.

“As expected… You are smart. I understand what you’re saying. The agreement adjustment that will be held at this meeting fully accepts Raff’s wishes.”

“I think you misunderstood what I was saying.”

“If there is anything you want, feel free to tell me. I will accept anything, as long as it’s acceptable.”

“I am not asking for a political reward. Of course, there is no way I am interested in the situation of the Stellen Kingdom. I’m just paying off the debt I owe Miss Ayla. I hope you don’t read too much into it.”

Estella gave a pretty smile to Theon, who was looking at her with a blank expression.

***

How many hours has it been already?

Estella’s gaze at Ayla was blatant.

Even if she pretended not to notice Estella, who raised her eyebrows in response to her movements and made a strange expression, she was reaching her limit.

‘Why on earth is she like that?’

Ayla, who glanced at Estella, frowned slightly.

It would have been normal for her to go to the south palace, where the distinguished guests stayed, but this time was an exception.

Theon gave her part of the west palace to reflect her wish that she did not want to have contact with others.

She could find plenty of other things to do, so why was she chasing after her and monitoring her?

She couldn’t understand Estella, who was only being playful, at all.

Squeak, squeak.

Ayla squeezed the dry cloth she was holding and wiped the stains off the window.