Chapter 18

Although the work was overwhelming, for some reason she intentionally kept running away to avoid Owen, who kept trying to approach her, which contributed greatly to her injuries.

Ayla squinted her eyes at the stinging sensation and carefully took off her shoes.

Sure enough, red drops of blood flowed down the pure white skin.

Ayla put the gauze she had brought beforehand over the wound.

Soon after, she picked up a large bottle of champagne and walked towards the banquet hall.

“Is there anything a little bit stronger?”

Ayla frowned and closed her lips firmly at the young man’s voice behind her back.

‘Is it another drunkard… It’s a headache.’

Even at the banquet hall she had been dealing with a group of drunk people who were looking for hard liquor, so she felt tired just from hearing the voice calling her.

But she must do her work, so what can she do?

Ayla let out a small sigh and gave a commercial smile.

“Something… Stronger?”

When Ayla turned around, a young man who did not match the banquet hall came into her eyes.

Judging from his condition, fortunately, he did not seem to be drunk.

The strange thing is that the man in front of her looked like he was going to a battlefield right away, instead of the banquet hall.

‘Is there any fruit in this town that makes you handsome? Why is everyone so handsome…’

Though covered by his shaggy silver hair, his eyes looked like those of a wolf.

The bright gray eyes, like his silver hair, were distinguished features that could not be seen in the Stellen Kingdom.

Who on earth is he?

He didn’t seem to be a noble but, when she remembered she almost had a death sentence for running her mouth, Ayla spoke with the utmost courtesy, without showing her emotions.

“Nothing is prepared at this moment. Should I bring you something else?”

“Hm… Anything else is fine, can we talk for a moment?”

“!”

***

Because of what he saw, Theon’s expression wasn’t good.

Kyle was at the spot where he was staring at, frowning.

At first glance, the dark blue hair was untidy due to his long battlefield life. Kyle’s dark brown eyes were fixed on Theon.

“It’s been a while, brother.”

“I didn’t know you were coming. I’m surprised.”

“It’s a one-of-a-kind occasion to congratulate my little brother, of course I would come. I came after finishing reconnaissance and they’re holding a banquet, how come I… Doesn’t it seem like no one welcomes me even when I come back from the battlefield?”

“That’s absurd. Brother.”

“You look very good for someone who’s taking someone else’s place.”

“It wasn’t Brother’s place to begin with.”

Smiling at each other, they seemed to be on very good terms.

At least in the eyes of other people.

However, in the eyes of the two men who looked alike and were strangely different, there was a murderous look towards each other.

***

Clash!

“W-What the…?”

Ayla let go of the champagne bottle she had been holding.

The unknown man skillfully embraced Ayla’s waist and spoke.

“I believe you thought I was handsome when you looked at me a while ago?”

“I-It’s a misunderstanding. Please let go of me.”

“No matter how perfect I am, such a gaze is troublesome.”

Feeling the gentle gaze of the man, Ayla hurriedly avoided his eyes.

‘Even if you are correct, this isn’t right, isn’t it?’

Is it because she was embarrassed? Countless words that came to her mind didn’t actually come out of her mouth.

“Come on, tell me. You fell in love with my perfect appearance.”

Taking advantage of her confusion, the man’s face was gradually narrowing the distance.

With a playful smile.

“Ayla Serdian?”

When the distance between the two was short, a familiar voice was heard from behind them.

Only then did the man release his hand around Ayla’s waist, with an expression of regret.

Looking at Ayla, who was standing there, blankly, the man smiled lightly and walked down the hallway, leaving the words ‘See you again.’

“Who was that?”

The owner of the familiar voice was Louis.

Louis didn’t usually change his emotions, but this time was an exception.

Louis stared at Ayla, holding her trembling hands.

“I don’t… Know.”

“Someone you don’t know does that kind of thing?!”

“…”

Louis’ blue eyes shook incessantly, fixed on Ayla.

Soon after, Louis’ firm arms pulled Ayla’s body violently and locked her in his embrace.

***