Chapter 74

If the situation remained like this, the Stellen Kingdom was on the verge of losing its territory to Pella without an internal uprising or a single war happening.

However, the King, who wanted to keep his power, pretended not to know what was happening and didn’t take any countermeasures.

It was beyond the young and inexperienced Crown Prince’s capabilities to stand up against this alone.

To prevent the situation from aggravating, they had no choice but to use a method like the one they used.

“Do you want me to believe that?”

When she finished speaking, Ayla looked suspiciously at Theon.

“There’s nothing I can do if you don’t believe it. In my situation, that was the best way.”

What he had told her was top-level classified information among classified information.

High-ranking nobles and other nobles were blinded by wealth and power and were setting up a huge scheme within the kingdom.

It was an unbelievably shocking story, but there were no lies in his eyes as he continued speaking calmly. Can she really… Trust him?

The Count of Serdian was always satisfied with what he had and got rid of his greed.

Even if the count received one more silver coin as change, he went back the way he came and returned it to its owner.

After hearing about the fallen nobles, she became more and more convinced that maybe her father had been accused thanks to someone’s scheme.

She turned her head and looked at Theon, who looked exhausted, somehow feeling sorry for him.

He tried not to show it and speak calmly, but it must have been very difficult mentally as it showed in his eyes.

“You must have been… Very lonely.”

“What do you mean?”

“Exactly what I said. I just thought… It must have been difficult to deal with it alone.”

“Pfft.”

‘What’s with that punk. Why is he laughing like that?’

Sneakily looking at Theon, who was holding his forehead with his fingers as if he were reminiscing, Ayla made an effort to maintain her current feelings.

***

Theon always seemed to walk on thin ice.

There was no one who worked for him entirely or helped him.

Many praised him for making a contribution in the massacre against the wizards from Pella, but then turned around and avoided him, calling him a heinous murderer.

Even his brother Kyle, whom he shared his childhood with, disregarded him, saying Theon was shameless for stealing his position.

Even though they knew Theon’s magic was out of control, the current King and his father, Todd Ermedi, made him take the lead in the massacre.

He was thoroughly used by his blood relatives for their own benefit.

The lives he took inside that cave still torment and devastate Theon every night.

Having been talking while pretending nothing was wrong, Theon’s eyes shook a little at Ayla’s calm words, which seemed to be considerate of him.

Ayla and Theon kept a heavy silence, looking into each other’s eyes without any facial expression.

Knock knock.

A knock coming from outside broke the silence between the two.

Before long, a tall man came in through the open door.

“I am the newly appointed secretary. Greetings. Your Highness.”

Surprisingly, the person who introduced itself as the newly appointed secretary was Louis Daniel.

“You came at the right moment. I had something to tell you.”

Seeing Louis, Theon changed the mood and smiled lightly.

‘Why is he here again?’

Ayla, who couldn’t imagine he would really come to the royal palace looking for a job, was greatly shocked as he made his appearance.

Ayla’s mouth, which opened slightly as she faced Louis, clearly revealed her change in emotions.

Louis tilted his head towards her and smiled. As if asking why she was so surprised.

Soon, Louis walked towards the desk where Theon was sitting.

Ayla glanced at Louis, who was standing next to her.

Theon, who had been looking at the two of them without saying a word, frowned and loosened the necktie he was wearing.

“Please, tell me. Your Highness.”

Louis, standing in front of Theon, spoke in a slow voice.

Theon beckoned at Ayla, who was standing there unable to move, gesturing towards the door as if telling her to leave.

“Ah… I’ll get going. Should I prepare some tea in case you need it?”

“It’s fine.”

Ayla bowed towards Theon and spoke, pretending not to know Louis.

Understanding Ayla’s intentions, Louis also gave a small nod.

‘Good job. You punk.’

With a satisfied smile, Ayla walked out of the office.

There was silence inside the office Ayla had left.

There was an unknown tension between the two people.

“Your acting is awkward.”

“It seems I have been caught.”

“Unfortunately.”

At Theon’s words, Louis smiled silently.

***