CH 229

He had already turned his gaze to the clock several times. By the time his patience had reached the limit, Theon stopped his regular finger tapping and slowly opened his mouth.

"When did you say the ball was?"

"In exactly four days."

"You can't postpone it, can you?"

"Sorry? Postpone it?"

"Exactly what I said. The schedule overlaps."

As if Mason's reaction was frustrating, Theon, who was frowning, swept up his well-groomed hair.

Mason blinked at Theon's nonsensical words and let out a groan.

Although he was thinking about something, he never thought he would be thinking about this nonsense. Mason glanced at Theon silently.

"You told me to deal with it urgently. I have already sent all the invitations, and the distinguished guests have announced their intention to attend…"

"You are efficient at times like these."

"I am always efficient. Your Highness."

"Let's just say that. Ugh, there's no way to do this."

"Is anything troubling you?"

"I think I will have to be absent."

"That is not possible. His Majesty the King has also announced his intention to attend this event."

"…"

Theon bit his lips silently at Mason's determined voice.

He was thinking about joining Ayla in the confrontation with the Libro community in four days.

However, considering the situation, it seemed to be in vain.

The information they had about the Libro community was scarce, and even negative.

He couldn't figure out what was going to happen since they were a community that dealt with magic.

It wasn't that he couldn't trust Orhan. But the risk was big with those two alone.

Even Orhan, who had excellent abilities, could not deal with magic with his body.

"Hm."

A groan naturally escaped Theon's mouth.

In order to bring in new people, he would need to share some of the progress and plans so far…

It wasn't very reliable to send someone else.

If things got tangled up in the slightest, everything they have done so far would be for nothing. There were too many risks to take.

The long-awaited reunion with Count Serdian had reached its peak.

They had no choice but to be cautious.

There was a need for someone who could be trusted, who was at the same time free to travel and was strong.

One person suddenly flashed through his mind.

Theon shook his head and muttered to himself.

"No. That can't be."

"Exactly. Well thought out. I can't believe you were thinking of being absent when His Majesty is coming!"

‘I'm not talking about that.'

Theon turned to Mason, who added while standing next to him, with a bitter look, and then cleared his thoughts again.

Although he said no, there was no other way to conclude this.

Theon himself knew that fact better than anyone else.

It was not something that could be swayed by personal feelings.

She could lose her life.

Therefore, he had to choose the best way, for now.

After clearing up his thoughts for a moment, he slowly opened his mouth.

"Tell Eden to come here."

***

The gazes of the two people who faced each other were filled with coldness.

Would anyone think this was a relationship between master and servant?

Eden's attitude towards Theon showed no inhibitions. At all.

"I'm going to entrust you with something very important."

Theon smiled cynically and opened his mouth.

"Is there anything more important than protecting your life?"

"It's something as precious as my life."

"…"

"From the look on your face, I see you already understood."

"Is it related to Ayla?"

"If that's the case, is there a problem?"

Theon's words were short but powerful.

Eden's eyes, who was being sarcastic just a moment ago, started twitching a little as Ayla's name was mentioned.

Eden tried to keep his composure and continued.

"There is no problem. What do you want me to do?"

"I want you to accompany Ayla, in four days."

"Where?"

"The Libro Community of Merchants."

"Libro… It's notoriously popular among knights. Are you saying Ayla is going to such a dangerous place alone?"

"I would like to accompany her, but unfortunately, I'm tied up pretty tightly."

Although he was speaking calmly, Theon's slightly trembling voice represented his anxiousness.

The corners of Eden's mouth crept up.

His silver eyes as he looked at Theon were challenging.

"Do you trust me?"

"That's a very important question. I'm worried about that, too. I trust the knight Eden, but I can't trust the man Eden."

Eden let out a small snort at Theon's meaningful words.

It was a silent warning not to touch his woman.

Eden slowly swept up his messy hair and continued.

"Either way, you can trust me. I'm not audacious enough to covet my master's lover."

"That's a satisfactory answer."

"I'll make preparations."

Eden bowed his head towards Theon, and then turned around.

"Please… take care of Ayla. It's ridiculous, but you're the only one I can trust."

Behind Eden's cold, hardened back, Theon's voice, which had lost strength compared to a moment ago, was heard.

"Yes."

Eden replied briefly to Theon, who seemed to be asking for his understanding.

An extremely bitter smile hung on Eden's mouth as he headed out the door.

***