CH 231

The day he came to Theon's office flashed through her head.

Eden's expression changed sharply at Ayla's appearance, closing her mouth tightly as if she had become a sinner.

"Hey, you there."

Eden, who had remained silent for a while, called Orhan in a low, sinking voice.

Orhan's face quickly crumpled at Eden's attitude, which wasn't polite at all.

"My name is Orhan, not ‘you there'. Knight."

"Let's set up etiquette later and go in there first. How long are we going to stay here?"

Eden's finger pointed to the community entrance.

Orhan cynically reacted to Eden's challenging attitude and continued.

"Very well. I'll follow you, so you will lead the way."

"Orhan, how can I trust you? You know there's nothing more dangerous than an ambush?"

"Ah, then how can I trust you? You're still rude as before, aren't you? Address me properly. It's very unpleasant."

Eden's rude attitude made Orhan frown with a threatening look.

Eden laughed at him with mockery, as if it was ridiculous.

"If you want. At least I'll be the one with the better swordsmanship. Secretary."

"Enough, both of you."

The two men who were arguing stopped in an instant at Ayla's authoritative voice.

Her cold blue eyes stared at Eden and Orhan alternately.

"Orhan, you need to introduce us to the person facing you, so take the lead, and Eden, you follow his lead and be in charge of the escort, as you wanted."

"…"

"And, if you get fussy like this one more time… You'll do it on your own."

The two men shut their mouths at Ayla's strict attitude, which showed no signs of the previous anxiousness.

At the same time, the dark eyes that were watching the three of them disappeared between the curtains.

***

‘It's weird.'

Contrary to its extravagant exterior, the surroundings at the community were only serene.

It was like an uncultivated wasteland where you couldn't feel a single presence.

There were no signs of the usual guards, nor was anyone else entering or leaving the community.

The three people's eyes narrowed as they looked at the closed iron door.

[Four days later, 6 p.m.]

Ayla opened her mouth as she looked at the piece of paper in her hand.

"What time is it?"

"It's almost the appointed time."

Looking at the pocket watch he was holding, Orhan spoke in a formal voice.

At the back, Eden showed a boring look as he touched the hilt on his waist.

Screech.

At that moment, the firmly closed iron door opened on its own.

As if telling them to come inside, since it had been waiting for them.

Ayla's shoulders shook a little at the cold air that grazed her spine.

As they went inside, bewildered, the interior of the community was filled with damp and musty smells.

The dark interior was filled with fog, making it difficult to get a clear view.

Eden's soft voice was heard behind Ayla's back as she hesitated.

"It's dark, so be careful."

"Don't worry about it. There's a lamp down there, so I can see ahead."

"You can hold it if you're scared. I don't give permission to anyone, but I'll give it to you in particular."

Eden reached out his large hand towards Ayla with an expression of unknown intent.

While convinced that it absolutely wasn't his self-interest, but only a way to protect someone weaker than him.

Ayla, who looked at his hand silently, smiled and slowly shook her head.

Throb.

He didn't expect her to hold it, but…

When he was rejected, he felt a heavy feeling on one side of his chest.

Eden smiled bitterly, withdrawing his pitiful hand.

Trudge, trudge.

Unfamiliar footsteps resounded from the other side.

Tension began to creep in the faces of the three people who were lined up.

Judging from the noise, it didn't seem to be only one person.

At least two, at most four.

Without saying a word, Eden added strength to his grip on the hilt.

The dark interior was filled with only creepy silence.

The sound of the footsteps grew closer and closer, and, as she quietly swallowed dry, three black silhouettes appeared in Ayla's field of view.

An unknown sense of fear rushed in at their appearance, all covered up except for their eyes.

Ayla, who was stepping back without realizing it, felt a warmth behind her.

"Don't worry. No one can hurt you."

Eden whispered in her ear in a quiet voice, trying to reassure the stiffened Ayla.

At the familiar scent lingering at the tip of her nose, her heart rate, which was fluctuating in fear, gradually returned to normal.

Instead of answering, Ayla nodded and straightened her posture.

"Where do you come from?"

One of the silhouettes that had come closer spoke in a flat voice.

Orhan, who was standing in front, answered sarcastically, throwing the half-broken arrow to the floor.

"You invited us, yet you're asking who we are?"

"Confirmation is always necessary."

Ayla let out a small snort at the voice of the man who could not be shaken despite being given evidence of the appointment.

The high heels she wore made a sharp sound as she headed towards the man in the middle.

It was at this point that Ayla Serdian from the Stellen Kingdom transformed into Helena, the leader of the community.

The restless throbbing sound of her heart was filling her ears.

"I am Helena, the leader of the Rumba Community of Merchants. I think this is enough confirmation."

Helena handed the man the letter and piece of beeswax.

The man's eyes, which were shining blankly, were fixed on Helena.

"Bring me the one you're serving."

Raising the corners of her mouth, Helena spoke in an alluring voice.

***