CH 250

Ayla's expression in front of the door was dark.

The noisy surroundings seemed to represent the engagement that was going to happen today.

Whew.

Ayla took a deep breath and clenched her fists.

Ayla repeated to herself a hundred times that she could do it.

Knock, knock, knock.

Tap, tap.

As she knocked, the sharp sound of heels came through the closed door.

Immediately, the wooden door that had been closed opened with a ‘click'.

"What brings you here? Are you thinking of spilling black tea on the engagement dress?"

Behind Claire's cold words, she could hear the loud laughter of the ladies inside.

Ayla held her two hands together, trembling with contempt, and maintained her posture.

"Grand Duke Arrot asked me to help Princess Ariel."

"Grand Duke Arrot?"

Claire raised her eyes and showed dissatisfaction at Ayla's calm voice.

Does she know the terrible things her father did?

Recalling Marquis Arthur Charne, Ayla's blue eyes shook violently as she lowered them.

"Yes. Grand Duke Owen Arrot sent me."

Looking up and down at Ayla, Claire let out a ‘Hm…', and let her in.

***

As she came inside, Ayla saw the beautifully groomed Ariel.

A pure white dress that revealed her slender body line.

The diamonds embroidered on it were brilliantly glistening, almost blinding her.

Annoyingly.

"I was wondering who it was, and it was Miss Ayla."

Ariel welcomed Ayla with a good-natured smile on her face.

"The west palace maid, Ayla, greets the Princess."

"Did you say Grand Duke Arrot sent you?"

"Yes."

Ayla nodded while giving a short answer.

"I feel relieved now that Miss Ayla is helping me."

"Our Princess has such a kind heart that it's a problem. If it were me, I wouldn't even want to see your face…"

"Miss Claire. Mind your manners."

"I apologize. Princess Ariel."

Claire bit her lips at Ariel's adamant voice and glared at Ayla.

Ayla's face did not contain any emotion.

She just stared straight ahead with a blank face.

Seeing that indifferent look on her face made Claire feel even angrier.

"Why are you standing there so blankly? You said you came to work? Please grab the bottom of Princess Ariel's dress. I won't stay still if you make a mistake again, so be ready."

Claire said in a sharp voice.

Ayla gave a small nod and stood behind Ariel.

***

"What about Ayla?"

"It seems that Head Maid Rose gave her separate instructions. I haven't seen her since morning…"

"…"

Mason looked at Theon's face and blurred his words.

A deep sigh broke out from Theon's mouth, as he fastened the buttons of his cuffs with a stiff expression.

Ayla's sad eyes that he saw last night didn't leave his mind at all, so he stayed up all night with his eyes open.

He felt so pathetic for being unable to protect his woman.

Everyone looked up to him, but at this moment he felt weaker and pettier than anyone else.

"Yeah. It will be better if she isn't in the banquet hall."

A low voice flowed out of Theon's mouth.

Mason, who was giving Theon a side-glance, took out his pocket watch and checked the time.

He didn't have time to get emotional.

There was less than half an hour left before the engagement ceremony.

After hesitating for a long time, Mason cautiously opened his mouth.

"You must go to the banquet hall now. Your Highness."

"I know, so stop nagging me."

"Excuse me… Your Highness, I made a big mistake yesterday…"

"You seem to know very well. Now you just have to resign."

"Yes. What!? What do you mean, r-resign! This is the advice I give you as a loyal subject. What, are you telling me to do well on my own!?"

"Maybe."

"You misunderstand!"

"If you do that one more time, you will really be dismissed."

Mason nodded and showed a businesslike smile.

Theon took a heavy step as he rolled up one corner of his mouth.

***

The banquet hall was filled with joyful songs and the noisiness of those who had gathered.

As it was an event that meant harmony between the two kingdoms, the scope of the distinguished guests was extraordinary.

The banquet hall, luxuriously decorated to match them, was extravagant.

The dinner, champagne, highest-quality wine, and ripe fruit served before the engagement ceremony even began were delicious.

"Where is Miss Ayla?"

Estelle, who sat in the banquet hall's upper seat, turned to Diane and asked her bluntly.

Ayla had left Estelle in Diane's care, saying that she was going to be busy for a while.

"I don't know. I haven't seen her since this morning."

Diane tilted her head and answered Estelle's question.

"I didn't stay here to see this…"

"Sorry?"

"It's as you heard. Why are you surprised? You must have roughly noticed what kind of relationship those two have, right?"

"…"

"Watching you work, you seem to be quite clever. I like you."

With a charming smile, Estelle waved the empty glass she was holding at Diane.

Noticing that, Diane picked up the champagne cork stopper with a skillful hand movement.