CH 268

Count Serdian rose from his seat with a frown.

Ariel’s voice, cold as ice, echoed behind him as he headed towards the door.

‘Don’t be impertinent and sit down.’

‘!’

‘I heard you have a daughter in Fencers? Her name… Was it ‘Ayla’…’

‘With that filthy mouth! Don’t say my daughter’s name.’

‘Public opinion belongs to the powerful anyway. If I’m willing to… I can easily drag the Count down. I have that much authority and power. Unfortunately.’

‘Why are you doing this to me?’

‘Why… Because I’m sick of seeing you pretending to be noble and dignified by yourself? I can’t stand that very well. The lone hypocrites of righteousness. Because you’re like nothing. Who doesn’t want to have a good life? The situation makes people like that. Don’t you think so?’

After she finished speaking, Ariel gave a pretty smile.

The Count’s fists, which he clenched tightly at the surging contempt, trembled faintly.

‘Count Serdian won’t be able to clear himself of the charges anyway. If you want to save your daughter, you should leave right now. I’m saying this because I feel sorry. Let’s say it’s kind of a favor.’

After she finished speaking, the corners of Ariel’s mouth went up wickedly.

Ariel snorted and continued speaking to the Count, who was catching his breath while clasping his trembling hands together.

‘Why are you so stiff? Oh, right, go quickly. You need to save Ayla. The Royal Army will storm into Fencers first.’

At the same time as Ariel finished speaking, Count Serdian left the mansion with a quick stride.

Inside the mansion, a young woman’s creepy laughter echoed for a while.

***

A calm and sunny afternoon.

The north palace living room was crowded with young ladies and nobles from other countries, enjoying tea time.

Just as butterflies look for flowers, people also go after power.

At the center of the young ladies’ giggling and pretentious laughter was Ariel.

Although the engagement was ruined and ended up being thrown away, it was not a problem.

Ariel’s prestige was still strong, and no one could rival her.

“His Highness is looking for me?”

“Yes. He said he’d like to discuss something with the Princess.”

At the sight of Diane, who had come to the north palace, the corners of Ariel’s mouth went up.

Theon called her while she was at a tea party with all the ladies and nobles gathered.

It was a good opportunity to prove that the relationship between the two had not yet been estranged.

Ariel put down the teacup he was holding and smiled a beautiful smile at the ladies who were gathering.

“What should I do? It’s been a while since we met. I heard His Highness is hurriedly looking for me.”

“Your husband is looking for you, of course you should go.”

Claire said while smiling at Ariel, who looked sorry.

“Oh my, it seems like you two have a very good relationship.”

“We’re fine, so please go ahead. A matter between husband and wife is more important.”

As if agreeing with Claire’s words, the ladies around nodded and put in a word.

“I am grateful for your understanding. Let’s enjoy a friendly conversation next time.”

Ariel fluttered her skirt and slowly got up.

The apricot-colored chiffon dress she was wearing shone brightly in the sunlight.

The ladies opened their mouths slightly at Ariel’s back figure, which seemed to have a halo.

At the same time, a low voice whispered, covered with a fan.

“How much is that?”

“Certainly, that fabric is not obtainable in the Stellen Kingdom.”

“It really is different. When am I going to be able to wear something as beautiful as that… ”

“Dear heavens. Look at how it shines. It’s more beautiful than anything.”

“She’s going to become the queen, so that’s a given.”

Ariel was paying more attention to her clothes recently, so the ladies’ reaction was pleasing.

As if satisfied, Ariel rolled up the corners of her mouth and left the living room.

Unexpectant of the future that was to come.

***

“Where are we going? That’s the opposite side from His Highness’ office.”

Despite Ariel’s question, Diane didn’t answer.

She didn’t like the way she kept her mouth shut, as if she had become mute, and silently urged her steps.

‘When I become the queen, I’ll start by taking care of you.’

Following Diane with her arms crossed, Ariel’s lips twisted.

How much longer would she have to walk?

The place where she arrived after a long walk was unexpected.

Sensing something strange, Ariel’s dark brown eyes shook slightly for a moment.

“Where are we going?!”

Ariel’s sharp voice struck Diane’s ears.

Diane shut her mouth tightly, her hands together.

“Are you going to keep your mouth shut like that?”

At Diane’s consistent attitude, Ariel couldn’t hold back her anger and her hand split the air.

Swoosh!

Then, as Ariel’s fingers were about to slap Diane on the cheek, the sound of the heel of a shoe coming from afar filled the quiet hallway.

Trudge, trudge.

Ariel’s dark brown eyes rolled towards the sound.

It wouldn’t be too late to punish a cheeky little girl after she officially became the queen.

No matter how uncertain it was, the fact that the position of the next queen belonged to her did not change.

Therefore, there was nothing good about making trouble.

For this day, she had to be the perfect crown princess, even if her tears and efforts were a waste.

Even more so at this point, when the footsteps of an unknown person were drawing closer.

Soon, Ariel saw Theon, dressed in a black uniform.

The black hair neatly raised over the white skin made the cold Theon look even more radiant.

“It’s been a while. Princess Ariel.”