CH 280

Rattle, rattle.

Immediately, the prepared carriage cut through the forest path, increasing its speed little by little. Ayla's blue eyes headed out of the window in a slow motion.

"Princess, is something wrong?"

Unlike a while ago, Ayla showed signs of anxiousness.

As Elin asked out of worry, Ayla smiled awkwardly while saying it was nothing.

Soon after, Ayla, who had been fumbling with her collar, pulled out a small piece of paper.

The opening of the small envelope, which was the size of her palm, was stamped with a red wax seal representing the family.

[Come to the Duke's mansion in two days. I want to give you a small gift.]

The expensive vellum emitted a pleasant lavender scent.

However, she couldn't help but feel uncomfortable about something.

[D A N I E L]

Ayla's thin fingers went over the red beeswax that sealed the opening.

***

"Mrs. Serdian will certainly like the gift…?"

Elin, who was watching the situation, spoke in a faint voice.

Ayla, who was picking the items, held a small biscuit and a glass jar filled with well-dried tea leaves.

And a straw hat with a wide brim and a small handkerchief with embroidery on top of that. Ordinary things, such as a candy box with a funny painting, were a part of the whole gift.

The items Ayla picked were simple, as if to make fun of the two people who expected brilliant, shiny brooches or necklaces with big jewels, or delicately produced lace gloves to match the greatest count family of the Stellen Kingdom.

"My parents don't like luxury."

Elin nodded at Ayla's quiet voice and grinned.

A large shadow fell behind the two of them as they were picking the items.

"Will this be enough to congratulate them on their return? His Highness the Crown Prince prepared a lot of gold coins, so you don't have to worry about money."

Orhan stood in front of Ayla and spoke in a determined voice.

"It's fine, Orhan. This is enough."

"I am not fine. Let's go to the jeweler now. There is a place His Highness has told me about in private."

"No, really! It's really fine. If I prepared those things, I would certainly get scolded rather than getting praised."

He could feel the urgency as Ayla spoke while waving her hands.

He thought they were different from a normal family, but he never thought they would be so simple.

Orhan's face showed signs of disapproval.

‘I have placed an order separately in the jeweler across from Stellen Bank, so make sure to pick it up.It is something I prepared with care for the Count and Countess, so you must deliver it even if Ayla doesn't want to.'

Theon's secretly whispering voice lingered over Orhan's ears.

At this rate, it was obvious that they would not go anywhere near the jeweler.

Orhan, who was tilting his head, let out a small sigh and spoke.

"Stay here with Elin. I need to go somewhere for a moment."

"Where are you going?"

"I have a request from His Highness. It will only be for a moment so make sure to stay here. Alright?"

Ayla nodded silently at Orhan's persuading voice, expressing that she had acknowledged it.

Then, Orhan stepped out through the door with the clear sound of the bell.

"Shall we look around a little more?"

Elin smiled brightly at Ayla's words and nodded.

Tinkle.

The sound of the bell rang in their ears as they were looking around.

Ayla's gaze naturally turned to the door.

Immediately, the blue eyes that seemed to contain the sea trembled gently.

"Young Lady Ayla."

"Lily? How did you…"

"Duke Daniel has invited the Young Lady. Split up with the rest and come to the mansion with me."

***

"I'm sorry, but this child can't accompany you. Duke Daniel asked specifically to bring only the Young Lady."

Lily said, glancing at Elin who was standing next to Ayla.

She was a child with a small height, both cheeks dyed red, and lips firmly closed.

Nevertheless, as if not to lose, Elin frowned heavily while sticking out her small shoulders.

"Absolutely not! I can't send the Princess alone to someone I don't even know."

"Princess…?"

Lily asked, tilting her head at Elin's addressing term.

Soon after, Ayla, who was watching the situation, slowly opened her mouth.

"Elin, I'll be back in a while, so please wait for Orhan here. I will return to the community as soon as I'm done, so don't worry."

"B-but… Mr. Orhan told us to stay here."

"He is the father of an old friend. I've known him since I was a child. What you are worried about won't happen."

"…"

Elin pouted at Ayla's soft voice, saving her words.

Then, Ayla nodded quietly as she swept over Elin's hair with her white fingertips.

***