CH 301

A light smile appeared on the Count’s face, who had been keeping a heavy expression.

“My family will be more than happy if we form a relationship with the royal family. The family that established the queen… Our life would change in the future.”

Count Serdian’s low voice echoed through the interior.

However, there was a deep agony in every breath and every syllable of his voice, so he couldn’t answer easily. He just gave a quiet nod and saved his words.

“But… My daughter and wife are just as precious to me as my family. So even though I know the feelings both of you have, I’m postponing my answer. Rudely.”

“…”

“I worked in the royal palace for a long time and served His Majesty the King, as well as Your Highness’ father, Grand Duke Todd, and several other members of the royal family. Although they had enormous wealth and power, they always had a deep darkness in them.”

As the Count recited in a low voice, Theon naturally lowered his gaze.

At the same time, Count Serdian’s slow fingers picked up the teacup on the table.

“I’m afraid that Ayla will walk the same path.”

“…”

“What if the constant envy and jealousy swallows my daughter… What if that pretty child, the apple of my eye, gets hurt in the cold and sad royal palace… As her father, I’m worried. Those are my honest feelings, and that’s my conclusion.”

After finishing his words, Count Serdian sighed deeply.

Theon’s gray eyes shook slightly as he quietly bit his lips. With a low sigh.

There was no greed in the Count’s honest words.

He was only thinking about Ayla.

That’s why he might have lost the words he wanted to say.

He just thought it would be enough to have a wedding and live together and govern the country.

He thought it was going to be so easy. But his thoughts were arrogant and conceited.

The look on Mason’s face as he watched the situation from behind also sank heavily. Because it wasn’t an easy matter.

The steaming teacup was now cold.

The sunlight that was coming through the window gave off a red sunset. Even though quite a bit of time passed, the people sitting opposite each other were not moving.

After a long silence, Theon opened his mouth.

“I lost my mother when I was young. As you know, I wasn’t even loved by my father. The late King only used me, until the last day of his sanity. We didn’t look like a normal family.”

“…”

“There were also a lot of things that almost cost me my life to my only flesh and blood brother. I lost my fiancée. I lost my friends. They were the days I lived day after day because I couldn’t die. For me, Ayla was a light and a hope.”

After finishing speaking, a faint smile appeared on Theon’s mouth.

Ayla. Just thinking of that child made him happy.

Count Serdian’s shaded face quietly turned to Theon.

Theon swept his hair back and continued.

“I’m not going to lie to you and say that I can make her happy unconditionally. I don’t want to make promises I can’t keep.”

“As expected… You’re very honest.”

“But, Ayla, I’m not going to leave that child alone. I want to give birth to children who resemble each other and live pleasantly while feeling thankful every day. I want to share with Ayla the childhood happiness I couldn’t feel.”

“…”

“I might have to use force if the Count continues being stubborn. But I don’t want to become such a bad guy. So please… Accept the lacking me as a member of your family.”

After he finished speaking, Theon rolled up one corner of his mouth and smiled.

With tearful eyes.

***

“Then, have a safe trip. Your Highness.”

Standing in front of the gate, Count Serdian bowed to Theon and Mason.

From the look on his face, the situation didn’t seem to be that good.

Maybe the conversation didn’t go well?

Sitting at the outdoor table watching the situation, Ayla’s blue eyes glanced at the three of them. While holding a book in her hands.

‘What on earth happened?’

Ayla pouted, her face buried in the book.

He didn’t say anything, but the Count did not approve of her relationship with Theon.

It was obvious that she would be scolded if the Count found out that she had come here, but she was curious.

“I’ll just look at his face for a moment.”

Ayla, who was muttering to herself, slowly raised her body.

Soon after, she peeked over the book and was met with her father.

“Hahaha. The weather… The weather is very good.”

Ayla said, putting down the book she was holding.

The three men standing opposite each other did not react, as if they had made a promise.

They just blinked their wide-open eyes without a word.

Ayla, who had been rolling her eyes around for a while, scratched her face with an awkward smile.

At the same time, Count Serdian’s seemingly resigned voice echoed in her ears.

“It’s almost time for dinner, so come inside quickly.”

After those words, Count Serdian bowed to Theon and went inside the mansion.