Chapter 183

Looking at Eden with narrowed eyes, a sharp voice came out of Ayla’s mouth.

“He saved your life, so why are you upset?”

“I’m in a situation where I can’t trust… Ah. It’s nothing. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“Why did you do that?”

“What…”

Looking carefully at Eden, who blurred his words while lowering his gaze, the corners of Ayla’s lips raised slightly.

Looking at them again, his eyes were very beautiful.

The thought that they weren’t going to see each other again lasted only one day, but it felt like her heart was falling apart.

She felt relieved and was thankful to Eden for holding out well.

‘Why did you protect me? While risking your life?’

Unable to get the words out of her mouth, Ayla stared silently into Eden’s eyes.

Thump.

Eden’s heart started beating rapidly at Ayla’s gaze, which was like she knew everything.

He was afraid of what would happen if she knew that the reason he had become like this was because of Zenia.

His mouth seemed to dry up as it was obvious that Ayla, who, contrary to how she looked, had a soft heart, would be devastated and blame herself.

“It’s been quite some time. I saw you awake, so I should get back to work. Don’t fight with the Knight, you should get along with each other.”

Ayla’s voice, as if she were persuading a child, echoed in the quiet interior.

“… Will you come again?”

Eden, who had raised his eyes, spoke towards Ayla with a sentimental gaze.

“Of course.”

A short answer came out of Ayla’s mouth, who had maintained a gentle smile.

***

“Where are you going?”

A familiar voice came from behind Ayla as she came out the door.

She turned around slowly and saw Luke holding a bunch of medical supplies.

“It’s tea time. I’m sorry, but please be patient with Eden. He is being very sensitive.”

“I understand. I would do the same.”

“I talked to him so that he understands, so don’t worry too much. Oh, also…”

‘I’ll entrust you with Eden for the time being.’

It was not an easy request because it was a problem that could cause harm even to him.

Ayla, who lowered her gaze, pursed her lips and pushed in what she wanted to say.

“I’m not cold enough to tell someone who has just regained consciousness to leave.”

Ayla’s blue eyes slowly began to shake at Luke’s words, as he accurately saw through her innermost feelings.

Ayla answered Luke, who gently raised the corners of his mouth as if he knew what she was thinking, with a smile that was brighter than ever.

“I wasted your precious time. His Highness must be waiting for you. Go on.”

Ayla nodded her head slightly at Luke’s soft voice and turned around slowly.

Tap, tap.

Luke stared silently at Ayla’s back, who was gradually moving away, for a while.

Until her figure got smaller and smaller and disappeared completely.

***

Having entered the dining room, Ayla’s hands were moving busily.

The water kettle, which had finished boiling the water, made a loud noise and emitted white steam.

When the hot water was poured into the teapot with tea leaves, the subtle scent of Darjeeling tea filled the interior of the room.

A faint smile appeared on Ayla’s lips as the pale orange color appeared.

“It’s perfect.”

Ayla opened the showcase door and placed a slice of cheese soufflé on a flat plate.

She then brushed off her apron and smiled triumphantly, but her smile quickly faded away.

Her forehead, which had been wrinkling little by little, quickly distorted.

‘Alright. You can go.’

The expression on Theon’s face as she left the office was on her mind.

He reacted very sensitively when he heard about Eden.

That’s why she prepared a lot of the things he liked.

Ayla, who had been muttering to herself, trying to explain the situation as best as possible so that he wouldn’t get upset, left the dining room with a resolute expression.

Tap, tap.

A familiar silhouette entered Ayla’s field of view as she walked along the hallway.

Owen’s blonde hair glowed particularly brightly in the warm sun shining through the window.

There was nothing out of the ordinary, but he felt unfamiliar somehow.

Ayla, who was looking at Owen, tilted her head.

“Looks like my Miss Ayla is trying to pretend she doesn’t know me? Is it because Theon is back?”

Owen, who had come closer to her, called out to Ayla with a playful tone, as usual.

Smiling lightly at his words, Ayla gave a small bow and answered.

“How could I do that? You seem to be in a particularly good mood today?”

“Mood? Hm… It’s good. I was given an important job.”

“Wow, really? May I ask what it is?”

Ayla’s lips rose at the sight of Owen whispering as if he were telling a secret.

Owen paused for a moment, then glanced around and continued what he was saying.

“Ayla, I’m going to push ahead with the national marriage.”

“Is it…”

“Yes, as you guessed, I’m going to promote Theon’s national marriage. His Majesty has told me to hurry, so as not to delay it any further.”

“…”

The corners of Ayla’s lips, which had been showing a light smile, went down slowly.

‘National marriage.’