His Highness’ Secret Accountant

"It looks like today's tea is Darjeeling?"

While preparing the tea, Ayla heard a familiar voice behind her back.

Diane continued with a brusque tone towards Ayla, who was very startled.

"Is there something on my face?"

"Of course not."

Ayla's lips curled up slightly at Diane's sly words.

She glanced at Diane, who was pouring the hot water into the teacup, and spoke in a calm voice.

"Miss Diane must be busy."

"Come on, I told you to treat me like a sister. We're the same."

"Hm… Now that we've shared each other's secrets, it shouldn't be too bad to do that."

"So, did you prepare the thing we talked about?"

Diane said, picking up one of the teacups that densely filled the cabinets.

"Whenever you want."

"I like that you take care of things quickly."

"So let's focus on our maid work now. The walls have ears, and there are a lot of people watching too."

Ayla, who was looking around, said while squinting her eyes.

She saw the other maids secretly glancing at the two of them and showing interest.

Ayla was one of the hated representatives of the royal palace.

Glances and attention were now familiar things.

She had no choice but to be a little more cautious.

Of course, she had already brought the magic stone to the detached palace to deliver it to Diane.

She had to move fast as it was clearly necessary information.

If she brought a rare magic stone, she could surely pay the price.

Since she had already revealed its existence to the other person, it was almost impossible to delay the transaction itself.

‘I just have to raise the money.'

The corners of Ayla's lips rose secretly.

For now, all she had to do was lay low and wait for the truth to come out.

According to their plan at least.

Swoosh.

A crumpled piece of paper came under Ayla's hand, which was pushing against the table.

Ayla, who was staring at the teacup, naturally turned her gaze towards Diane.

Her blue eyes were silently asking what it was.

"I won't charge you. It will be a bit… cooler like that."

"What is this?"

"Something like my final responsibility as a subject of the Stellen Kingdom?"

"…"

"By the way, it's going to get cold, kid."

After Diane finished speaking, she exited the dining room with a well-brewed cup of tea.

A gentle smile came to Ayla's mouth as she looked at her.

***

Ayla, who was heading towards the west palace, saw an unwelcome figure.

An arrogant gait that revealed its presence from afar.

Ayla frowned slightly as Kyle approached her.

Trudge, trudge.

The reactions of the two people who saw each other were dramatically different.

Kyle's eyes curved gently as he stared at Ayla.

Like the day he asked Zenia to marry him.

"We meet again. My love."

"…"

‘Damn it.'

Ayla's lips twitched at Kyle's low words, revealing her discomfort.

Even though they were in the same palace, Kyle lived on the opposite side to Theon's office.

It was extremely rare to meet him in the palace because their paths did not overlap.

And of course, because she avoided him.

"Shouldn't you look happy when you meet someone?"

When she saw Kyle smiling arrogantly, the memories of yesterday flashed through her mind.

Last night, which was tainted with a sense of guilt towards Theon along with an ugly memory, a feeling of insult.

Ayla's clenched fists started trembling.

She didn't want to play his way anymore.

No, she had no intention of doing that anymore.

She would rather die.

"It's not like we have a happy relationship."

Ayla's cold, hardened blue eyes stared at Kyle.

Kyle seemed to hesitate for a moment, then crossed his arms and gave her a relaxed smile.

As if no matter how much she struggled, it was useless.

"That doesn't mean you can treat me disrespectfully. Didn't we kiss last night?"

"What is it that you want to say?"

"I see you decided to change your attitude. This rebellious look isn't bad either."

"Are you having fun?"

Kyle tilted his head at Ayla's nervous voice and leaned his body a little closer.

"Is this the fun you're talking about?"

"…"

Kyle's cold fingertips slowly caressed Ayla's cheek.

There was a tight tension between the two people facing each other.

"I told you. I'm not giving up on you. So, you should make the minimum effort, too."

"Why should I do that?"

"Well… Do you really need any reason in particular? If I had to put it in words, I want you."

"You're insolent."

"I was not a good man in the first place."

"I don't intend on becoming Grand Duke Ermedi's toy. Don't insult me anymore. I won't stay still anymore."

After she finished speaking, Ayla pushed Kyle, who was close to her, with a sharp gaze.

Ayla quickly stepped forward, tidying up her rumpled clothes.