His Highness’ Secret Accountant

Seeing her not even feeling a hint of guilt, the gazes of those who had gathered sank coldly.

As if it were representing everyone's feelings, Estella's cynical voice echoed in the courtroom.

"You're a wench that doesn't have a speck of dignity."

Ariel's threatening eyes turned to Estella.

Soon after, Ariel's sharp voice struck everyone's ears.

"Are you perhaps talking to me?"

"Is there another wench here besides you?"

"You may be the Queen of Raff, but you're going too far."

At Ariel's insolent attitude, Estella rolled up one corner of her mouth and kept her cold gaze.

"It seems like you still think we're under the Libert Kingdom?"

"…"

"If it weren't for that, a mere princess wouldn't defy me, would she?"

The situation was at a breaking point.

Although the Raff Kingdom was once a subject country of the Libert Kingdom, it was now strong enough to rival even the Stellen Kingdom.

Considering that, Ariel's provocation was enough to prickle Estella's temper.

Since they could not be unaware of this fact, the Supreme Court justices were also busy keeping an eye on the two women, who were engaging in a war of nerves, before resuming the trial.

Watching the situation from behind, Theon touched the sharp tip of his chin and cleared his throat.

Immediately, Theon rose from his seat in slow motion and headed behind Ariel.

"Ariel Clermant's punishment will not be carried out in the Stellen Kingdom."

"!"

At Theon's unexpected words, the previously high-spirited Ariel's eyes started shaking quickly.

"All charges relating to Ariel Clermant will be left to the Libert Kingdom."

"What do you mean, Your Highness?"

One of the Supreme Court Justices responded to Theon's pitchless voice.

"She will be punished according to the laws of the Libert Kingdom, so there is no need to quarrel here anymore."

"Do you think I'm going to be easy to push around? I am Your Highness' fiancée, the person who will become the Queen of the Stellen Kingdom!"

The appearance of Ariel, who was angrily screaming, filled Theon's gray eyes.

Theon's gaze at Ariel did not show the slightest sympathy.

"This is what has already been agreed with the King of the Libert Kingdom."

"!"

"You will also compensate for all the tributes you have stolen, including the annulment of our engagement. He said he would also be asking questions about your involvement in Baron Noir's death."

"Pfft, do you think that will be possible? There's no way the King would have said that."

Theon lifted one corner of his mouth at Ariel's snarling voice.

Soon, the sound of heavy steps approached Ariel.

"I think you're mistaken… This is how it ends, as per the King's request. Miss Ariel Clermant."

"…"

"Your father has sent me ten letters. He asked to please have mercy and to send you to the Libert Kingdom. Can you get a sense of the situation now?"

Theon's sharp gaze was headed straight forward.

Seeing him not even looking at her, as if he didn't even want to face her, a feeling of contempt rushed in.

"My consideration for you ends here. Don't upset me anymore."

Ariel trembled and closed her mouth tightly at the low voice that reached her ears.

***

After the storm, the courtroom was filled with a cold atmosphere.

The Supreme Court justices, who had left their seats to reunite, appeared one after the other.

"We have reached a verdict."

Immediately, the person that seemed the oldest of the Supreme Court justices spoke, cautiously.

Ariel's heavily sinking eyes moved slowly.

Unlike her triumphant appearance a moment ago, she had lost all her enthusiasm.

Ariel's eyelashes, which fell heavily as if she had given up, trembled slightly.

"Sinner Jaden Serdian, come in."

Count Serdian, who was clasping his hands together with a stiff expression, turned his gaze to the podium.

The Count's tightly closed mouth was representing his nervous heart.

"After summing up all the cases, many of the allegations regarding Jaden Serdian proved to be inconsistent."

"…"

"Queen Estella and Arthur Charne's testimony is consistent. After adding Ariel Clermant's connection, the Supreme Court reached the following verdict."

There was silence for a moment.

Count Serdian secretly swallowed dry and waited for the Supreme Court justice's next words.

"We are to forgive all crimes Jaden Serdian was accused of, as well as normalize the deprived nobility title and territories. Also, for the sinner Ariel Clermant, the expulsion from the Stellen Kingdom is ordered."

Both joy and sorrow flashed through the faces of the two people that were sitting in the defendant's seat.

***

"Did you hear?"

"What?"

"Princess Ariel returned to the Libert Kingdom!"

"How could she, when she's about to become the queen of the Stellen Kingdom?"

The eyes of the young ladies who sat together glistened at the excitement they had found after a long time, and their bodies leaned in.

"There is word that she committed a crime. They say she secretly left the Stellen Kingdom for fear of being discovered."

"No wonder, tsk tsk. I hadn't seen that arrogant face for a few days…"

"Oh my… She pretended to be so noble, but she was covering herself with wastewater behind the scenes?"

"That's not all! Well, it is said that Count Serdian was acquitted."

"!"

For a moment, the eyes of the ladies who were sitting together shook swiftly.

They kept their mouths shut, as if recalling their mistakes in the meantime.

"Hahaha, that's… that's great. Then… what about the titles and territories?"

One of the ladies smiled awkwardly and revealed her mind.

If they returned to their original state, their positions might be in danger.

They were anxious that they had been mean to the daughter of Count Serdian, who was close to the best in the Stellen Kingdom.

Each of the ladies looked at each other with an unnatural smile.

***