His Highness’ Secret Accountant

Theon suddenly moved to the velvet sofa next to the bed.

Ayla, who was smiling awkwardly, lifted the glass teapot and slowly poured out the brewed tea.

Soon after, Theon lifted the teacup with his long white fingers.

He slowly smelled the scent, as if savoring it, and carefully moved the teacup to his mouth.

The corners of his mouth went up softly, as if he liked the taste.

"It's better than I thought."

Unlike Theon, who was enjoying a relaxing break, Ayla seemed confused for some reason.

Theon's solid chest, which she could see beyond her lowered gaze while pouring the tea, was too much.

She tried to concentrate on the teacup and teapot while pouring the tea, but it was impossible.

She couldn't stop her eyes from moving on their own accord, in search of beautiful things.

‘The royal family are exhibitionists. That's right, I am normal. They're weird.'

After a long ordeal of pouring the tea, she was now at a loss of where to look.

Ayla, who was silent, rolled her blue eyes back and forth, lost.

In the meantime, she tried to adjust her gaze leaning towards Theon.

Theon raised his eyes, as if he were conscious of Ayla glancing at him.

Ayla's cheeks were also rosy today.

As he looked at Ayla's tense and tightly closed lips, Theon burst out laughing without realizing it.

"Do you perhaps have a blushing condition?"

"What?! What does that…"

"Because your face is always red."

"…"

As he looked at Ayla, who was flustered and hesitating, uncharacteristic mischievous words came out.

Embarrassed, Ayla coughed, ‘Ahem.', and slowly turned her gaze.

***

"Bring the next tea to the office in the west palace."

As Theon finished speaking, he gave a look as if telling her to go and disappeared to somewhere.

‘Say it in words! Can't he speak? Why does he always use his hands or his eyes.'

Ayla, who was twitching her lip displeased as she looked at the place where Theon left to, took the teapot and cup and went back the way she came.

She wanted to get out of this place as quickly as possible, as it wouldn't be weird if something popped out.

It's dark everywhere; what if a ghost appears?

Ayla walked with her body lowered as much as she could, while looking around.

Ayla shook her head violently, as if she couldn't understand how he could sleep and live his life in such a dark and somber place.

How much time had passed, that warm sunshine came in through the big window at the entrance.

It was dazzling how strong the light was.

Outside the window, she could see Arin Square, the heart of the Stellen Kingdom, and a statue of a goddess standing tall in the center, which she didn't see when she entered the detached palace, as it was dark.

The merchants who were busy opening their shops around the square, the nobles traveling in carriages, and even the members of the Knights scouting around the outskirts of the palace; they were all seen briefly.

It was visible from the detached palace, as it was situated in a place higher than the other palaces.

For a moment, Ayla couldn't take her eyes off the sight she was seeing for the first time in her life, in amazement.

***

Coming to the canteen for breakfast, Ayla looked around, searching for something.

Where has Lily been since dawn, that she hasn't shown herself yet?

"Where on earth did you go…"

Mumbling to herself, Ayla turned to the table.

Warm, steaming whole wheat bread and raspberry jam, and oatmeal with plenty of nuts were the menu for today's breakfast.

Ayla took a seat at a table for two people, far from where the other maids sat.

While she was holding a spoon and nibbling at the food as if she had no appetite, a shadow appeared over Ayla's head.

"That's why you're so weak."

"… Miss Diane?"

At the place where the voice was heard was Diane, whom she met at the north palace. She naturally pulled out the chair opposite Ayla and sat down, and said, ‘Enjoy your meal.', with a dissatisfied look on her face.

Most of the maids in the palace tried to distance themselves from Ayla, for their own reasons.

They can't be in the same place as the shameless person who stole the treasury.