Ding-dong.
The clear sound of the bell ringing across the community made the eyes of the three people, who were moving orderly, turn to one place at the same time. Immediately, a rather tired Ayla could be seen through the open door.
Rustle.
At the same time, Theon's large body embraced Ayla.
As if not to allow a single gap between them, Theon's strong arms around her tightened.
"Thank you for coming back. Thank you… for being safe."
"…"
Theon's slightly trembling fingers gently swept away Ayla's hair, as he always did.
The familiar smell he could feel on the tip of his nose, her warmth, and her breath.
He was very afraid that he would lose all these things that he considered to be something natural.
"Thank you… for being alive."
A tear dripped down from between Theon's lowered eyelashes.
"I'm sorry. This will never happen again. I'm… really sorry."
She could feel a sense of desperation in Theon's fingers as he squeezed her.
It was heartbreaking to see him like this, breaking down on his own.
She wanted to say something, but something hot seemed to be blocking her throat.
Then, as if she had given up, Ayla buried her face in Theon's arms, her eyes closed.
***
"I need to send the military force to the Duke's mansion."
"But… All the evidence we have is circumstantial. It is impossible to suppress Duke Daniel in a situation where the whereabouts of Marquis Charne, the only witness, are unknown."
"Then do you want me to just let it go? She was safe this time, but… his methods will become more subtle and vicious."
Theon and Orhan, seated opposite each other, had heavy expressions. None of them could easily open their mouths.
It was obvious that everything would be in vain if they moved recklessly.
They needed someone new. A figure powerful enough to replace Marquis Charne.
Theon, who was sweeping his forehead and clearing up his thoughts, slowly opened his mouth.
"Try to approach the people around Duke Daniel. The closer they are to him, the better they will know his weaknesses."
"As Your Highness knows, the Duke's mansion is heavily guarded. I will try, but guaranteeing success… I don't know how much time it will take."
"Even so, we should do what we can."
After speaking, a rather harsh sigh came out of Theon's mouth.
As if to make fun of him for thinking it was over, Duke Daniel had been more active since Ariel left.
The King's health deteriorated day by day, and the prestige of Duke Daniel grew higher and higher.
The King, whom he had faced even this morning, seemed to be hopeless.
His state of not being unconscious but losing consciousness occasionally that had been going on for a few days didn't improve.
At this rate, the King, as well as the King's grandson, Theon, would be in danger.
Although extreme measures were needed, they had no choice but to be careful.
Because a moment's choice would determine the future.
Knock, knock, knock.
With a knock, Elin appeared through the open door. The eyes of the two people, which were different from each other, turned to Elin.
"Excuse me…"
Elin moved her lips repeatedly, hesitating to say the following words.
Seeing that, Theon nodded, as if saying it was fine, and stared at Elin.
"A guest has come."
"A guest? If he's here to sell something, tell him to come another day."
Orhan said bluntly.
"I don't think he's here to do business with the community… I think you two should come and see."
"If it's not for business with the community… is there a reason to come here?"
Orhan mumbled to himself and walked to the door.
"I'll go. Please wait a moment."
"N… No! I think His Highness needs to see for himself."
At Elin's shout, their faces turned strange. Theon's cold gaze went past Elin and headed out the door.
"He knows… the Princess' real name. In addition, he said that he wanted a private meeting with His Highness the Crown Prince."
***
"Shall I… bring some tea?"
Elin asked in a cautious voice, looking at the two young men sitting opposite each other.
"There's no need for tea… Can you first help this child with treatment?"
Louis' worried gaze turned to Lily.
They left the mansion straight away, so there was no time for treatment.
The dry blood around her mouth, and the bruises all over her body.
The skinny body and the thin clothes hanging over it.
Elin's eyes suddenly became wet as she looked at Lily.
She felt like she was looking at herself in Ruit, a poor country.
"Help her with the treatment."
Elin gave a small nod at Theon's heedless voice and spoke.
"Yes. Your Highness. Please come this way, Miss Lily. I'll treat your wounds."
Lily's anxiously shaking gaze found Louis.
Seeing that, Louis nodded to Lily and smiled faintly.
As if telling her not to worry, that it was alright now.
Lily silently bit her lips at Louis' gentle appearance.
Elin turned to Lily, who hesitated, and said in a quiet voice, ‘Come on.', urging her.
Immediately, the two girls stepped out of the living room with cautious steps.