After Putting the Slayer of the Night to Sleep, I Ran Away - Chapter 39

“You want to meet the Count?”

A flicker of hesitation passed across Leo’s face before it quickly disappeared.

“Not today. I will arrange for it tomorrow.”

“Is the reason I cannot meet him today because he is against our marriage?”

“What are you saying?”

“Your Highness, I am part of this marriage too. Even if I hide just because you told me to, that will not change the Count’s opinion. If I avoid him now, it will only damage how others see me. I would be someone who could not even greet an elder properly.”

Leo stayed silent.

“Please let me greet him. No matter what he says, I will listen. I will speak for myself and try to persuade him.”

Ayla looked serious, even a little solemn. Leo rubbed his jaw, clearly at a loss for what to say.

“Lady Ayla, I think you are misunderstanding something.”

He paused, trying to figure out where to start and what exactly to explain.

“First of all, who said the Count is against the marriage?”

“Well, you told me to stay in my room, and earlier, Lady Diana said—”

“Forget what she said. As for asking you to stay inside, that was only because I knew the Count was extremely angry.”

“So he is angry because of the marriage?”

“Lady Ayla, you will understand once you meet him. The Count is not the kind of person who blindly rejects things. He was already furious when he found out that the Emperor added extra terms to the contract without telling anyone. Then I told him I planned to get married without discussing it with him first. That just made things worse. It is not because he dislikes you or because he does not want this marriage.”

“Then why did you ask me to stay in my room?”

Leo sighed quietly and ran his fingers through his hair.

“I am not used to this, Lady Ayla. I have never done anything like this before.”

“Done what?”

“Taking someone’s side. I am not used to doing that.”

The confusion in Ayla’s eyes slowly shifted into surprise.

She remembered what she had said when she agreed to marry him. She had asked him to believe in her, no matter what. She had told him she needed someone to stand beside her.

She had never expected him to repeat those words now.

“The Count can be rough with his words. Even more so when he is angry. He does not care much for status or gender either.”

“I see.”

“Because of his temper, his blood pressure becomes a concern. I only wanted to calm him down before introducing you. I was not trying to hide you. If you misunderstood, I am sorry.”

Hearing that, Ayla finally felt the tension in her shoulders ease.

She looked a little embarrassed and spoke softly.

“I did not know. I never imagined that was how you felt.”

“I really was doing my best in my own way.”

“I am sorry.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. It only means I did not handle things well.”

“That is not true. Earlier, when you stood up for me in front of Lady Diana, I knew you were on my side. I truly appreciated that.”

She had felt disappointed when he spoke kindly about Diana, not realizing he had already defended her clearly. Now she felt regretful for misunderstanding and wanted to show her gratitude.

Leo scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, then made a sudden suggestion.

“Wait here. I will bring the Count to you.”

“What?”

“You said you wanted to greet him, didn’t you?”

“Goodness, that is not how this works. You cannot ask an elder to come to you.”

“My rank is higher. He is a Count. I am a Prince.”

Leo’s tone was completely serious. Ayla opened her mouth, then sighed deeply.

She placed her hands on her hips and looked at him sternly.

“Your Highness, status is not the only thing that determines respect. From what I understand, the Count is someone very important to you. Am I wrong?”

“You are going to be my wife. That makes you someone above him.”

“That does not change anything. The Count has led Eisenfelt for many years. As your wife, I need his support. You asked me to be responsible in my role. I cannot do that alone. I need the help of the people close to you. And also, your—”

“My what?”

“So, in a way, the Count is like a guardian to you. I don’t want to be disliked by someone like that. So, for my sake, Your Highness, please stop acting that way.”

Ayla’s sincere words made Leo smile.

She had expected him to be offended, even prepared for him to say she was overstepping. But instead, he looked completely pleased.

“What is it? Why are you smiling like that?”

Ayla asked with a puzzled expression, but Leo’s next words were not directed at her.

“What do you think, Count?”

Leo tilted his head toward the door.

“Doesn’t this make it clear why I decided to marry her?”

Ayla’s eyes widened.

Just then, a sound came from behind the door. A tall, broad-shouldered man stepped inside, looking a little awkward.

“This is a bit unfair, Your Highness.”

“Why are you being so formal? Just speak as you normally do.”

“I cannot. This is the capital. I should act according to the customs here, should I not?”

“You were shouting just a moment ago, so that’s a strange thing to say.”

As Leo clicked his tongue, Ayla stepped forward and greeted him with grace.

“It is an honor to meet you, Count Hanover. My name is Ayla.”

“Well now. Nice to meet you. I am Lucas Hanover. I had no intention of showing up like this, but that one kept me from leaving even though he knew I was here.”

He glanced sideways at Leo with a mildly annoyed look before continuing.

“I came because I heard my daughter behaved rudely and I wanted to offer my apology.”

“I am alright. Since I am promised to His Highness, I see myself as part of the family already.”

Ayla’s gentle reply made Lucas raise an intrigued brow.

“So you mean you are nearly family already and therefore it’s fine. Is that what I heard?”

“As you mentioned earlier, Count, this is the capital. And the capital has its own customs and etiquette.”

Ayla smiled warmly, and Leo, who had been listening quietly, gave a quiet chuckle.

He stepped back, clearly choosing not to interrupt.

Lucas stroked his beard and looked at Ayla seriously.

“Let me say this first. Diana is a daughter I treasure deeply. She lost her mother when she was young, so I raised her with special care. And unless I misheard, you said something earlier.”

Ayla did not answer, but met his gaze steadily.

“You said you didn’t want me to dislike you. Is that right?”

His eyes sharpened. They were the eyes of a man who had seen countless battles.

Before Leo became known for his accomplishments, it was Lucas Hanover who had fought the monsters crossing down the mountain ranges and stood against the pirates that attacked from the coast.

Even just meeting his gaze created a pressure that could make one tremble.

Ayla smiled calmly under that heavy weight.

Her fingers curled tightly together, but that was all. She had endured countless hours of hardship, patience, and quiet strength to reach this point.

“Yes, Count. That is why I pointed out that Lady Diana’s actions went against capital customs today. There will not be many here who will overlook such mistakes.”

“So you are saying my daughter is not good enough for capital society?”

“No one is lacking, Count. I simply know the ways of capital nobles well and wanted to speak honestly.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Capital nobles often look down on the North and consider it uncivilized. Their attitude toward northern nobles is no different. I believe it is important for you and Lady Diana to be aware of that. When you know an attack is coming, it is easier to prepare for it.”

“So, you are saying they will attack us?”

“Do you truly believe they will not? You will attract attention no matter where you go. Some will compare you to me, others will compare themselves to you. Many will loudly criticize the customs of the North simply because they are different.”

Lucas frowned at her words, then asked directly.

“I do not like things to be complicated. What exactly are you trying to say?”

Ayla swallowed slowly, then began to speak.

She had not expected to reveal her thoughts so openly during their first meeting, but there was no reason to hold back either.

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