The Devil's Betrothed
Chapter 400: Found Clues

Chapter 400: Found Clues

"Miss Martha has already scolded me thoroughly. Master can save his disapproving glances for another time."

"You’re fortunate to receive her scolding," Erich retorted, releasing her wrist.

Already knowing that Martha was someone really important to her master, Oriana teased with a smile, "Would Master like to be on the receiving end of Miss Martha’s scolding as well? The next time I see her, I’ll be sure to mention it."

"Fortunate for you to have the chance to meet her again," Erich remarked calmly. "I’ll prepare medicines to counteract the effects of your prior treatment, but it will longer take time for your body to fully recover, and you’ll have to endure some discomfort in the meantime."

Oriana could only sigh in pain, "As I have abused my body, I have to bear the consequences."

Erich provided instructions to Ana and then turned to Oriana. "I will take my leave."

"Master, shall I invite you when I go meet Miss Martha." Oriana playfully teased. Finally, there was someone who could move her cold and stern master.

He offered a glare, "Even in pain, you find the humor. It seems you may not require pain-relieving remedies after all. I shall make a note not to offer them to you."

Oriana’s countenance shifted to one of sorrow, "Master, I will die of this pain. Please don’t do that."

With a sigh and a shake of his head, Erich muttered, "You are quite the child," before exiting the room.

’Thankfully, Lord Yorian provided me with that elixir, or I would be in dire straits with this pain.’

"Your Highness, I will prepare the medicine for you," Ana offered before taking her leave.

Oriana sat on the bed, contemplating the situation. ’It seems he left knowing someone was coming to my room,’ she deduced. ’I must find a suitable arrangement for him. During the night, he will need a place to rest, and I certainly can’t have him sleeping here. What should I do? Hmm... I have an idea.’

Just as Yorian reappeared in the room, the books also returned to the table. "I’ve read them all. They are quite a useful."

Oriana ignored the remark about the books and asked, "What did Lord Yorian discover?"

"Powerful and malevolent black magic encircles the rear of the Queen’s palace," Yorian explained. "I managed to breach that area, but I couldn’t cross a particular threshold or it would alert the owner of that magic."

Oriana couldn’t hide her disappointment. "So, in essence, we’ve discovered very little."

Yorian chuckled at her evident eagerness. "Are you that eager to help your Prince?"

Her expression soured with anger. "Since when did that insufferable man become ’my Prince’? I’m merely eager to unravel this enigma. Whether the brat lives or die, has nothing to do with me. My goal is to gain the favor of the King so I can obtain answers without the need to wed his troublesome son. If I save the Crown Prince of this kingdom, and isn’t that worth the greatest reward? I might seize this opportunity to secure mine and my grandfather’s freedom. King would never reject any of my request."

Yorian seemed to lose interest in her talk as he idly toyed with his ear as if he could take no more, causing Oriana’s irritation to rise.

"Sounds like a good plan but the more you talk, more it’s difficult to believe."

She glared at him, her face reddening with anger. In her current vulnerable state, her patience was already stretched thin.

"Lord Yorian, are you here to vex me instead of assisting me?" She was visibly irked, her mind teetering on the brink of instability.

Yorian found her shifting emotions amusing and offered a gentle smile. "Alright, there’s something crucial I’ve discovered."

In an instant, her irritation transformed into eagerness. "What is it?"

"There’s a secluded room at the rear of the Queen’s mansion from which this dark magic emanates. If we can gain entry to that room, we might uncover everything."

"Let’s do it tonight, then. I’ll..."

Yorian interrupted her, his tone serious. "Patience, my dear. You must grasp the gravity of this situation, a facet you seem to overlook, as your human mind still operates in a human way. Do not forget that you are a supernatural being, confronting another supernatural entity who is both malevolent and merciless. You must begin thinking as a supernatural being would."

A heavy silence hung in the room until Yorian spoke again. "Consider that even as the most potent of supernaturals, the Dragon, Prince Arlan, struggles with this witch. Don’t you think you remain far less powerful in comparison?"

"You are correct, Lord Yorian. I apologize for my reckless behavior. Please guide me on what I should do."

"Firstly, your body is weakened in its current state, and you are unable to wield your powers to their full potential. I recommend you rest and regain your strength instead of rushing to confront your adversary. We can utilize this time to uncover more clues and formulate a proper plan."

Oriana could only nod in agreement.

"The Night of the Full Moon will arrive shortly, and on that night, we shall have our best opportunity," Yorian suggested.

"You’re absolutely right."

Yorian suddenly sensed a disturbance and commented, "Your servant certainly enjoys interrupting our conversations." He rose and vanished.

Ana entered the room and relayed, "Your Highness, His Majesty has requested your presence at Oak Palace."

"Now?" Oriana queried, her reluctance to move evident in her voice.

"Yes, Your Highness. Would you like me to convey the message that you are unwell?" Ana suggested.

"Has the messenger indicated the purpose of the visit?" Oriana inquired.

Ana shook her head. "I am unaware of the reason, but His Majesty has summoned Prince Arlan as well. Queen Julien is accompanying His Majesty at the moment."

Oriana couldn’t help but wonder if there was some sort of family gathering afoot. She frowned internally. "Alright. You can reply with a message that I will be there shortly."

Ana departed, and Yorian reappeared.

"I have to visit Oak Palace."

orian had overheard their entire conversation and offered something to Oriana. She accepted the round, silver-colored pill from his hand and asked, "What is this?"

"While I was away, I borrowed some rare herbs from the royal infirmary and crafted this pill by infusing it with my power. It will help you regain your strength."

"No wonder it shines silver, much like the aura that surrounds you," Oriana remarked as she consumed it. "I need to be strong in case that troublesome young man attempts to harm me again."

"Believe me, he won’t," Yorian assured, offering a teasing smile. "In fact, he would prefer to keep his distance from you."

Oriana didn’t fully grasp the elf’s meaning and replied, "You don’t know that scoundrel as well as you think, Lord Yorian."

Yorian smirked lightly, silently musing as he thought, ’You don’t realize you’re the one who’s going to trouble him now. I wonder if he can tolerate your scent now. It would be amusing to witness if he can’t.’

Oriana stepped out of the bed and Ana arrived back to prepare her. By then Yorian had already left. Though unwilling, Oriana left for the Oak palace in her carriage and under the protection of Commander Loyset.