The Devil's Betrothed
Chapter 516: Secret Talk

Chapter 516: Secret Talk

Once Oriana regained her strength, she released her grip on Arlan and stood firmly on her own two feet. "Thank you," she said gratefully.

"Her Majesty has arrived," Arlan informed Oriana, prompting her to scan her surroundings.

She spotted a delicate figure dressed similarly to herself, standing alongside Drayce. Behind them stood the two knights, Slayer and Azer, attired inconspicuously. Those piercing purple eyes and the lower half of a face concealed by a veil left no doubt as to the identity of the small figure.

As Oriana made her way toward them, Arlan walked beside her.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," Oriana began, but was interrupted by Seren.

"Call me by my name, Oriana," Seren insisted. "We are in disguise, hiding our true identities." Confusion flickered in Seren’s innocent eyes. "But, Seren is a woman’s name, and I am portraying a man..."

"I will address you as a young master," Oriana interjected, offering a solution.

Seren glanced at Drayce, who nodded in agreement. "That sounds reasonable," he said.

"Then shall I use the same address for you?" Seren inquired.

"If you wish," Oriana replied with a smile.

Seren’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, I would appreciate it. This is my first time assuming the guise of a man," Seren remarked, looking at Oriana. "It must be quite thrilling."

"Your Majesty, your grace and beauty shine through even when assuming the guise of a man. But we’ll do our best to assist you," Oriana complimented sincerely.

"Thank you, Oriana. I’ll rely on your guidance," Seren replied gratefully.

"I’m still present," Drayce interjected, a hint of possessiveness in his tone.

Seren, sensing her husband’s disapproval, turned to him with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "But Oriana has expertise in disguising as a man. Can’t I seek her assistance, please?"

"Alright." It didn’t take him a moment to give into his wife’s cute pleading. If anything went wrong, he was anyways there to protect her.

Taking Oriana’s hand, Seren led her aside. "Come with me. I have something to ask you."

Oriana allowed Seren to guide her, their husbands observing them with curiosity, leaning in as if to share a confidential conversation.

Seren glanced at Drayce and Arlan, then spoke in a low voice, "You two aren’t permitted to eavesdrop. I can sense when you employ your abilities."

"We won’t," the two assured, and Drayce exchanged a glance with Slayer, who offered a reassuring nod, promising to keep watch over the two women.

It was untold rule that In Drayce’s absence, Slayer was responsible to look after Seren’s safety and Slayer didn’t need to be told.

Just then, Arthur arrived, attired in the garb of an ordinary noble.

"Why do you two look as if your wives have abandoned you?" Arthur remarked, studying their expressions.

"Allowing your wife to make new acquaintances can sometimes prove troublesome," Arlan commented, earning a nod from Drayce. "Knowing your wife, I am worried mine would be in trouble instead."

"You both can cease flaunting your marital concerns," Arthur interjected, turning his attention to Imbert and Rafal. "Tonight, you’re not merely knights but my companions. Let’s indulge in some nostalgia."

Imbert and Rafal, not only esteemed knights of the Crown Princes but also scions of the wealthiest noble families, held a higher status, not solely due to their lineage but also their titles as Royal Knights. However, as dutiful knights, they were always bound by strict rules and protocols, unable to engage in frivolity as they did in their youth. The safety of the Crown Prince always took precedence.

Arlan regarded his two knights, who had grown alongside him. "Arthur is right. Tonight, you two can give yourself a break."

The two knights simply nodded, their sense of duty keeping them rooted in their positions.

Arthur sighed, turning to Arlan. "I’ll ensure they loosen up once we’ve had a drink or two."

Arlan nodded in acknowledgment before inquiring, "Where is Nathan?"

"He’s likely off enjoying himself with some lady from a random noble family," Arthur replied nonchalantly, as if it were a common occurrence. "He’ll be here soon enough. Despite how much he prefers his fill of fun, friends are his priority."

"That’s certainly true," chimed in a familiar voice, and all eyes turned to Nathan. Arthur flashed him a teasing smile. "Back already, Nathan? You do not look like tired. Seems like today you preferred to be gentleman."

"Insignificant things can’t tire me," Nathaniel countered while he ignored Arthur and turned to Drayce and Arlan.

"Huh, ignoring me?" Arthur scoffed, "As if these two are not aware of your true self and how you like to indulge in those things. You are like a beast always in heat."

----

Meanwhile, Seren and Oriana engaged in conversation.

"Have you ever been to a tavern before?" Seren inquired.

Oriana felt a hint of discomfort but replied honestly, "Y-Yes, Your Majesty."

"Shh, please, call me by my name," Seren insisted.

"My apologies. I’ll remember that," Oriana replied respectfully.

"I’ve heard from Marie and Eva that taverns are places of great fun. I want to experience that too, but I’m certain Drayce won’t allow it and will keep a close eye on me," Seren lamented.

"Um, what exactly do you mean by ’fun’ here?" Oriana asked cautiously.

"Drinking, rowdy brawls, arguments, shouting matches, and there’s even music and dancing," Seren explained with enthusiasm.

Oriana awkwardly cleared her throat. Why was the queen so excited about witnessing drunken fights and arguments? "Well, those things do happen in taverns, but it’s not exactly pleasant to witness. The music isn’t the refined sort enjoyed by royalty; it’s more... chaotic."

"That’s precisely what I want to see. I’ve rarely, if ever, witnessed people quarreling or fighting amongst themselves. I hope to witness it here. And as for drinking, Marie mentioned that the alcohol here is different from what we have in the palace. If Drayce won’t permit it, you’ll have to help me sneak a drink," Seren declared with determination.

"I... I will do my best," Oriana replied hesitantly, unsure of the potential consequences she might face from the King of Megaris for indulging Seren’s desires.

After conversing for a while, with Seren expressing her desires while Oriana simply nodded along, they returned to their husbands, with Slayer and Azer trailing behind. Seren paid no mind to Slayer’s presence, confident that he wouldn’t eavesdrop. Even if he overheard something accidentally, she trusted he wouldn’t reveal anything to Drayce unless it’s something that would harm her.

Arthur and Nathaniel, recognizing the disguised women, respectfully bowed to them. "It must be your first time visiting such a place," Arthur remarked politely.

Seren nodded in agreement, while Oriana remained silent. She could feel Arlan’s gaze on her, knowing he was aware that it wasn’t her first time here.

"Don’t worry, we’ll ensure your safety. Just relax and enjoy yourself," Arthur reassured them.

"Protect?" Arlan interjected with playful skepticism. "I believe others might need protection from my wife."

Arthur glanced at Arlan and then at Oriana, who felt a tinge of embarrassment. Now perceived as a Crown Princess, she couldn’t help but wonder how her reputation might be affected if they knew it wasn’t her first time at the tavern.

Just as Alex arrived and bowed to Arlan, announcing, "Your Highness, the arrangements have been made," Nathaniel glanced at Arlan with a questioning look. "You assigned Alex to such tasks? Did I entrust him to you solely for this purpose?"

Before Arlan could say a word, Arthur spoke, "It’s better he is with Arlan. With you, his talent would have been wasted while standing outside the door as a guard when you are having your fun and then clear the mess after you." Arthur looked at Alex, "Am I right?"

Alex didn’t comment on it and said, "Upstairs, the place is reserved for all of you," and was about to leave after he bowed to them.

"You’re accompanying us, Alex" Nathaniel declared firmly.

As Alex hesitated, about to seek confirmation from Arlan, Nathan interjected, "You don’t need his approval when I’m giving you an order."

Bowing to Nathan, Alex replied, "I will return after giving instructions to my men," before taking his leave.

Nathaniel fixed Arlan with a serious gaze. "Alex is of great importance to me. I expect you to look after him."

"I understand. He’s just as important to me as he is to you," Arlan assured. "He insisted on ensuring the safety of Oriana and Her Majesty together, and I granted him that responsibility."

Nathaniel nodded in acknowledgment, his expression softening with understanding.

Meanwhile, Oriana and Seren exchanged knowing looks, silently grasping the dynamics at play that included Alex. Seren glanced at Drayce, who nodded in silent agreement, indicating they would discuss the matter later.