The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 110

Chapter 110: I Will Deal With You Later

"Y-Yes, Your Highness," she gulped, her palms sweating as her conscience wavered.

"Where do you think that herb can grow, considering the climatic conditions and soil they can grow in?" Arlan asked.

The prince had a solemn look that made her dare not dodge his question.

She cleared her throat, "Your Highness, apologies, but I am a mere commoner. I mostly learned from experience of the plants native to Wimark and I am uneducated when it comes to geography. Since it’s a banned herb, no books available in the market mention it. I only heard from a fellow herbalist that it is rumored to grow in tropical and subtropical climates."

The art of lying lay in mixing truths and lies. She was not a native of Wimark, but it sounded believable enough to convince those who heard her explanation.

"Lucas, have this verified by the royal pharmacy."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Hmm, those climates, that means the southern regions of the continent," they heard Arlan murmur as he pondered.

"Your Highness, the highest suspect should be kingdoms that are allies or have neutral relationships with Thevailes."

"Othinia is the most likely source," Arlan spoke.

’Othinia? A name I’m hearing about for the first time.’

For a village girl, she was already considered knowledgeable to know about Megaris, their neighboring kingdom, and that was only because her grandfather once brought her there back when he was a mercenary. Oriana sighed inwardly.

’I only have three months’ worth of medication for Grandpa. Don’t tell me next time I have to travel to a faraway kingdom to get that herb? How am I even supposed to go there in the first place?’

"Your Highness will soon travel to Othinia for this year’s summit. We can send an advance party to collect information ahead of time before your main delegation arrives."

"Hmm," was all Arlan said before he resumed reading the scroll in his hand.

Another attendant brought freshly brewed tea which he passed to Oriana. She went towards Arlan and served him tea. Not even once did he look at her, even when he accepted the cup of tea, and simply focused on his work.

Roman soon gestured for Oriana to leave with him.

Just as Oriana stepped out of the study, her face fell.

’I wish I could stay and hear more important bits of information so I can adjust my plans.’

"Orian, when His Highness begins to work, he tends to forget time and neglect his basic needs. You have to check on him once in a while and remind him to eat. Bring him more tea and snacks even if he doesn’t touch them."

"How often should I do that?"

"Do you know how to read time?"

"I don’t."

The two walked downstairs.

"See that? That is a clock." The butler pointed at a certain instrument in the foyer. "That long hand, every time it goes back to the same position, that is one hour. You may check on His Highness every hour."

"Can I stand outside the door to be called when needed?"

Oriana was still hoping she could accompany the knights outside and listen in on the conversation within the study. However, the butler’s response disappointed her.

"There is no need. If you have no errands to run, stay in the servant quarters until you are summoned."

"Yes, Mister Roman."

Half an hour passed by until Oriana saw the scholarly Lucas come downstairs. He glanced at her and she bowed in a hurry.

’What kind of gaze was that? Unlike Mister Roman, this aide doesn’t smile. He seems to be a strict person. I never truly felt it before, but in the royal palace, the gap between the bearing of nobles and commoners is highlighted. I feel incredibly small, the gaze of every noble making me feel like my very existence is a crime.’

She waited for half an hour more, and after taking the prepared tea and snacks from Chef Dan, she went upstairs.

’I wonder if he finished reviewing those three documents. There was so much work for him to do. He must be exhausted, umm, wait, why am I so concerned about him?

’Hah, I guess the training of the Ahrens paid off. My mentality had shifted to me thinking I’m a real servant— a good servant to my annoying but hardworking master.’

She entered the study and was about to greet him with her head lowered but...

’Is he sleeping?’

Oriana found him leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed. Half of the curtain was drawn, and the natural light coming from the large window gave the study a lazy, dreamy feel. The rays of the afternoon sun caused the vast room to be divided between light and shadow, with Arlan’s face covered in shadows.

She slowly walked forward, daring to stare at his handsome face without moving her gaze from it even once.

’How can a man be so good-looking?’ She could not help but ask the same question again and again, ’Well, he looks the best when asleep. Less troublesome.’

Oriana hesitated between leaving or staying. In the end, she put the tray on his desk without making any sound.