The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 206

Chapter 206: Like A Lost Child

"Orian, why are you still standing?" Seren asked. "We all are eating together. It’s alright. We don’t like to follow rules when we are outside."

"Your Majesty, I am not hungry. I...would like to stay outside instead and see the market on my own."

"But you will miss the tasty food here," Seren insisted.

Oriana kept her head lowered. "I am not used to eating such delicacies, Your Majesty."

It was not a lie. Back in the village, she would only generally eat vegetables she grew and meat she hunted. Taste was secondary. The most important thing was that the food did not run out. Most commoners were like that, living in frugality. Sometimes, when she’s foraging deep into the forest, she would often only eat once in the morning and then snack on jujube for the rest of the day. It was enough as long as she didn’t starve.

She continued, "Please permit me to roam outside. I will return before you finish eating."

Seren looked at Drayce to which he nodded.

"As you feel right, Orian," Seren allowed unwillingly as she didn’t know how to make Oriana feel better.

"I will make sure to not create any trouble, Your Highness." Her words were directed towards Arlan who didn’t respond.

The dining room was silent as they watched her leave. The food arrived shortly after. Several servers placed various appetizing and aromatic dishes in front of everyone. After pouring wine and juices to their respective glasses, the servers left, leaving only the assigned server outside the private room for them to summon if needed.

"Arlan, start eating." Drayce spoke towards the man who was yet to move even an inch since he sat down.

"I am not hungry," he said before abruptly standing up. "Enjoy your meal."

Imbert and Rafal stood up as well but Arlan raised his hand. "No need to follow me. Finish your food." Unwillingly, the two knights sat down, their gazes on his departing figure.

Slayer looked at the two knights. "Do not worry. Your liege needs some time alone. You two know best that he doesn’t need real protection."

Imbert said nothing, but Rafal sighed. "We do know but..."

In the end, the two knights reluctantly began to eat.

When Arlan walked out, he searched for Oriana. It had not been long since she left so he was sure she must not have gone that far. He focused on his hearing, but could not hear her voice. Her scent, due to the massive crowd, was mixed with other scents, hard to track amidst the bustle. Still, he followed its general direction sensing the faint traces of her scent. _{freewēbnoveℓ.com}

After walking for several minutes, he found Oriana in an alley far from the main district, kneeling in front of a dirty puppy hiding in the corner. She was talking to it, caressing its fur without minding the grime. She seemed to have treated the puppy’s leg as he could see cloth wrapped around it like a bandage.