The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 330

Chapter 330: We’re Surrounded

The carriages of the Grivenian delegation departed from the city of Nefer with flair, the sight of marching armored knights on their handsome steeds a feast to the eyes for the common folks.

After crossing several towns and villages, they chose to camp near one of the many unnamed rivers on their planned route. The tired horses were allowed to rest, with their owners giving water and food to them, while the servants prepared a simple meal for the people.

It was midday, and the sun was bright overhead. Arlan was sitting by the riverbank when Imbert approached and informed him, "We have a visitor, Your Highness."

The prince glanced at the man standing behind Imbert and nodded. He directed his gaze at Oriana, "Go arrange my meal."

Oriana understood that he was subtly dismissing her.

As she walked away, Oriana could not help but be curious about the newly arrived man. His face was unfamiliar and he was also wearing casual clothing that bore no crest of any affiliation. Since he was talking directly to the Crown Prince, the man could not have an ordinary identity.

’He seems to be a native of Othinia though.’

Oriana wondered about that man’s identity as well as the content of their conversation. Arlan’s grim expression implied it was a serious matter. However, although she was a servant of the prince, she was not a trusted aide who he confided confidential matters with. Other than Imbert and Rafal, no one was allowed to approach them.

She walked towards the open tent where the servants were preparing their midday meal. She thought the servants were chatting about trivial stuff, but she overheard Damien sharing gossip which piqued her interest.

"...Othinian royalty? Who dared hurt them?"

"And to think it was during the ball!"

"Oh, I heard of this. There were reports that rebels tried to cause a ruckus, right?"

"No one knows exactly what happened, but from the palace servants I befriended, I heard that was just an excuse. There were no rebels. Those two were drunk and chased after a lady and got injured."

The servants began to snicker amongst themselves, discussing how the unlucky royal guards would probably be blamed and punished to cover such a scandal.

"Did you find out who the lady was?"

"The identity of the lady had not been revealed. Those above ordered to keep a tight lid on this incident, so even if it was revealed, only a handful probably knows the truth. It would be a great shame for the Nefertitis to admit the incident involved royals with indecent intentions towards a guest."

"I guess. They do have a reputation to protect."

"To think they made it look like it was caused by enemy rebels. Pfft."

’Two drunks chasing after a woman during the ball?’ Oriana repeated these words. ’That woman is clearly me, but I didn’t harm anyone. How did they get hurt?’

Oriana joined the crowd, wanting to know more.

"It’s said that both of their crippled bodies were found by the royal guards after the ball was over. I heard it was a terrible sight to see, as if the one who attacked them had a deep grudge against them."

"I also heard no one really felt bad for them. Those two are infamous rogues of the capital and they always cause trouble by going after young pretty women. Sadly, their royal background shields them from severe punishment, and they often get away unscathed for disrespecting women."

"Are they fools? The participants of the summit have statuses no lower than theirs. Did they never worry about offending another kingdom?"

"Right? That’s exactly my thoughts. Othinian nobles might fear them, but that’s not the case for others. Even if they investigate, can they do anything to the attacker when he’s already left Othinia and beyond their jurisdiction?"

"Well, they deserve to be crippled."

"True. Now after this, they won’t be able to go after those innocent women."

As Oriana continued to listen to their remarks and sighs, she ended up looking in the direction of the Crown Prince.

’Did he do it?’

Her intuition was telling her it was definitely him.

She could relate it to the previous event in Griven when she beat up the crooked son of the count forcing himself onto a poor lady. At that time, his family wanted to have her killed. Arlan took her side, and she later heard that both the count and his son were punished badly.

’Seems like he doesn’t like it when someone touches the people on his side. He surely sought them out for trying to hurt Lady Ria.’