The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 580

Chapter 580: Her Family Name

"Oriana, I have no desire to rush you, especially given the challenges of the past few days. However, I was wondering if you’re ready to assume your duties as Crown Princess," Julien asked gently. "The women of the noble families are eager to meet you after your wedding."

"I will follow Mother’s guidance," Oriana replied calmly, prompting a smile from Julien.

Arlan turned to Oriana, who was quietly eating. "It’s quite unlike you to be so compliant, Oriana Verner."

"Arlan Cromwell, Have you forgotten she’s your wife and she carries the name Cromwell now?" Julien corrected as she offered a displeased gaze to her son, "You should refer to her as Oriana Cromwell."

Arlan gazed at his mother with calm demeanour. "Mother, after spending two decades without a family name, she finally has one. Why would I strip her of that? It doesn’t change the fact that she’s a Cromwell—my wife, Oriana Cromwell. Our family register lists her under the Cromwell name anyway."

Oriana, taken aback by his words, looked at him in surprise. Since when had this man become so considerate about something she hadn’t even considered important?

"What do you think, Oriana?" Julien pressed, seeking her opinion. _{freēwēbnovel.com}

"I’m fine if he calls me by my family name. I would like to keep it," she affirmed.

The family name—her grandfather’s, her mother’s—was something she wanted to preserve forever.

"Alright," the Queen said, softening. "I just didn’t want you to feel excluded from our family if he continues calling you Oriana Verner."

"I won’t feel that way, Mother," Oriana reassured her.

Ailwin, who had been quietly observing the conversation during the meal, finally spoke up. "Oriana."

She turned to the King. "Yes, Father?" This time, her voice carried no awkwardness in calling him father.

"Two decades ago, when Philip departed, all assets of the Verner family—including the residence, land, gold, and other valuables—came under the royal family’s control. Now that you’re back, you can take charge of them. They will be transferred to you soon," the King explained.

"Father, thank you for safeguarding everything when our family was absent," Oriana responded, her tone filled with gratitude. "But I need none of it, except for the residence. Grandpa is buried there, and it holds my family’s memories. The rest can remain under royal control or be donated to the people of this kingdom."

Everyone at the table could see that Oriana was not driven by a thirst for wealth or power.

The king nodded in understanding. "I will keep it under royal command then. Perhaps one day you might want to claim it. If not, you can always donate it later on your own terms."

"Yes, Father."

"Oriana, you should consider it," Alvera interjected, her tone earnest. "It’s wise to hold onto wealth. You might not comprehend what kind of wealth your grandfather truly had. He was a high noble and King’s personal adviser. His wealth can be beyond you can imagine. Also, as a woman, taking charge of it is prudent. What if one day my brother stops providing for you?"

Oriana wanted to say she can happily survive on her skills as physician on her own but someone beat her to it.

"Why do I need to provide for her?" Arlan countered, his tone serious, "Everything I own is hers, including myself. She has everything under her control."