The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7: One Condition

No matter what, crying over spilled milk was useless. She quickly controlled her expression and scoffed, "Fair maiden? Young Master, you insult me. This commoner might be younger, and thus, smaller compared to a handsome man like you, but I am a proper man!"

'Proper man?' Arlan almost burst into laughter. 'Does she take me for a fool? When I fell on her, I clearly felt—'

"Young Master, please spare my life!" Her voice cut through his thoughts. "I beg you to let go of me."

Arlan almost forgot he still had her pinned with a knife on her throat.

"What if you run?" he asked, not budging.

"Umm, Young Master, we can talk through this, can't we? This is the first time we have seen each other, and we have no deep grudges. Why will I run? Seems like you have mistaken me for someone else."

Arlan raised a brow, wanting to see what shenanigan she came up with. "Do you think so?"

Her lips trembled nervously but she maintained the subservient smile on her face. "Of course, or else, why would a respected noble like you follow a lowly being like me? You look like a distinguished young master of a noble family while I am a good-for-nothing son of humble birth who mingles in the slums."

'Son?'

A smirk on Arlan's lips widened at her blatant lie.

Getting no response from the man in front of her, the young woman squirmed. In the end, Arlan relented and took a step back, causing her to let out a sigh of relief.

Her eyes on the knife in his hand, she awkwardly rubbed her throat, a part of her reeling from having the blade against her skin.

From now on, she would act like a normal person!

Thinking about how proud nobles are, she put on a meek expression, imitating how servants would talk to their masters, her tone servile.

"This...I-I apologize for hurting you, Young Master. I mistakenly thought I was being followed by a thief who saw me selling herbs and wanted to steal the coins I earned."

"Me, a thief?"

"My bad for not thinking clearly before attacking you. It was a terrible mistake, but I believe that Young Master has a benevolent heart and will not hold me liable for such a silly misunderstanding. I am sure your time is precious, and I shall not waste it. I shall take my leave..."

'Not so fast, Shortie.'

Arlan would not let her slip away easily. He observed her pretty face. Since she wanted to pretend as a man, he would happily play along with her.

"I feel we are destined to meet like this, young man." He put a friendly arm over her shoulder, causing her to stiffen. He pretended not to notice her discomfort. "The more I look at you, the more you remind me of my younger brother. Alas, I miss him badly! Since you are done selling your herbs, how about you spend some time with me?"

"T-Time with you?" she said nervously, her eyes shaking. "Young Master, this lowly commoner dare not!"