The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 73

Chapter 73: Rafal In Trouble

"Isn’t this your little brother?" the butler asked when he followed Luke’s line of sight. "Your family are truly close with each other."

"Greetings, Mister Kahlil." She first bowed to the butler. "I hope I’m not disturbing you, but uhmm, Mister, may I speak with you?"

"Go ahead," the butler agreed.

"Can I ask if you are in need of more servants? If yes, can you consider hiring me as well?"

Luke frowned at Oriana. "Are you not busy?"

"I have finished my things and have nothing to do. So I was wondering if I can get some work here and make good use of time instead of idling around and depending on you for my expenses."

"I can take care of both of our expenses—"

"But still." She looked at the butler with puppy eyes. "It’s wrong for me to depend on others when I can also work, isn’t it? I am no longer a child."

The butler, Kahlil, nodded. "Fair point. What kind of work can you do?"

"Anything will do. I can do chores or run errands. I can read and write, and I can also count. I learn fast and you can also make me carry stones—"

"Orian."

"Don’t worry, Luke." The old man smiled at the two. "Your brother can work here. Both you and Ken are trustworthy. Your good skills must run in the bloodline. Orian, isn’t it? I won’t give you construction work, but some inhouse work. What do you think?"

"Really?" Oriana exclaimed. "Thank you, Mister Kahlil! I can start anytime. What work are you giving me?"

"Third Young Master will be staying at home after a long time of traveling and we need more people to serve him. I will assign you the job of keeping his residence clean, and depending on your performance, we can give you other work."

"Of course—"

"He is clumsy," Luke interrupted her.

"No, I am not." She looked at the butler. "Please don’t listen to him. If I make even a small mistake, you can throw me out."

"Alright. You can work here," the butler replied. "Call me Head Butler from now on."

"Yes, Head Butler! I can start right away," Oriana said, ignoring Luke’ warning gaze.

"You can follow me."

Amused by this pair of siblings, Kahlil walked towards the residence where Rafal was temporarily staying.

"Orian," Luke called coldly.

She offered him an awkward smile "Please, Luke, I need to work." She then followed the butler under Luke’s unhappy gaze.

—-

After visiting his father, Arlan returned to his residence to process the work that had accumulated in his absence.

His personal aide, a scholarly-looking man in his mid thirties, medium built with light gray eyes, blond hair and a face that was easy on the eyes, started reporting to him about the affairs in the capital.

Lucas Warren, the second son of the Royal Chancellor and the direct descendant of the prominent Marquis House of Warren, was one of the Crown Prince’s most trusted aides along with Roman Chadwicke.

While Roman was his personal attendant and his butler in charge of palace affairs, Lucas was his administrative counterpart who focused on handling the tasks delegated to the prince by his royal father, as well as monitoring the movements of the aristocracy within Karlin.

Lucas was one of the rare few who kept track of Arlan’s businesses, from his whereabouts to the secret information of his trips to the dark underground forces he handled. Every communication went through Lucas’ hands.

"... about the slavery in the northeast. We are keeping an eye on the viscount’s second wife and the evidence she will be providing.

"In the last royal court session, the territory dispute between Count Ahren and Count Morris has been settled, with Count Morris giving up three farmlands and retaining the mountain with the ruby mine, and Count Ahren receiving a stake on the earnings from the mine.

"About His Majesty’s health, the royal physicians are doing their best to convince the King to undergo rehabilitation, but the King insists on continuing work until the arrival of Physician Erich Winfield."