134: Generous Brat

Generous Brat

"I can't read minds either, Prince Arlan, but I will see what I can do," Erich said. "His personality is easygoing, but your father is the kind of patient that is most difficult to deal with. From our conversation earlier, I figured out that the moment I say how grave his situation is, he will immediately refuse treatment saying it is a wasteful use of people's taxes."  0

Only then did Arlan realize the reason why the old man with a nasty temper was friendly to his father—it was also part of the treatment.

"Let me know if there is something else you need," the prince said. "My mother already told the Ministry of Finance to open the family's treasury to you. The royal pharmacy will also be under your command."

"There is something I need indeed."

"Yes?"

"I am used to having two apprentices, but I only brought one with me to the royal palace.  I met an old acquaintance among the royal servants. I want him to help me."

Arlan nodded. "Consider it done." 

He didn't ask who it was and Erich didn't tell who the person was.

Arlan overheard Oriana's conversation with Erich, not to mention he had always been aware of her true intentions of entering the palace. On the other hand, Erich knew Oriana would find her way and he simply made things easy for her.

—--

Late in the afternoon, inside the Palace of Thistle, Oriana knocked on the door of the prince's study and entered even before hearing a response. It was merely her hourly duty of bringing him tea and snacks; there was no need for him to speak. 

However, after she served the tea, she stayed instead of leaving, quietly contemplating over how to phrase her request. 

Arlan sensed her mood. He already guessed what was going on in her mind.

While sipping the freshly brewed tea, he leaned back in his armchair, pretending ignorance. 

"Do you have something to say, Orian?"

Oriana, who was standing with her head lowered, felt relieved that he asked a question first. "Your Highness, I have a request."

"Hmm?"

"Please allow me to say it."

"Go ahead."

"The apothecary—no, the physician who arrived from the Kingdom of Abetha, he is my teacher. May I request that I be allowed to leave the Palace of Thistle and meet him?"

Instead of replying, Arlan simply stared at her while enjoying tea, making Oriana nervous.

Truth be told, she was risking her life at this moment. If the prince denied her request, she would have no choice but to sneak out, which was a crime in itself. Not to forget, she was already a criminal for having black nightshade in her possession. 

Every passing second felt suffocating as the man in front of her wordlessly enjoyed his drink as if he could not see her anxiety. She dared move her gaze up, only to find him staring at her as if trying to see through her, the gaze like that of a hawk. 

Her heartbeats picked up pace. 'Was I wrong to ask him? I was honest for once. Should I have cooked up a more convincing lie?'

"Why do you need to meet Erich Winfield?" Arlan asked. He wished to see if she could continue being honest with him. 

Oriana once again looked at him as if trying to see what he was up to. She was grateful it was not a flat refusal, but somehow, she felt lying was not a good option here. 

"My family member is sick and I wish to consult with my master about his sickness, Your Highness."

Once again, there was a stretch of silence. 

"Alright!" she heard him say, making her look at him with a wide smile. 

"Thank you—"

"But, what will you give me in return?"

"Pardon?"

"The palace is paying you to work. Meeting that physician is for your personal benefit, and that means you will be taking time off paid work."

"In return?" she repeated. 'Why is he being so petty? I only asked to meet with Master Cenric once. It's not like I'll be gone for days. What can a poor person like me give to this crazy rich prince? My salary?'

"Hmm, nothing is free in life. You are asking a favor from your employer."

Oriana thought about it. She didn't want to agree, but he did make sense. "I have nothing to give Your Highness at this moment, but since I asked for a favor, then it is proper that I return this favor. If you want anything from me, you can ask for it as long as it's not illegal or immoral and within my capability."

Her choice of words caused a chuckle to escape from Arlan. "For now, I cannot think of asking anything from a peasant like you, but I will keep it as you owe me something."

'Petty brat,' she sighed inwardly. "Yes, Your Highness. Thank you for—"

"I am not done yet," he interrupted her. 

'Now what?' She blankly looked at him.

"This is not a one time visit," Arlan started. Before Oriana could respond, he continued, "From now on, you will act as the messenger between me and Erich Winfield. I want regular reports about my father's health. This way, you must also stay by the physician's side as his helper."

To say Oriana was astonished was an understatement. The prince's words were basically telling her she could learn by her teacher's side.

Arlan continued, "However, you are still my servant, a person of my Palace of Thistle. You are allowed to go to the Palace of Oak only after you attend to my needs. Whatever you do during the day, I want you back in the Palace of Thistle before sunset. If you are late, you will be punished. 

"Also, do not forget about your punishment— you cannot avoid this no matter what happens."

"Yes, Your Highness! I will keep that in mind! I will be by your bedside every single night! Thank you! Thank you, really!"

Arlan looked at her with a satisfied gaze. After all, the reason why he schemed to have her work in the royal palace was for his precious sleep. There wouldn't be any excuse for that.

As Oriana stepped out of Arlan's study, a light smile painted on her lips, 'Though he is annoying, sometimes he is good. He permitted to meet me my Master. If I succeed in making right medicine for grandpa, I will always be thankful to him for that.'

Smile on her lips widened, 'Today he is a generous brat.'

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