178: Is She Blushing?

Is She Blushing?

Several minutes ago, Drayce was listening to Arlan's analysis for tomorrow's conference when he heard his wife scream.1

Not even a second later, the King of Megaris disappeared from his chair, leaving the group of men stunned. 

"What happened?" Cian, being the only human in the group, asked his companions. 

Arlan and Yorian simultaneously extended their powers towards the room where they felt Drayce reappear, but only found the red-eyed man comforting his wife, before bringing her back to their own bedchamber. 

"His Majesty went to your sister," the elf responded to the prince's question. 

As a worried brother, Cian stood up, intending to follow behind the King of Megaris. "What happened to Seren? Where is she? Did something—"

"Calm down, nothing is wrong with her," Arlan assured. "You don't have to go. Your sister is fine. Dray will be back in a bit."

Cian sat back down, but he was visibly distracted as he waited for his brother-in-law's return. After half an hour, Drayce came back to the study. 

"What happened? Is Seren alright?" Cian asked the man as soon as he entered the room. 

"She was roaming around and was merely startled by something," Drayce told him. "Everything is fine. I just overreacted to her scream."

Arlan passed his friend a doubtful look. Though he was not paying attention to what was happening on the other side of the mansion,  his senses clearly caught Seren's voice yelling 'Who are you?', as if she was confronting someone. However, since Drayce hid that fact, he would not ask either. 

The meeting was wrapped up about two hours later. Cian went back to his own mansion, while Yorian excused himself, leaving only the Crown Prince of Griven and the King of Megaris inside the study. 

Arlan idly burned the confidential letters sent by his spy network. "What was that about?" 

Even without clarifying, Drayce understood what his friend was asking.

"There was a person in that gallery who startled my wife, that's it. There is no danger."

"Alright. I will take my leave then." 

Arlan also returned to the guest mansion he was staying in. The first thought that came to his mind when he stepped inside was, 'I hope that troublemaker stayed put like I told her.'

It was Neil who welcomed Arlan and took off his coat. 

"Where is Orian?" he could not help but ask.

"In his room. Shall I call for him, Your Highness?"

'Seems like she is learning to be obedient.'

—-

It was the first day of the official summit conference. The leaders and representatives of the various kingdoms, along with their most competent diplomatic officials, were set to gather and discuss important issues that would determine the direction of the continent for the next five years. 

Due to the importance of the grand occasion, the attire of the Crown Prince of Griven was prepared to be more elaborate to reflect his status and power. The prince's ensemble began with a long, flowing brocade robe, the gold fabric embellished by silver threads forming an oak tree. Over the robe, the prince donned a heavy white cloak, velvet lined with spotted fur, held together by decorative brooches and a jewel-encrusted clasp. Underneath, Arlan wore a form-fitting midnight black doublet, with matching trousers and high boots, tailored to be comfortable yet elegant, emphasizing his tall, manly form. 

At this moment, Oriana could not help but admire the handsome blue-eyed prince, his composure and dignified aura befitting the future ruler of their kingdom.

Arlan was not unaware of Oriana's admiring gaze. A small satisfied smile lingered on his face as he prepared to head downstairs for his meal. The people from Megaris would be joining him to eat and it would be rude not to welcome them. 

As he sat at the head of the table inside the dining hall, he eyed his most troublesome aide. 

"Just like yesterday, stay inside your room. Do not go out when I am not around."

Oriana felt like rolling her eyes as the prince was treating her like a kid. She wanted to make a face at him while telling him, 'I didn't obey you yesterday. I went out and didn't get caught.' But then remembering the glare of the red-eyed king while she escaped, her mood deflated.

"Understood?" she heard Arlan ask.

"I won't create any trouble, Your Highness,"

"Good."

While they waited for the arrival of the guests, Oriana fidgeted, mumbling under her breath as if speaking to herself, "But it's unfair. I heard you allowing Damien to go out, but why not me? I really want to go out and explore Nefer. I don't know when I will get to see this place again, or if I will ever return to this kingdom."

"You will be coming with me when I roam the city." His voice was filled with warning. "You better not disobey." 

"But that's work, not sightseeing…"

"Did you say something, my aide?"

"I said I understand, Your Highness."

Drayce, flanked by Slayer and Yorian, entered the dining hall. 

Oriana felt her entire body freeze at the sight of the red-eyed king walking towards his seat. 

'Calm down, I must calm down. I had a mask on last night. He probably did not recognize me.'

"Good morning Prince Arlan," the silver-haired elf greeted with a pleasant smile, his ears back to their human disguise. Arlan greeted him back. When Drayce told them that his wife would not be joining them, the palace servants of Othinia began to bring in the dishes for the three men.

While they ate, Yorian began to chat. "Prince Arlan, can I borrow your aide for the day?"

"What for?"

"To accompany me around the city."

Arlan was clearly not pleased to hear Yorian's request. " You don't need such a skinny boy to protect you, Mister. He's just as unfamiliar with the streets of this city as you are. Shall I lend you one of my knights instead?"

The smile on Yorian's lips only widened. "You jest, Prince Arlan. I'm planning to go around the markets of Nefer to enjoy the local customs. I want him to accompany me because he's such an interesting and bright lad. Surely, you don't want to kill this child in boredom inside the palace while you're away?"

Arlan did not respond.

The elf continued, "What do you think, Orian? Do you want to come? I know a thing or two about herbs, and I'm sure I can introduce some of the local herbs we find to you."

Oriana was inwardly jumping in joy, but could only respond with, "As long as His Highness permits me." Her eyes were sparkling with expectations, causing Arlan's annoyance to intensify.

The elf added, "I give you my word that your aide will be back to you by the time today's conference ends."

Arlan was about to say something, but Drayce spoke up, "They will be accompanying Seren. Do not worry."

As his friend said it, Arlan had to reluctantly agree. He was about to warn Oriana when he noticed something amiss with her.

'Is she…blushing?' The young woman's gaze was fixated in the direction of the door.

Arlan followed her line of sight, the target of her heated gaze was the purple-eyed woman walking towards them.

'What the…' 

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