191: Keen Observation

Keen Observation

1Drayce, who was watching his friend's distress in relish, had to hide the smile on his face. 

'Do not laugh.' Arlan glared at him. 'Have you forgotten how foolish you look being jealous of your wife's brother? You could not even accept a simple hug between siblings. What right do you have to laugh at me?'

'You laugh at my foolishness, I laugh at yours. It is only fair.'

'Something is wrong with these Ilven siblings. How dare they both attract my aide?'

'Is it their fault? Your aide is a pervert. She seems comfortable with either gender. Neither siblings did anything to get this kind of attention from your aide.'

Arlan swallowed his anger. He could not refute. He could only swallow another goblet of wine while engrossed with the thought of teaching his aide a good lesson. 

When their meal was over, Drayce spoke to Arlan, "Let's have drinks tonight. It's been a while since we had it together."

"How about a tavern? The atmosphere in the palace is pretty stifling."

"Fine with me," Drayce spoke.

Arlan threw a grin at Slayer, who was standing several feet behind the young king. "That means you are off duty tonight, Sir Knight."

"As you say, Your Highness," Slayer replied with a bow.

Arlan rolled his eyes, before complaining towards Drayce, "He is going to make me sick with all his polite formal talk."

Drayce chuckled. "We will make him drink tonight and get him to start cursing you."

"Make him drink? He can't even stand one fill of it. I don't want to carry his sorry ass back."

Oriana heard their friendly banter and realized, 'Seems like they are close friends with Sir Sanders. To think the King of Megaris agreed to visit a tavern…' She briefly recalled her encounter with Arlan in Jerusha. 'Is enjoying commoner liquor a secret hobby among royalty?'

Seren stopped Arlan as the men were about to head out. "Prince Arlan, since you and Dray are going out, I would like Orian to attend to me. I hope you have no objection."

Arlan looked at Drayce to which Drayce offered him a light nod. He agreed, "As you wish, Your Majesty." He gave Oriana a deep stare, whose face visibly brightened. 

'Is she that happy to be by Seren's side? She never acts this excited with me.'

Cian suddenly spoke out, "You enjoy your outing. I will take my leave now."

"Are you not interested in coming with us?" Drayce asked. 

Cian did not enjoy drinking, be it expensive wine or commoner beer. He was someone who grew up in the military, and he led a somewhat disciplined lifestyle. "I still have some important matters to attend to. I have to leave to continue with the investigation."

"Be more careful," Drayce commented. "Do not engage them head on."

"I will," Cian bowed to them before leaving. 

"Wait, Your Highness!" Oriana spoke out suddenly, prompting everyone to look at her. 

She lowered her head immediately and spoke, "Apologies for speaking without being allowed to…but I have to say something to Prince Cian. May I speak my mind?"

The others had no special reaction to her statement, aside from Arlan. Surrounded by people, he could only swallow his anger. His aide was getting ahead of herself, acting so blatant in front of him. Did she forget who she belonged to?

"What is it?" Cian asked. 

"With your right hand hurt, I recommend that you not hold a sword for a while. It will get severe."

Surprised by her words, all eyes were on the prince's hand.

"Brother, are you hurt? Where? Why didn't you tell us?" Seren panicked. 

Cian was surprised at what Oriana said. He was sure that, other than his knight, no one knew about it. He threw a placating look at his sister. "It's nothing but a bruise."

Arlan and Drayce shared gazes. 'We didn't smell any blood.'

"From my observation, it shouldn't be a simple bruise, but a slight fracture in your hand. I noticed it when you were holding the spoon. Although it seems minor at the moment, it will worsen with neglect and cause damage in the long term if left untreated."

"It's nothing much…"

"Brother, you have to get treated," Seren said in a worried voice. "You shouldn't go outside for any investigation if you can't hold a sword."

"Seren…"

"I won't allow it. You have to listen to me. Nothing is more important than your own safety."

Seeing her worry-filled eyes, Cian had to give up. "Alright. As you say."

"Why don't you get treated by Orian first? Then you can go with Dray. You should not bury yourself in too much work."

Helpless, Cian could only nod once more. 

"We can call for a royal physician. He can treat Prince Cian better," Arlan spoke. "My aide is still new to this field."

"I know, Prince Arlan, but you are underestimating your aide's capability," Seren said. "I trust Orian's skills and I would like it if he treats my brother."

"I also think it's fine to let Orian treat Prince Cian," Drayce added, his gaze laughing at Arlan. 

Arlan could only unwillingly agree. 

"Let's head inside," Seren said as she dragged her brother towards the drawing room. Yorian excused himself to return to the mansion next door. Oriana left as well to get supplies from the royal pharmacy, leaving only Arlan and Drayce in the garden.

"You are doing it intentionally, Dray?" Arlan glared at him.

"It was you who claimed she is merely your aide, so it's nothing unusual that your aide helps your guests. If her identity is that of the Crown Princess of Griven, then we would never dare treat her like a servant."

Arlan was getting frustrated here and Drayce was enjoying his friend's frustration. 

"Let me know how it feels, to know your mate is touching another man's body, a man she finds handsome at that," Drayce spoke with a smile. "Ah, my bad. You won't feel anything as you are human and humans have no concept of mates. Then, there is nothing for you to feel about."

Arlan gnashed his teeth, tempted to throw a punch to wipe that smile off his friend's face. He wanted to deny Drayce's words, but inside, he was aware that he was getting restless at the thought of Oriana treating Cian. Cian, the very man she had her eyes on the entire time during the meal. From her expression alone, it was apparent she admired him for being handsome. 

"Let's leave. Prince Cian can follow us later," Arlan said, not willing to stay there even for a moment. 

Drayce agreed to it and they left with their knights.

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