237: She Is Safe

She Is Safe

"How beautiful." Even someone as crude as Oriana could not help but have her breath taken away.0

"It comes in a pair, and is considered a sort of treasured heirloom from a fallen empire." Rosetta then showed her another pendant the same as the one in her hand. "It can connect both of us when you want to talk to me. It will pass your thoughts to me no matter how far I am from you."

Oriana looked at her in shock. "Is that even possible?!"

"In the world of magic, everything is possible. If you know you are Black Witch, then you should be aware of what magic can do."

Oriana continued observing that pendant. "Exactly how does this work?"

"Insert your energy inside this stone."

"Like this?"

"Yes, do it with my pendant too."

After Oriana inserted her magic, they gave off a dim glow before returning to normal.

"This pair will only recognize your magic from now on. You just have to close your eyes while holding it tightly in your hand and focus on your energy core. The rest, this pendant will do on its own."

"Oh! This is truly hard to imagine…"

"However, it has its limits. One is that it cannot be touched by anyone with magic—any supernatural beings, not just witches. Since it is an artifact from a fallen empire, you must understand that it is fragile. As long as any magic comes in contact with it, it will lose its connection to the pendant I have with me. It will be reduced to an ordinary piece of jewelry."

"That makes sense." However, she pushed it away. "Something so precious, I cannot accept it."

Rosetta shook her head. 

"A true noble will never take back what is given. Please, Oriana. Do not refuse my friendship."

In the end, Oriana took the pendant, placing it inside an enchanted pouch that Rosetta provided as well. Looking at the time, Oriana spoke, "Thank you for the gift, Lady Rosetta. I shall take my leave. I should be waiting outside the drawing room before His Highness finishes his meeting with the King."

"Of course. Go ahead." Rosetta didn't stand up as she didn't seem to have any intentions of leaving her room. 

Oriana quietly bowed and left after she tucked that pouch with the pendant inside her pocket. 

Rosetta stared at the closed door even after Oriana had left. 

'So she is not aware that she is the Queen of Witches? How amusing. Does she truly not know, or is she acting dumb in front of me? That day in the temple, she used divine power to save the Queen of Megaris, so there is no way those people are not aware of who this girl is. From her behavior, it was clear no one told her.

'King of Megaris, could it be that you are afraid of that little girl?' 

A sly smirk painted on her lips. 

'That can be an advantage for me. A young Black Witch with no coven nor guardian, I can be her mentor and friend. It has indeed been ages since I last taught a student. But before that, I need to make sure she truly trusts me. 

'If she doesn't trust me, then she will surely show that pendant to the King of Megaris. The moment that king sees it or touches it, then I will know if this girl is truly naive or just acting under their instructions.'

She leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes.

'....and if she truly trusts me, then that pendant will be the way for both of us to communicate. Then no one can stop me from having the Queen of Witches on my side. I'd rather have her as a pet rather than a student, but the title of the Queen's Master isn't too bad…'

—-

Oriana returned to the drawing room. She intended to stand and wait outside the door, but it seemed Arlan left an instruction to the knights guarding the door, because although her arrival was unannounced, she was directly ushered back into the room. 

Inside, she found the two royals still drinking wine, still chatting in that disgustingly friendly manner while wearing smiles on their faces. It was hard to determine whether they were truly enjoying themselves or not, as both sounded equally sincere. 

If there was one thing that made her relieved, it was that Arlan did not look drunk. There was clarity in those blue eyes.

Arlan glanced at Oriana and felt relieved that she was back, unharmed, though on the surface his expression showed he couldn't care less. He had been anxious the moment she left his side, and it gnawed at him that he could not use his power to check on her situation. However, he was skilled enough to hide his true emotions and Samer did not notice anything strange about him. 

'She is safe.'

This thought allowed him to breathe a little easier, and he hid the relief on his face by gulping down the rest of his wine.

If Oriana had not shown up for the next half hour, he was about to use his power to track her whereabouts. Even if that meant revealing his existence to  Zaria Lynx or other black magic practitioners, he would deal with that problem at a later time. What mattered the most were Oriana and her safety. 

Her gaze briefly met with Arlan's as she quietly made her way back to stand behind him. 

Aside from the minister who welcomed him, Arlan was yet to see any other noteworthy figures among Samer's subordinates. It appeared that meeting that woman called Rosetta today was unlikely, unless he specifically requested it from Samer. However, such a request would surely raise suspicion. In the first place, he was not the lady's acquaintance. He was also unaware of her title.

'Since it doesn't seem like she will show up, time to wrap this up.' 

After finishing another glass of wine,  Arlan placed the empty glass on the table. 

"You are no longer drinking, Prince Arlan?" Samer asked, as if finding it a pity.

"My aide's arrival reminded me of the time. It appears I have overstayed my visit." 

"Not at all. I will even insist on hosting a small dinner banquet for you if you are free." 

"I appreciate today's discussion. Unfortunately, I already have another engagement for tonight. Maybe next time," Arlan said with an apologetic tone. "It has been a pleasure talking to you, King Samer. I believe that what we discussed today, we can start implementing it as soon as possible. Of course, without the other kingdoms discovering our alliance until the time comes."

"I wish the same, Prince Arlan."

"I should be taking my leave now. I've had a wonderful time." 

When Arlan stood up to leave, Samer also stood up. 

"I will look forward to another such meeting."

"So do I," Arlan said with the most genuine smile he could offer to the King of Thevailes. He then slightly lowered his head in a show of respect, one befitting their status, and Samer nodded in acknowledgement.

The prince glanced at his aide as he walked past her, but even up till he reached the doorway, he found her not following him. He looked over his shoulder. "Is something the matter, Orian?"

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