265: Suspecious Of Arlan

Suspecious Of Arlan

While the guest mansion of Megaris basked in a harmonious atmosphere, the guest mansion of its rival kingdom, Thevailes, was wrapped in silent tension.  0

In one of the rooms, a hooded figure was standing in front of a seated Rosetta. It was a man with an ordinary build, his face hidden under the hood.

Rosetta looked furious. "...so you mean he just disappeared into thin air?" 

"Apologies, Lady Zaria—I mean, Lady Rosetta," the man said. "He was one of the best wizards under me and someone I trust. I am sure there must be a reason for his disappearance. We are still searching for him as we speak." 

"It was a simple task!" Her voice rose, her anger echoing within the room. Had it not been for the isolation spell she planted beforehand, her voice would have alerted the people nearby. "A simple task, to keep an eye on one measly girl, yet you failed me! Do I need to teach you how to do your work properly?"

The black-haired woman then sighed, although her beautiful features still showed obvious dissatisfaction. 

"Plant someone else to report to me about her every action. If one is not enough, make it two or three. Make sure this time you do not send incompetent fools. I should have no need to personally step in to do such simple tasks."

"As per your orders, my lady."

As the man was about to excuse himself, there was a knock on the door. Upon getting permission, another hooded figure entered the room. He bowed to Rosetta and their leader. 

"We have found Number Six, the missing wizard in charge of following that young witch," the newcomer informed them. 

"Well? Where is he?" the leader asked impatiently.

"He is dead."

"Dead?" the leader exclaimed. 

"Yes, we found his body outside the city, at a nearby mountain. His corpse was mangled by wild animals, but we recognised him due to his essence."

"How was he killed? Did you find who killed him?"

The subordinate lowered his head. "There were no signs of a fight, but there were sword marks on the ground." 

The leader pondered. "Number Six specialized in stealth. He was well-versed in spells that allow him to merge with shadows. A person who can kill a wizard like him, without him having the ability to fight back must be…"

"The King of Megaris," Rosetta continued, affirming his guess. "Aside from me, he is the only one around here who could bend space and bring another person to a distant place, not to mention kill a wizard as if plucking out dried grass. 

"You are right, Lady Rosetta," the leader agreed. 

But the newcomer had something else to say. "We found this handkerchief in the scene."."

The leader held that small piece of silk and observed it. "Seems like this belongs to the killer as these blood stains are from wiping the blade of their dagger or sword with it and…" He noticed a small mark at one corner of that cloth. 

He showed the embroidered mark to Rosetta, which caused her eyes to widen. It was an oak tree. 

"The crest of Grivenian Royalty?"

"Yes," the leader confirmed. "The only person in the royal palace who could own this handkerchief ought to be Arlan Cromwell."

Rosetta clearly remembered this particular human prince who accompanied Oriana a while ago. The Crown Prince of Griven, the closest friend of the King of Megaris, and the man being served by the young Queen of Witches. 

Upon first impression, that blue-eyed man seemed like any member of human royalty—arrogant despite their ignorance, unaware of how weak and fragile they are in the eyes of other beings. However, Arlan gave Rosetta an odd feeling, as if he was more than he seems to be on the surface. 

The way he carried himself, that domineering attitude, his unyielding gaze, arrogance of a kind, it vaguely reminded her of someone. However, she could not point out who it was in particular. 

"Could it be that this prince or one of his underlings killed your man, then threw the corpse outside the city? Rosetta mumbled as her eyes flickered with complicated emotions.

"Perhaps the King of Megaris helped him and deliberately left the handkerchief as warning, to say that Griven is under his protection."

Rosetta leaned back in her chair, her gaze showed something was brewing in her mind. "Things may not be as simple as we thought. We have to know who this human prince truly is."

"What do you plan on doing, Lady Rosetta?"

"Maybe another meeting with the prince?" Rosetta responded with a sly smirk on her red lips.

—--

After having a hearty meal, the private banquet proceeded to its next part. All the people inside the garden—regardless of their status— were enjoying the entertainment event arranged by the Queen. Some people stood near the grazing tables, while others took seats on the rows of chairs facing the garden pavilion.

Seren had heard from her servants about the exotic beauty of the traditional folk dances of Othinia, and she had requested the Othinian prince who welcomed their delegation to recommend the best performers in the city. Aside from lending their royal musicians, the Nefertiti Royal Family also invited a famous bard, veteran singers and folk dancers in response to the Queen of Megaris' request. 

Both Oriana and Seren were paying attention to the folk dance, especially at how the female dancers moved their soft waists and hips as if they had no bones. The two women gasped and clapped like silly little girls, and along with them, the other ladies part of the Queen's retinue also had similar reactions. 

Meanwhile, Arlan and Drayce were similarly engrossed, but instead of the performances, their eyes were on their mates. They found it more interesting to watch the reactions of their respective partners. 

Arlan lightly smiled, recalling how he and Oriana had basically spent an entire day together. He was happy to know she's enjoying herself. 'What a great day.' 

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