291: [Bonus chapter]Part Of The Deal

[Bonus chapter]Part Of The Deal

"What do you plan on doing once you find them?"2

"You know it well."

"Think before acting," Drayce warned. "Though I am not clear why you are adamant on sentencing them to death, let me tell you I don't support you taking the life of innocent people."

Arlan raised a brow at his solemn-looking friend. "No one is innocent, Dray. everyone will get punished for the wrong they have done."

"I will give you the benefit of the doubt."

Arlan didn't comment on it. "For now, it is imperative I find them before my father does. It is quite difficult, since my brother-in-law holds the core clues to their whereabouts, and he is more loyal to the King than to the Crown Prince."

Drayce merely shrugged. "If you are leaving the palace grounds, be careful. Last time, a wizard was following you."

Arlan smirked. "Now they have more reason to follow me."

"Don't tell me, did you do something reckless intentionally?"

"I believe they might fancy the blood stained handkerchief I dropped near the corpse of that wizard you speak of."

Drayce narrowed his eyes on him. "I thought you wish to live as a human. Have you changed your mind about revealing yourself?"

"More like a warning for them to not mess with me and my people. They should not take me lightly just because they think I am a human."

Drayce studied his friend's expression. In the end, he could only sigh. 

"As you feel right. I will be on my way," Drayce said as he retreated to his carriage. 

Arlan didn't return to the mansion and went straight outside of the royal palace. The news from Alexander was more important than anything else. 

—--

At the guest mansion of Griven, only the palace officials returned in their carriages. One of the knights escorting them informed Oriana and the rest that the prince had left the palace for some important work. 

Oriana, who was present outside to welcome the prince, felt puzzled. 'He always returns to the mansion before going anywhere. Is there an urgent problem he needs to solve?'

Since their master was not returning yet, Oriana thought it was an opportune time to deal with her personal matters. She first talked to Neil about what other tasks she needed to do in relation to the royal ball in two days, and then afterwards, she made a gesture that seemed like she recalled an important matter.

"Which reminds me, Neil, I have to make a quick run to the mansion next to us. I promise it won't take long. I only need to deliver the medicine I made for Queen Seren and leave some instructions to her servants."

"Alright. Return soon."

"Yes. I will," she said. She hurried to  her room in the servant quarters, making an effort to bring some of the supplements she had created in the past, before heading to the other kingdom's delegation. 

When she reached the guest mansion of Megaris, the knights manning the gate allowed her to enter. She informed the King's aide of her intentions, and it did not take long for the aide to return saying she was granted audience by the King of Megaris.

She was led to Drayce's study where she found him not alone. Yorian was inside as well. She felt relieved with the silver-haired man's presence. The King of Megaris was cold and aloof, while the ancient elf's presence was gentle and warm, making anyone around feel more at ease.

She bowed and greeted the two. 

"Have a seat," she heard Drayce say in the same impassive voice he always used to everyone but Seren and Arlan. 

"Allow me to remain standing, Your Majesty. I merely came here to inform you that Prince Arlan is now aware that I am a woman. I have done my part of the deal."

She didn't have to say more as she knew Drayce would understand the rest. 

"I have your reward prepared with me. But I wonder, how do you plan to carry it with you? If you get caught, especially by Arlan, you will be severely punished."

"I have my own arrangements," she replied vaguely. "Please inform me when it is convenient for you to hand over my reward."

Drayce studied Oriana for a while. She didn't seem like she was making it up just to get her reward. It appeared she had her own plans, but was unwilling to share them.

"Alright. They are readily available. You can come and collect them anytime."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will come for them tomorrow."

Drayce raised a brow. "As for the second condition and the other half of your reward…"

"Can I request that we hold off on this for now? I…" Oriana hesitated for a bit. "I am not currently in a position to follow your second condition and accept the reward. When the time comes, I will fulfill the second condition and ask for the reward as well."

Seeing her expression, Drayce could only nod. 

"How are you doing these days, Oriana?" she heard Yorian suddenly ask. 

"I am doing fine, Lord Yorian. Thank you for all the help and concern you have shown towards me," she replied politely. 

"I have nothing to do anyway. If you need me, you only need to say a word," the elf added and Oriana could only thank him again.

Yorian was tempted to ask her about her lessons with Zaria, but he couldn't make himself ask. But looking at the young witch brimming with confidence, it seemed Oriana had no regrets about asking help from Zaria.

After Oriana left the King's study, she then went to see the Queen to give her the supplements she had prepared for her.

After she left, Yorian remarked with a smile, "She seems to go along well with Rosetta."

"As long as she learns how to use her powers well," Drayce replied. 

"Rosetta is not easy person to stand in front. It must not be easy for Oriana."

"Oriana is the queen of Witches. It will help her grow stronger."

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