370: [Bonus chapter]Another Shocking Revelation

[Bonus chapter]Another Shocking Revelation

Oriana remained steadfastly by her grandfather's side, her patience wearing thin as she awaited a response from the Duchess regarding her meeting with Arlan.

Suddenly, a middle-aged servant entered the room, holding a tray of herbs in his hands. "These herbs have been sent by the physician who examined Mr. Verner."

Oriana acknowledged him, and he placed the tray aside, his gaze lingering on her.

"Is there something you wish to say?" she inquired, sensing his hesitation.

He nodded and took a few steps closer, speaking in hushed tones after ensuring no one loitered near the door. "I knew your grandfather from before."

Oriana was taken aback that someone from the Duke's estate was acquainted with her grandfather. The man continued, "Your grandpa once aided me in the past when he worked as a mercenary. He saved my life back then and shared how dear his granddaughter was to him. All he wanted was for his only granddaughter to lead a life free and happy."

Oriana could tell he was speaking the truth, as her grandfather had held her in the highest regard.

The servant continued, "From what I've heard, they plan to take you and old Phil to the capital and charge you both with treason. We all know the punishment for treason is death."

Oriana clenched her fists, having little doubt about the servants' information, given the circumstances.

"Miss, I implore you to honor your grandfather's wishes."

"What do you mean?" she inquired.

"I wish to repay the kindness that old Phil once showed me," the servant explained. "I have a way to secretly get you out of here, but considering old Phil's condition, we cannot take him with you."

"I won't leave my grandfather behind."

"Miss, if your grandpa could speak at this moment, he would urge you to heed my advice. He wouldn't want his beloved granddaughter to perish alongside him. You're all he has, and you must safeguard yourself."

"No."

"Think it through carefully. I will return tonight. Time is limited, as both of you will be departing for the capital soon. Once you enter the palace, there's no escaping. Here, you have a chance to flee. I have a few friends among the mercenaries who can escort you to the other side of the border. Once you enter the neighboring kingdom, it'll be easier to conceal yourself."

"I won't entertain the idea. I will prove my grandfather's innocence and protect us both."

"What evidence can you gather for events in the distant past? Who knows what transgressions old Phil committed to incur the Prince's wrath. But, as you're aware, the King is extending his protection to both of you. You needn't worry about your grandfather. Right now, your priority should be self-preservation. You're a woman, and you might not want to contemplate how cruel these royals and nobles can be to women. Once old Phil recovers, you can go to him and take him with you. If you enter the palace, there's no way out for you, except as a lifeless body."

"Please leave."

"Consider it," the servant implored, bowing before departing.

Oriana gazed at her ailing grandfather and resolved, "I will never leave your side, Grandpa. Even if it means facing death, I will face it with you."

-----

Arlan was in his study when Alex arrived and offered a respectful bow.

"Any news?" Arlan inquired.

"It may take some time," Alex replied with a helpless sigh.

Arlan's expressions grew colder, "You must not fail."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Imbert also arrived there with a message. "Your Highness, the Duchess has requested a meeting with Miss Verner, and the message has been relayed to her as well."

Arlan knew that evading this meeting was not an option, lest his sister's persistence grew. Additionally, he didn't wish to cause her further distress.

He stood up and left his study.

-----

At noon, Oriana received the message that she would be meeting the Prince. Given that she wasn't allowed to venture beyond the confines of the mansion to preserve her anonymity and appearance, Arlan had to visit her location. He waited for her in the study on the mansion's first floor, where she was currently residing.

Leaving her grandfather's room on the ground floor, she made her way to the study, her mind clouded with uncertainty.

'If he refuses to provide a valid explanation and refuses to let us go, should I contemplate killing him? If he remains adamant in his intent to execute us, perhaps I should really commit a treason by ending the life of the Crown Prince of this kingdom and then embrace my own demise in peace. That way I won't feel our deaths unjust.'

The next moment, she inwardly scoffed. Just a few days prior, she had been resolute in protecting this prince, and now she found herself harboring thoughts of ending his life.

'He should never have harmed my family.'

She ascended the stairs and entered the study. The prince stood by the window, his back turned to her. For a moment, the sight of that familiar, isolated figure made it hard for her to accept how everything between them had taken such a dire turn.

She remained silent, refraining from initiating conversation, as she had no desire to bow to him or show him respect at this moment. All she felt was contempt for him for causing harm to her grandfather.

Arlan didn't turn to look at her and instead spoke, his voice devoid of emotion, "Make it fast so you won't waste my time."

"I want to know what happened precisely in the past and why you intend to harm my grandfather and me," she inquired.

There was a moment of silence before he responded, "You heard what I said before leaving your home."

"I don't believe those words," she asserted firmly. "I know my grandfather could never harm anyone. I won't believe it unless he confesses it to me himself."

"Whether you believe it or not doesn't matter," he replied coldly. "Your family will be punished regardless. If you had any final wishes before your execution, you can forget about them. We don't show mercy to criminals."

"We are not criminals. Nothing has been proven yet..."

"And you won't have a chance to prove anything," he interrupted. "The decision has been made. If not for the king's order, I would have executed both of you immediately."

Oriana froze in her place. Could this really be the same person who had cared for her when she was injured? The same person she had once cared for and protected? She had been so wrong, so terribly wrong in her judgment, unable to see through the facade of this devil. She had to suppress her anger for now, focusing on getting any information she could.

"You can at least tell me about my family. There must be other people. Have you killed them all as well? My parents...."

"You can leave," he interrupted her.

"Can't you tell me? Don't I deserve to know before I die?" she asked through gritted teeth.

There was another silence before he finally spoke. "Fine, I will give you another reason for your impending death. You've heard of my missing betrothed, haven't you?"

"Yes," she replied, her gaze locked on his back. "I heard she ran away, and you want to punish her and her family for treason."

"That betrothed, the one I am determined to kill, is you."

"What?" Oriana felt as if the ground had crumbled beneath her.

He turned to face her, his eyes filled with nothing but loathing for the person standing before him.

"Do you think I would ever accept a woman from a family that caused my mother's death?" he seethed with profound hatred. "The only thing I can offer in return is death. In Griven, the Crown Prince must marry his betrothed to ascend to the throne and make her the Queen. But I refuse to have a vile creature like you by my side. The only way to prevent my father from accepting you is your death. I am resolved to kill you at any cost, and that will never change. The family responsible for my mother's murder deserves nothing less than a painful death."

Oriana, overwhelmed by disbelief, could not find words to respond. She could only stare at him in a daze.

"Do not show up in front of me unless you want to face your death sooner. Know that even if you got King's protection, I have my ways to get both of you killed in the way I want. I will make sure both of you die painful and miserable death."

Arlan walked out of the study without casting another glance at her, but he heard her question as he neared the door.

"Was the rest of my family killed as well?" she managed to ask.

"What do you think happens to traitors?" Arlan replied before departing.

'So her family was truly killed?' she was shocked.2

'I need to treat grandpa faster.

I need to uncover what truly transpired. I cannot fathom that my Grandpa would have taken a life. There must be some misunderstanding, someone must have conspired against my family.'

Regaining her composure after a while, she rushed downstairs, fearing that Arlan might harm her Grandpa. When she reached the room, she was relieved to find him undisturbed.

She sighed and sat by her Grandpa, speaking softly, "Grandpa, you must wake up soon. I know you would never take a life. You need to regain consciousness and recount what transpired back then. I cannot allow both of us to perish due to false accusations. Can you hear me, Grandpa? Please, wake up for my sake."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she held the old man's hand, pleading, "Please, Grandpa, wake up soon."

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