376: Endless Abyss

Endless Abyss

Oriana and Conor's group took refuge in an inn for the night, while Arlan's troop had left the premises long ago, heading to another location. Realizing that he couldn't take Oriana away at the moment, Arlan had no choice but to let her enter the palace.1

Imbert and Rafal, who had been waiting at a designated location to execute the second part of the abduction plan and take Oriana and the elderly man away once they were successfully abducted, received a message from Alex that the mission had been aborted. They were instructed to return to the Prince's side.

Arlan returned to the palace in two days, while the commander's troop was still a week away due to their slow and multiple-stop journey.

Although Arlan had reached the capital, he didn't go directly to the palace. Instead, he stopped at one of the estates owned by the prince on the outskirts of the capital. It was like a mini-castle where he often handled his secret affairs along with his clandestine forces.

This place was known as Wildridge Manor.

Nestled amidst a picturesque landscape, Wildridge Manor boasted lush, manicured gardens that sprawled from its grand façade. A long, winding driveway, flanked by ancient oak trees, led to the entrance, creating a dramatic and enchanting approach.

Wildridge Manor was off-limits to most people. Only members of the dark forces, Arlan's trusted knights, select personal aides like Roman and Lucas, and a few of Arlan's close friends were permitted to enter. For others, it was a prohibited place.

Arlan remained silent even after arriving at his private residence. Seated in his study, the room was far grander and more opulent than the one he had at Thistle Palace.

Alex arrived with new information, bowing before informing, "Your Highness, our men have successfully dealt with the rebels on the northeast border." He placed a scroll on the table. "This contains all the details of the mission that His Highness may want to review."

Arlan simply nodded and began perusing the scroll. It was the mission he had used as an excuse to leave the capital. Even though he had changed his destination and hadn't personally taken care of the rebel issue, it was his responsibility to complete the mission he had undertaken. He couldn't simply report to the king that he had neglected it for other matters.

"We've received word that the Commander's troop will arrive in the capital in the next three days," Alex informed.

Arlan remained silent, a troubled look lurking behind his cold eyes, one he tried to conceal. Seeing this, Alex couldn't help but inquire, "Your Highness, may I ask something?"

Arlan leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. "Hmm?"

"Why do we have to do this with her? She has been by your side and you...." Alex swallowed his words before mentioning Arlan's affections for her. "....I do not wish to believe it's all because of what her grandfather had done."

There was no immediate reply, only a prolonged silence from the Prince.

Alex was not one to question Arlan's decisions and usually followed his orders without hesitation. However, this matter was different, and he couldn't help but ask. Just as Alex thought he had crossed a line and was about to apologise, Arlan finally spoke.

"Her existence is meant to push me into an endless abyss."

Alex didn't get anything but asked. "Why does His Highness say so?"

"You do not need to know more."

"I may be able to help..."

"You cannot. Somethings are there that no one can help me with me, not even myself."

Alex could see the helplessness in those cold eyes. "Your Highness, I..."

"You can leave, Alex. You need not concern yourself with matters beyond the ones I assign you," Arlan replied. "Arrange for me to visit the palace tomorrow."

"Yes, Your Highness."

---

The following day, Arlan visited the palace to report to and visit his father.

Upon entering the King's study, he found his father immersed in work, despite his fragile health.

"Father, greetings," Arlan said.

The King acknowledged him with a slight nod as he regarded his son.

Arlan handed over a scroll containing details from the northeast border expedition. He reported, "The situation is under control, and we have ensured that the rebels will not pose a threat again."

The King perused the scroll, placed it back on the table, and fixed his gaze on his son. "Despite your absence, your team has done an excellent job at the border in eradicating the rebels."

Arlan understood that this was his father's way of acknowledging that he was aware of Arlan's actions after leaving the palace. Arlan could do nothing but remain silent.

King Ailwin spoke again, "I trust you recall the promise you made to me before departing."

"I do," Arlan replied.

He had promised his father that he would heed his wishes, and Arlan had a sense of what his father would ask of him.

"In that case, I anticipate your fulfillment of my requests," the King said. "I believe you will not let me down."

"I won't, Father."

Arlan had no choice but to agree, but he was determined to find alternative ways to avoid complying with his father's exact desires.

"In the next three days, Conor's troop will arrive at the palace. I trust that you will conduct yourself appropriately and not create any issues for our guests."

"Guests?" Arlan echoed with a tone of mockery. "You refer to the man who took my mother's life as a respectable guest?"

"Nothing has been proven yet," the King countered.

Arlan inwardly scoffed. "When the man confessed it to me himself, do I need more proof?"

The King looked at him in astonishment but quickly regained his composure. "I will investigate the matter when I speak with him personally."

"My father never trusts my words," Arlan retorted, his eyes filled with cold resolve. "It's a shame that my blade failed to take his life."

"Arlan, until I reach a decision, you are forbidden from causing them harm," the King warned.

"I cannot guarantee that," Arlan replied.

"You made a promise to me that you would heed my wishes," the King insisted.

"Do not be concerned; I will uphold my word," Arlan added with a bow to his father. "I shall take my leave now," and he departed before the King could offer any further words.

'So stubborn,' the King frowned inwardly. 

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