380: Annoying Friends

Annoying Friends

At Wildridge Manor, Imbert entered the study.2

"Your Highness, you have guests," the knight informed.

Arlan had already sensed the presence of the guests. He nodded and stepped out of the study. "Escort them to the outer lounge."

Arlan made his way to the lounge on the same floor, a vast, circular open space with one wall entirely converted into a large, circular window, offering a beautiful view of the mountains. The breeze from the surrounding peaks flowed into the lounge, creating a refreshing and serene atmosphere.

After a short while, two handsome men arrived in the open lounge and approached Arlan, who stood by a window, gazing at the mountain vista.

"What has captured your attention, Cromwell?" Arthur inquired, following Arlan's gaze.

Arthur, not clad in his military uniform, was dressed in clothing befitting a young nobleman, a light-colored shirt, a tailcoat and vest beneath, perfectly fitted trousers on his long legs, and high-heeled boots that lent him a princely air.

"Don't you get tired of looking at the same view again and again?" Arthur commented playfully.

"I don't get tired of your repetitive bullshit, so this mountain view is a welcome change," Arlan retorted, eliciting a sigh from Arthur, "Tsk! Cuss words don't suit Your Royal Highness unless you are on the battle field."

"Your presence enough to let my tongue loose," Arlan quipped, finally turning to look at them. His gaze initially passed over Arthur and then fixed on the person next to him. "When did you return, Nathan?"

Nathaniel Mortem, another of Arlan's close friends, was the son of Marquis Mortem, who held control over the western territory of the kingdom. Tall and strikingly handsome, Nathanial was dressed in stylish attire, exuding an air of high nobility. His short, well-styled chocolate-brown hair framed eyes that appeared calm on the surface but held depth within.

"Last night," Nathaniel replied to his question, only to be interrupted once more by Arthur, "and the next morning, all he did was drag me here to see you, as if he were dying to see you."

Both Arlan and Nathaniel ignored Arthur as they settled into the lounge area, taking comfortable seats around a beautifully carved circular wooden table.

Unlike the talkative Arthur, Nathaniel was a calm and composed individual with a secretive personality. He spoke only when necessary, and his few words were often enough to leave others speechless. However, in the company of dear friends, he didn't hesitate to take a playful jab at them.

Soon, servants brought tea and snacks, setting them on the table and departing.

"I heard you've found your betrothed," Nathaniel remarked as he savored the freshly brewed tea.

Arlan frowned. "Are you here to talk about that? Planning to get on my nerves just like Arthur?"

Nathaniel chuckled lightly. "Can't I share Arthur's burden of annoying you?"

"You'd better not," Arlan warned.

Arlan was typically adept at handling his friends, but today, he appeared troubled, and they understood the reason. Being his close friends, they were aware how much Arlan despised this arrangement of his marriage.

"Though I'm glad to see you troubled, I won't mind offering you help," Nathaniel spoke, smirking lightly as he enjoyed his tea.

"You're getting influenced by Arthur," Arlan commented, only to hear Arthur laugh, "Yeah, I'm the one at fault even when someone else is troubling you."

"Are you not?" Arlan raised a brow, "given your habit of gossiping with our friends."

"Hey, Cromwell, I didn't gossip. Everyone is now aware that you've found your betrothed," he retorted. "It's just that I informed a few of our friends beforehand... I mean, they had the privilege of knowing things about you in advance. They should enjoy the privilege of being friends with me. Not everyone is that fortunate."

Arlan clenched his teeth. "You're asking to get your noble ass kicked out of here, Arthur."

Alright, stop," Nathaniel interrupted and inquired, "Given that you are staying here at Wildridge Manor instead of the royal palace, it seems like your father is gaining the upper hand this time. Do you need assistance with anything?"

Mortem family was powerful and had their independent strong forces, capable enough to fight against the strongest enemy and under the leadership of Nathanial, they had turned even stronger. One word from Arlan, and Nathanial would do anything for his friend.

"Nathan, are you planning to help him get rid of his betrothed?" Arthur chimed in, "Don't even think about it. You'll make an enemy of the King himself. While we are friends, as a military officer, I won't allow you to go against the King."

Nathanial looked at Arlan only to hear him, "Arthur is right. Do not concern yourself with it. I will take care of it."

Nathanial didn't pester but asked in serious tone,

"You tried to kill the old man. I find it hard to believe what I heard. Can you tell us what exactly happened?"

"Things unfolded that way," Arlan replied calmly, his gaze fixed on his teacup.

"I told you he wouldn't tell us anything," Arthur remarked.

"Alexander," Nathaniel called loudly, his voice echoing outside the open lounge.

The next moment, Alexander Peryl, the leader of Arlan's dark forces, hurried into the lounge and bowed before them.

"Narrate the incident with the old man who Arlan nearly killed," Nathaniel ordered.

Arlan, glaring at his friend, retorted, "Are you trying to order my knight?"

Nathaniel countered, "Don't forget he used to be by my side before I allowed him to join your Dark forces to utilise his abilities." Nathanial countered and looked at Alex, "What happened?"

Alex hesitantly started, "His Highness did not....."

"If you say another word, I would rather you go back to your previous master," Arlan's cold voice reached Alex's ears. 

Alex bowed in acknowledgment and remained silent, deferring to Arlan's authority. Then he looked at Nathanial, "Apologies, Lord Mortem. You can punish me for not being able to answer you."

Though Alex now served Arlan and his loyalty was towards the Prince alone, he still respected Nathanial and could accept punishment in return for failing him.

"Punishment?" Nathanial raised a brow, "I sure will," Nathanial waved his hand to dismiss Alex and looked at Arlan's expressionless cold face.

"Do not pry into something you shouldn't," Arlan warned.

"But I've gotten my answer already," Nathan replied. To this, Arthur added, "I knew our friend still hasn't lost his mind."

Arlan shook his head lightly and settled into his chair, leaning back comfortably.

"His Majesty surely plans your wedding, given that he's personally protecting them. When do you plan to introduce us to your future wife?" Arthur asked playfully. "I can't believe my desperate wish to see you as a groom is going to be fulfilled. I must thank His Majesty and send him a generous gift. What do you say, Cromwell?"

"You can go to hell with that gift of yours," Arlan retorted.

"You'll be the one in hell while I enjoy bachelorhood surrounded by all those beautiful maidens," Arthur teased.

Ignoring him, Nathaniel asked, "What do you plan to do?"

"Finding another way to get rid of them," Arlan replied.

"Can't you just accept her?" Nathaniel asked, his tone serious. "If His Majesty is showing forgiveness toward their family, then you should too. You know that to become a King, you need to marry her."

Arlan shocked the other two with his response. "I'd rather choose to give up the throne."

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