64: Crown Prince Coming Back To The Capital

Crown Prince Coming Back To The Capital

Alarmed, Luke cursed and shook his head. Never in his life could he have imagined guarding someone bathe was more dangerous than hunting in the forest. He wanted to walk away, but he promised to guard her.  1

Clenching his fists, Luke stayed there like a statue, trying his best to stifle his imagination. 

When the sound of water stopped, replaced by the rustling of clothes, only then did Luke breathe. He did not even realize he had been holding his breath.

'He should have finished wiping his body dry and dressing now—'

Luke felt shocked at his own thoughts, wanting to punch himself. 

'Orian is a guy! He is my friend!' he reminded himself again and again.

"I am done. It's your turn now."

Luke turned around to look at Oriana. She wore a fresh set of black clothing, a clean headwrap, but her body emitted a faint clean scent, and her cheeks were a little red from rubbing. It made Oriana look like she's blushing. 

It was as if time stopped for the young man.

His imagination ran wild once more, and he felt the strongest urge to reach out and pull that cloth off her head. For the first time ever, Luke wondered about her hair. He had no recollection of Oriana's hair color.

"What happened? Aren't you going?" She blinked innocently, disturbing his thoughts. 

Luke averted his gaze from her face and walked away with a bucket in hand, getting more water for himself.

After they bathed, they both had a meal prepared by Ken's wife.

"Are you here for work as well, Orian?" Ken asked.

"Yes, but not for employment. I am training to be an apothecary. I am here to find my master and learn more from him about herbs and treating people."

"Oh. that's good."

"Have you heard of an apothecary called Cenric?"

Ken had never heard of the name, and so did Ena. Ken worked as a furniture maker of small fame. However, since they work in different industries, it was normal he had never heard of the apothecary.

"Do you know the area where this master of yours lives? I can help you find him," Ken offered. 

"I am not sure about it since Master Cenric keeps traveling and treats people along the way. I just know he was planning to come here around this time of the year and his apprentice lives in Karlin so I might find him through that apprentice. This apprentice has an herb shop called Waye's Herb Store."

"Waye's? I've never heard of it but I'm sure you can ask around the market district that sells herbs."

"I will do that."

Ken then turned towards his cousin.

"Though you said you plan to start work tomorrow, how about we visit the place today?" Ken asked Luke to which he agreed. 

"Can I come as well?" Oriana asked.

"Don't you want to rest?"

"I am not that tired. Every night, we get to sleep during our travels so…"

Luke frowned inside. 'Only you slept, not me.'

Ken, Luke and Oriana made their way towards the residential area of the nobles. Along the way, Ken played a role as host, informing Oriana who's a first timer about the basic structure of Karlin. 

"...This is where the outer part of the city ends, and beyond the bridge is the inner part. The House of Ahren is a count household, a family of high nobles, so it's a little farther inside the inner city. But before that, we pass through the market and you can take a note of the streets when you come here tomorrow."

Oriana nodded and looked around. 

Ken signaled to one side. "There, after going straight, turn right on the main road and you will find the herb district of the market and various apothecaries stationed there."

"Thank you, Ken!"

"You are Luke's friend, so you are my friend as well…"

Ken then began to brag about how he became acquainted with the House of Ahren. It was not the main household, but a branch family. His furniture was praised by the eldest daughter of the Count's brother, and because of that connection, he came to know the main branch of the Ahrens urgently needed carpenters to renovate a side building. 

Passing along various manors, they reached their destination.  Two guards were stationed outside the huge double  door with delicate carvings of birds outside. Ken explained to them why they were there, and they were allowed once the guard confirmed it with the butler of the manor.

Entering the door, Oriana saw a beautiful manor. It was not as large as the Wimark Estate, but it was a mansion straight out of a fairytale. The landscape was panoramic, with orchards rather than a garden on one side, while the other side looked like the family's training grounds. The main building was rather traditional, with a wooden facade revealing a refined, elegant look, and stone pillars enhanced by warm and colorful decor. 

No matter how much she cursed these rich nobles, her mind could not deny this kind of beauty was something she'd also like for herself if given the chance. 

The middle aged butler guided them towards the rear of the manor, where there were people building a framework of a smaller mansion. He started to explain what Luke had to do, while Oriana took that chance to wander around.

'I think Grandpa would love this kind of traditional design. Of course, we don't need a mansion, just a two-storey house would do…'

Looking around, she did not realize she had strayed far from Luke and went towards the rear courtyard. She happened to see two noblemen strolling in the garden and overheard their conversation. 

"...A letter has been sent to the Queen about the health of His Majesty. I believe the royal entourage will arrive within two days."

"That's good. Having Her Majesty by his side will make His Majesty feel better."

"The Crown Prince is coming back with them as well. Once His Highness comes, he can handle the royal court in the stead of His Majesty."

"Having His Highness in this situation will lessen the worry of His Majesty. It will be better if His Majesty rests some more, maybe take a vacation in the winter villa, and let His Highness take care of things in the capital."

"Hmm. I believe His Highness would not go out for capital for a while. I heard he took care of the matter on the north-east border."

Oriana wondered, 'His Majesty, they mean the King, right? Then His Highness means Crown Prince.'

From their manner of talking, she guessed one of them ought to be Count Ahren, or at least another titled noble whose status was high enough to know the King of Griven's health. 

'I heard from the caravan people that the Crown Prince is cruel, but these two nobles seem to have good opinions about him. Hmm, rich people will side with rich ones only. They will favor the Crown Prince even if he is a devil for real.'

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