"I believe Prince Arlan didn’t ask for this eting to exchange praises," Sar comnted.
"You are right, King Sar. Coming to this summit is a priceless opportunity to get along with the renowned Fearless Vailes."
The old title Sar held back when he was a Crown Prince brought a small smile to his lips. "I do not even rember the last ti I had heard that na."
"If I am not wrong, the last we t was two years back."
"Indeed. The deal between our kingdoms back then helped strengthen the military might of my army."
The Kingdom of Thevailes was famous for their iron and mineral ores, while the Kingdom of Griven was famous for its artisans and their craftsmanship. Back then, there was a cooperation where both kingdoms benefited imnsely.
"I thought this is a good opportunity to discuss improvents regarding the partnership we established years ago, which I’m sure will be of interest to you, King Sar."
"Good to see Prince Arlan has such intentions."
"Whatever benefits our kingdoms," he replied. "Not to ntion, I believe Thevailes will only grow into a more powerful kingdom under your reign."
It happened that the doors opened then, with servants bringing in high-quality tea and delicacies. Sar leaned back on the plush, velvet couch, his nonchalant face harboring faint amusent, revealing disdain for formalities. He extended a hand in the direction of a servant, gesturing for him to leave.
"Since a rare friend has co, serve us my favorite vintage wine."
Hearing those words from the King, Oriana glanced at Arlan.
’They are going to drink?! In the middle of the day?’ Nowadays, Arlan being drunk only made her wary of him. ’But he won’t get drunk with just a little wine, right?"
Whenever the prince acted improperly in the past, it would require at least several bottles of wine. Still, she could not help but feel worried about him.
’He already looks so tired. Seems like he has not been sleeping well for the past few nights. He should not drink in such a situation.’
Her unease only grew stronger at the sight of the wine the servant brought in. As the servants poured its contents into the pair of crystal glasses, deep, ruby-red liquid swirled inside. From the color and fragrance alone, it was obviously a product carefully aged for a long, long ti. The strong aroma of the wine perated the room, creating an atmosphere of indulgence.
Despite her better judgnt, Oriana chose to open her mouth to remind Arlan, "Your Highness, it would be better if you do not drink at this hour."
Arlan promptly paused, before his head turned to look over his shoulders. A ghost of a smile appeared on his face as he swirled the glass of wine. From her eyes, he could feel her genuine concern towards him.
For a mont, it felt as if everything between them had returned to normal.
"I am alright. Do not worry," he replied.
Sar looked at them both and comnted in a drawl, "Your aide sure overly worries about you, Prince Arlan."
"Isn’t that aide’s job to do?"
"Is it?" he asked languidly.
Arlan guessed Sar must already know Oriana was a woman. Based on what Drayce told him, a woman nad Rosetta had caught her secret of being a woman. The likelihood of this being reported to Sar was high. Although Arlan was still not aware why they targeted Oriana, any small piece of information would be crucial to determine the enemy’s moves.
"My aide simply doesn’t worry about — he worries about people in general. He is also so kind as to hurry to help another kingdom’s servant without thinking twice."
Arlan cleverly praised Oriana in front of Sar to lead the talk towards Lady Rosetta.
Sar’s eyes showed intrigue as he leisurely enjoyed his wine. After he took another sip, he said, "Pray tell, what acts of chivalry did your servant do? Did he save a fair maiden from so peasant’s harassnt?"
Based on his expression alone, no one could guess whether Sar was pretending to be ignorant or if he was truly unaware of Oriana’s identity as a physician. However, two could play this ga. Arlan also showed a look of surprise, as if he did not expect Sar to be unaware.
"How strange. Yesterday, one of your servants..." Arlan briefly ntioned a Thevailese servant begging for Oriana to co over.
Sar appeared to be disinterested, rely refilling his glass with more wine. "Did my people’s recklessness cause inconvenience to Prince Arlan? If so, then I shall punish my servants for taking such asures even without consulting . This might make Prince Arlan feel better."
"That story is so trivial thing I recalled in passing, re idle talk. I did not visit you to complain over such shallow matters."
"Then, I thank you for your generosity," Sar said. "Only, it brings discomfort to have received a favor from you without even knowing about it. I shall reward your aide."
"If you offer it then, I will not decline," Arlan spoke.
King Sar simply smiled as he swirled the wine inside his glass. "The guilty will be punished, the good rewarded. Well, since your aide ca to see a patient, then he may go now. Morris, escort the physician." As there were no servants because Sar dismissed them, the King ordered one of his knights guarding outside. Only then did he return his attention to Arlan. "Shall we continue discussing matters about our kingdoms while you wait for your aide to finish what he ca for?"
Arlan did not decline. Though he felt worried about Oriana, he didn’t show it on his face."
Oriana kept her head lowered and left the drawing room after bowing to them. She went towards the servant quarters.
She was both nervous and eager to et Rosetta, but to her dismay, aside from the minister earlier and the knights, she was unable to see any other nobles along the way.
’Who is Lady Rosetta? Is eting her yesterday not really a coincidence, as the King of garis said?’
Despite the good impression she had of the lady, Oriana could not stop her own suspicions.
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