"What happened?" Sanie asked, her curiosity piqued by Oriana’s shocked reaction.
Oriana quickly pulled herself together and looked at Sanie, masking her astonishnt with a smile. "I was concerned that touching this exquisite flower might damage it. That could get both of us into trouble."
Sanie gazed at the beautiful flower, tempted by its allure. After all, who wouldn’t be drawn to such beauty, especially when there were so many of them?
"I think it should be fine. A gentle touch won’t harm the flower," Sanie ventured as she extended her hand toward it. However, before she could make contact, Oriana stopped her.
"Don’t." Oriana’s hand intercepted Sanie’s just before it reached the flower.
Unknown to Sanie, these flowers were imbued with malevolent black magic, capable of causing harm to ordinary humans with a re touch.
Sanie looked at Oriana’s hand holding hers, her face flushed with a furious blush. It was the first ti a boy had held her hand, and her heart raced as she gazed at Oriana with bashful expressions.
Oriana, realizing Sanie’s reaction, felt puzzled for a mont and then understood the reason behind her shyness. Hastily, she released Sanie’s hand. "My apologies, Lady Sanie. I should have been more cautious."
Seeing Oriana apologetic, Sanie regained her composure. "It’s alright. I understand that Mister Orian was concerned for my safety. I won’t touch the flower, I promise."
"Alright. Let’s leave this place," Oriana suggested, casting a final glance at the eerily silent rear section of the mansion.
Sanie agreed, and the two began to walk away.
"Mister Orian, your hands are quite beautiful for a young man. Even my hands aren’t as lovely as yours," Sanie comnted.
Oriana cleared her throat awkwardly and responded, "It’s because I serve as His Highness’s personal aide, and I’m spared from laborious tasks."
"Oh," Sanie uttered, a little embarrassed.
Oriana continued, "Lady Sanie, if you don’t mind, may we beco friends?"
"F-Friends?" Sanie’s blush returned. A boy had just asked her to be his friend?
"I thought we could be friends since I find you to be a good person. However, if you’re not willing, that’s perfectly fine. I understand that maintaining a friendship with a man might bring complications for a lady."
"No, no. I wouldn’t mind being friends with a fine gentleman like Mister Orian."
Oriana smiled. "So we can be friends?"
"Yes."
Oriana wished to have soone from the palace close to her, as they could be a valuable resource. In the palace, servants often possessed knowledge and information that could prove useful. She felt conflicted about using this young servant, but she believed it was necessary. Furthermore, she genuinely intended to befriend her and not deceive her. Friendship was a valuable bond to have.
Oriana arrived at Erich’s guest mansion and headed to the study, where she resud reading a few more books before departing with Erich for their visit to the King. However, her thoughts remained preoccupied with those mysterious roses. She couldn’t shake the feeling that they held so sinister black magic, and she was relieved that touching them was strictly prohibited; she could only imagine the harm they might cause to an ordinary person.
’Why do those flowers possess black magic, and what is their purpose?’ she mused, furrowing her brow in thought. ’I set out to solve one question, but instead, I find myself with even more inquiries. This won’t do. I need help, and I believe only Rosetta can provide answers. I also need to speak with Mister Yorian, but with my current busy schedule, finding the ti is a challenge.’
’First, let’s visit the King and later I will find so ti to call Rosetta.’
With determination, she resolved to make ti to consult with her confidants in her quest for answers.
When Oriana made her visit to the King’s chamber along with Erich, the Queen and the two princes were present, as was the norm. As they gained permission to enter the inner sanctum of the King’s chamber, Oriana overheard the King engaged in a conversation with Arlan.
"You’ve only just returned from your extended journey, and now you’re contemplating another departure. What is the pressing matter at hand?"
"There have been recent issues in the northeastern border," Arlan replied, his tone resolute, "and my presence is essential to quell the rebels. Father is well aware of the escalating troubles there, and it’s my duty to address them."
"Brother," Lenard interjected, "Father is correct. Allow to go in your stead and deal with these insurgents."
"You need not place yourself in harm’s way so soon after your marriage. Attend to your wife, as she is still acclimating to this new environnt."
"But, brother..."
"I’ve made my decision," Arlan interrupted firmly.
King Ailwin interjected, "I am cognizant of the situation, but it can be managed without your personal visitation."
"I intend to put an end to this matter once and for all. I shall return promptly," Arlan insisted.
The King let out a resigned sigh. "As you wish. But upon your return, you must promise that you will listen to whatever I say."
Arlan understood his father’s underlying motive. The King had discovered the Verners, and once they were brought to the palace, he would undoubtedly urge Arlan to accept that Verner girl However, Arlan was resolute in his determination. He already had his mate, and he couldn’t fathom accepting another woman.
’Anyways I will take care of the Verner family before returning, so it won’t give Father an opportunity to insist that I accept her.’ Arlan was sure he would kill that family so he agreed, "I give you my words, father."
"Then you have my permission. Return safe," the King said to which Arlan nodded.
Oriana who heard it, was confused. ’Didn’t His Highness say he is going to Wimark and asked to wait for him to return together? Then why is he going to northestern border? Seems like he had cancelled his visit to Wimark. Then I don’t have to wait for him. I can just return with Grandpa on my own.’
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