Arlan returned to Oriana’s side as he had not left the Verner mansion even after he was done visiting Philip. Because of his supernatural abilities that allowed him to sense anything ominous happening and based on what Yorian had said, he knew it was the ti for him to stay as Oriana would need him. When he entered Philip’s room again, Oriana was silently crying by her grandfather’s side.
Positioning himself next to her, Arlan placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Oriana turned and leaned against him, surrendering to her grief as Arlan provided a steady presence for her to rely on.
Word of Lord Verner’s passing had quickly spread among the noble families. Arrangents were promptly made to lay Philip’s body in the grand hall of the residence, providing a place for guests to pay their respects one last ti.
With Oriana overwheld by sorrow, Arlan assud the role of host, managing the preparations and greeting the mourners as if he were a mber of Oriana’s family himself.
----
anwhile, at Ahren’s residence, Erin, having learned of the sad news, sought out Luke, who had recently taken on the role of her personal bodyguard.
"Luke," she called as she stepped outside.
Luke, who was gazing at the dark sky, turned to face his mistress and bowed respectfully. "Yes, Lady Erin?"
"There’s sothing important you should know," she began cautiously.
Luke’s attention sharpened, waiting for her to continue.
"The Crown Princess’s grandfather has passed away," Erin inford him, her voice softening. "My father has just left for the Governor’s residence."
The news visibly shook Luke, prompting an imdiate response. "Lady Erin, I apologize, but I must leave at once."
"You can’t just go there," Erin interjected, her hesitation clear.
Luke faced her, his expression set with determination. "I’m going regardless."
Erin quickly added, "Don’t misunderstand my intentions—I’m not trying to stop you. But if you go alone, as a commoner, you’ll be denied entry. The estate is likely under tight security now, with many nobles present."
She paused, gauging his reaction before offering a solution. "I propose you accompany . As my bodyguard, no one will question your presence alongside ."
Luke held Erin’s gaze for a mont before bowing his head once more. "Thank you, Lady Erin."
She watched his lowered head, perplexed by the distance he always seed to maintain. Erin wondered if even the deities could decipher the thoughts swirling in his mind.
Erin, having been selected as one of the few young noblewon to play the role of the Crown Princess’s friend, faced no obstacles in visiting Oriana during this ti of mourning.
Together, they departed for the Verner residence. Erin rode in her carriage with her personal maid, while Luke traveled alongside on horseback.
Upon arriving, Erin was escorted into the main hall, and Luke followed discreetly. Aware of the delicacy surrounding Oriana’s past as a commoner, he knew better than to approach her in such a public setting. From a distance, he offered his respect to the old man and then he looked at Oriana, who wore dark clothes and stood with her head bowed and eyes swollen from crying, while Arlan provided silent support beside her.
Respecting the gap in their social standings, Luke refrained from approaching Oriana, resigned to the reality of their situation.
Erin moved to Oriana’s side, gently taking her hand and whispering words of comfort. After a brief visit, it was ti to leave, and Luke dutifully followed Erin back to the carriage, maintaining his usual calm deanor.
Back at Ahren’s, as Erin stepped from the carriage, Luke spoke with a hint of gratitude, "Lady Erin, thank you."
Erin glanced at him, "Tonight, I release you from your duties. You may return ho."
Luke t her eyes, a flicker of surprise evident. "There is no need."
"But I insist," Erin replied, her voice calm but firm. "It’s not always pleasant having you around. I need so ti alone. Tonight seems like the right mont for that. I’ll see you tomorrow." With those words, she turned and walked away.
Luke watched her leave, his expression unreadable, like still water—devoid of any visible emotion. Mounting his horse at Ahren’s, he initially set off towards ho but soon detected sothing amiss and abruptly changed direction. Instead of heading ho, he steered his horse into a secret alley where a figure awaited him in the shadows.
A man erged from the darkness, bowing deeply. "My Lord..."
Luke’s voice was sharp. "I’ve told you not to address that way."
"Apologies," the man murmured, keeping his head bowed.
"What brings you here?" Luke asked curtly.
The man extended a small folded note. "This is for you."
Taking the note, Luke unfolded and read it, his features hardening.
"He is coming to the capital soon. We will follow your orders on how to proceed," the man said.
Luke’s eyes darkened further. Her handed note back to the man. "Burn it," he commanded.
The man nodded, while Luke instructed again, "Wait for my ssage. Do not act yet."
"We will be ready."
"You can leave now," Luke said, dismissing him. He climbed back onto his horse, his gaze colder and more intense than before, hinting at the brewing storm within.
He retuned ho and wished to inform his mother about Philip’s demise but he decided against it. His mother was sick and if she gets to know it, she would insist on taking her to see Philip but she won’t be allowed to as a commoner and it would break her heart.
He quietly sat by her side, who was resting peacefully under the influence of the dicine. With the proper treatnt from Erich, her heart’s condition was slowly improving, though it was not entirely cured.
----
Arlan stayed by Oriana’s side the entire night who was to stay by Philip’s side as his only family mber. Arlan didn’t leave her even for a mont and took care of her, letting her lean on him for a comfort.
The next day, Philip’s body was buried in the Verner residence as per his wish and beautiful grave was build for him where he could rest peacefully.
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