After the Rainier family left, Arlan arrived at the Verner Mansion and found Oriana gazing at her mother’s portrait in the drawing room.
She noticed his arrival and turned to look at him. "If you had been here a little earlier, you could have t them."
"I was caught up with sothing, so I got delayed," he said, approaching her. "I t them at the palace anyway."
"What were you busy with?" she asked.
A few servants entered, carrying a large portrait covered with a silk cloth.
"What is that?" she inquired.
Arlan remained silent as the servants hung the portrait next to Amaya’s. When they removed the cloth, Oriana was stunned.
"Grandpa?"
"Yes."
She looked at him, "When was this made?"
"After your grandfather woke up, my mother arranged for an artist to paint it."
"Mother?"
"She must have thought you would miss him. But the artist could only complete half of it before your grandfather passed away."
"And the rest?" she asked, realizing sothing. "Did you finish it?"
"Yes."
"Thank you," her eyes filled with tears as she hugged him. "I still need to thank you for clearing my grandfather’s na. It’s such a relief to know he didn’t kill your mother."
"Yes, he didn’t."
She looked at him. "But I know that mory will always stay with you, and it was my grandfather’s sword that killed her. I won’t ask you to forget it or change your thoughts. If my family hadn’t sought help from yours, none of this would have happened."
He wiped the tears from her cheeks. "You ntioned you still need to thank for a few things. How do you plan to do that?"
Her brows knitted in frustration. "Here I am getting emotional, and you’re thinking about sothing else? Shouldn’t you at least try to comfort ?"
"That’s exactly what I’m doing. I know only one way to comfort you, and it can successfully make you forget everything."
She pushed him away. "Pervert."
Seeing she was no longer sad, Arlan inford her, "We’re leaving for Aurialor."
"Now?"
"Yes. Don’t you want to visit your family’s place?"
"I do. How are we getting there?"
Arlan raised an eyebrow as if she had asked a silly question, and she didn’t press further.
Far away in the small independent territory now returned to Oriana, the royal palace was ready to welco their lost princess. The royal palace of Aurialor might not have been as grand as those in garis or Griven, but it was one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture, embodying the essence of lotus and gold.
After the kingdom was conquered by garis, King Theron handed it over to the Alessin ducal family in garis, who had ruled this territory ever since. Currently, Duke Noel Alessin was managing it after his father’s demise. Noel was one of Drayce’s loyal and close confidants, faithfully following every order given by him.
The royal palace was adorned with decorations, ready to welco the princess. The capital city of Aurialor, Nevida, was dazzling as if a festival were taking place. The entire city was prepared to greet their princess, with people in festive dresses filling the streets, alleys, and every corner.
Arlan and Oriana arrived at the royal palace of Aurialor, accompanied by Imbert and Rafal. Arlan was familiar with the place, having visited it with Drayce a few days earlier to investigate Luis Mortir’s past. Noel Alessin, who knew Arlan well, helped facilitate their investigation.
Noel welcod Arlan and Oriana, with Jasper present as well. After accepting the greetings, Arlan asked, "What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be in Blackhelm in Drayce’s absence?"
Jasper offered a polite yet insincere smile. "Your Highness, that friend of yours asked to be here, making travel back and forth. Trust , I had no intention of coming here."
"Feel free to go back," Arlan comnted.
"I wish I could, but I have to follow my King’s orders."
Oriana, feeling she could never get used to the banter between these friends, spoke up. "Lord Makedon, thank you so much for coming here. I apologize for the trouble you’ve faced."
"Why are you apologizing to him? It’s his job," Arlan interrupted.
"Would it harm you to be a little polite?" she glared at him.
"Your Highness, it’s alright," Jasper said. "I am here for your sake, so forgive for ignoring your husband afterward."
"Yes, feel free to do so, Lord Makedon," Oriana replied.
Noel then showed Oriana the entire palace. Everything carried the essence of what her family had protected for generations, a precious thing that belonged to her in her previous life. It was no wonder she was born into this particular family, as she was destined to reclaim what belonged to her.
She was stunned to see the kind of royal life her grandfather had once led and how he ended up in poverty—all because of Luis. She was waiting for Luis to be punished so she could later guide her grandfather’s soul to heaven.
As she was led to the royal court of the palace, she could imagine her grandfather sitting on the throne, speaking with his ministers. She approached the throne and touched the armrest, feeling a connection to Philip.
’Grandpa must have looked impressive sitting here as a king.’
Arlan approached her. "It’s yours to sit on now."
She looked at him, and he offered his hand. She accepted it, and he guided her to sit on the throne. The mont she sat down, she felt as if it truly belonged to her, sensing the power the throne possessed.
"You look like you are ant for it," Arlan comnted. "Princess Oriana Laurien."
A light smile painted her lips, her eyes filled with various emotions. Jasper brought a wooden box with him and opened it in front of Oriana. "Her Majesty, Queen Seren, has sent this gift for you."
Oriana looked at the box. Inside was a delicately crafted crown made of gold, adorned with tiny jade lotuses at the center.
"Her Majesty said this crown would look prettiest if Your Highness wore it."
Oriana felt touched. Since the mont she had t the King and Queen of garis, they had done nothing but help and protect her. Though they were not present at this mont, their well wishes and familial care were still with her.
"Thank you so much, Lord Makedon," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "Once I et Her Majesty, I will thank her personally."
"May I?" Arlan asked to which Oriana nodded.
He put that delicate crown that perfectly fit on her head, looking beautiful as it shown softly.
Imber, Rafal, Noel, Jasper and a few Aurialor knights present there, clapped and congratulated her.
Only a few people were present there to witness this. There was no crown ceremony for her as Oriana didn’t want it. She had not expected that they would still arrange this beautiful crown for her.
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