The Devil's Betrothed-Chapter 653: Leaving For The North-east

The next day, Arlan and Oriana were ready to bid farewell to Aaron and Lucian, who were departing for the northeast. Before leaving, Arlan noticed Oriana seemed deep in thought.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked.

She snapped back to reality. "Oh, nothing. Just that finally everything is over and peaceful."

Arlan hummed in agreement as they walked out of Thistle Palace. Once they settled in the carriage, Oriana looked at him. "Arlan."

"Hmm?"

"Once we return after saying goodbye, I have something to tell you."

"What is it?"

"I’ll tell you after we get back."

He stared at her for a moment before awkwardly clearing his throat and looking away. "If you keep looking at me like that, I won’t tell you."

"Alright, but whatever it is, you have to tell me."

She nodded.

They arrived at the guest mansion where Aaron was staying. Lucian had been offered a room there as well, but he preferred to stay at Ken’s home instead.

Outside the guest mansion, preparations for departure were in full swing. Aaron had to carry many gifts from the King, filling several carriages. Half of the dark forces’ knights were allowed to accompany Aaron, serving him as their master.

The dark force, created by Arlan primarily to target Luis, had seen significant contributions from Aaron. He found, trained, and commanded these loyal knights, who were now ready to depart with their horses.

Lucian arrived with his family—his parents, sister, Ken, and his wife, along with dozens of men from his own mysterious group of warriors. Aaron and Lucian were leaving together.

Gwen and Paul greeted Aaron, "Greetings, Lord Wynter."

Aaron offered a polite nod and replied, "You two can call me Aaron. You are Lucian’s family, which means you’re my family as well."

They turned to Lucian, who offered them an approving nod. The couple could only agree to the request. From this moment onward, in the northeast, they would be each other’s family.

"So, does that mean I can call you brother as well, Lord Wynter?" Rina asked.

Aaron, who rarely smiled, allowed his lips to curve slightly as he looked at the young girl who was less than half his size. "Of course. You are my sister as well."

"Alright, brother Aaron."

Aaron turned to Lucian. "I have something to—"

Just then, Arlan and Oriana arrived, interrupting the conversation. Everyone greeted the royal couple.

Arlan turned to Aaron. "I don’t see Nathan."

"He will join us at the next city where we’ll have our first stop. He’s dealing with some important matters," Aaron informed him.

"Arthur is still there. His military troops are taking care of everything. Once you arrive, he will help you with any important matters," Arlan explained.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Meanwhile, Oriana talked to Gwen and Rina.

"Aunt Gwen, this is for you," she said, handing over a wooden box. "There are some medicines to help your recovery. I’ve included a note explaining how to take them."

"Thank you, Oriana."

"Oriana, will you come visit us?" Rina asked.

"I will."

"Great." Rina moved closer to Oriana and asked her to lean down a little. When she did, Rina whispered in her ear, "Your husband is so handsome. He suits you really well."

Oriana chuckled and glanced at Arlan, who was engrossed in conversation with Aaron. "I feel the same," she replied with a pleasant smile, then turned back to Rina. "If not for that beautiful face of his, I wouldn’t have fallen for him."

Rina giggled at her reply and whispered, "I hope Lady Erin falls for Brother Lucian’s beauty as well."

Oriana, taken aback, looked at her. "What do you mean?"

"Lady Erin and my brother look perfect together."

Oriana smiled and patted her head. "It doesn’t matter what you or I think. What matters is if they like each other."

"Umm... I do think they like each other..." Rina said, sounding uncertain.

"If they like each other, they will find each other. Don’t worry," Oriana comforted her.

Just then, two newcomers arrived: Euron and Rowan. Rafal was already there, assuming his duty as Oriana’s knight. The two bowed to Arlan, who nodded in acknowledgment.

"Ready to depart, Lord Wynter?" Rowan asked.

"Yes, almost," Aaron replied.

Rowan looked at Lucian. "And this must be...?"

"Lucian Rainier," Lucian introduced himself.

Rowan observed him carefully. "Ah, this is Lord Rainier I’ve heard so much about. Good to see you."

Lucian offered a nod while Aaron explained, "This is Rowan Ahren, Lord Ahren’s second son."

Lucian nodded in understanding as Rowan commented, "He might know me better if you introduce me as his former master Erin Ahren’s second brother. After all, he was Erin’s bodyguard."

Lucian stood calm and composed, his eyes revealing nothing of his thoughts or emotions.

Aaron intervened. "Thank you for all the help over the past few years."

"I did nothing," Rowan shrugged. "I’m just a wandering businessman who happens to collect a lot of information and sometimes shares it with deserving people over drinks."

"I shall often invite you over for drinks then," Aaron said. "Who knows what important information I might get."

"Don’t worry, for my sister Erin’s sake, I’ll reveal things to you anyway. After all, we’ll be family," Rowan said, his gaze briefly passing over Lucian, who remained stoic and emotionless.

Aaron didn’t comment at it, but Euron, who had been quietly observing his brother’s antics, spoke up. "Aaron, if there is anything you need once you reach there, please let me know."

"Thank you. I will."

Just then, they heard a girl’s voice approaching with Oriana. "Who are they?"

Oriana explained, "They are Lady Erin’s brothers. That is the eldest, Lord Euron, and the second, Lord Rowan." She then pointed towards her knight standing nearby with Imbert. "And Vice Commander Rafal is the third brother."

"Three brothers?" Rina asked, observing the three tall and handsome men.

"Lady Erin is so pretty, no wonder her brothers are so good looking as well," Rina commented, making the others smile at her straightforwardness.

"And who is this smart young lady with such keen eyesight?" Rowan asked, a light smile playing on his lips.

"I am Rina Rainier, Lucian Rainier’s sister," she answered confidently.

"Good to meet you, Rina," Rowan replied. "I wish everyone had eyesight as good as yours. But never mind, everyone has their share of bad luck."

Euron and Rafal could understood the meaning of his words but the one who he was targeting, seemed oblivious to anything.