Chapter 369: Determination
Here is Chapter 369 of "The Devil's Betrothed": Chapter 369: DeterminationInside Arlanâs study, he sat in silence while Alex and Imbert stood nearby.... Donât miss it!
Chapter 369: DeterminationInside Arlanâs study, he sat in silence while Alex and Imbert stood nearby. The two knights were well aware of Arlanâs personal attachment to his aide, and now everything had abruptly changed.
Except for these two and a few of Alexâs men, no other knight from Arlanâs troop knew the identity of the woman they had apprehended. They remained unaware that the woman rescued by one of the Kingâs knights was their own colleague from the past few months.
They waited in a tense atmosphere. Kerry, the third knight who often accompanied Arlan alongside Imbert and Rafal, entered the study. He sensed the gravity of the situation and greeted the Prince quietly, knowing he had likely made an error.
"Kerry," Imbert called out, and his tone was stern. "A few months ago, while we were in Wimark, you were tasked with gathering information about Orian and his family."
"Yes, Captain," Kerry replied, his captainâs authoritative presence weighing heavily on him.
"Did you carry out your assignment thoroughly?"
As his captain posed the question, Kerry felt a growing sense of unease. "Have... Have I made a mistake, Captain?"
"How did you obtain that information? Who verified it?" Imbert inquired.
"His family members themselves. There was a boy who was of age, and a young girl. They identified themselves as Orianâs siblings from his adoptive parents," Kerry explained, casting a glance at his captain and sensing the gravity of the situation. "The boy was named Luke, and the girl was Rina."
Luke?
The name struck a chord with both Arlan and Imbert. Oriana frequently visited Ahrens to see her brother, Luke. It appeared to be the same person.
Kerry continued, "That boy works at Ahrens, and Orian visited him there. Youâre all aware of that, arenât you?"
Imbert refrained from commenting on this and instructed, "Do not divulge anything about our discussion here to anyone. You may go."
With a sense of despondency, Kerry left the room, perceiving that his captain was displeased with him, even though the specifics of his mistake remained unspoken and no punishment was meted out.
"Your Highness, it appears that the boy Luke has deceived our knight. It seems they have orchestrated it quite skillfully."
âLuke?â Arlanâs eyes narrowed. "Once we return to the capital, find him."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Rafal, who had observed Kerryâs return with a downcast expression, questioned him. "What happened? What did His Highness say?"
Kerry shook his head. "Iâm not sure. I believe I made a mistake."
"What kind of mistake?"
"Iâm not certain. They didnât tell me."
In accordance with Imbertâs orders, Kerry refrained from revealing anything to Rafal. Rafal didnât press for further information, knowing that his betrothed had finally been captured and that Arlanâs life must be in turmoil. All he could do was accept orders and execute them.
Rafalâs thoughts drifted elsewhere, âOrian is in Wimark. Shouldnât we ask him to come here to assume his role as His Highnessâs personal aide?â
At that moment, Alvera arrived at the Princeâs guest mansion. Everyone bowed to her, and a message was relayed to the Prince, who had been anticipating his sisterâs visit.
Alvera entered Arlanâs study, where Alex and Imbert paid their respects to her before leaving the siblings alone. Arlan stood and walked to his sister on the other side of the table.
"I would have come to meet you..."
"I doubt that would have happened anytime soon," Alvera interjected, leaving him momentarily speechless. She continued, "Iâve learned of what transpired. Iâve just come from a meeting with Miss Verner. Will you explain to me why you did this?"
Arlan remained silent for a moment before responding, "Commander Conor Loyset must have already informed your husband."
She nodded. "He did. I can understand your actions, but this isnât like you, Arlan. You wouldnât harm someone without reason. Youâre the kind who would bring them to the royal court, prove their guilt, and then administer punishment. Why the haste to decide a penalty even before a trial in the royal court?"
"The circumstances dictated our actions, and we cannot change them," he replied coldly.
Alvera sighed in the face of his stubbornness. "I hope you wonât punish the girl for her grandfatherâs deeds."
"Her fate was sealed long ago, and it cannot be altered."
"That girl is entirely innocent. She is unaware of everything. Canât you see the difficult life she must have led?"
"My decision remains unchanged," Arlan interrupted her.
"Then youâll only listen to Father," Alvera sighed in resignation. "She asked me to arrange a meeting with you."
"Thereâs no need," Arlan stated coldly. "Tell her to understand her place. Itâs already a concession that the traitors are being held in a mansion rather than a prison."
"Arlan..."
"I hope you wonât compel me to do something I donât wish to do."
"Are you afraid to face her after what you did to her grandfather?" Alveraâs words took on a mocking tone. "I donât expect my brother to be a coward."
"Itâs not as you think," he retorted.
Arlan was worried that when he met Oriana, his determination might waver. He couldnât afford to let that happen. He needed to remain resolute and follow through with his decision.
"Then meet her. I will send her a message with the details," Alvera said before departing, leaving Arlan with a pallid expression.
"Alex," Arlan called for him.
The knight entered, accompanied by Imbert. "Yes, Your Highness."
"Proceed with our plan."
"Yes, Your Highness," Alex nodded, and Imbert remained behind. "Your Highness, any orders for me?"
"Keep an eye on her," Arlan instructed, standing by the window, gazing outside.
"Yes, Your Highness."
After Imbert left, Arlan retrieved something from his coat pocket, something he had always carried with himâa beautiful jade pendant. He caressed its surface with his thumb and spoke, "Mother, I will ensure that the culprits are punished and that I exact my revenge. I wonât let them go unpunished."
Staring at it for long and remembering his beautiful mother for a while, he put the pendent inside and continued to look ahead with a determination in his eyes.