343: [Bonus chapter]Sense Of Arlan Being In danger

[Bonus chapter]Sense Of Arlan Being In danger

Erich and Oriana arrived at their destination and proceeded directly to Erich's study. With a grave expression, Erich wasted no time in questioning Oriana. "What have you discovered?"2

Oriana hesitated briefly before responding, "I detected a evil dark energy within the King's body that is gradually weakening his constitution."

"Are you certain?" Erich inquired, his concern evident.

"Yes, I can sense it quite distinctly," Oriana affirmed.

"Dark sorcery," Erich murmured, his voice laced with concern. "Conventional medicines won't have any effect on it."

"Master, I will find a solution," Oriana assured him, "but it will require some time. In the meantime, we must ensure His Majesty's health remains stable."

"What is your plan?" Erich inquired.

Oriana gestured gracefully, summoning several books to the table. "I intend to study these books on witchcraft."

Erich nodded without a hint of doubt. "Carry on with your research. I will prepare a fresh batch of medicines for him."

As Erich departed, Oriana settled into her chair, her thoughts drifting elsewhere.

'The same evil dark magic I sensed on His Highness that night," she mused silently. "The essence is unmistakably identical, and the perpetrator of both instances is likely the same individual. Does this imply that the same Black Witch is afflicting both father and son? Is she lurking in proximity to the royal family? Are there other members of the royal household suffering as well? I must uncover the truth.'

-----

Meanwhile, Arlan returned to the Thistle Palace, where he found someone already waiting for him. As he entered the foyer, Roman promptly informed him, "Your Highness, Sir Peryl is here."

Arlan acknowledged the information with a nonchalant hum and ascended the stairs. Upon entering his study, Alexander Peryl respectfully bowed and greeted him. "Greetings, Your Highness."

Seated in his chair, Arlan fixed his gaze on Alexander, silently urging him to continue.

"Your Highness," Alexander began, "there is still no sign of the young girl near Philip Verner, despite his illness. We may need to wait for her to reappear."

"If this girl has only the old man as her family, she will eventually return to him," Arlan surmised. "And what about my father's actions?"

"Under Duke Wimark's orders, they have not taken any overt action either. Like us, they seem to be waiting for the girl to resurface. It appears that His Majesty's objective is to bring this girl back to Karlin, and..." Alexander trailed off, recognizing the seriousness in Arlan's countenance.

She was Arlan's betrothed and once she get's into King's hands and they managed to bring her back to Karlin, Arlan had to obey his father's orders.

"We cannot allow her to fall into my father's hands," Arlan declared resolutely. "The moment we acquire her, we must eliminate her. I will personally depart for Wimark in a few days."

"If Your Highness departs, it may arouse suspicion among His Majesty's operatives," Alexander cautioned.

"We shall not let them know of our intentions to travel to Wimark," Arlan asserted. "You understand what must be done."

Alexander comprehended the unspoken implications. "I will make the necessary arrangements."

"Never underestimate the spies working for the King," Arlan warned.

"Do not worry, Your Highness," Alexander replied with confidence before taking his leave.

Arlan was keenly aware that despite his own formidable network of dark forces, his father remained a shrewd and powerful monarch in his own right. Arlan's strategic maneuverings had pushed the King's forces into the background, but he could not underestimate his father's cunning. Arlan recognized that his own intelligence, which he had inherited from the King, was a testament to the monarch's prowess.

Leaving the intricate matters to his trusted knight, Alexander Peryl, Arlan immersed himself in his duties. His extended absence had resulted in a mountain of unresolved tasks awaiting his attention.

Similarly, Oriana delved into her own pursuits, poring over the books of witchcraft. She sought any information related to evil dark magic spells. However, to her dismay, she found that the books mainly focused on harnessing her own attribute of darkness for good purposes, detailing spells and curses that fell within the realm of benevolence. There was no guidance on dealing with evil sorcery.

Frowning, Oriana muttered to herself, 'My teacher, she practices dark magic herself, so why withhold this knowledge from me? She should have at least warned me or imparted the darker aspects of magic so that I could be prepared. What kind of mentor denies crucial knowledge? How I am going to deal with that evil dark magic now?'

Oriana gazed out of the window, her eyes tracing the night sky as she realized that midnight had already arrived. With a sigh, she pushed herself up from the chair, feeling the discomfort in her legs. The hours of research had taken a toll on her, and she needed a break. Erich and Adam had long since succumbed to sleep.

---

Oriana stepped out of the guest residence and she decided to stroll in the rear garden. She looked up at the sky and spotted the beautiful moon.

'It's a night of full moon. It's beautiful.'

Walking along the silent part of the garden,  she contemplated her options, a daring thought crossed her mind.

'Should I attempt to confront the evil spell within the King's body on her own? Can I find a way to expel it without putting myself or others in danger? She weighed the possibilities carefully, her determination growing. It should be possible, she thought, her resolve firming. There shouldn't be any danger, as long as she proceeded with caution. But I am not sure how exactly to do it. Shall I summon my teacher and ask her? But will she even tell me? Maybe I can try...'

Just at that moment, her gaze was drawn to something unusual as she followed the outline of the Queen's residence, which shared the same grounds as the King's abode.

A tall and unmistakably familiar figure moved through the darkness.

"His Highness?"

Even from a distance, she could discern his features clearly. She watched in curiosity as he strode along the outer edge of the Queen's residence, his destination set toward the rear section.

"Why is he here at this hour? What could be his purpose in heading toward the rear of the residence? He should head to main entrance if he is here to meet his mother. Where are his knights? Why is he alone?" she pondered.

Oriana couldn't help but notice the absence of guards in that particular area tonight, a stark contrast to her previous observations where both residences had been vigilantly guarded. It struck her as an intentional omission, leaving her with more questions than answers.

A sudden ominous feeling gripped Oriana, causing her to shiver involuntarily.

"Why does my heart feel so burdened?" She placed her hands over her uneasy chest, anxiety clouding her thoughts. "Why is this sensation coming over me all of a sudden?"

Confusion and unease swirled within her as she once again fixed her gaze on the Queen's residence, but Arlan was nowhere to be seen.

"Where has he vanished to so abruptly?" she wondered aloud.

The more she peered in that direction, the more her vision was swallowed by the inky darkness that shrouded the rear of the mansion. Tonight, no lamps illuminated the area, and a foreboding sense of emptiness loomed, deepening her apprehension.

'Why do I feel like something bad is going to happen?'

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