The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 454

Chapter 454: I Am The Best

"You have someone formidable from that race with you, and you know nothing about it? Is this the intelligence you boast about?" the witch mocked.

"Isn’t being able to use him against you sufficient?" Oriana retorted. "What does it matter if I don’t know who he is or which race he belongs to?" A teasing smile played on her face. "If you tell me, I might even grant you an extra drop of my blood, so you won’t be lacking during the ritual."

Edna recognized the sarcasm and snorted, "Discover it on your own."

"Fine, I’m not interested in knowing about him anyway," Oriana stated dismissively.

Oriana strategically redirected Edna’s focus away from Drayce and Slayer to prevent further inquiries. In her narrative, she downplayed the significance of these formidable figures, reducing them to the status of mere sidekicks. Yorian who had concealed his presence and did not use his power that night so his existence remained unknown to Edna or the formidable thousand years old elf would have been her sidekick as well in her story telling.

Internally, Oriana lamented, ’King Drayce, Commander Slayer, forgive me for my rudeness. This is the only way.’

"Let’s return to our crucial matters if you’re finished with your inquiries about my sidekicks. You’ve already wasted my time," Oriana cut to the chase, her voice frigid. "Do you want my blood or not?"

"I agree to the second deal. I will free others and keep the King as a hostage," the witch responded.

"Hmm," Oriana emitted a weary sigh, as if this deal held little importance. "Then do it."

"Not now..."

"Then when?"

"Before the night of the New Moon," Edna replied.

"Then I will provide you with my blood before the night of the New Moon as well," Oriana stated calmly.

"You can’t," the witch retorted. "You have to give me blood now so I can prepare it for the ritual. It needs prior preparation and can’t be done on the same night."

"Is that so?" Oriana raised her brow. "You are a fool, but you take me for a fool as well, don’t you?" Oriana chuckled. "After taking my blood, what’s the guarantee that you would give me what I want?"

"I will."

"Let me tell you, you lack that trait where someone can really trust you, so don’t act delusional, using a verbal agreement to show your sincerity. I don’t trust you even a bit," Oriana mocked.

Silence lingered on the witch’s side before she spoke, "I have freed others and kept only the King as a hostage."

"How do I believe you?"

"Go and check yourself," Edna said. "Then come back here and give me your blood. If you won’t, I will kill the King."

"Hmm, you sound trustworthy," Oriana remarked. "Still, I will go and check first."

The witch didn’t stop her, knowing Oriana had to return as the King was a hostage. If Edna did something to the King because of Oriana’s betrayal, Arlan would not forgive her and then her dream of marrying a prince and living a life of luxury would not be fulfilled.

Oriana left the room, and outside, she encountered Karla again. Oriana offered her a mocking smile, "Stay here. Later, I have a gift for you. I will be back soon."

Karla felt her hands turn sweaty as she watched Oriana walking away.

Oriana returned to Erich’s mansion, which was closer and where Yorian was already waiting for her in his room.

"Lord Yorian, I want you to go to Wimark and check on Duchess Alvera and her kids to see if they are free from the blood curse."

Oriana sighed in relief as she thought, ’That witch kept her words. How desperate she is to covet Arlan. She can dream on.’

"Now, fewer people to worry about," Yorian spoke, his words pulled her attention back to him. "Only King Ailwin has left."

"I had to use him as leverage. I will make sure to free him on the night of the New Moon. By the time she realizes it, it will be too late," Oriana assured.

"You did well today, and I am sure you will be able to execute everything as planned."

Oriana nodded, "While dealing with her, I was reminded of my master. I found myself acting like her, as if she hasn’t trained only in using magic but has also trained me mentally. I find myself shrewd and confident."

"Zaria knows what it takes to train the Queen of Witches in a short duration, especially when the Queen is someone like you, not easy to deal with."

"What do you mean?" Oriana narrowed her eyes at him.

"You should know, being the teacher of a student like you is a challenging task. You are not an easy person to handle. Your strong sense of beliefs makes you stubborn; it’s not easy to make you listen or convince you of something. You’re a different breed of woman, unlike the shy and obedient. You’re bold and always the one to take charge of everything," the elf paused. "Are you satisfied with this much, or do you want me to keep going?"

"No need. I understood," she said, uncertain whether to take it as praise or a commentary on her shortcomings. "I have to go to that witch. I take my leave."

Yorian clearly sensed her displeasure. Finding her adorable, a small smile appeared on his lips as he called for her, "Oriana."

She stopped and looked at him, still displeased. "What now?"

The smile on his lips widened, "You are perfect the way you are, the most unique woman I have ever seen. So do not think about changing yourself."

She didn’t react to his praise and turned to leave. The moment she left the room, her lips curved into a smile, ’I always knew I am the best.’