Alex had directed everyone to their respective guest rooms, and the servants had promptly attended to their needs. After their grueling battle against the formidable demoness, they were all in dire need of rest and rejuvenation.
An hour later, Evanthe emerged from her room, making her way to the expansive balcony lounge of the manor. There, Yorian stood by a vast window, gazing outward with a calm demeanor, his emotions concealed behind enigmatic eyes.
"I know you’ve been steadfastly guarding Oriana," Evanthe began, positioning herself beside him. "Are you still worried about her?"
Without shifting his gaze, Yorian retorted, "Should I not?"
"It seems your feelings run deeper than mere concern," Evanthe observed. "Does she evoke memories of someone from your past?"
"I just do not wish another foolish woman sacrificing her life to protect the man she values," Yorian still didn’t look at her but spoke calmly, "Women can truly be foolish."
A solemn silence enveloped them before Evanthe broke it, saying, "Do you still carry the weight of blame from the past?"
Yorian remained silent, prompting Evanthe to continue as she recalled the memories from their past, "I recognize your rationality, and I believe you comprehend the situation fully. Yet, I must voice that her choices were her own. Were you in her place, your actions might have been the same. Stop blaming yourself."
"I understand," Yorian responded with a resigned sigh, "It’s been over a century, and I’ve moved beyond those emotions." He paused briefly. "Have you reconciled with the fact that your actions back then were necessary to protect everyone, that you committed no wrongdoing?"
"Rules are rules," Evanthe asserted firmly. "Transgressing them constitutes a sin, irrespective of the circumstances prompting the breach. If we simply justify our actions based on situational reasoning, then rules lose their very essence. Should we, as supernatural entities, fail to adhere to them, we risk spiraling into chaos."
Yorian could not deny what she said and finally glanced at Evanthe for a while as he said, "You don’t seem to be corrupted."
"Perhaps I am safeguarded by some potent divine force," Evanthe chuckled, "or maybe my cultivation is simply unparalleled."
"Perhaps, what happened in the past, it was the reason that the new queen is Black Witch so she can use black magic without any restrain."
"Nature always finds its balance."
Sierra and Cornelia arrived there and happened to hear their conversation.
When Sierra heard Evanthe saying that some kind of strong divine power was protecting her, Sierra thought ’You are a deity yourself, the master of the strongest divine power. Who else do you need to protect you?’ But she kept quiet as bound by the strict rules of heaven, she was not allowed to say it and sighed, ’I hope one day you will know who you truly are.’
Yorian and Evanthe exchanged glances as the two women approached, settling into chairs within the lounge area. Their expressions grew serious, signaling an impending discussion of weighty matters.
"I haven’t seen your son around," Yorian remarked, addressing Evanthe.
Just as the words left his mouth, Drayce entered, offering a respectful nod to his mother. "How’s Seren?" Evanthe inquired.
"She’s well. I’ve informed her of my temporary absence," Drayce responded before taking a seat. "My concern today revolves around Arlan and Oriana."
Evanthe nodded thoughtfully. "Let’s begin with Arlan." She turned her gaze to Sierra. "What’s your assessment of his abilities?"
"They align with your description," Sierra replied. "Neither of those powers naturally belongs to him. He’s human; those abilities were imposed upon him."
"She was indeed delusional," Yorian commented. "There are still so many questions about Prince Arlan and for that we need to find out how he was born. We can ask Prince Arlan when he heals entirely."
Drayce shook his head with certainty. "I genuinely believe he’s in the dark about it. He only knows these powers were bestowed upon him for protection."
Evanthe raised an eyebrow, probing further. "Are you certain?"
"He appears just as bewildered whenever we broach the topic," Drayce affirmed. "It’s evident he’s unaware of the complete truth."
"Then who..." Evanthe began.
"The key lies with his father," Drayce interrupted, "King Ailwin holds the answers."
"And Oriana’s grandfather must know of the truth as well but he is not in a situation to answer anything," Yorian interjected with a somber note, "King Ailwin’s current state is precarious, especially after today’s incident had affected him through blood curse. King Drayce, once King Ailwin is healed, you’ll need to get Prince Arlan to coax the truth from his father. He’s harbored this secret for two decades; extracting it won’t be straightforward."
"I’ll handle it," Drayce resolved.
"Now Let’s talk about Oriana," Evanthe spoke and then she looked at Sierra, "Please tell us what you know about her. You said back there that she is a Princess of the Demon realm."
Sierra nodded, affirming her earlier statement. "Yes, what I said is true. I can recognise the essence of her power clearly and her soul when she was manifesting her powers of Demoness."
Evanthe leaned forward, intrigued. "Then how did she end up here, in the Mortal realm?"
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