The Devil's Betrothed-Chapter 718: Rowan’s Bold Talk

By the late noon, Nathaniel reached his own estate, gifted by the king. He was already one of the wealthiest lords in the Northeast, as the king had spared no effort in rewarding him with the best of everything.

The entourage, consisting of a few carriages, loyal servants, and knights, entered the massive gates of the sprawling estate.

Sitting inside his carriage Nathaniel was immersed in his own thoughts of what his father said. That damn man had poured the cold water over his happiness of being free from his father and being a free lord by adding another trouble in his way- marriage

"What exactly that bastard is planning this time? Which woman is he planning to marry me off to? If he had planned it, then she must be someone I can’t dare ignore. Which family must she be from? Which families my father is close to or can gain advantage through this marriage. To be precise, which families have daughters available to get married?"

He tried to think. A ew names came to his mind, but for some reason he ended up denying them.

Not being able to comprehend his father’s plan, Nathaniel felt enraged and wished to turn everything upside down.

"My Lord, we are here," the butler’s voice interrupted him.

He had not realized that the carriage had long stopped and others were waiting for him to step out of the carriage. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com

Nathaniel composed himself and stepped out of the carriage, which stood in front of the magnificent mansion that was now his. He looked around; inside the vast walls of the estate, alongside the grand residence, were gardens and various other buildings meant for different purposes. Everything was well-maintained, with numerous servants already working, and the place was no less impressive than a royal palace.

The butler briefed Nathaniel on the estate, having already researched and prepared everything even before Nathaniel’s return to the North.

"My Lord, this estate is vast, probably even larger than what your father, Lord Mortem, owns. It would take you an entire day just to explore the nearby surroundings. It even has a private forest, should you wish to go hunting, along with a beautiful waterfall and a river running through it. There are several private houses built within the forest for your stay if you choose to visit. As you love stallions, there’s a grand stable, and the Crown Prince himself has gifted you several high-bred stallions. Under the King’s orders, everything has been arranged to perfectly suit your tastes."

Nathaniel merely hummed in acknowledgment as he walked towards the grand staircase, leading to the beautifully carved wooden doors that opened into the inner garden of the residence. Unlike typical homes that opened into a grand foyer, this estate followed the northeastern style, where the main residence was built in a rectangular shape, with a stunningly large garden at its center.

The rectangular building seemed to be divided into two sections.

"My Lord, the left side of the residence is designated for you, and the right half is reserved for the lady of the estate," the butler explained.

Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed at the sight of the right side, and he inwardly wished he could demolish it. No one would be living there, and even if someone were forced to, it would be unfortunate for her. Poor woman, whoever his father intended to impose on him—she would be no better than a widow, despite having a husband who was alive.

All the servants inside the residence had gathered to welcome him, bowing respectfully as he entered.

"My Lord, as you prefer not to have many servants inside the main residence, they will all attend to duties elsewhere on the estate. Only your loyal servant, who accompanied you, will remain within the house."

Nathaniel hummed again, leaving everything in the capable hands of his butler. He made his way to his part of the residence, which was two stories high. The ground floor had various rooms for different purposes, while the upper floor housed Nathaniel’s bedchamber, study, and several other rooms, each designed for a specific function. Above that was an open terrace.

The same layout was mirrored in the right half of the residence, intended for the lady of the estate.

----

Meanwhile, in the capital of the kingdom...

"Father, we’re leaving tomorrow," Rowan informed. "Rafal and Imbert will accompany us, while brother Euron will stay here with you to handle his responsibilities."

Lord Ahren nodded in agreement, but then they heard Euron speak up. "I’ll join you soon, once I take care of some important matters here."

"Ah, take your time, dear brother," Rowan commented with a hint of sarcasm. "We won’t be in need of a responsible brother full of wisdom. You should focus on being with my sister-in-law and the baby that’s soon to be born."

"That’s exactly why I’m letting you go, even though I don’t fully trust you," Euron replied, then turned to Rafal. "Even though he’s older than you, make sure to keep him in check. Forget that he’s your senior—when it comes to strength, you surpass him, and as your elder brother, I give you permission to control him on my behalf."

"I will," Rafal assured with a nod.

Rowan almost rolled his eyes. "Such an obedient brother to our eldest," he said, glancing at Euron. "You must regret having someone like me—so unruly and disobedient."

"No," Euron replied calmly. "You’re useful in your own way."

Lord Ahren, accustomed to his sons’ banter, paid them no mind and asked, "Is Erin ready?"

"I checked on her a while ago. Her servants have packed everything she’ll need," Rowan assured. "Besides, we have nothing to worry about. Our cousin Nathan is one of the richest lords in the North, thanks to His Majesty’s generosity. We’ll be well taken care of."

Lord Ahren hummed thoughtfully and said, "Be careful during the journey, and make sure to protect your sister."

Rowan chuckled. "She doesn’t need our protection, Father. She’s more than capable. Don’t underestimate her just because she’s a woman. She’s learned from the best—her three brothers. That’s why she’s the most desirable noblewoman in the kingdom. Haven’t you seen how many families are approaching you to wed her to their sons?"

"I know," Lord Ahren said, his voice softening. "But as her father, I still worry for her."

"Don’t worry. She’ll be alright," Rowan reassured.

Lord Ahren dismissed his sons, who then made their way directly to their sister’s residence. Erin was strolling in the garden under the evening sky, which was beginning to darken.

"What are you doing outside in the cold?" Rowan asked.

"I felt cooped up inside with all the packing the servants were doing. I left it to Bree and came out to get some fresh air," she answered, looking relaxed.

"Hmm, but you shouldn’t tire yourself. Starting tomorrow, we’ll be on a long journey, and you’re not used to that," Euron said, taking her hands in his and rubbing them gently. "You should be wearing gloves."

"I forgot," she admitted, letting her brother warm her hands. Rafal took her other hand and began to warm it as well.

"Your hands are freezing, Erin," Rafal frowned.

Rowan stood next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her closer, another attempt to keep her warm. "Our sister is just getting used to the cold so she’ll be comfortable in the North, isn’t that right, Erin?"

"Maybe," she replied, not denying it.

"Don’t worry, your husband will keep you really warm," Rowan teased, only to receive a glare from her.

"What?" Rowan exclaimed. "You know it’s the best way to stay warm. All those beautiful women I meet while traveling, they especially seek me out during the cold season. They know I can warm them up better than anyone."

"Rowan, what are you talking about?" Euron frowned, and Rafal mirrored his disapproval.

"You two, calm down," Rowan said. "She’s a grown woman and understands everything. What’s wrong with her learning a few things from us? After all, we’re her family, her brothers, her closest kin. Haven’t you heard the saying, ’teaching starts at home’?"

Euron sighed and looked at his sister. "Ignore him."

Erin simply smiled, accustomed to Rowan’s bold talk and her other two brothers’ more serious nature.

"Erin, you can’t ignore me," Rowan continued. "Euron’s the true elder brother who’ll shield you from anything wild, and as for Rafal?" Rowan chuckled. "Rafal is practically a monk. He has no relationship with these matters. So, that leaves only me, your one and only brother who can tell you some interesting things I’ve come across. It’ll be more exciting than those books I bought for you during my travels."

"What books?" Euron asked, already having a bad feeling about it.

"The kind every adult should read," Rowan replied casually. "I’m sure you’ve read them too. In fact, the first one I ever read, I stole from your study, my dear elder brother. You know, the book on ’adult knowledge’?"

"Rowan!" Euron exclaimed, horrified. "You gave those kinds of books to our sister?"

"I even tried to give them to Rafal," Rowan admitted boldly, "but he’s a monk who threw them away, ignoring my act of kindness."

"You..." Euron turned to Rafal, "Did you know about this?"

Rafal hesitated. "She would have to know about it someday..."

"So, you didn’t read them, but you let our sister read them?" Euron asked incredulously.

"I didn’t need to read them. I already know enough," Rafal countered.

Euron looked helplessly at Erin, who was smiling calmly. "Did you read them, Erin?"

Erin nodded.

Rowan burst into laughter. "That’s my sister! One should always seek knowledge, no matter the subject."

Euron rubbed his temples in frustration and turned to Rafal. "I don’t know what to do about Erin with this brazen brother of ours. In my absence, you’ll have to protect her from him."

Rafal nodded obediently, while Euron looked at Erin. "Don’t listen to Rowan. Stick with Rafal."

Erin suppressed her smile and nodded.

Rowan, seeing this, nodded too.

Euron narrowed his eyes. "What are you nodding for?"

"Well, the other two are nodding, so I thought I should move my neck too and not feel left out," Rowan answered cheekily.

It nearly made Rafal and Erin laugh, but they managed to suppress it, unwilling to go against their elder brother.