The Devil's Betrothed-Chapter 743: Chamber Of Lady Of The Estate

After another half-hour of travel, the entourage finally arrived at the Wynters and Rainiers’ residences. Since Rina was unwell, the group made their way through the grand gates of the Rainier estate.

Gwen and Paul stood waiting inside the grounds, just in front of the grand residence belonging to Lord Rainier. As the carriage came to a halt, Erin turned to Lucian.

"Take Rina inside first," she said gently.

Lucian gave her a grateful nod and carefully lifted his sister out of the carriage.

"Is she asleep?" Gwen asked as she stepped closer. "You should wake her instead of carrying her."

"She’s not well, Mother," Lucian replied. "I’ll take her inside. Please look after our guests."

Though visibly concerned, Gwen knew no one cared for Rina better than Lucian. She stayed behind, trusting him, and turned to greet the arrivals with Paul. ƒreewebɳovel.com

"Lady Erin, we are fortunate to have you with us," Gwen said warmly.

"Thank you, Lady Rainier," Erin replied politely.

The guests were led into the drawing room, where they could rest and enjoy tea to warm themselves from the cold. As Erin took in her surroundings, she couldn’t help but admire the Rainier estate. It was like a miniature royal palace.

Though the Ahren family was the wealthiest in the kingdom, the northeastern territories felt like a different world altogether. The sheer opulence here made it clear why the North-East was the largest and richest territory in the kingdom, and why its Lords were among the most powerful.

It was no surprise that Luis had set his sights on this region instead of any other. The previous Lords had lived grand and illustrious lives, and now Erin could see that the current generation was no different, upholding their ancestors’ legacy with pride.

A physician was summoned to check on Rina, and Lucian remained by her side the entire time, refusing to leave even for a moment. Meanwhile, his parents ensured the guests were well taken care of.

"The young lady has caught a cold, but there’s nothing to worry about," the physician explained. "With medicine and warmth, she should recover within a week. I’ll prepare the necessary medicines and send them with my apprentice. In the meantime, you can give her a concoction made from these herbs."

Lucian gave a curt nod, and the physician took his leave.

After finishing their tea, the guests chose to check on Rina before heading to Aaron’s residence, while it was decided that Erin would stay at the Rainiers’ home.

Erin touched Rina’s forehead and frowned. "Her fever is rising. We should have taken better care of her."

"Don’t worry, Lady Erin. Children get sick quickly, but they recover just as fast," Gwen assured her, though it was clear she was worried for her daughter too.

A servant entered the room, looking hesitant. "My lady."

Gwen turned to her. "What is it?"

The servant shifted uncomfortably before speaking. "Lord Lucian... he’s in the kitchen."

Gwen didn’t seem surprised, while others wondered at the news.

"He must be preparing the concoction the physician recommended," Gwen said.

The servant nodded, still uneasy. "We told him we would make it, but he sent us all out... and insisted on doing it himself."

"Listen to what he says and don’t disturb him," Gwen instructed and the servant left.

Gwen sighed. "Whenever Rina is sick, he insists on doing everything for her personally and won’t let anyone interfere. It’s as if she’s not his sister, but his daughter."

"She’s lucky to have a brother like him," Rowan remarked.

After spending some time with Rina, the group prepared to leave the chamber. Just as they were about to go, Lucian entered, carrying a tray with a steaming bowl of the freshly made concoction.

"Apologies," Lucian said calmly. "I’ll join you all later, after I’ve taken care of Rina."

"Don’t worry, Aaron is with us," Arthur reassured him.

"We’re leaving our sister in your care as well," Rowan said, glancing at Lucian. "I trust you’ll look after her."

Lucian met Rowan’s gaze. "Rest assured."

He then turned to Erin. "Mother will stay with you until I’m free."

Erin gave a small nod, feeling slightly puzzled. His words carried a strange weight, as though he intended to look after her personally. I’m not a child, she thought to herself.

"If there is anything, let me know," Aaron said, feeling equally worried.

Lucian nodded and proceeded to his sister.

As the others left with Aaron, Gwen approached Erin. "Lady Erin, please come with me. You must be tired—you need to rest."

Lucian interjected, "Mother, let the servants help you. You shouldn’t climb two flights of stairs."

"I know. Stop worrying about everyone all the time," Gwen said with a smile as she proceeded towards the door while told Erin. "This old age and also my heart which is treated recently doesn’t allow me to exert too much. And at this weight of mine, which is a burden on my weak knees."

"My mother faces the knees issues as well. It’s normal in this age, Lady Rainier," Erin spoke, "And don’t worry about me. If I need anything, I will personally come to you. I am not a shy person."

"I feel relieved to hear it," Gwen remarked.

Erin cast one last glance at Lucian before leaving the room, who was now helping weak Rina sit up in bed, preparing to feed her the concoction.

I didn’t realize he could be so caring, she thought. All this time, I only saw that expressionless face and those emotionless eyes.

-----

The butler approached the two women as they reached the foyer.

"Lady Erin, as per Lord Lucian’s instructions, your belongings have been taken to your room." He gestured toward a young servant standing beside him. "This is Maya. She will be attending to you during your stay."

The young servant bowed politely. "Please allow me to guide you to your chamber, my lady."

Erin gave a small nod and followed Maya upstairs.

Once Erin was out of sight, Gwen turned to the butler. "Did Lucian truly instructed to arrange Lady Erin’s stay in the chamber meant for the lady of this estate?"

Butler nodded.

Gwen felt conflicted over what was going on and decided to talk to Lucian later once he is free from taking care of Rina.