The Devil's Betrothed-Chapter 721: Talk About Erin’s Kids

Lucian and Rina arrived at Nathaniel’s estate, where the butler personally welcomed them and led them inside through the main door. Nathaniel soon appeared to greet them as well.

"Good to see you, Lucian," Nathaniel said warmly.

Lucian gave a polite nod, and Nathaniel tilted his head to look at the young girl standing next to her brother. "Hey, little girl."

Rina greeted him with a polite bow. "Greetings, Lord Mortem."

"Whoa, that just hurt me," Nathaniel’s face fell in an exaggerated expression of sadness.

"What did I do?" Rina asked, confused.

"What do you call Aaron and Lucian?" he asked.

"Brother?"

"And didn’t you agree to be my sister as well? But now it seems like you’re betraying me. This brother is truly heartbroken."

Rina quickly corrected herself. "Brother Nathaniel."

"That’s more like it." He smiled and patted her head. "Was the journey tiring?"

Rina shook her head. "I slept in my brother’s arms the whole time."

Just then, the others—who had been enjoying their warm soak and wine—emerged, dressed in fresh clothes and looking relaxed.

"Lucian, good to see you here," Arthur greeted, as the others followed behind him.

Rowan, Rafal, and Imbert greeted Lucian in turn.

"Lucian, how fortunate we are to have you visit," Rowan said with a grin. "I’m sure you’re here to meet us—the Ahrens."

Lucian offered a polite bow, deftly dodging Rowan’s question. "Good to see you, second young Lord Ahren." freёweɓnovel.com

"Oh, just call me Rowan," Rowan replied casually, then turned his attention to Rina. "Good to see you, young Lady."

"Greetings to everyone," Rina said politely, then asked, "Where is Lady Erin? I’m here to meet her."

"Oh, just you? I thought your brother might also want to offer his greetings to his former master," Rowan remarked, glancing at Lucian. "But you’re a lord now, so I suppose you’ve forgotten that my sister was once your master."

Lucian remained calm, his expression unchanged. "I haven’t forgotten."

Rowan sighed inwardly. ’A blockhead indeed,’ he thought, then addressed Rina. "You can go to that side of the residence. Erin is there."

Rina nodded but Lucian gently held her hand. "Don’t go alone. You might get lost."

Rowan, sensing an opportunity, smirked. "Then, would Lord Rainier like to show his little sister the way? Although that part of the residence is reserved for ladies, no man is permitted to enter unless he has a special connection with the lady."

Lucian sensed the bitterness in Rowan’s words but chose to ignore it. "Let the servant guide you," he said to Rina.

But just then, a beautiful woman, freshened up and dressed in a refined, lady-like manner, emerged from the right side of the residence.

Rina spotted her immediately, released her brother’s hand, and ran toward Erin, lifting the hem of her long dress as she hugged her. Erin, a head taller, embraced her warmly.

"Lady Erin, I’m so happy to see you," Rina said cheerfully.

Lucian, watching the scene unfold, found himself unable to look away. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of Erin. It had been so long since he’d seen her—so long, in fact, that it felt like an eternity.

Erin looked stunning in her sky-blue dress, her skin radiant even after a long trip. Her features seemed more striking than Lucian had ever noticed before. Her long hair, styled simply, only enhanced her natural beauty.

To Lucian, it felt as though he had never truly noticed her before, but today he couldn’t help but take in every detail.

Rowan nudged Rafal, signaling him to look at Lucian. Both brothers noticed the way the young man was boldly staring at their sister, seemingly oblivious to the fact that her brothers were standing right there.

"So daring of him," Rowan mumbled which only Rafal heard and nodded.

"I’m happy to see you as well, Rina" Lucian heard Erin say.

Her voice seemed to touch his heart, like a sweet melody. She smiled at Rina—a sight he rarely remembered witnessing before, or perhaps he had never paid much attention.

"I didn’t know you were coming," Erin said.

"When I found out you were traveling, I asked Brother Aaron to bring me. He was busy, so Brother Lucian brought me instead."

Erin glanced toward the group of men standing nearby and noticed Lucian, who was still looking at her. She kept her composure, offering him a polite nod of recognition before turning her attention back to Rina. "Now that you’re here, you can stay with me as long as I’m here."

"I would love that!" Rina cheered.

As they approached the group, Erin greeted Lucian with perfect politeness, "Greetings, Lord Rainier."

Lucian finally stopped staring, giving a polite nod, though the words seemed to stick in his throat. Erin, however, remained entirely calm and composed, as though she had fully moved past the man who had once refused to marry her.

The butler approached and informed Nathaniel, "My Lord, everything has been arranged for the guests."

"Guests?" Rowan interjected, with mock surprise. "Are you referring to Lucian?"

The butler was momentarily taken aback, unsure of how to respond. Since the moment the second Lord Ahren had arrived, he had been making things difficult—either by demanding something his lord didn’t approve of or by asking questions that felt tricky to answer.

"I mean, a meal has been arranged for all of you, my Lord," the butler replied cautiously.

"Hmm, just remember, we Ahrens aren’t guests here. What belongs to Nathaniel belongs to us as well," Rowan declared as they all headed toward the dining room.

"Has your father disowned you, that you’re making claims over my estate?" Nathaniel retorted, walking beside Rowan, while the others followed.

"Adding some extra wealth to my name wouldn’t hurt," Rowan replied shamelessly. "You don’t plan on marrying, so who are you going to leave all of this to? Let me and my kids enjoy your fortune."

"I’d give all of it to Erin," Nathaniel responded. "I’d rather see her and Aaron’s kids enjoy it."

"She hasn’t even married Aaron yet, and you’re already planning their children’s inheritance?" Rowan teased, turning back to look at his sister, who was walking behind them, holding Rina’s hand. "Erin, your kids already own this massive estate before they’re even born."

Being used to her brother’s shameless teasing, Erin replied, "Thank you, Nathan. My children would be fortunate to have an uncle like you."

Lucian, who was walking behind them alongside Arthur, glanced at Erin, walking ahead of him.

She was talking about children, about marriage, she would be married to Aaron soon—and the thought made his heart feel unsettled, as though a heavy weight had suddenly pressed down on his chest.