The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 101: An Encounter With Lady Grey

Chapter 101: An Encounter With Lady Grey

"This worker dares to insult our lady, Sir Jarr! She refused to provide service, assuming we can’t afford to pay!" Rafe complained to Alex.

The knight’s hazel eyes bore into the boutique worker with an intense look. Sensing the weight of his gaze, she involuntarily took a few steps back, feeling a surge of intimidation wash over her.

Right before the boutique worker could say anything, the gentle ringing of the bell interrupted the tense silence as the door swung open.

A slender lady, accompanied by her personal maid, graced the boutique’s entrance with an air of elegance. Her flowing dress bespoke timeless extravagance, marking her as one of the noble ladies. As her presence exuded calmness, the boutique worker hastened towards her, seeking refuge and assistance.

"Lady Grey, thank goodness you’ve arrived! These individuals have been causing quite a disturbance. They have been intimidating me," the boutique worker anxiously reported to the noble lady, relief mingled with fear in her voice.

Meredith, taken aback by the unfolding scene, turned her head with surprise. Her discerning eyes scanned the room, catching the knight’s stern countenance, the healer’s crossed arms, and the petite lady’s bewildered expression.

"Could you enlighten me about what has occurred?" she asked, her voice composed yet filled with genuine curiosity. "And who might these individuals be?"

The boutique worker, standing before the noble lady, recounted the incident, her face reflecting a combination of fear and loathing. However, it became evident that her narrative was one-sided, highlighting exaggerated claims of intimidation and embellishing accusations.

Amid the boutique worker’s story, Rafe, unable to contain his disgust any longer, raised his voice in protest. "What utter nonsense! We came to this boutique as your customers, yet you dare to look down upon us! Your accusations are baseless!"

Meredith, the noble lady, had her warm brown eyes shifted towards the healer, her voice calm yet assertive.

"Sir, I implore you to please compose yourself. Let us address this matter with a level head."

Then, turning her attention to the boutique worker, she continued, "It seems there has been a grave mistake here that needs to be rectified."

The boutique worker nodded eagerly, believing that the noble lady’s words signalled support for her position. However, to her surprise, Meredith’s following statement took a different turn.

"As a professional in your line of work, it is essential not to judge individuals based on their appearance. Every person who enters this boutique deserves to be treated fairly and respectfully," the noble lady firmly stated to the boutique worker.

"But... but... the owner instructed to cater only to nobles and high-ranking officers! We do not serve commoners! It would tarnish the boutique’s reputation!" the boutique worker countered, desperation seeping into her voice.

Meredith addressed the boutique worker once more with her steady and unwavering voice. "It appears that your priorities are misplaced. True reputation is built upon fairness, inclusivity, and respect for all customers. It is time to reconsider your stance and reevaluate the values defining the business."

"Reputation, you say?" Alex interjected, ignoring the noble lady’s intervention. His tone was laced with scepticism.

Growing impatient with the boutique worker’s narrow-mindedness, the knight reached into his robe and flung a pouch onto the floor. It landed with its tie unravelled, revealing a dazzling display of sparkling gold coins. The boutique worker’s eyes widened in astonishment at the sight of the wealth laid bare before her.

"Is this enough to buy your so-called unwavering reputation?" the knight scoffed with disdain.

The boutique fell into a poignant silence, the moment’s weight hanging in the air, as the glimmering coins served as mirrors reflecting a clash of values.

These were no ordinary coins. They were Durrham—exquisite gold coins, the epitome of wealth and prestige in Cassian’s trading. The significance of their value resonated deeply.

Each Durrham coin held the weight of a thousand Dazs coins, crafted from shimmering silver, and each Dazs coin, in turn, represented a hundred Doras coins forged from humble bronze.

Realising the immense value of the Durrham coins struck the boutique worker, leaving her in awe of the magnificence and weight of what lay before her.

Rafe, seizing the opportunity to emphasise their position, proudly spoke up. "And if that is not enough to convince you, you may send the bill directly to the mansion of His Royal Highness, the Grand Duke of Gerhard."

From within his robe, he produced a badge, a symbol of his affiliation with the grand duke’s esteemed knighthood.

"The lady you so disdainfully looked down upon is an esteemed person of His Highness," the healer declared firmly, his words leaving no room for doubt. "Once this matter reaches the grand duke’s ears, he will undoubtedly be displeased."

As the words settled within the boutique, the worker’s jaws nearly dropped in disbelief. The mention of the grand duke, a figure of immense power and influence, caught not only her off guard but also Meredith and her personal maid.

The boutique worker, now acutely aware of the gravity of her actions and the potential consequences, felt a mixture of remorse and regret. She sank to her knees, her voice trembling with guilt as she begged forgiveness.

Aware of the grand duke’s formidable reputation and the potential dire consequences of offending a member of the royal family, fear gripped her heart.

"Please, Sir, forgive me for my audacity! I was completely unaware and made a grievous error in judgment!" she pleaded, her head bowed in deep repentance. "This boutique would never dare to provoke His Highness! I am but a lowly worker following the owner’s instructions. Please, do not misunderstand my intentions."

Alex interjected sharply, his voice laced with reproach, "So now you claim to be a mere worker? Where has the arrogance and attitude you displayed moments ago gone? And what about the false accusations you hurled at us? Apologise to our lady immediately!"

The boutique worker repeatedly bowed and apologised, her gestures filled with remorse, causing Anna to feel torn between sympathy and scepticism.

"Let’s not prolong this matter, Sir Jarr. I don’t feel comfortable about this," she expressed her opinion to the knight.

The boutique worker’s eyes sparkled with a newfound warmth, and a grin spread across her lips.

"Yes, indeed, my lady. You are truly graceful and benevolent," she replied, her voice now dripping with enthusiasm. "Allow me to show you dresses that complement your perfect figure!"

She stood up hastily, putting her hand on her chest and the other on her back.

Anna couldn’t help but sense a disingenuousness in the boutique worker’s sudden shift in demeanour. It felt contrived, unlike her previous behaviour.

"No, thank you," the princess declined politely. "I’m afraid there’s nothing here that interests me. I’ve seen enough."

Turning to Rafe, she suggested, "Let’s return to the previous shop... the one with the pastel peach dress."

The two men nodded, acknowledging and respecting Anna’s decision.

Acting swiftly, Alex bent down and carefully collected the scattering coins, deftly placing them back into the pouch. Then, he securely tucked the pouch inside his robe, ensuring the precious contents were safely stored.

"Oh, please, my lady! I would be delighted to have you stay and browse our collection further! Please don’t go!" the worker implored. Her voice tinged with desperation, seeing the customers retreating.

Anna remained firm, trusting her instincts. "Thank you for your offer, but we have made our decision. Good day."

With a little nod, the lady gracefully exited the boutique, followed closely by the two men, their expressions solemn and determined. Frustration consumed the boutique worker as she helplessly watched the trio depart.

Meanwhile, Meredith, who had been observing the entire commotion, suddenly snapped out of her reverie. The mention of Kyren Raychard, the Grand Duke of Gerhard, had caught her attention, leading her to a realisation.

Throughout all the years she had admired the prince, she had never heard of any female esteemed person under his patronage, as declared by the two men who appeared to be part of his knighthood.

"If she truly holds importance under His Highness, then... she must possess valuable insights about him!" Meredith muttered to herself, a spark of intrigue igniting within her.

The realisation hit her with a surge of excitement. This was not an opportunity to be squandered or taken lightly. There was potential for her to uncover information that had eluded her.

Meredith’s eyes widened at the thought.

"Wait! Wait a moment!" she shouted desperately, but the boutique door had already closed, and the trio had left.

Without hesitation, the noble lady ran after them, her composed demeanour now tainted by her unprecedented behaviour. Her personal maid hurriedly followed, desperately trying to keep pace.

Anna continued walking along the walkway, with Rafe on her right and Alex on her left. The incident at the boutique lingered in the air, casting a shadow over their earlier excitement.

Filled with remorse, the healer addressed her, "Forgive me, my lady, for ruining your first experience in Gantz. If I had known the boutique worker would treat you in such a manner, I would never have taken you there."

Anna, ever understanding, reassured him, "It’s not your fault. None of us could have anticipated her reaction."

Concern was etched on the healer’s features as he contemplated the potential consequences, his eyebrows furrowing. "If the commander finds out about this, he will surely scold me."

Anna’s gaze softened, and she offered him a comforting smile. "Don’t worry. I won’t let him know. Let’s just put this unfortunate incident behind us."

Relief washed over the healer as he nodded gratefully for Anna’s understanding and willingness to protect him from repercussions.

"By the way, Rafe," Anna said abruptly, "You must refrain from fabricating stories and telling lies to a noble lady."

Startled, Rafe turned to the lady with a puzzled expression. "Lies? What lies?" he questioned, seeking clarification.

"You informed her that I am an esteemed person of His Highness, the Grand Duke. How could I ever be when I have never met him," Anna explained with a note of exasperation.

Her statement left Rafe momentarily speechless. A tense silence hung in the air as he searched for a suitable response, his gaze shifting to Alex, silently pleading for assistance. But the knight deliberately avoided eye contact, unwilling to offer any support.

Taking a deep breath, the healer gathered his wits and relied on his quick thinking to devise an acceptable explanation.

"As the commander’s wife, who leads the Knights of Gerhard, you hold a crucial role within the duchy. Consequently, you are regarded as an important figure to His Highness. Everyone who holds authority within the duchy is considered under his patronage."

"I see...," Anna replied, her tone softened. "It does make sense. I apologise for my misunderstanding."

The healer breathed a sigh of relief as his explanation was accepted without further opposition. However, their momentary reprieve was interrupted by a faint cry emanating from behind.

Startled, the trio turned their attention towards the source of the voice, only to find Meredith desperately calling out to them.

"Wait! Wait for me!" the noble lady shouted, her breathless voice carrying across the distance. She sprinted towards them, her opulent and heavily adorned dress hindering her progress. Her personal maid trailed closely behind, trying her best to keep up.

As the noble lady neared the group, an unfortunate misstep caused her to stumble over a cobblestone, sending her sprawling to the ground in a painful tumble.

"Aaa!"

The sight of her body hitting the pathway sent shockwaves through the trio. Anna hurriedly approached, offering her assistance. However, struggling to lift herself, the commander’s wife found it challenging to regain her footing.

Sensing the urgency, Alex swiftly stepped forward to lend a helping hand.

"Get your hands off her!" the personal maid exclaimed, her eyes blazing with protectiveness as she witnessed the knight’s touch on her lady’s body.

Reacting swiftly to the maid’s outcry, the knight immediately released his hold on the panting Meredith.

"My lady is a noble maiden! She should not be subjected to the touch of an unfamiliar man!" the maid scolded him, her voice filled with indignation as she helped Meredith to stand.

"I meant no harm. She had fallen," Alex explained, attempting to diffuse the situation.

"He speaks the truth, Rania. They were merely assisting," Meredith responded, coming to the defence of Anna and the knight.

Grateful for their help, she turned to them and expressed her gratitude. The personal maid, Rania, quickly realised her overzealous behaviour and promptly apologised for her earlier outburst.

Curiosity piqued, Rafe inquired, "Why were you pursuing us?"

Meredith’s expression grew serious.

"There’s an urgent matter I need to ask you," she replied. "It concerns His Royal Highness, the Grand Duke of Gerhard."