The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 136: A Calculated Gamble

Chapter 136: A Calculated Gamble

Amidst the billowing smoke that escaped from the humble hut’s chimney, a palpable sense of urgency permeated the surroundings.

Elis took her place inside the hut before the furnace, diligently brewing the last remaining medicine stock. It was the same remedies provided by the healer who had treated Clara back in Gerhard’s castle just before their perilous journey to Gantz had begun.

Lying upon a makeshift bed, the knightess’s condition continued to deteriorate, casting a shadow of concern over the group. Beads of sweat gathered on her forehead, and her eyes remained tightly shut, locked in a valiant struggle against the relentless ailment that had taken hold.

This arduous battle had persisted for the past three days, draining her strength and testing the resolve of those gathered around her.

A pattern had emerged, as predictable as it was disheartening. Her fever would temporarily subside when the medication took effect, offering a fleeting respite from the relentless onslaught of symptoms.

However, with each passing cycle, the intervals between relief grew shorter, and the intensity of her affliction heightened. The harsh reality was becoming increasingly apparent; time was no longer their ally.

Emily approached with a basin full of cool water, positioning herself beside Clara. She dipped a clean cloth into the refreshing liquid with utmost tenderness and gently wrung it out.

Then, with careful strokes, she wiped Clara’s fevered face. Her expression mirrored her deep concern as she anxiously observed the knightess’s every breath.

Emerging from the distance, two warhorses galloped towards the hut, their riders adorned in the armour of skilled Knights of Gerhard. The weariness of their journey was evident, having spent hours traversing the rugged terrain in search of aid for their ailing companion.

After dismounting from the horses, the two men approached, and Noah rapped the hardened wooden door with his knuckles. The knocking sound startled the two women inside.

"Who is it?" asked Emily anxiously.

"It’s us, Sir Brooks and Sir Skyler," responded the person who stood outside.

As the familiar voice reached their ears, a collective sigh of relief washed over the two women. Elis sprang to her feet and hurriedly made her way to the door, her heart pounding with anticipation, while Emily continued to care for Clara.

With the door swung open, the humble abode welcomed the arrival of the knights, their presence injecting a renewed sense of possibility into the closed space.

Noah and Garin, stalwart and determined, stepped across the threshold, their eyes reflecting both the weight of their mission and the unyielding spirit that propelled them forward.

Elis’s gaze locked onto the approaching knights, her eyes lighting up with a flicker of hope.

"Did you find anything that can help?" she asked, her voice laced with anticipation.

Noah’s expression darkened, disappointment etched across his features as he shook his head in frustration. The maid let out a deflated sigh, understanding the implications of his response all too well.

"Unfortunately, no. There are no healers around here, and we have scoured the entire village and its neighbouring areas with no sign of the elusive Arkette flower," Garin shared, his voice tinged with frustration.

As her concern deepened, Emily interjected with a critical question, "What do we do now, Sir Skyler? Dame Clara’s fever shows no sign of subsiding, and her condition worsens. I’ve been checking her continuously, and I don’t think she’ll get any better at this rate."

Elis’s brows furrowed with worry, mirroring the distress shared by Emily and the two knights.

"The combination of the Arkette flower and the remedies provided by the healer has proven to be effective in rapidly reducing Dame Verns’s fever in the past. Without the flower, the potency of the medicine may be compromised," she explained, her tone laced with concern. "Moreover, we only have one last batch of the medicine brewing right now. Once it’s finished, we may not have any means to treat her symptoms further."

A sombre atmosphere enveloped the group, their faces etched with grim expressions as the maid presented her concerns. Time was slipping away, and Clara’s deteriorating state demanded immediate action.

The journey to Gantz, which should have taken a mere four days, had consumed an unforeseen turn as Clara’s health deteriorated along the way. Unable to continue, they were forced to seek refuge in a nearby village amid their travel, providing a temporary respite for the ailing knightess.

Days turned into an arduous wait, their hopes waning as they remained stranded in this unfamiliar place.

"Then, we have to move," Noah declared, his voice filled with determination. "We can’t afford to wait here anymore!"

Emily’s eyes widened with worry as she vehemently opposed the idea.

"That’s dangerous! Dame Clara’s condition is too fragile. Subjecting her to the rigours of the journey would be unbearable for her!"

Noah’s frustration seeped into his voice as he responded, "What choice do we have? We cannot further delay this journey. Miss Canton already said that the medicine supplies are dwindling, and she too will be in grave danger if we do not take action."

Anger simmered within him as he grappled with the cruel fate that had befallen his companion. He had never anticipated that the journey would exact such a devastating toll on Clara, jeopardising her very life.

Initially, he believed their ample medical supplies and the relatively short path would work in their favour. Regrettably, reality had unfolded in a pretty different manner. Garin’s words of advice, shared before they embarked on the treacherous journey, had proven to be undeniably accurate.

Emily’s lips trembled, her heart fraught with fear as she witnessed the intensity of Noah’s frustration.

"Calm down, Sir Brooks! Please don’t scold Miss Baker. She is merely expressing her genuine concern. We all desire to ensure Dame Verns receives the best care," said Garin carefully.

Understanding the pressing need to alleviate the mounting tension, the knight approached Noah with a compassionate resolve. With a gentle touch, he rested a comforting hand upon Noah’s shoulder, offering solace in the face of uncertainty.

Throughout their arduous journey, the knight keenly observed Noah’s unwavering determination and selfless care towards Clara and Emily, defying the previous accusations and dispelling any doubt surrounding his reputation as a womaniser.

"We need to do something, Sir Skyler. I promised her with my honour that I would bring her to see Lady Raychard." Noah’s voice resonated with earnestness and a deep sense of duty.

His head bowed slightly, his gaze fixed upon the ground as he let out his heavy words.

"I know. I understand what you mean," Garin responded with a nod, acknowledging him.

The knight understood the gravity of Noah’s promise. The shared meaning passed between them, unspoken yet profound. A promise made in one’s honour, especially by a revered knight, held immense significance.

To falter would not only mar their pride but also cast a shadow upon their noble reputation. Garin, too, held steadfast in his commitment to uphold the same view.

Elis then sought to gather relevant information about their journey.

"How far is Gerhard’s mansion in Gantz from our current location?" she inquired, hoping to assess the feasibility of their options.

Noah’s confidence shone through as he responded, "Under normal circumstances, it would take us two days to reach the mansion. However, if we push ourselves without any further stops and have no obstacles, we may be able to make it within a day."

Elis pondered the implications, weighing the risks and benefits in her mind.

As silence settled over the group, Garin turned to the maid for guidance.

"What is your opinion, Miss Canton? Your knowledge in medicine surpasses our own. We trust your judgment in this critical matter."

"The medicine should be able to sustain her for a day, albeit with reduced effectiveness without the flower," Emily cautiously shared her point of view. "This is undeniably risky, but considering the circumstances, I believe our best course of action is to make a swift and uninterrupted journey to Gantz. We must travel at full speed, without any layovers along the way."

Emily’s voice quivered with emotion as she turned to Elis, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The pain of witnessing Clara’s suffering had become unbearable.

"Elis, are you certain about this?" she implored with desperation.

The maid felt the weight of Emily’s words, understanding the depth of her anguish.

Though hesitant, Elis mustered her resolve and spoke honestly, "I cannot guarantee the outcome, Emily, but after carefully weighing the pros and cons, I have to agree with Sir Brooks. Staying here offers us no tangible benefit. We must take the chance and push forward."

Emily nodded, her gaze fixed upon Clara, her heart aching at the sight of her dear friend in pain. Though hesitant, she understood the stark reality they faced and the need to make a difficult decision.

"Then, let us not waste another moment. Once the medicine has been administered, we must swiftly gather our belongings and embark on our journey," Noah declared urgently.

Garin nodded in agreement, his expression mirroring the weight of their situation. The sun began its descent, casting long shadows as the late afternoon approached.

The group understood the risks that lay ahead but also recognised that inaction could lead to dire consequences. With a shared resolve, they prepared themselves to continue for the arduous journey that awaited.