The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 164: Pursuing The Khasif

Chapter 164: Pursuing The Khasif

"Callis, how are you feeling today?" Kiev inquired with concern.

The weather appeared pleasant, though a chilly breeze hinted at the approaching mid-autumn season. Their journey to Gantz was delayed as Kiev noticed his sister’s weakened state. Her condition had resulted from mana depletion, a consequence of her recent use of the earth-bound search magic.

After several days of rest, the princess had shown significant improvement. Her once pallid complexion had regained its rosy hue, enhancing her natural beauty.

"Yes, brother, I am feeling much better. I believe we can resume our journey today," Callis replied, her voice filled with newfound strength. "Have you checked on the princess’s location today? Is she still in the west?"

Kiev nodded in response.

"Yes, she remains there. It appears she has not moved from her previous position," he confirmed.

Kiev took a skillet and skillfully started cooking breakfast. The aroma of sizzling eggs and bacon filled the air. Despite the presence of Jessy and the escorts, he had a habit of preparing meals for himself whenever he found a moment of free time.

The enticing scent reached Callis’s nose, eliciting a delighted response from her.

"It smells amazing, brother! You truly have a talent for cooking!" she praised, her eyes wide in admiration.

Her brother seized the opportunity to encourage her.

"You should consider learning to cook as well, Callis. It’s a valuable skill, especially for Mederian women, who are known for their culinary expertise in providing nourishing meals for their husbands," he suggested, hoping to inspire her.

Callis’s lips formed a slight pout, her expression revealing frustration and disappointment. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to learn; instead, her attempts in the kitchen often resulted in burnt pots and pans, rendering the cooked food inedible.

She vividly recalled an incident when she had prepared a soup that had caused severe stomachaches and vomiting among the knights stationed at the palace.

Jessy, who had initially encouraged her culinary endeavours, eventually stopped urging her to continue after several failed attempts. It was clear that Callis’s culinary experiments had not gone as planned, and she felt disheartened by her lack of success in the kitchen.

Callis replied, her tone resolute. "Mother always said I wasn’t born to be a cook, so I do no need to force it."

Kiev chuckled softly at his sister’s response.

"Mother has always doted on you. You’re truly the apple of her eye," he remarked, acknowledging the special bond between his sister and their mother.

With breakfast prepared, Kiev removed the skillet from the fire and served the meal. They settled down to enjoy their food when Jessy emerged from the nearby tent, her face brimming with excitement.

"Good morning, Jessy!" Kiev greeted warmly.

"Good morning!" Jessy responded with a respectful bow.

Callis, eager to include the nanny in their meal, urged her to join them. "Come and join us! Brother made a delightful breakfast!"

Jessy’s face lit up, grateful for the invitation.

"Oh, thank you. However, I’ve already had my fill. I woke up early and enjoyed my meal. I made some soup and bread. Would you like to have it too?" she asked.

The princess nodded happily.

"These eggs and bacon are absolutely delicious. You have to taste them!" exclaimed the princess, her excitement evident in her voice.

Jessy joined their company, gracefully serving bowls of soup and bread to both the prince and princess.

Suddenly, the nanny inquired, "Where is Armel?"

"He went to wash his face at the creek. He wouldn’t run away, especially not without his dog," said Callis.

Curiosity sparked and Kiev asked, "And where is Rhen?"

"He’s sleeping in my tent. That dog has grown rather fond of me. I believe we’ve developed quite a bond," Callis replied, a touch of affection in her voice.

Interrupting the conversation, Jessy whispered the exciting news with a beaming smile. "Your Highness, I have some good news to share."

"What good news, Jessy?" asked the prince.

"I had just cast the life magic spell, and the princess’s hair started glowing golden," Jessy revealed.

"Glowing golden? What does that mean? We’ve never seen her hair glow like that before," Callis questioned, her curiosity evident in her eyes.

"That means she is in good condition and delighted. Also, hair can glow like that when the owner is in love," explained Jessy.

"In love? How can that be? Her betrothed is right here! She can’t be falling for her husband, can she?" the princess exclaimed in disbelief.

A sudden silence enveloped the group as the weight of the situation settled in, and Kiev’s expression darkened.

"She can’t be!" the prince interjected, his voice laced with concern. "Armel mentioned that the grand duke is a strict and unfriendly person. How can a delicate princess like her love someone with such a demeanour?" he pondered aloud.

"I know, right? I can’t believe Armel said the grand duke is as stunningly good-looking as you! My brother is the most handsome prince in Semeta and the surrounding islands. No one can surpass him!" Callis proclaimed confidently with admiration.

"Then perhaps, she is being well taken care of. That’s why her hair is glowing," said Jessy.

Kiev smiled at his sister’s compliment, grateful for her unwavering support and agreed to the nanny’s opinion.

"I can’t wait to meet him myself. Based on Armel’s account, he seems strong and possesses a commanding presence," he remarked, anticipation evident in his voice to challenge the said grand duke.

"He might indeed be strong. The northern warriors were the ones who saved Her Imperial Majesty, the last empress, right? Isn’t the grand duke a descendant of those warriors?" Callis inquired.

The prince nodded based on the knowledge of the stories they had heard. Although this was their first time visiting the northern part of the continent, the tale of the northern warriors appointed to rule the region known as Cassian was not unfamiliar to them.

It was an intriguing narrative passed down by the empress herself, and she held immense gratitude towards them for their heroic act of saving her and the rest of the Ro’an descendants.

"Her Imperial Majesty held them in high regard, and rightfully so. They deserve the utmost respect for their previous contributions in helping her and a few of the Ro’an descendants escape," Kiev stated firmly, acknowledging the heroic deeds of the northern warriors. "However, I will not surrender my betrothed to him. Princess Anna should return to Semeta with us regardless of the circumstances because that’s where she truly belongs."

Curiosity gleamed in Jessy’s eyes as she asked, "But would she be willing to come with us?"

Kiev’s gaze shifted towards the nanny, confident in his sight.

"I believe she will be inclined to join us once she lays eyes on you. You and Nessy are identical twins, and your sister was the one who raised her. Nessy dedicated her entire life to the well-being of the princess. We will make her understand that we mean no harm and that our actions are driven by the need to protect her. After all, she is the last direct descendant of the Ro’an Emperor. Above all, she is a Khasif," the prince explained, emphasising their intentions and the significance of Anna’s heritage.

The princess shook her head in disappointment, a mix of frustration and concern evident on her face.

"I can’t help but feel sorry for what happened to her. She could have been a formidable warrior and ruler if it weren’t for the binding spell. It robbed her of all her power and magical abilities. Because of the spell, she almost died," expressed Callis, a tinge of sympathy in her voice.

"Her mother, Her Imperial Highness, had no choice then. Binding Princess Anna’s powers was the only way to prevent the ambitious and greedy Ardel prince from exploiting her. If her powers weren’t bound, he could have manipulated her and used her to conquer not just the continent but other lands as well. The power of a Khasif is not to be underestimated," Kiev explained, understanding the difficult decision Anna’s mother had to make.

"I know, brother. A Khasif is born only once every hundred years. But it perplexes me. Why was a Khasif born from the lineage of a treacherous lord? Her father is an Adhemar," Callis pondered, her voice filled with curiosity.

"God may have had his own plan in this matter. It is not for us to question. However, we will do everything in our power to protect her. The legacy of the Ro’an Empire must continue. Once we return to Semeta, I will marry her, and together, we will have as many children as possible," Kiev declared, reaffirming his commitment to their mission.

"We could have brought the entire Mederian army to retrieve her," the princess suggested, a hint of frustration lacing her words.

"We cannot do that. If her true identity were exposed, her life would be in grave danger. She is delicate and unable to protect herself," the prince countered, his voice filled with concern for Anna’s safety.

Callis let out a weary sigh, realising the complexity of the situation.

"Your Highness, I understand that the responsibility falls upon you. But what about your own feelings? You have never met her or seen her face," Jessy voiced her thought.

"Feelings can be nurtured, Jessy. Even if I don’t love her at this moment, I have accepted this responsibility and come to terms with it. From Nessy’s letters, Princess Anna does not seem to be a bad person. I believe we can live together harmoniously," Kiev acknowledged, his tone resolute.

"I just hope that someday you will find love, brother," Callis added, her words filled with genuine anticipation.

Kiev’s expression softened, a wistful smile gracing his lips. "Let’s pack up after this and move."

Just then, Armel returned to the tent. His face was refreshed from washing.

"Boy, eat quickly. We will resume our journey to Gantz after this," Kiev commanded, his tone firm and decisive.

"Already?" the young teenager questioned, a hint of surprise in his voice.

"Yes, we have spent enough time here. It is time to move forward. How long will it take us to reach Gantz from this place?" inquired the prince.

Armel gazed towards the west, contemplating for a moment before responding.

"It should take us approximately six days," he finally answered.

"Very well. Let us hasten our pace then," Kiev declared, his determination evident in his words.