The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 165: Shocking News At The Mansion

Chapter 165: Shocking News At The Mansion

Noah settled on the settee in the main hall, crossing his arms firmly over his chest. It had been two days since his arrival at Gerhard’s mansion, and a growing impatience gnawed at him.

"Why has His Highness not returned yet?" he suddenly inquired, directing his question to Anryr, who happened to be passing by. The steward halted his steps and turned towards the knight.

"I’m afraid I don’t have the exact answer to that, Sir Brooks," Anryr responded with a touch of apologetic uncertainty. "All I know is that Sir Jarr informed me they would be spending some time at the palace upon the request from Their Majesties."

Restlessness flickered in Noah’s eyes as he pressed for more information. "When can we expect their return, then?" he prodded, unable to contain his impatience.

"Forgive me, but I have no idea," Anryr admitted sincerely. He then said, "Would you excuse me? I have a matter requiring my attention."

Noah nodded, acknowledging the steward’s need to attend to his duties. Anryr respectfully bowed to the knight and left.

Noah’s forehead furrowed with anxiety as he eagerly anticipated the moment to report his investigation findings to Kyren. The knowledge he had gathered in his conversations with the other knights weighed heavily on him—none of them seemed aware that Anna, the lady they all held dear, was the legitimate heir to the throne of Ardel, unjustly overthrown by her regent, Kaizer Ronan, who now sat on the throne as king.

Noah had told Emily to keep the secret and maintain utmost discretion until the time was right to escalate it to the grand duke.

Meanwhile, in the distance, a procession of royal carriages adorned with the distinguished emblem of a Firebird, the symbol of the King of Cassian, could be seen approaching Gerhard’s mansion.

As the carriages arrived, the guests were warmly received by the diligent servants and respectfully escorted to the main hall. Informed of the unexpected arrivals, Anryr swiftly extended his greetings and attended to their needs.

Already in the main hall, Noah rose to his feet upon spotting a familiar face among the guests who emerged from the palace. A man in his forties with a pallid complexion entered the hall accompanied by his attendants and escorts. Recognising him, the knight paid his respects with a bow.

Charles reciprocated the nod, acknowledging the knight’s gesture.

"Lord Enos, what brings you here?" Noah inquired, addressing the chamberlain.

"I’ve brought the wedding gifts bestowed by Their Majesties, the king and queen, for His Royal Highness and Lady Raychard," the chamberlain informed, his voice carrying a tone of significance. "His Highness and the lady had refused them initially, but Their Majesties insisted these be sent to the mansion. That’s why I am here."

Noah’s brows furrowed in mild surprise. "Ah... But His Highness and the lady are still at the palace," he noted.

"Yes, indeed. They will reside in the palace until the day of the proclamation," Charles explained, offering a glimpse into the unfolding plans.

"The proclamation?" Noah inquired, seeking further clarification.

The chamberlain nodded, a hint of reverence in his expression.

"His Majesty has graciously decided to bestow an official title upon the lady," he revealed, emphasising the significance of the forthcoming event.

Following Anryr’s instructions, the attending servants began unloading the gifts from the carriages and carefully transporting them to the designated room. The gifts were meticulously arranged under the steward’s watch, ensuring their safe storage.

The news of the event resonated among the knights, who also came and gathered at the main hall. Their expressions lit up with delight upon hearing the prospect of Anna being bestowed with an official title.

"Oh, my! Finally, it’s happening!" Eli exclaimed with excitement. "The Duchy of Gerhard shall have a grand duchess!"

Charles’s expression subtly shifted upon hearing the young knight’s exuberance. However, before he could respond, the atmosphere shifted abruptly as heavy footsteps resounded, coming to the main hall and drawing everyone’s attention towards the entrance.

All eyes turned to behold the figure that had just arrived—a figure that took them by surprise. It was Eric who hastened into the hall, his countenance grave and troubled.

"Lord Enos, you’re here," Eric addressed the chamberlain, his tone laced with solemn.

Uncharacteristically, he did not offer a bow, his demeanour consumed by deep concern. Then, his gaze shifted to Noah, devoid of surprise.

"You’re back too," he uttered in a sombre tone.

"Sir Navin! What brings you here? Weren’t you supposed to be on leave?" Drystan interjected with genuine astonishment at the sudden appearance of the second-in-command knight within Gerhard’s mansion.

"I came to reaffirm the news I heard from the town crier. I guess Lord Enos can confirm this himself since he’s already here," Eric stated with a seriousness that hung in the air, directing his attention towards the chamberlain.

"What does this proclamation mean? Why is His Majesty granting such a title to the lady?" Eric’s voice reverberated with dissatisfaction, its intensity shocking everyone in the main hall.

Perplexed, Luke interjected, "What’s the problem, Sir Navin? Shouldn’t this be a cause for celebration? The lady is receiving a formal title from His Majesty."

"Celebrate? Are you a fool?" Eric retorted, his voice laced with anger. "This is an insult! A grave insult to Lady Raychard!"

His fingers clenched tightly, forming a fist as he struggled to contain his anger.

The knights exchanged bewildered glances. Eric was not one to easily become incensed over trivial matters. Typically, his anger was reserved for his longstanding rival, Noah.

However, the knight had not provoked him on this occasion, and it was clear that Eric’s resentment was directed towards the king’s proclamation.

Charles’s countenance turned solemn, his face reflecting the gravity of the situation.

"So, you’ve heard the news," he murmured in a low voice, acknowledging Eric’s awareness of the matter.

Noah’s confusion mirrored on his face as he sought clarification.

"What is happening? You mentioned His Majesty bestows an official title on the lady. Isn’t she supposed to be getting the title of ’Her Highness, The Grand Duchess of Gerhard’?"

The chamberlain hesitated momentarily, his gaze averted, unable to meet the knights’ eyes.

"The lady will indeed receive an official title," he finally responded, his voice carrying a weight of unease. "However, it is not the title of the grand duchess. This Tuesday, His Majesty will proclaim her as ’The Honourable Royal Concubine of Gerhard.’"

A collective gasp escaped the lips of all the knights. Their shock was palpable, except for Eric, who had already been privy to the news. Disappointment laced the knight’s voice as he addressed the stunned group.

"So, none of you were aware. Has His Highness not informed you?"

"His Highness and the lady are still at the palace," Luke replied.

Garin’s voice rose with outrage as he voiced his objection, "Why a concubine? This is preposterous!"

Eric chimed in, "D*mn right! Why should the lady be reduced to a concubine when she is already lawfully married? Since when has it become unacceptable for a knight on duty to be married in this kingdom? Have we been stationed at the border for so long that His Majesty and the royal council have silently changed the military laws without our knowledge?"

Charles, maintaining caution in his response, addressed their concerns.

"The law has not changed, Sir Navin. While I share your disagreement, it is not within my purview to comment on His Majesty’s decision. Her Majesty the Queen, His Royal Highness the Grand Duke, Lady Anna Raychard, and the royal council were all present when this decision was made," he explained carefully. "Furthermore, the lady herself made a statement declining the position of legal wife to His Highness."

Damon interjected with worry in his voice, "Lady Raychard wouldn’t have made such a choice without a reason! There must be something happening behind the scenes that we are unaware of."

Alex suggested, "Perhaps the nobles pressured her into this position due to her status."

As the second son of the Duke of Sanad, the knight possessed a deep understanding of Cassian’s intricate political landscape and social hierarchy. When introduced to the monarch, he had already foreseen Anna’s challenges.

"Why so? What’s the problem with her status? Isn’t she a—" Eli began to inquire, but Noah swiftly interjected, cutting him off mid-sentence.

"There’s no need to dwell on the lady’s lineage and background here," the knight interjected. "It would be more prudent to approach His Highness directly and seek a clear explanation. He will surely have the answers we seek."

"You’re absolutely right! I’m heading to the palace to confront His Highness and rectify this situation. I won’t allow Lady Raychard to be subjected to such disgrace," Eric declared with determination.

"I’m coming with you! After all, I am the lady’s first escort," Noah affirmed, showing unwavering loyalty.

Eli and Damon exchanged glances, their agreement unspoken. Damon then spoke up, "Count us in! We have been her escorts for a longer duration than Sir Brooks."

"Oh, no, you don’t! I am going too! Lady Raychard is my student," Luke added, asserting his own connection to Anna.

"I’m also curious to know what’s happening. Let’s all go together. That would be the best course of action," Garin suggested, and the knights nodded in agreement.

Just then, a woman’s anxious voice echoed through the corridor, catching their attention. Elis appeared visibly agitated and called out to Noah.

"Sir Brooks! Dame Verns has awakened! She wishes to see you!" she cried urgently.

Upon hearing his name called, Noah turned his head, his eyes widening in surprise. He looked at the group of knights, his expression torn between the desire to go or stay before ultimately deciding.

"I must attend to the knightess first. She is my responsibility. You may proceed without me. However, please let only His Highness know about my return and the people I brought to this mansion. I shall report all the details to him directly as this is a discreet mission he gave me," Noah stated, his resolve evident. He swiftly followed Elis, who led him towards the treatment room.

"Noted, Sir Brooks. We will not dwell on your mission further and will maintain secrecy. I shall convey the message to him," said Garin.

Curiosity piqued, Eric couldn’t help but ask, "Who is that woman? And who is Dame Verns?"

Though in a glance, the woman who approached them just now seemed oddly familiar to him.

"It’s a long story. You’ll catch up along the way," Garin replied, choosing not to delve into the details at that moment.

Charles suddenly interjected, sensing the need to share crucial information with the knights, "Before you depart, there is something you must know. Disturbing rumours have begun to circulate about the lady within the palace."

The revelation hung heavy in the air, further fueling their resolve to seek answers and protect Lady Raychard from the potential harm that awaited her.

"What rumours?" Eric’s impatience was palpable as he sought immediate clarification.

"Someone has been spreading a claim that the lady was once a slave. This has resulted in the nobles requesting an audience with His Majesty for clarification, and the lady admitted that she was once apprehended by the gang of slave traders at the border of Cassian and Dracor," Charles revealed.

A heavy sigh escaped Alex’s lips as he absorbed the distressing information.

"Oh, no," he muttered, his expression reflecting a mix of worry and realisation. "That might be the underlying reason behind all of this."

The knights’ eyes turned toward Alex with curiosity. Sensing their silent inquiry, he met their gazes and spoke with conviction.

"I have a strong intuition that someone with malicious intent is aiming to bring Lady Raychard down."