The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 169: Welcome to Cassian!

Chapter 169: Welcome to Cassian!

Rafe arrived earlier at the treatment room than Noah and was delighted to find his patient already awake. Ayden swiftly gave him the latest updates on Clara’s condition and properly introduced him to Clara.

"You’re incredibly strong, Dame Verns. If it were an ordinary person, they wouldn’t have awakened yet," Rafe commended, admiration evident in his voice.

"I am a knightess. I am accustomed to injuries, and I should be able to endure this," Clara replied.

The healer smiled warmly at her response.

"I know... but for now, take it easy. Don’t push yourself too hard. You need plenty of rest. I assure you that you are in good hands now. You are an important person to our lady, and we will not take your treatment lightly," he reassured her.

"Thank you, Mr Amares," Clara expressed her gratitude, to which Rafe nodded in acknowledgement.

"You’re welcome," he replied sincerely.

Just then, the sound of determined footsteps approached the door. Noah entered, followed closely by Elis, who had to hasten her steps to keep up with the knight’s long and fast stride.

"Sir Brooks!" Clara exclaimed excitedly upon seeing the familiar face. The knight entered the room, but before he could approach Clara, Rafe gestured for a moment of his time.

"Just a second, Sir Brooks. I need to talk to you, only for a moment," Rafe requested, his tone conveying the importance of their conversation.

Noah nodded in understanding, and they stepped out of the treatment room, finding a moment of privacy to converse.

"What is it, Mr Amares?" Noah inquired, his impatience palpable.

"I hope you won’t disclose her loss of ability to her just yet. I don’t want her to be overcome by shock. It could have severe implications for her overall health," advised the healer.

"I understand," Noah replied, his tone reflecting his agreement. "I have no intention of revealing it so soon either."

Rafe continued, asserting his role as Clara’s healer.

"Allow me to be the one to break the news to her. I am better equipped to handle the delicate situation. Also, it’s very important that we don’t share any additional troubling information or bad news with her for now. It could exacerbate her condition."

Noah let out a sigh, reflecting his dissatisfaction over the proclamation news he heard at the main hall.

"Speaking of bad news, we’ve received one already. Have you heard about it?" he asked, seeking Rafe’s awareness.

"What bad news? I haven’t heard anything since I came straight here from my room," Rafe responded, his curiosity piqued.

Noah’s voice dropped to a low tone as he delivered the unsettling information. "His Majesty will proclaim the lady as His Highness’s concubine this coming Tuesday."

Rafe’s surprise was evident as his eyebrows shot up in disbelief.

"What?? How could this be?" he exclaimed, struggling to comprehend the sudden turn of events.

"I know! I was shocked, too! Lord Enos, the chamberlain, came over to present gifts from Their Majesties, and that’s when we were informed. Sir Navin also arrived and expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation. Currently, all the knights have headed to the palace to seek clarification from His Highness, as he and the lady will be staying there until the proclamation day," Noah explained, recounting the events that transpired.

Rafe’s expression turned grim. "Oh, no! This is bad, really bad."

Noah tried to maintain a sense of perspective.

"The knights will surely return soon, and then we’ll learn the reason behind this decision. For now, let’s focus on Dame Verns’s health," he suggested, already moving to reenter the treatment room.

However, his steps were abruptly halted when Rafe placed a hand on his shoulder, signalling that they had more to discuss.

"Dame Verns should not be made aware of this, at least not at this moment," Rafe pleaded, concerned for his patient’s well-being.

"Don’t worry, Mr Amares. I share the same opinion as you, and I have already conveyed it to Miss Canton," Noah reassured him, reaffirming their commitment to withhold this information from Clara.

"We should also inform Ayden, Emily and the servants. I’ll make sure they are aware," said Rafe, recognising the importance of keeping the entire support team on the same page.

Noah nodded in agreement, acknowledging the healer’s suggestion. With their consensus solidified, they reentered the treatment room, ready to face Clara again.

Noah approached the knightess, who had a few questions about their journey, as her memory seemed hazy. She also expressed her concern for Anna, as she had yet to meet her as promised. Noah reassured her, telling her that the princess was fine and safe.

As they conversed, Clara suddenly grunted, a sharp pain shooting through her leg again, this time with even greater intensity. The change in her expression and the sound of discomfort immediately drew the attention of Ayden and the others in the room.

"What happened? Are you feeling any pain in your leg?" the assistant healer asked.

"Just a little bit..." the knightess replied, attempting to downplay the pain.

"Let me have a look," Rafe offered, his expertise as a healer kicking in. He swiftly pulled back the blanket and carefully inspected the bandaged wound on Clara’s leg.

The pain emerged when he slightly touched the operated area.

"The effect of the medicine is wearing off. Do we have more of it, Ayden?" Rafe inquired, his gaze shifting to the assistant.

"We do, but not much, Mr Amares," Ayden replied regretfully.

Rafe nodded, understanding their limitations. "Administer what we have first to alleviate the pain."

"Yes, Mr Amares," replied Ayden, readily standing up and moving to the preparation area.

"It’s fine. I can endure it," said Clara.

"Once the medicine’s effect wears off, the pain would be immense. It will be too much for your body to bear in this current state. We need to continue administering it to you throughout the treatment," Rafe explained, emphasising the importance of the medication.

Concerned about the limited supply, Noah questioned, "Can’t you replenish the medicine then?"

"We have an ample supply at Gerhard’s Castle, but not here. It’s a special remedy that Mr Amares painstakingly developed with assistance from the lady, and it took a significant amount of time to produce. Other medicines in Gantz won’t have the same effect," Ayden clarified.

Clara’s voice filled with disbelief as she asked, "Her Highness helped prepare it, too?"

"Yes, she played a crucial role by accurately translating the medical book from Ro’an when we were at the camp. Her contribution allowed us to create this exceptional medicine with outstanding effects. However, we cannot reproduce it here since all the laboratory equipment and references were returned to the castle," Rafe explained, highlighting their limitations.

Curious about the remaining supply, Noah turned to Ayden and asked, "How much do we have left?"

"It should be sufficient for six days if we use it sparingly. I only brought a few doses," Ayden replied, revealing the limited quantity as he raised and checked the bottle he drew from the drawer.

"In that case, let me return to Gerhard’s Castle and retrieve it for you," Noah suggested, offering his assistance without hesitation.

"It’s a four-day journey from here to back home! You would only return after eight days!" Ayden exclaimed, expressing his concern about the time it would take for Noah to retrieve the medicine.

"Not if I ride solo. I’ll travel faster with fewer layovers. I believe I can make it in time," Noah replied confidently, determined to fulfil his mission.

"But this will trouble you!" Clara interjected, feeling guilty about the inconvenience caused.

"Not at all! Your health is my utmost concern right now. I cannot allow you to meet the lady in this condition," Noah reassured the knightess, emphasising his commitment to her well-being. He then turned to Rafe, seeking his opinion. "What do you say, Mr Amares?"

"If you can make it in time, that would be fantastic! The steward at the castle should know where to find the medicine. I truly appreciate your help in this matter," Rafe responded, expressing his gratitude for Noah’s willingness to undertake the journey.

"Then, I won’t waste any more time here. I’ll depart immediately," Noah declared.

He nodded to them as a goodbye gesture and quickly left the room.

Clara bowed, still feeling guilty for the inconvenience her condition had caused. Sensing her countenance, Ayden stepped forward, offering reassurance.

"Please don’t blame yourself or feel bad about this. As I mentioned, you are special to our lady, and we all love and respect her deeply. So, in a way, you are special to us, too," Ayden reassured Clara, his voice filled with sincerity.

Hearing these heartfelt words, the knightess couldn’t hold back any longer. She wasn’t someone who easily shed tears, but her weakened state and the care she received from Ayden and the others had touched her deeply, causing her emotions to overflow.

"I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cry. It’s just... I’ve never experienced such kindness and genuine treatment in Ardel, except from Her Highness, Nessy and Emily," she sobbed, her voice choked with gratitude and vulnerability.

Ayden smiled warmly, understanding the significance of this moment. "Well... It’s never too late to say this. Welcome to Cassian!"

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