The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 170: An Interesting Concubine

Chapter 170: An Interesting Concubine

A look of dissatisfaction etched across Mikhal, Brone’s assistant’s face as he confronted his lord.

"Lord Morro, today is already Wednesday. Why haven’t we heard anything from the king? He mentioned the other day that he would bring up the alliance matter to his ministers during Monday morning’s discussion," he inquired.

Brone reclined on the luxurious settee, indulging in the offerings of fruits and wine, sparing a sidelong glance at his assistant.

"It’s of no concern if he delays. In fact, it provides us with additional time to investigate the availability of Ro’an language teachers among them. Have you and the others completed the background checks?" Brone responded, his tone seemingly calm.

"We have. There are several teachers and scholars present within the palace. From our findings, they are considered the finest throughout the entire kingdom. This will make our task of kidnapping them much easier," replied Mikhal, acknowledging the ease with which their plan could be executed.

"Lord Morro, actually... I’ve heard some rumours from the servants," spoke up another subordinate of Brone’s who had been present but remained silent until now.

Mikhal, irritated by the interjection, lashed out at the subordinate, "You have some nerve bringing up useless rumours! Do you have so much free time on your hands?"

Undeterred, the subordinate insisted, "But I believe these rumours are important."

"What rumours? Why are you getting swayed by things that have no relevance to our mission?" Brone scoffed, dismissing the subordinate’s concerns.

"Actually... I think these rumours are closely tied to our task. Perhaps, if you allow me, I can explain," the subordinate requested, hoping to be heard.

The subordinate’s persistence piqued Brone’s attention. Despite his own dissatisfaction, the assistant, albeit reluctantly, allowed him to proceed.

"I heard the grand duke, the king’s brother, has recently taken a new wife. However, due to her low social status as a former slave, she will be granted the title of a concubine. Just the other day, the king and the royal council conducted tests to assess her qualifications for the position. According to the servants, she possesses exceptional skills in the Ro’an language. Her talent is said to be incredibly rare, surpassing even the renowned chief scholar of the kingdom, who was considered the best in the language."

This revelation sparked a newfound interest in Brone. His curiosity grew as he absorbed the information.

"Really? This is quite intriguing! Tell me more about this woman. How did she manage to marry the grand duke?"

The subordinate continued, providing more details, "I heard that the grand duke rescued her from a gang of slave traders near the border of Dracor and Cassian. Her captivating beauty caught his attention, and while he was on duty, he chose to make her his wife."

"Ah, a beautiful slave woman with exceptional skills... This is becoming even more interesting!" Brone exclaimed, a sinister grin creeping across his face.

But the subordinate had more to reveal. "There’s another fascinating detail, my lord. They say she possesses a pair of mesmerising green emerald eyes, much like those of the first Ro’an Emperor."

Brone’s brow furrowed in surprise at the mention of green eyes. Simultaneously, his assistant froze, a look of realisation crossing his face.

Turning to Brone, Mikhal hesitated before cautiously speaking, "My lord, that’s the same description as the late Princess of Ardel, who tragically perished in the fire! Is it possible that she managed to escape?"

Brone’s expression turned solemn, and he placed the fruit bowl he had enjoyed on the table. A mix of emotions flickered across his face, including a hint of resentment, as he heard a title that had not been uttered in a while. He inwardly regretted not taking advantage of the opportunity to possess her that fateful night when he had captured her.

Regrettably, he had been compelled to keep the princess for the dark magic ritual, as Derek demanded. It was an obligation he couldn’t refuse as a subordinate of the King of Barges.

However, an unforeseen attack had caused a fire to erupt, abruptly putting an end to their plans. Despite having several other women at his disposal, the desire to satiate his lust for the princess still lingered within him.

"That cannot be her! She is undoubtedly deceased!" Brone exclaimed. "How could a weak and helpless princess, who knew nothing of the world, have managed to reach Cassian on her own?"

Mikhal wisely chose to remain silent, fully aware of his lord’s lingering resentment for not having the opportunity to satisfy his desires with the princess. After the fire had subsided, they discovered several charred and unrecognisable corpses amidst the remains of the barracks. They were convinced the princess was among them.

"Perhaps there are other women with the same rare eye colour," the subordinate suggested, his voice lowering as he spoke.

Sensing the tension in the air, Mikhal shot a sharp glare at the subordinate, silently warning him to refrain from further provocation. They understood that any escalation of anger from their Bargesian leader would only complicate matters further, making it increasingly challenging to appease him.

Brone paused, deep in thought, contemplating the situation at hand. After a moment of silence, he directed his question to his men. "Is this slave woman still within the palace?"

Mikhal subtly encouraged the subordinate to respond, hoping for more information. With a cautious tone, the subordinate answered, "Yes, my lord. I’ve heard she and the grand duke will reside here until the day of the proclamation, scheduled for this coming Tuesday. I noticed posters displayed at the inns in the city centre, announcing the upcoming event."

Brone’s interest was piqued. The proximity of the slave woman and the grand duke within the palace presented an opportunity that should not be overlooked. As he considered the possibilities that lay ahead, a plan began forming in his mind.

"I am intrigued to lay my eyes upon this woman myself. Why don’t we pay a visit to the king? Perhaps, during our walk, we might catch a glimpse of her," Brone suggested, his tone filled with anticipation.

Surprised by the Bargesian leader’s sudden interest, his assistant asked, "You wish to see her, my lord?"

"Yes, why not?" Brone replied nonchalantly.

Though taken aback, Mikhal carefully responded, "Of course, it is your decision. However, I must caution you that the chances might be slim. The palace has seen an increase in the number of royal knights assigned to patrol duty, indicating heightened security measures. Moreover, the palace grounds are vast, and we do not know her exact location."

Mikhal reiterated the challenges they might encounter, but the Bargesian leader remained undeterred.

With confidence in his voice, he replied, "I am aware of the obstacles, but if we confine ourselves to our chambers, we will have no chance at all. It is true that the sight of her is not guaranteed, but wouldn’t it be fascinating if we could catch even a glimpse? Furthermore, as an ambassador from Ardel, who would dare take action against us, regardless of the number of knights present?"

Brone’s confidence and belief in his diplomatic immunity emboldened him, fueling his desire to seek out any opportunity to encounter the mysterious woman.

"It would indeed raise suspicion if we were discovered aimlessly wandering the palace grounds," his assistant acknowledged.

Brone, however, didn’t bother. He seized upon his assistant’s earlier statement as a justification for their presence. "Your previous question has given a reason for us to move. We shall proceed and pay His Majesty a visit. Considering her connection to the royal family, I am willing to wager that she may be found near him."

Now comprehending the revised plan, the assistant responded with renewed enthusiasm, "Yes, my lord! I will summon our men immediately!"

Brone raised a hand to halt his assistant’s eagerness. "There’s no need for the entire entourage to accompany me. Just you and him," he said, pointing to the two individuals before him.

Mikhal hesitated, concerned about leaving the rest of their men idle. "But the others have had little to do lately except for the investigation task you assigned them," he countered, voicing his reservations.

"If we were to move as a large group, it would attract unnecessary attention. We need to maintain a casual appearance," he explained, emphasising the importance of discretion. "Let’s move now," he ordered.

His assistant nodded in agreement. "Yes, my lord."

Bowing respectfully to Brone, the men expressed their loyalty and readiness to follow his lead.

Having observed Brone and his two companions’ movement, Derek couldn’t help but ask, "Where are you heading?"

With a hint of amusement in his voice, the Bargesian leader responded casually, "We’re off for a bit of sightseeing. Far more captivating than hunting down a magpie, wouldn’t you agree?" He threw a sarcastic jest in the direction of the mage.

Derek clenched his jaw, refraining from uttering the curses that threatened to escape. It appeared that Brone had noticed his earlier action, adding to his frustration.

With determined strides, the trio made their way out of the second-level chambers in the palace’s east wing, leaving the disgruntled mage behind.

A sudden encounter awaited them as they descended to the ground level and made their way along the open path leading to the main building.

Emerging from the opposite direction, a group of men wearing outfits displaying the distinctive insignia of Griffin came into view.

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