The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 218: A Duel With Respect And Honour

"This is a serious matter, not some satirical play!" the grand duke’s voice resonated with a low, intense tone that reverberated through the room.

With a mischievous grin still lingering on his lips, the prince dared to inquire further, his tone laced with sarcasm, "Pray to tell, who among her family would have the honour of engaging in a duel with me? The deceased King of Ardel or her lost at sea, brother?"

"I will!" the grand duke declared resolutely, his determination unwavering.

Kiev’s smirk deepened as he retorted, "You’re not her family."

"I am her husband!" Kyren shot back, his words carrying a tone of possessiveness.

"Not even close... you’re merely someone with a relationship to her, without the formal bonds," Kiev pointed out dismissively.

"I’m going to kill you!"

The tension in the room escalated as Kyren’s anger surged. He moved forward, his expression contorted in rage, ready to confront Kiev.

However, just in the nick of time, Rafe stepped in between the two, acting as a barrier to prevent another physical altercation.

The healer’s intervention diffused the immediate threat of violence, reminding them that their disagreements must be settled through words, not fists.

Anna’s expression turned into distress as she contemplated the potential consequences. Desperate, she shot out a threat, "If you try to take me by force, I’ll run away!"

Kiev’s response was cold and stubborn, his words striking at Anna’s hope.

"Don’t ever think you can do that, princess. If I manage to track you here from Ardel, I can always find you wherever you go."

The princess’s heart sank further, frustration and helplessness washing over her. The situation’s intensity seemed insurmountable, with no clear solution in sight.

Sensing the need for more intervention, Rafe decided to assert his authority. His voice rose as he commanded, "Everybody, sit down!"

The weight of managing the dispute meeting had taken its toll on the healer, and his frustration seeped into his words.

With no reaction from them to submit to his order, he continued, his tone marked with exasperation, "If you don’t want to show respect to me as your mediator, then I shall quit, and you can all tear each other apart. I’ve had enough of this!"

All eyes turned towards Rafe, his outburst momentarily silencing the room. Frustrated, he stood up and walked up to the door where Noah was standing, watching them vigilantly.

"Wait!" Callis called out urgently as she felt the mediator needed to stay.

Anna, too, pleaded for the healer’s presence.

"Rafe, please don’t go," she implored, her desperation evident.

Caught amid the emotional turmoil, both women turned to their respective princes, hoping they would understand the gravity of the situation and find a way to resolve their differences without causing further harm.

Kyren and Kiev settled back into their seats at the princesses’ urge. Seeing the effort made, Rafe returned and took his place on the host chair. The room regained a semblance of order, ready for the healer to address the situation.

Rafe cleared his throat, expressing gratitude for the settled temporary calm, "Thank you for that."

Recognising the weight of the matter at hand, he directed his attention to the two princes.

"Now, I understand this situation has caused significant tension for all of us. However, Your Highness Prince Kiev, while you may have certain rights over Her Highness Princess Anna, resorting to force is not a viable solution."

He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in.

"Under the clause of the criminal act in Cassian law, if any woman residing in the kingdom is mistreated by anyone within the land under the jurisdiction of it, the person responsible is deemed guilty and subjected to punishment commensurate with the severity of their actions."

Kiev expressed his confusion and sought further clarification. "I don’t get it," he admitted.

Rafe took a deep breath, attempting to simplify the explanation. "Simply put, you cannot use force against Her Highness Princess Anna despite your rights over her. Doing so would be considered assault, and according to the law, you would be sent to prison. Believe me when I say that the punishment for assault against women in Cassian is severe."

Feeling frustrated, the prince objected to Rafe’s explanation, "This is absurd! You’re denying my rights!"

Rafe maintained his composure, responding calmly to Kiev’s outburst, "I am not! However, it seems you may not be fully aware of this aspect of Cassian law, even though you claim to know it well. The law prohibits the use of force against women, ensuring their safety and well-being."

The room fell into a contemplative silence again, allowing the weight of the healer’s words to settle.

Kiev’s annoyance was palpable, and his frustration was evident in his grunting response. After a moment of considering both sides, Rafe sought a middle ground.

"Our objective here is to reach a resolution that satisfies both parties in this dispute," he continued, his voice measured and diplomatic. "Until we can agree, Her Highness Princess Anna cannot be with either of you."

Kyren, unwilling to accept this outcome, vehemently protested. "No way! She has been declared as my concubine!"

Rafe maintained his calm demeanour, responding firmly, "I’m sorry, but she is officially betrothed to His Highness Prince Kiev through her father, her legitimate guardian at the time. The betrothal was declared before her proclamation as the Honourable Royal Concubine of Gerhard. Thus, it supersedes the declaration, Your Highness."

Anna’s expression darkened. A bitter taste settled in her mouth as she heard the healer’s words. The reality of her situation weighed heavily upon her.

Kiev’s gaze met hers solemnly, and his red irises stared deep into her, momentarily grappling with the princess’s deep emotion. A feeling of pity arose in him as he observed her sad expression, but he promptly suppressed it.

In a surprising turn of events, the prince made a bold decision.

"Fine! I accept the duel!" he declared, catching everyone in the room’s immediate attention.

Anna’s eyes widened in disbelief at Kiev’s unexpected choice.

She had approached Kyren with the idea, and he had readily agreed, true to Sylvia’s words. Although she disliked the thought of her husband fighting on her behalf, she saw no other viable option, as the grand duke was the only eligible candidate to take on the Mederian Prince.

"But with conditions," he added, impatiently prompting Kyren to inquire about the details.

The room held its breath, awaiting Kiev’s response.

The Mederian Prince laid out his conditions for the duel, his gaze shifting to Anna as he spoke, "The person who emerges as the winner shall be eligible to take Princess Anna with him immediately, and the other party shall have no rights to rechallenge or deny this decision. Furthermore, the defeated party will be prohibited from using any form of force to reclaim her, and most importantly," he emphasised, "the princess must obey the outcome and willingly follow the victor without resistance. She will not be permitted to invoke the Cassian law or any other means to refuse her responsibility."

Rafe turned to Kyren, seeking his response to these conditions. Kyren, displaying determination and confidence, wasted no time expressing his agreement.

"I have no objections! Once I emerge as the winner, you and your entourage must leave immediately and never return!"

Kiev smirked, seemingly satisfied with Kyren’s response.

"I have no problem with that. I will accept the duel’s outcome with dignity," he declared.

Recognising the need for an impartial witness to ensure a fair resolution, Callis interjected, "We need a third party, someone of integrity, to act as a witness for this duel. This person will ensure that no conflicts shall arise after the duel has concluded."

Rafe, intrigued by the suggestion, inquired, "Do you have anyone specific in mind?"

Callis proposed confidently, her choice clear, "His Majesty, the King of Cassian. I have heard that he is a benevolent and just king."

"You’re using that as an excuse to see him and complain to him about this!" sneered the grand duke.

The Mederian Princess, however, vehemently denied Kyren’s accusation.

"I am not using this as an excuse. As my brother mentioned, he has agreed to the duel, and we will uphold the outcome. We swear under The Imperial Majesty Khasif for this!" she declared firmly, invoking the name of the revered first emperor.

Rafe’s eyes widened at the mention of such a prestigious name.

"That is the first Ro’an emperor’s name! You dare to use it in your oath!" he exclaimed, taken aback by the audacity of the statement.

Callis, undeterred, responded with conviction. "We hold immense respect for The Imperial Majesty Khasif and would never go against our oaths, even if it means sacrificing our lives!"

The unwavering determination displayed by the Mederian Princess surprised Rafe, as well as Kyren, Anna and Noah.

Kiev stood up and emphasised his stance. "She’s right! I will not go against my words."

"All right! Since you have made your oath, then I shall comply. Let’s go to the palace and request an immediate audience to settle this once and for all!"

Fueled by their shared determination, Kyren took the lead.

Kiev, standing up as well, agreed wholeheartedly. "Good! Let’s go!"

"Wait, now?" Anna asked.

"Yes!" both princes answered in unison.