The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 254: An Unexpected Escort

Chapter 254: An Unexpected Escort

The couple was engrossed in the lively mood of the mid-autumn festival as they wandered along the walkway. The street opened up in front of them, brimming with life and a rainbow of hues.

Both sides of the street were crowded with stalls, all filled with tempting displays.

The air was filled with the smells of mouthwatering sweets, luring onlookers with the promise of warm pastries, savoury bites, and aromatic beverages. The laughing and animated talks of the festival attendees mingled beautifully with the conversations of the sellers and buyers.

The stalls were embellished with ornamental lanterns of diverse forms and dimensions, their gentle illumination creating a cosy and captivating ambience.

The vivid colours of the paper lanterns, shaped like imaginative animals, fantastical creatures, and delicate flowers, gave the scene a magical touch as they drifted softly overhead.

The road itself was multicoloured and multitextured. Bright silk banners with traditional artwork wafted in the breeze. The sun was setting, and magnificent parasols and vivid tapestries provided shade from its golden rays. The ground beneath their feet was covered with intricately painted patterns, creating a whimsical mosaic that delighted the senses.

People of all ages wandered the street in the thick hustle and bustle, their faces plastered with happy smiles and joyful expressions.

Families strolled hand in hand, kids excitedly skipped, and friends laughed aloud. Traditional music was in the air, coming from vivacious street corner entertainers drawing onlookers.

Meredith was about to point to a stall selling intricate crafts when suddenly she felt Alex’s strong arm encircle her back and pull her close to his chest.

"Watch out!" he exclaimed.

His fast act saved the noble lady from bumping into another man rushing from a different direction.

The noble lady was momentarily surprised. Her heart beat loudly from the incident. It turned out that the man was avoiding a wheelbarrow piled up with items being pushed from behind him.

"Forgive me, Sir, My Lady..."

The man pulled down his cap and bowed when he noticed Meredith’s surprised look. Her exquisite dress clearly indicated that she belonged to the noble class, making the man from the intermediate class bow in deference.

Still embracing Meredith with his sturdy arm, Alex said, "Just be careful and watch where you’re going next time, Mister," giving a cold warning.

"Yes, of course, Sir!"

The man bowed again when he saw the Gerhard emblem on Alex’s attire, fully aware that the gentleman before him was a knight of the renowned Knighthood of Gerhard.

Alex nodded, accepting the man’s apology.

"Are you all right?" he turned to Meredith, his hazel eyes glancing at her from top to bottom, ensuring his lover was fine.

"Yes... I’m all right. Don’t worry about me," Meredith reassured Alex, her smile radiating warmth. "It’s a busy day at the plaza today. Can’t blame him."

"I’m not blaming him. I’m just concerned if you’re hurt," he replied, his eyes filled with genuine care.

Meredith blushed, feeling the knight’s embrace still lingering.

"Fortunately, I am not hurt, and I don’t think I will be since you’re right here with me," she said softly, her shyness evident. "You can let me go now."

"I don’t think I can. Like you said, it’s a busy day due to the festival. So, it would be best if you were closer to me so that I can protect you," Alex responded with a hint of protectiveness.

Meredith’s lips curled into a delighted smile, unable to contain her happiness. However, their tender moment was interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat behind them.

Alex let out a sigh, releasing the noble lady from his embrace. Nevertheless, he gently clasped her hand with his own, providing a comforting touch.

Meredith turned around, and her eyes landed on Eli, trailing closely behind them. The young knight quickly averted his gaze, pretending to look elsewhere when he realised that Meredith had noticed him.

"Pardon me for asking this, but why is Sir Henderson following us?" she inquired, curiosity lacing her words.

She had noticed Eli several times and initially dismissed it as a coincidence, assuming he also enjoyed the festival during his off-duty time.

"Just ignore him," Alex replied with an annoyed expression.

"He is, isn’t he?" Meredith pressed further, her suspicion confirmed by the knight’s silence.

Unsatisfied with the uncertainty surrounding Eli’s presence, the noble lady called him over, determined to seek clarity. The young knight hesitated initially, unsure how to respond, but ultimately, he relented and approached Meredith.

The noble lady gave him a questioning glance as she studied him closely. She asked the same question again, wondering why he was trailing them.

"Forgive me if my presence has made you uncomfortable, Lady Grey, but it was an order given to me by Sir Navin," Eli responded.

Meredith looked surprised as she took in his answer. It had not occurred to her that the young knight’s actions were instructed by the second-in-command knight. She persisted, seeking to understand why it was done.

Her brows knitted in perplexity, "But why would Sir Navin issue such an order?" she questioned.

"The knights are concerned that Sir Jarr may engage in actions that could tarnish the good name of the knighthood of Gerhard. So, I have been assigned to monitor him and prevent any circumstances that could lead to such an outcome," he stated responsibly.

As Meredith took in the significance of Eli’s remarks, her eyes grew wide. She couldn’t help but wonder what type of deed Sir Jarr had committed to merit such a warning. Curiosity sparked, and she probed more, looking for details.

"Such as what action?"

"Well... something beyond holding hands..."

Eli’s gaze locked with hers, his expression serious as Meredith’s face turned red.

"I would never do such a thing to any woman, especially the lady I adore! I told you so many times already!"

"But you kissed her cheek..." Eli disclosed.

"You told him about the kiss? That was just a peck!" exclaimed Meredith as she turned to Alex with round eyes.

Eli, maintaining a serious demeanour, explained the extent of the situation, "His Highness and the knights’ group were aware of it. That’s why Sir Navin was insistent on rushing your marriage. He is deeply concerned about preserving your chastity and safeguarding the reputation of the knighthood. Any kind of intimate relationship before marriage is punishable by harsh laws and is viewed as a grave transgression, particularly for men."

As his annoyance mounted, Alex reprimanded Eli in an attempt to halt the discussion.

"Drop it already, Eli! We don’t require your unceasing presence or meddling."

But the young knight did not waver in his duty, determined to carry out his commands.

"I can’t do that, Sir Jarr. I’m on duty right now, and my orders are to continue escorting both of you until your marriage."

With unwavering confidence in her lover, Meredith passionately defended their relationship.

"Sir Henderson, Alex would never degrade me in that manner. I have total faith in him."

Eli acknowledged her trust with a nod. However, he remained resolute in his decision.

"I appreciate your faith in him, and I, too, regard him highly as my senior. However, according to Sir Navin, love relationships are risky before marriage. He worries that impulsive acts could happen at any time."

Alex informed the young knight in a determined voice, "I assure you, I have complete control over myself. I would never take any action that might jeopardise Meredith’s honour or our future. I’m sure I have a good hold of myself," Alex said.

"Really? What about the embracing just now?" questioned Eli.

Alex swiftly defended himself, explaining, "I was saving her from colliding with a man. Didn’t you see it?"

Eli acknowledged the knight’s point, responding, "Yes, I saw that. But even after the man left, you continued to hold onto her."

Alex’s face turned dark and cold as he realised his error. But Meredith broke the ice before he could reply, easing the tension. She acknowledged the knights’ concerns and persuaded them to move on.

"Forget about it. It’s fine if Sir Henderson wants to continue escorting us. Please don’t be mad at him. He and the knights are just concerned. After all, if it wasn’t for Sir Navin, we might not have the approval of His Highness, right?" Meredith tried to appease Alex.

Realising his overreaction, the knight composed himself and apologised, his voice laced with sincerity.

"I’m sorry. I got carried away."

Meredith urged Alex to continue their walk while expressing gratitude for his understanding. She asked that he hold off on showing too much affection but promised not to fret over the escort this time.

"Thank you, Sir Henderson," she said in appreciation.

The young knight gave her words a nod of acceptance. He silently followed them back to their walk, his resolve unwavering.

"Sir Henderson is young, but he’s firm with his convictions," Meredith spoke softly to Alex.

"Can’t help it. He learned it from Eric," the knight admitted.

Meredith nodded knowingly.

"I’m aware. He was Sir Navin’s youngest protégé. He’s an agile swordsman, but his temperament is quite something."

Alex questioned out of curiosity, "So, you knew about him?"

A cheeky grin danced across Meredith’s lips.

"Of course, I would! I’m the president of His Highness, the Grand Duke’s fan club. We don’t just marvel at him, but we also gather information about his knights."

Their chat lightened the air and allowed them to continue walking with a restored sense of togetherness, even with Eli’s cautious eye behind them.

"Really?" asked Alex. I wonder what the girls were saying about me." He smiled.

"They said you’re handsome and exude a similar serious aura as His Highness but less intimidating. There were some of the girls eyeing for you, but I stopped them right away."

"They said that?" Alex chuckled. "And why did you stop them?"

"Because I have my eyes set on you already by that time. How can I let others woo you?"

The couple exchanged smiles, their laughter lingering in the air as they continued walking hand in hand.

"This road is a bit busy. Why don’t we go over there? It’s much less crowded," Alex suggested, pointing to another road at a junction ahead.

The new stalls lining the street were yet to attract a large crowd, presenting a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.

"Sounds perfect! They seem to have just opened. We can explore the items on display without much disturbance," Meredith agreed. "You won’t mind if I take a look at the women’s accessories stall, will you?"

Alex shook his head.

"Definitely not. If there’s anything you like, let me know. I’ll buy it for you," he offered with a warm smile.

Meredith grinned more broadly as she took in Alex’s encouraging comments. After their thrilling horse ride, they enjoyed a delightful stroll at the fair, which could only be described as magnificent.

Holding her hand and genuinely interested in getting to know her better, Alex had been the perfect example of a gentleman. Given that it was their first time out together, it seemed as though he was seizing the chance to strengthen their bond.

Earlier, he offered to bring her to the plaza in a carriage, but she had chosen to ride with him instead. She wanted to be close to him throughout the journey, and it had indeed been a romantic ride. She could still feel the warmth of his body behind her, his arm securely wrapped around her waist, ensuring her safety and comfort.

"Thank you, Alex. You are truly generous," she expressed her gratitude. "It almost feels like you’re ready to buy everything from each stall just for me," she teased playfully.

Alex’s response melted her heart. " "I wouldn’t mind if it were for the lady who will become my wife. The men of the Dukedom of Sanad always treat their wives well."

Warmth caused Meredith’s cheeks to flush as she felt her blood shoot into her face. Alex was stoic, but his comments expressed how much he valued her and how eager he was to spoil her. She considered herself incredibly fortunate to have fallen for him.

"You don’t have to do that. I already possess a lot of stuff," she assured him. "However, I might buy one or two things as mementoes of our first outing together."

Their hands stayed entwined as they neared the intersection, which led to the less busy lane with the recently opened shops. With every step they took, their love and bond grew stronger, and they looked forward to the memories they would make on this memorable day.

"Be my guest. I would be more than honoured to give you something special today. Since I’ve never presented anything to a woman, I’m afraid my choice of gift may not be appropriate for you, and to be honest, I have no idea how to pull surprises. So, please choose anything you like and let me buy them for you," said Alex.

"You’ve never gifted anything to any woman? What about your mother?" she asked, surprised.

"Actually, I did attempt to and asked what she wanted. She told me the only present she desired from me was to bring a lady I love to her someday," he said.

Curiosity got the better of Meredith, and as she asked more questions, a hint of envy appeared in her voice, "And... did you ever bring anyone?"

"No, I haven’t. I put much effort into my training when I was little since my father wanted me to become a knight. My family was quite proud of me when I was ordained and selected to serve His Highness the Grand Duke, who was the crown prince at the time. My father advised me to put my responsibilities first because serving His Highness was a great honour for me and my family. I never got the chance to know any women as a result."

"Oh, is that so?" Meredith’s voice carried a noticeable sense of relief.

Alex nodded, his expression earnest. "Indeed, I was so engrossed in my duties that thoughts of courting any women simply slipped my mind."

Curiosity sparked within Meredith as she asked, "Don’t men often engage in conversations about women?"

Alex’s lips curled into a gentle smile.

"It’s a rather common topic among men. Drystan, in particular, always keeps an eye out for beautiful women, but he seems to struggle to win their affections."

"Drystan? You mean... Sir Mills?"

Alex nodded, confirming her suspicion.

"Yes, precisely. When we are on duty, it’s customary to address our comrades by their official titles. However, once off duty, we can call each other by our first names."

"Ah, I see."

The noble lady nodded understandingly.

"He took a keen interest in you when you expressed your desire to become Lady Raychard’s lady-in-waiting and find a suitor from Gerhard," Alex revealed.

A delightful blush tinged Meredith’s cheeks.

"Really? That explains the bright smile he always wore whenever he saw me! Did he become frustrated, then?"

"Don’t mind him. He always acts that way," Alex said, a note of humour in his voice. "He usually shows interest in women initially, but his enthusiasm wanes just as rapidly. It appears that he has trouble deciding on something long-lasting."

As they continued their conversation and leisurely walked together, Meredith’s eyes suddenly caught sight of a familiar face among the bustling crowd.

"Wait, is that Sylvia?" she cried out, clearly surprised. "She told me she wouldn’t be coming to the palace today because her relatives were visiting. Why is she here?"

Meredith couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment, thinking Sylvia had come to the festival without her. They had always attended such events together, and the thought of being left out stung her.

From a distance, Sylvia was engaged in a serious conversation with a man whose figure was partially obscured by a nearby cart, making them unable to determine who he was. The noble lady observed as her friend nodded several times, her expression determined.

Then, Sylvia extended her hand and took the man’s hand before her. As the cart moved, revealing the man’s face, their eyes widened in disbelief.

To Meredith and Alex’s astonishment, Sylvia and Drystan stood before them, their hands intertwined.

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