The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 257: A Prestigious And Kind Knight (II)

Chapter 257: A Prestigious And Kind Knight (II)

As Drystan saw the young boy snatch the fruit and attempt to escape, he immediately shouted for him to stop. The thief ran amidst the crowd, taking the opportunity to flee within the sea of people in the plaza with his small stature.

Determined to apprehend the thief, the knight swiftly manoeuvred through the crowd, and with his fast act, he managed to catch hold of the running boy’s shirt from behind. Despite his struggles, Drystan’s firm grip held him in place, preventing his escape.

"Let me go! Let me go!" the young boy cried out, his voice filled with panic.

"Stop it now!" Drystan’s authoritative tone resonated through the air, frightening the young thief and causing him to freeze in place.

The onlookers watched from the side, but none stopped to interfere. They took a glance and then continued walking.

Overwhelmed by the catch, the boy’s fear turned into tears.

"Why are you stealing?" the knight asked as he knelt on the ground, turning the boy to face him.

Through his tears, the young boy uttered, "I’m sorry! My brother and I are hungry."

As Drystan’s gaze fell upon the young thief, he couldn’t help but notice the evident signs of homelessness and neglect. The boy’s dirt-covered body, marked by torn and tattered clothing, painted a poignant picture of his difficult circumstances.

"Where are your parents?" he inquired, trying to understand the child’s situation.

The boy looked down solemnly. After a moment of hesitation, he shook his head, indicating that he was an orphan.

"My brother and I have been wandering from street to street. People took away our home after our parents died. They said my father had a debt to pay," the boy explained, his voice filled with sorrow.

Trying to explore further options, the knight asked, "What about your relatives? Do you have anyone who can care for you?"

With a sense of resignation, the boy replied, "They don’t want us. No one wants us."

Drystan’s heart sank at the realisation of the harsh realities the boy had been forced to endure. Moved by the boy’s plight, the knight realised that the theft was born out of desperation.

He loosened his grip on the boy’s shirt and heaved a heavy sigh, his heart aching for the young boy and his brother, who were trapped in a cycle of desperation. He knew that immediate action was necessary to ensure their safety and well-being.

"Where’s your brother?" Drystan inquired, his voice filled with concern.

The young boy pointed towards a dimly lit alley nestled between the buildings in the bustling plaza.

"I told him to hide there while I try to get him some food."

"Take me to your brother," the knight ordered, his tone firm yet compassionate.

Fear etched across the young thief’s face. He hesitated for a moment before responding.

"Are you going to punish us?" the young boy asked, his voice trembling.

Drystan could sense the boy’s apprehension and tried to alleviate his fears.

"No, I assure you, I’m not here to punish you. I’ll take you to the authorities who can provide the necessary support for both of you."

Desperation filled the young boy’s eyes as he pleaded, "Please, Sir! Please don’t send me to prison! I promise I won’t steal again."

Reaching out with a gentle touch, Drystan reassured him, "Don’t be afraid. I understand that you resorted to stealing out of necessity. The authorities are there to help children like you, not to punish you. They will ensure you have a safe place to stay and the care you deserve."

Tears streamed down the boy’s face as he struggled to comprehend.

"But... but... people said that if the authorities take us, we’ll go straight to prison."

"That may be true for those who commit serious crimes, but your situation is different."

The young boy’s voice quivered as he admitted, "But I stole... and stealing is a crime too..."

Drystan nodded, acknowledging the boy’s understanding.

"You’re right. Stealing is indeed a crime. However, it’s crucial to consider the reasons behind it. Your age and circumstances will be taken into account. Now, tell me, how old are you?"

"I’m ten years old," the boy replied with a mix of vulnerability and resilience.

"And your brother?" Drystan asked gently.

"He’s seven," the boy answered, his voice carrying a weight beyond his years.

"You’re still underage, so the full weight of the law doesn’t apply to you," the knight explained while maintaining a compassionate tone. "However, it’s important to understand that stealing is a bad behaviour, and if you continue down that path, it may lead to more serious consequences in the future. Promise me that you’ll never steal again after this."

"I’ll not, Sir! I swear!" the young boy replied earnestly, his voice filled with determination.

"Good," Drystan responded, acknowledging the boy’s commitment. "Now, here’s what we’re going to do. First, I’ll make sure both of you have a meal to eat. Then, we’ll head to the nearest patrol station, where I’ll hand you over to the guards. They will investigate your situation, and if your claims are truthful, they will take both of you to the safe house."

"The safe house?" the boy inquired with curiosity.

"Yes," Drystan confirmed. "The safe house is an establishment under the care of His Majesty the King. It is where orphaned children, widows, and those in need are provided everything they require, including food, water, accommodation, and education. You will be able to stay there until you come of age."

The young boy’s cries began to subside, replaced by a glimmer of belief and relief. "Really?" he asked, wanting reassurance. "You’re not lying, are you?"

Drystan’s smile was kind and genuine. He pointed to the emblem embroidered on his surcoat, the symbol of the esteemed Knighthood of Gerhard, and spoke with conviction, "See this emblem? It represents the noble order of knights to which I belong. It is a position of honour, and an honourable man would never deceive a child."

The young boy’s eyes widened in awe and admiration.

"Wow... I want to be a knight, too, someday!" he exclaimed, the noble figure standing before him sparking his imagination.

Drystan continued smiling.

"If that’s your dream, then there is always time to start training. When we reach the safe house, you can tell the people there about your aspirations. They will assess your talents and guide you along the path that suits you best."

The young boy nodded eagerly, grateful for the opportunity ahead. He expressed his gratitude to the knight with genuine appreciation. Together, they made their way to the winding alley where the younger brother was waiting.

After a moment, Drystan emerged, holding the hands of both children. Returning to the stall where the theft incident occurred, the knight approached the stall owner with a sincere expression. He told the owner about the occurrence and said his heartfelt apologies on behalf of the children.

The stall owner responded with understanding and compassion. Instead of anger, he offered the orphans some apples as a goodwill gesture. The young boys’ faces lit up with delight, their gratitude overflowing.

Seeing the act of kindness, the neighbouring stall owners, who had also witnessed Drystan’s earlier heroism in preventing the mare’s chaos, joined in. They approached with buns and porridge, serving the children without accepting any payment. The knight’s selflessness touched their hearts, and they also wanted to express gratitude.

Drystan encouraged the children to savour the nourishing food, allowing them to enjoy the generosity bestowed upon them fully. Once the meal was finished, he stood up, ready to lead the children towards the patrol station.

However, the little brother’s emotions caught up with him, and tears started to stream down his face.

"It’s all right. They will not harm us," the older brother convinced the younger. "This Sir Knight has promised so."

"It’s not that... I... I miss father!" he sobbed. "He used to carry me on his shoulders after we had porridge together," cried the little one.

Drystan knelt in front of the young boy, his gaze meeting him.

"Losing loved ones is incredibly difficult. But remember, they will always be with you in your heart. Never forget the love they shared with you."

Placing his hand gently on the boy’s chest, he sought to offer comfort and solace.

The younger boy nodded, his eyes reflecting a glimmer of understanding amidst his grief. He wiped his tears with the back of his hand and snorted.

Then, with a pleading tone, the boy asked, "Can you carry me on your shoulders, just... just this once... please?"

Drystan couldn’t bear to deny the heartfelt request, especially when faced with the doe eyes of a child. He nodded warmly.

"Of course, my young friend. I will carry you on my shoulders, and we will make our way to the patrol station so you’ll be taken care of."

With care and tenderness, the knight lifted the younger brother onto his shoulders, ensuring his safety.

Holding the hand of the other child firmly, they embarked on their journey. As they walked, their path illuminated by the kindness of the stall owners who had provided food and drinks, Drystan expressed his gratitude to each one.

From a distance, the sight of the knight carrying a child on his shoulders and holding the hand of the older one was reminiscent of a father caring for his own. The onlookers marvelled at the scene, proud smiles etched on their lips at the prestigious knight’s kindness.

After a short stroll, the trio reached the closest patrol station. Without any delay, Drystan alerted the authorities to the situation, guaranteeing the children’s protection. Intending to give the orphans the much-needed care, the supervising officer assumed possession of them.

The children hugged Drystan before he left, their sincere thanks flowing. They showered him with gratitude for rescuing them from their horrible situation. He said goodbye to them, his heart mixed with emotions, promising to visit them at the safe house in the future.

Unbeknownst to the knight, a pair of old eyes keenly observed the entire scene from a distance. The observer stood quietly, his weathered face etched with lines of wisdom and curiosity.

As he witnessed Drystan’s compassionate actions and unwavering dedication, a spark of interest ignited within his eyes.