The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 267: The Bizarre Ritual

Chapter 267: The Bizarre Ritual

Callis’s gaze turned to the sling on her arm as she explained her decision.

"I asked my brother not to heal me because I wanted to experience the healing process like normal people do... taking medicine and so on," she began. "Throughout my life, my family has always cared for me and healed me through magic whenever I got hurt. As a result, I never learned how to recover on my own. I thought this would be a good opportunity to adapt and prepare myself for the future in case no one can heal me through magic."

Rafe listened attentively, his eyes reflecting understanding and respect for her desire to become more self-reliant.

"Doesn’t it trouble you, though?" he asked concernedly. "Wearing the sling for an extended period and the risk of experiencing pain if you accidentally move the injured part can be bothering."

Callis shook her head, a small smile gracing her lips.

"Not really!" she exclaimed, determined to reassure the healer. "We, the Mederians, have stronger bodies than other people. The pain isn’t too severe, and we tend to heal quickly."

Rafe’s eyebrows raised in surprise, intrigued by her statement.

"Is that so?" he responded, his voice tinged with curiosity.

He was eager to learn more about the Mederian people and their unique qualities.

Callis nodded fervently, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.

"Yes, the Mederians have mana lines that stretch throughout our bodies and open up. Even without magic, we can naturally heal using our own mana. That’s why we can heal faster."

"How fascinating!" Rafe exclaimed, his interest piqued as he tapped his lower lip in thought.

Callis continued to share her knowledge. "Actually, everyone has their own mana line. It’s where our soul is kept. The difference lies in those with magic abilities, as their mana lines are open, allowing them to absorb the forces of nature for their magic usage. On the other hand, those without magic have closed mana lines, guarding their souls within. That’s why we must be cautious when using magic, as excessive usage can be dangerous."

Rafe’s understanding deepened as he made the connection. "Because it affects your soul," he guessed.

Callis smiled, impressed by his prompt comprehension. "You catch on quickly."

"Well, it’s a prerequisite for a healer to have a quick mind and keen observation," Rafe replied modestly.

"I must say, you’re not only a skilled healer but also a good mediator," Callis complimented him sincerely.

"Thank you for your kind words," Rafe responded humbly. "I always strive to do my best in my tasks."

"And it definitely shows," Callis affirmed, her voice filled with appreciation for his abilities.

Rafe smiled warmly.

"Since you chose to heal without magic, I’ll prescribe additional medicine for your treatment and check on you regularly. It’s my duty to care for my patients, so you’re still under my responsibility."

Callis’s smile widened, grateful for his continued care.

"Thank you again. That would be incredibly helpful."

As the conversation shifted, Rafe’s attention turned to the flowers that the Mederian Princess had clung to during her choking incident. He couldn’t help but be curious about their significance.

"Now, what’s with the flowers? You didn’t even let them go when you choked. They must be important," he inquired.

Callis’s eyes darted around, searching for an answer, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"Ah, these?" she stammered, trying to come up with an explanation. "It’s just for fun!" she lied, her voice filled with feigned nonchalance. "Besides, I simply like flowers. They remind me of my mother back home. Wearing the flowers on the hair looks pretty, too. The florist went to the café just a moment ago to borrow a stool so she can help me put them in my hair."

"Oh?" Rafe’s brow furrowed slightly at the mention of the florist needing a stool.

"She’s a dwarf," explained the Mederian Princess.

"I know. She’s a friend of mine. I wrote to her that I’d be coming to her stall. Didn’t she have anything to step on to?" he asked.

"She said her’s already broken," said Callis. "I didn’t know that she’s a friend of yours. She’s very kind and helpful."

"We’ve been friends for quite some time."

"I see... Well, she tried to put them on my hair before, but she couldn’t reach them, and I couldn’t bend further due to my injury. You did warn me to be careful with my movements," Callis explained.

Rafe’s face lit up with realisation. "Ah, right! Since I’m here, let me help you put the roses on your hair."

Callis’s eyes widened, her heart pounding in her chest at the unexpected offer. The rush of emotions overwhelmed her.

"You... you would do that?" she asked, her voice filled with astonishment.

Rafe nodded in a gentle and reassuring voice. "Yes. It would be challenging for you to do it on your own, and I don’t want you to risk any pain or discomfort from your injury. Even though you’re a Mederian with a strong body, as you claimed, you’re still my patient, and I’m concerned about your well-being. I haven’t treated a Mederian before, so I don’t know your pain tolerance. It’s better not to take any unnecessary risks."

Callis bit her lower lip, her cheeks flushing with warmth. Her mind raced, contemplating the offer.

"Do you truly mean it?" she asked, her voice trembling with hope. "That you would put the flowers in my hair?"

Rafe’s eyes sparkled with sincerity. "Of course! I believe you would look absolutely stunning wearing them."

A surge of adrenaline coursed through Callis’s veins as she looked down nervously. She couldn’t help but wonder if only Rafe knew the true depth of her feelings, if only he knew what the flowers truly meant to her, and if only he knew that adorning her hair with roses was a bizarre ritual for her.

"Do you want me to?" Rafe asked again, his gaze fixed on the Mederian Princess as she paused, contemplating her decision.

Callis lifted her head and locked her gaze with the healer’s. A surge of emotion overwhelmed her being.

The warmth and kindness radiating from his eyes touched the depths of her soul, igniting a flame within her heart. Every word he spoke, every smile he offered, seemed to weave a spell around her, captivating her senses.

Her feelings for Rafe ran deep, swelling within her like an ocean tide. She was entranced by his genuine nature, unwavering compassion, and the gentle way he cared for her. She felt a sense of security in his presence, and she knew that this man was trustworthy.

Callis couldn’t deny the blossoming love that had taken root within her. It consumed her thoughts, tugged at her heartstrings, and filled her with joy and longing. The more she discovered about Rafe, the more she found herself drawn to him, captivated by his essence.

A profound thought came from the bottom of her heart, and she knew she couldn’t let him go.

"Mr Amares..." she began, her voice filled with a mixture of vulnerability and hope.

"Yes?" Rafe responded attentively.

"Please," Callis whispered, her voice carrying her earnest request. "Put the roses in my hair."

A genuine smile spread across the healer’s face, his eyes shining with delight.

"Sure. It would be my pleasure to help," he replied. "Turn around, please, so I can secure them properly in your braid."

The Mederian Princess gracefully turned, her heart beating rapidly within her chest. She knew she shouldn’t let her emotions guide her this way, but the temptation was too strong to resist.

It felt like a higher power had heard her deepest wish, and fate had brought the healer to her side at the perfect moment.

Could this be the arrival of her true love, destined to be with her?

"Hold still," Rafe instructed softly.

Callis found herself immersed in the sound of the healer’s voice, his words whispered near her ear. With a gentle exhale, she closed her eyes, eagerly awaiting the moment with a radiant smile.

Never before had she experienced such a potent mix of nervousness and sheer happiness. It was as if her entire being was buzzing with anticipation.

As Rafe began adorning her hair with the delicate roses, Callis could feel the tender touch of his hand against the back of her head. Each movement, every careful placement of the stems onto her braid, sent delightful shivers down her spine.

Her hands trembled, a sign of the intense feelings pulsing through her, a mixture of anxiety and happiness. However, the moment’s tranquillity was abruptly shattered by a sharp shout piercing the air.

"What the h*ll?" A voice erupted, brimming with anger.

Callis’s eyes flew open, and she turned instinctively to face the source of the commotion. There, opposite them, stood Kiev and Elis. His expression was a mask of anger and disbelief. Callis’s face instantly paled as if all the colour had been drained from it immediately.

"Brother!" she exclaimed in fear.

From the look in his eyes, the Mederian Princess was sure that he had seen everything.

Kiev approached them. His strides were long and determined. The maid followed closely behind.

The Mederian Prince’s piercing red-ruby eyes were wide and filled with a burning intensity as he locked his gaze upon Rafe. It was as if he harboured an unspoken desire to consume him whole, his hostility palpable in the charged atmosphere.

"What did you do to my sister?"

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