The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 277: Cute Excitement

Chapter 277: Cute Excitement

Emily expressed her excitement, exclaiming, "Dear lord! I thought this only happened in romance novels! I never imagined it would exist in real life! Falling in love with someone and immediately marrying them after declaring them as your soulmate... it’s so romantic!"

Anryr chimed in, acknowledging Princess Callis’s beauty and high status.

"Her Highness Princess Callis is truly stunning, and being a Mederian Princess adds to her allure. Our Mr Amares is incredibly fortunate to have her as his wife."

The mansion’s servants nodded and agreed with the steward’s opinion. When the grand duke returned from the ’beast hunting’ expedition, he had formally announced the status and lineage of the Mederian Prince and Princess to the steward and the servants.

This revelation surprised and intrigued them, considering the history of the Mederian clan and the Ro’an Empire. The fact that Kiev and Callis were relatives of the last empress added another layer of astonishment.

The betrothal of Kiev to Anna had also left them perplexed since the Mederians were known as the empire’s supporters, while the princess hailed from a lineage associated with treason.

However, understanding Kyren’s dislike for gossip, the steward sternly warned the servants not to discuss the matter.

"Yes, I’m happy for him, too, and I hope he’ll find happiness. But I’m a bit disappointed that I didn’t get to be his best man. I never expected Mr Amares to get married in such an unexpected and speedy manner. Oh, my superior has truly become a married man now!" expressed Ayden with a little bit of disappointment.

Noah assured the group, "Don’t worry. The celebration ceremony hasn’t occurred yet, but we will surely attend it. His Majesty will arrange everything accordingly."

Relief washed over the group as their curiosity cleared, and they shared in the collective happiness surrounding Rafe’s marriage. Smiles adorned their faces as they rejoiced in the good news.

However, Clara, seated in the wheelchair, wore a different expression. As Noah mentioned the soulmate declaration, a distant memory resurfaced in her mind. She recalled seeing Nessy, the nanny, gazing at Anna with a sorrowful look and muttering, "If only we knew who her soulmate is..."

Clara had tried to inquire about it then, but Nessy, known for her tight-lipped nature, had never revealed anything. She had once assumed that Anna might have a soulmate, but the passing years had caused her to forget about it. The topic had never resurfaced, leaving the mystery unresolved.

Noah concluded the announcement, asking if there were any questions. Clara’s attention snapped back to the knight, and she listened intently.

Rosalie turned to her husband, seeking clarification. She asked, "Now, how do we address Mr Amares? Officially, he’s now a Prince Consort."

"We will continue addressing him as usual, following our patriarchal customs. However, if we were on Sabel Island, where the Mederians hold greater influence, it might be necessary to address him by his new royal status. In Cassian, it is customary for a married woman to adopt the status and title of her husband. However, considering Her Highness Princess Callis’s position as a Mederian Princess and her connection to Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress, addressing her as Mrs Amares somehow doesn’t feel appropriate," explained the steward with concern.

Anryr’s extensive knowledge of protocol and customs made him a reliable source of information for such matters.

"Yes, come to think of it, it’s quite a complex situation," Rosalie responded. "Perhaps we should wait for Mr Amares to decide. After all, she’s his wife."

Anryr nodded in agreement.

"You’re right. That would be the best course of action."

He then instructed the other servants to disperse. He and Rosalie also excused themselves from the main hall to continue their tasks, leaving only Clara, Noah, Ayden, and Emily.

Emily turned to Noah and asked, "So, are you returning to the palace now?"

"My duties for the day have concluded, so there’s no need to rush. I’ll be heading to the port tomorrow morning to bid farewell to His Highness and the dispatched knights bound for the Agathe Islands," Noah replied.

"I see... So, you’ll be spending the night at the mansion?" Emily asked, a hint of blush colouring her cheeks.

"Um... I was actually thinking of going to the festival," Noah responded.

"You want to go to the festival?" Ayden asked, surprised by the knight’s sudden interest.

"Yeah, why not?" Noah answered.

"But you’ve never gone to any festival before," the assistant healer pointed out, looking confused.

"Oh... so you won’t be around..." Emily said, her tone tinged with disappointment.

Clara, quick to notice the knight’s body language, swiftly interjected, "Ayden, can you please push me back to my room?"

"Are you feeling unwell, Dame Clara?" Emily turned and asked with concern.

"No, not at all. I... I just want to ask Ayden something about the book he gave me," Clara said as she came up with an excuse.

"Book? But you mentioned the books were bor—".

"I like them!" Clara quickly cut her off before Emily could finish her sentence.

The young woman closed her lips tightly when she noticed Ayden’s curious gaze.

"Oh, yes! Yes, you do," Emily affirmed, nodding her head with a knowing smile.

"You don’t have to join me. So, go ahead and take a rest," Clara responded, reciprocating the smile. She then turned to Ayden and said, "Come, Ayden! Let’s go."

Though the assistant healer’s face coloured with doubt, he nodded and relented to the request, and the two of them left the room, leaving the pair behind.

"So... are you leaving right away?" Emily asked the knight.

"Leave where?" Noah replied absentmindedly, his thoughts elsewhere.

"You said you wanted to go to the festival," she reminded him.

"Ah... yes... after dinner," the knight responded.

"All right, then. I’ll go to the kitchen and prepare something for you. It’s almost time," Emily said, about to turn away.

Just before she could leave, Noah opened his mouth and hesitantly uttered the question on his mind.

"I was thinking..." he began, his voice trailing off as Emily’s eyes fixed on him. This caused him to pause and swallow nervously. He gripped the edge of his tunic, appearing anxious to ask.

"If... you would like to go with me," he finally asked.

"Are you inviting me to the festival?" Emily asked, surprised by the invitation.

"Yes. You’re from Ardel. Surely, you haven’t seen the mid-autumn festival in Gantz. It lasts for three days, and on the first night, a prayer will be attended by His Majesty and the royal family. Afterwards, there will be fireworks. I thought of showing you around," Noah explained.

"Fireworks? Oh, my! It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen them!" Emily exclaimed, her excitement evident. "Do you really mean it? That you’re taking me to the festival? I’ve wanted to go ever since the other servants mentioned it! Clara didn’t mind if I went, but I thought I wasn’t close with the other servants, and since they’re all men, I assumed I wouldn’t be able to go..."

Noah chuckled as Emily spoke rapidly, brimming with enthusiasm. The young woman then paused, her brown eyes fixated on the knight.

"Why are you laughing? What’s funny?" she asked in confusion.

"It’s been a while since I’ve heard you talk so much. It’s kind of... cute," Noah replied, his amusement evident.

Emily blushed, knowing herself to be talkative and often nagging Clara whenever the knightess ignored her advice.

"So, you’re fine with going with me?" Noah asked again, seeking reassurance.

"Definitely!" Emily nodded eagerly.

"Great! Let’s have dinner together, and then we can go afterwards," the knight decided.

"Dinner... together?" Emily repeated, surprised.

"Yes, I would love some company. Otherwise, I would be eating alone," Noah explained.

"I wouldn’t mind. But... you’re an ordained knight. Wouldn’t it be awkward for someone of your high status to have dinner with a former maid like me?" Emily questioned, expressing her concern.

"If you don’t want to, then I won’t have dinner either," Noah said, feigning a sulking tone.

"Wait, Sir Brooks!" Emily quickly interjected with nervousness. To have the knight left with an empty stomach would be the last in her mind.

"Fine. We’ll have dinner together. I’ll go and get everything ready. Can you give me some time?"

A smile spread across Noah’s lips upon knowing Emily had agreed to join him.

"I wouldn’t mind at all. Perhaps... do you want me to come with you and help? It’s a dinner for both of us, so I should make some effort, too," Noah offered.

"You... you want to help too? But... but... I don’t think that’s appropriate," Emily said, her face turning even redder.

"Why not?" the knight asked, genuinely curious.

"You’re a knight! The kitchen is not your place!" Emily exclaimed.

Noah chuckled once again.

"The knights always cooked for themselves when dispatched on missions. So, it’s not unusual for us to prepare our own food. Sir Parker is known to be the best cook among us."

"I understand, Sir Brooks... but I don’t feel it’s right to let you do the tasks in the mansion," Emily expressed her concern. "I wouldn’t be comfortable with that."

"Then, is it fine if I just accompany you and watch? I have nothing to do right now," Noah suggested, his eyes determined.

Upon seeing the knight’s unwavering gaze, Emily relented.

"Well... I guess that would be fine."

"Great! Let’s go!" the knight said, a smile spreading across his face.

Together, the duo made their way to the kitchen, where they would prepare their dinner. There, they would share moments and create memories in anticipation of the festival they would attend later that evening.

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