The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 308: The Knight’s Confession

Chapter 308: The Knight’s Confession

Emily stood by the window, bathed in the warm glow of noon sunshine, which reflected off her light brown hair, lending it a golden hue. Her gaze wandered over the outside view as if in search of someone.

"What are you looking for?" Clara’s voice came from behind, surprising Emily.

The knightess lay on the bed, taking a moment to rest as she sipped a mug of Ayden’s medicinal concoction. Its bitter taste didn’t deter her, as she knew it benefited her health.

"Nothing!" Emily responded curtly, stepping away from the window.

Clara, perceptive as ever, noticed the young woman’s body language. It was evident that she was anticipating someone’s arrival.

"You’re expecting him, aren’t you?" Clara asked calmly.

"I’m not expecting anyone!" Emily denied it, her words carrying a hint of defensiveness.

The knightess gently placed the mug on the side table, her black eyes fixed on the young woman before her.

"You don’t need to hide it. It’s written all over your face," Clara stated, her voice filled with a knowing tone.

Emily instinctively tried to conceal her expression, her hands fumbling across her face as if searching for an obvious sign.

"Where? My face is as normal as usual!" she retorted, attempting to dismiss the observation.

Clara couldn’t help but chuckle at the young woman’s feeble attempt.

"You’re not very skilled at masking your emotions, Emily."

Feeling a sense of dissatisfaction, the young woman decided to challenge the knightess.

"Well, if you think you know so much, then who do you think I’m waiting for? That is if there’s anyone at all."

Clara smirked, confident in her response.

"Who else but Sir Brooks? I have a strong feeling that you’re completely smitten with him. And it seems he is interested in you, too," she revealed.

Emily’s face flushed, her gaze shifting away.

"We’re just friends," she insisted.

"Really? Friends who went together to watch the fireworks show at the mid-autumn festival? You know, you returned quite late that night. I wonder where you went with him," Clara probed with curiosity.

"It’s not what you think, Dame Clara! There was some commotion after the night prayer. Sir Brooks informed me that a nobleman fell ill, and Lady Raychard was somehow involved. He had to be on standby and assist. I waited for him to fulfil his duty before we returned to the mansion," Emily explained.

Clara’s concern grew as Anna’s name was mentioned.

"Our lady was involved? How did she get caught up in it? Why didn’t you inform me about it?"

"I’m not entirely sure about the details. All I know is that she managed to calm down the nobleman and ensure his safety. Don’t worry, our lady wasn’t harmed. She just happened to be nearby when the incident occurred, so she stepped in to help. That’s what Sir Brooks told me," Emily reassured the knightess.

"I see..." Clara heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing the explanation.

"Forgive me. I didn’t inform you earlier because I didn’t think it was of great importance. Besides, you seemed a bit down in the days following the fireworks night show. Was it because you couldn’t attend it? I already feel guilty for not being able to bring you along," Emily admitted in a low tone.

The knightess’s expression briefly shifted to sombre, but she quickly masked it.

"It’s nothing like that. I was just feeling a bit tired," Clara replied, attempting to dismiss any further discussion.

"I don’t think that’s the reason. You, Mr Norman, and the others watched the fireworks from the main yard together, so I assumed you were fine. Could it be that the other servants interrupted your precious time with him?" Emily guessed.

"Of course not! I told you, I was just tired!" Clara insisted, her tone slightly defensive. "Who told you I watched the fireworks with him?"

"Mrs Foster mentioned it to me. But ever since that night, you haven’t been your usual self. You hardly smile or joke around. I can’t help but wonder if it’s because of me or if something Mr Norman said hurt your feelings," Emily carried on.

Clara remained silent momentarily, her gaze downcast as she recalled the time she spent with Ayden in the garden, watching the sunset. It had started so beautifully, but when the assistant healer mentioned Noah’s past and his strong aversion towards the knight who had committed a quite similar offence as she did, it felt like a knife piercing through her heart.

The knightess looked at Emily, who had approached her and sat at the edge of the bed. She hadn’t revealed the dark deed Noah had committed, as she had been grappling with how to break the news.

Clara knew that both Emily and Noah were drawn to each other, and she didn’t want to cause the young woman any sadness. At the same time, her heart felt heavy with conflicting emotions.

On one hand, she found it challenging to accept Noah’s tarnished reputation, as he had never displayed any lousy behaviour during their time together. She trusted her judgment and the connection they shared.

However, Ayden’s words couldn’t be dismissed either. He had proven himself to be trustworthy and had even saved her life during surgery. Furthermore, she couldn’t deny that she had fallen for him.

Torn between her feelings for the assistant healer and his sceptical view of Noah, who was branded as a perpetrator of a crime, Clara felt devastated as she replayed the thoughts in her mind.

If Ayden couldn’t acknowledge a murderer as a companion, how could he ever accept her who committed the same as a lover? Perhaps... it was best to bury these feelings before they grew deeper.

Clara hesitated, contemplating whether she should confide in Emily about what she knew. If the young woman were to learn about Noah from someone else, it would only cause more pain, and she didn’t want that.

Maybe she should first confirm Emily’s true feelings towards the knight. Taking a deep breath, Clara began, "Emily... There’s something..."

’Tok! Tok!’

Before she could continue, a gentle knock on the door interrupted their conversation.

"Someone came. Let me get that first!"

Emily quickly rose and made her way to answer it. As she opened the door, a stout figure stood before her, eliciting a broad smile on her face.

"Sir Brooks! You’re here!" she exclaimed in excitement.

"Good day, Emily. How are you today?" Noah greeted her, a bright smile gracing his features as he saw her.

"Oh, I’m fine. You’re quite early today," she responded, shyly fidgeting with her skirts.

"I came as soon as I finished my duty. Were you waiting for me?" Noah asked, a playful smirk on his face.

Emily tucked her curls behind her ears, her smile still evident and a faint blush colouring her cheeks.

"Well... Considering how busy you are, I wasn’t expecting you to return to the mansion. But it’s good to see you here," she admitted.

"I wouldn’t miss the chance to come back. The food at the palace doesn’t taste as good as yours. I’m always anticipating what will be for dinner," Noah confessed, his eyes gleaming with delight.

The two had been sharing meals together frequently ever since the festival day.

"Since you asked, then I’ll let you know. I thought of making chicken pies for dinner," Emily revealed with a smile.

"My mouth is already watering. I’m looking forward to it," Noah responded. "But for now, let me pay a visit to Dame Verns. I haven’t seen her in several days. Would you allow me to come in?"

"Why... sure! Of course! You’re most welcome! Please come in," Emily eagerly invited.

The young woman gracefully guided the knight to a comfortable settee.

"Please wait here while I let Dame Clara know. Have a seat first."

She then excused herself to get the knightess resting in the bedroom.

The chamber, specially allocated for her, exuded an air of grandeur with its spacious layout encompassing separate living, sleeping, and bathing areas. It was a customary choice for esteemed guests for the mansion.

Following the grand duke’s orders, the knightess was placed in this luxurious place, allowing her the necessary space and comfort to recuperate from her endeavours.

Upon her return, Emily gently wheeled Clara in her wheelchair to join Noah in the living area. Observing traditional courtesy, Noah rose from his seat and respectfully nodded his head towards the knightess.

"Hello, Dame Verns. How are you today? It feels like it’s been a while," he greeted the knightess warmly.

A genuine smile graced Clara’s lips as she returned the greeting.

"Hello, Sir Brooks. I’m doing well, thank you. Your visit means a lot to me, especially considering your busy schedule."

Confusion flickered in Emily’s eyes as she interjected, "Didn’t you mention being tired earlier? It seemed to have affected your mood lately."

Clara shifted her gaze towards the young woman.

"Not anymore."

"Are you tired? Forgive me if I disturbed your rest time, Dame Verns. I didn’t mean to bother you," said the knight.

"No, Sir Brooks, you’re not a bother at all. I merely said that to divert Emily’s persistent questioning," Clara reassured him.

Noah chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I perfectly understand."

Pursing her lips, Emily couldn’t help but feel a hint of self-consciousness.

"You make it sound like I’m such an annoying person."

Clara’s tone softened as she addressed her companion.

"No, you’re not. It’s just that sometimes I don’t have all the answers to your questions, so I tend to blurt out anything. Please forgive me, Emily. You’re not annoying at all. In fact, I would feel lonely without you and your nagging."

Noah chimed in, his smile directed at Emily.

"She has a spirited charm that never fails to captivate. It’s what makes her special, and it never bores me."

A grumble escaped Emily’s lips, a mixture of annoyance and fondness. "Oh, stop it, you two!"

Clara intervened, her voice filled with affectionate firmness, "All right, we won’t speak about you like that again. If you don’t mind, could you make me some tea? I need to cleanse my palate from my earlier bitter concoction."

"You want tea? But you usually don’t ask for it after taking your medicine," Emily blurted out, her curiosity evident.

Clara considered for a moment before expressing her desire.

"Well, now I feel like having some. Please make it for Sir Brooks as well."

"No need to worry, Dame Verns. I already had a drink before returning," Noah assured them.

"Then, just prepare it for me. I want it hot and freshly brewed," Clara insisted.

"Then, I will ask one of the servants to prepare it for you," said Emily as she stood up to get the bell.

"No, Emily. I prefer the tea prepared by you. It suits my palate perfectly, and I genuinely love it. Please..."

"All right, anything for you, Dame Clara," Emily relented. "Please wait a moment. I’ll be back."

Clara nodded, acknowledging her departure as the young woman left the chamber. Noah then broke the silence.

"You have something to tell me," he remarked, his orb eyes fixed on the knightess.

A smirk tugged at Clara’s lips. "You catch on quickly."

"I am a knight, after all. Being observant is part of the job," Noah replied.

"I know..." said the knightess. "Please have a seat first, Sir Brooks."

The knight settled back onto the settee and faced Clara in her wheelchair. He crossed his legs and clasped his hands, putting them on his thighs, ready to listen.

Clara then began.

"Firstly, I want to ask you. Do you have feelings for Emily?"

Noah met Clara’s determined gaze, understanding the importance of his answer.

"I do."

"And are your feelings for her sincere?" the knightess inquired further.

"Yes," Noah responded without hesitation.

"You wouldn’t play with her heart, would you?"

"What makes you think that I would?"

Noah squinted his eyes.

Clara took a moment before responding, "The truth is... I’ve heard rumours about you. It’s hard for me to believe them, but my main concern is Emily. She is someone incredibly precious to me, someone I deeply care about, and I don’t want her to be hurt or frustrated."

Noah maintained his calm demeanour as if he had anticipated this conversation.

"I see... So this is what it’s all about. Which parts of the rumours have you heard?"

Clara hesitated, knowing the weight her words carried.

"Sir Brooks, I..."

She paused.

"Speak, Dame Clara. Which part of it?" Noah repeated his question with a stern tone.

The knightess contemplated before continuing.

"I heard that you were once a mercenary from Galicia, engaging in various questionable activities. Rumour has it that you had a reputation as a womaniser. Additionally, there was talk of a grave crime you committed during a visit to Dracor with others..."

Interrupting her, Noah’s voice grew firm. "Who told you this?"

"It doesn’t matter who told me!" Clara’s frustration mingled with her plea. "I just want to know the truth from you, Sir Brooks. Please, tell me."

Noah’s disappointment became apparent as he responded, "Does it truly matter if you know the truth?"

"Sir Brooks, Please! I implore you!" Clara’s voice resonated with desperation. "I am eternally grateful to you for saving my life and bringing both Emily and me to safety. Throughout our arduous journey, you carried me on your back without complaint, protecting us every step of the way. Furthermore, you took it upon yourself to procure the medicine I desperately needed."

"Would you believe me if I denied the accusations? We haven’t known each other long, and trust does not come easily," he said sternly.

"I hold immense respect for you, and I want to believe in you. However, I cannot push aside my concerns for Emily’s well-being, and I cannot bear the thought of her being hurt. So, I beg of you, please! Please tell me that none of these rumours holds any truth so I can find solace in my heart!"

Noah took a deep breath, his eyes reflecting the empathy he felt for Clara’s emotional state. The weight of her worries was evident, and he knew her condition had affected her feelings.

"Very well. I will speak, even if you choose not to believe me, just like the rest," he relented. "The first and second things you mentioned are indeed true. I had a past as a mercenary, during which I did a lot of dirty deeds that I wouldn’t want to mention here, and I won’t deny my reputation as a womaniser before. However, the third accusation is entirely false. I have never committed the heinous acts of r*pe and m*rder that I have been accused of. I was unjustly framed."