The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 311: Callis’s Sincere Explanation

Chapter 311: Callis’s Sincere Explanation

A sudden silence swept the table as Callis explained herself. After a brief pause, Louis was the first to break the silence.

"A soulmate? My son is your soulmate?" he asked, his incredulity evident.

Callis hesitated momentarily before responding, fully aware of her explanation’s peculiarity.

"I know it may sound strange, but I knew it right away when I first saw him at Gerhard’s mansion."

Trying to comprehend the situation, Nick questioned further, "Even if you had performed the ritual, does that mean you need to be married to your soulmate instantly?"

"That..."

Callis swallowed nervously, feeling conflicted. She recalled Kiev’s instructions to lie about the situation, but after getting to know her new family, she found them to be sincere and kind-hearted. Starting a new married life with a deception felt wrong and impractical.

Before she could continue further, Kiev’s voice swiftly interjected, "I demanded it!"

The Mederian Prince’s sudden interruption brought him to the attention of Callis, Rafe, and Elis, who looked at him with surprise at his unexpected remarks.

"I asked His Majesty to let them marry there and then," Kiev stated.

Confusion filled the room, and Eva questioned, "But why?"

"A soulmate declaration is a significant matter for the Mederians. Once declared, a person is bound to their soulmate and desires only them, rejecting all others. It’s a lifetime commitment. If Callis had not married Rafe, she would have been in eternal agony. The pain of not being with one’s soulmate after the ritual is unbearable. It may sound selfish, but I care deeply for my sister, and I couldn’t bear to see her suffer," the Mederian Prince weaved his response.

While Kiev’s explanation contained a hint of falsehood by saying he urged the marriage, most of what he said was true. Callis remained silent, her emotions swirling within her.

She was well aware that her brother had fabricated part of the story to protect her from condemnation for her impulsive actions and prevent Rafe’s family from learning about the conflict it had caused.

Rafe spoke up, defending his wife, "Everyone, please don’t blame Callis for this. I am truly honoured to be loved by her, and His Majesty the King did inquire about my feelings for her before arranging our marriage."

Jason interjected, "And? What did you say?"

Rafe looked at Callis, a gentle smile on his face.

"As she mentioned, I was treating her injury, and she was my patient. During our interactions, I cannot deny that I was captivated by her."

Nick chimed in, unable to contain his admiration, "How can you not be? Our sister-in-law is absolutely stunning! Any man would fall for her!"

"It wasn’t just about looks, Nick. Yes, Callis is beautiful, but it was her friendliness that truly attracted me," said Rafe.

The Mederian Princess blushed in shyness.

Eva took a deep breath and exhaled, placing her hand on her heart.

"That’s a relief. I was worried that you might have been forced into this marriage."

Rafe shook his head.

"No, Mother. This happened with my full consent. However, I do apologise for the hasty marriage without informing everyone."

Kiev took the opportunity to slide in his words, "I believe it is I who needs to apologise. I rushed them into it and asked for His Majesty’s intervention. You see, once a soulmate declaration is made, the couple must be married."

Curiosity filled Jason’s voice as he turned to Rafe and Callis. "Why is that? And why make the declaration in the first place? You said Rafe was not aware when it happened."

"The attraction Callis felt for him was incredibly strong, and she couldn’t resist it. In our clan, the higher the noble or royal status one holds, the stronger the bond one feels for their soulmate," Kiev added.

Nick, still trying to grasp the concept, asked, "So, does every Mederian have a soulmate?"

Kiev clarified, "Not everyone has the opportunity to meet their soulmates. It’s like finding your destined one, a lifetime partner. When we do find our soulmates, we usually hold onto them tightly."

Louis observed the conversation and remarked, "I see... So this soulmate connection is indeed valued by your people."

Kiev nodded in agreement.

"Yes, it is."

"What about your parents? Are they aware of this?" asked Louis more.

"They haven’t been informed since it just happened. But rest assured, they will understand. They would’ve insisted the same if they had known Callis had found her soulmate," said Kiev.

"I see... No wonder you two got married immediately. Honestly, I was worried that my Rafe had done something wrong. But, of course, if he had, he would face punishment rather than a marriage. So, when we received the news, we were all shocked but couldn’t fathom the reason behind it," Eva expressed her concern to his son.

"You truly love your sister, Your Highness. You couldn’t bear to see her in pain even for a moment, so you resorted to pushing their marriage. Out of everyone, Rafe would understand your feelings the most. I believe that’s why he agreed to it," Louis added, his tone filled with understanding. "I feel honoured as well, knowing that a princess from such a prestigious clan loves my son so deeply. He should be proud to have such an outstanding wife."

"Our family may come from humble origins, and we may not have much to offer, but I promise you that Rafe has been raised with proper values. He will undoubtedly take good care of Callis and be responsible for her. Thank you very much for accepting him as a part of your family," Eva added, her gratitude and sincerity apparent.

"Please, call me Kiev and drop the formalities. Status, wealth, and nobility hold no importance to us when it comes to soulmates. As long as he loves her and keeps her happy, I would be more than relieved," Kiev responded.

Callis, who had remained silent for a while, looked down at her plate, feeling overwhelmed by her brother’s words. She felt a surge of emotion, close to tears, as she realised how deeply Kiev loved and cared for her. She knew his last words were sincere from his tone.

Observing the scene, Nick suddenly directed a question to Elis.

"Then, you must be Kiev’s soulmate too, right Lady Elisabeth? I’ve noticed how he never lets you out of his sight and always stays close to you," he remarked with a mischievous smile.

The usually silent maid raised her head in surprise, her blue eyes widening as she looked at the man. Panic washed over her as she had not prepared an answer to this unexpected question. It was never part of the scenario she had practised, and being addressed as ’Lady Elisabeth’ only heightened her anxiety.

Sensing her nervousness, Kiev quickly responded on her behalf.

"What do you think?" the Mederian Prince asked in return. A gentle smile graced his lips.

"Do you really have to ask that, Nick? Isn’t it already obvious?" Jason replied to his brother, a hint of exasperation in his voice.

Nick chuckled softly.

"All right. I’ll stop now," he said, acknowledging his brother’s point.

Switching the topic, Jason delved into the reason behind Kiev’s arrival at the kingdom.

"So, what made you come here to Cassian suddenly? The letter from His Majesty mentioned that you hailed from Sabel Island. It has been years since the Mederians set foot on this continent. I believe the last time was before the empire collapsed, which would have been around fifty years ago," he pondered, seeking clarification.

"I have a business dispute with the Grand Duke. We are interested in and pursuing the same thing, so I came to meet him and settle our differences," Kiev explained, his voice composed.

"That thing must be crucial if you’re willing to travel all this way from Sabel Island. If I’m not mistaken, your island is in the East Sea, right?" Jason inquired.

Kiev smiled warmly.

"It is indeed. The thing we both desire is of great importance. However, rest assured, this is merely a business matter. I have no other issues with His Highness. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have agreed to Callis’s union with his healer, right, sister?" Kiev reassured, his gaze shifting to Callis.

The Mederian Princess turned her red ruby eyes towards her brother, sensing a deeper meaning behind his words. There was something more to his remarks, and she couldn’t help but feel intrigued by the unspoken implication.

Just then, Armel entered the dining room, seeking the group’s attention.

"Forgive me, Your Highness, for interrupting," he began. "The escorts have finished their meal and are waiting for their next orders."

Kiev considered the situation and responded, "Tell them to find accommodation at a nearby inn and allow them to rest. I won’t be needing their services while staying here. They can return on the day we set for our journey back to Gantz. As for the carriage driver, he may stay."

Jason immediately interjected, offering an alternative solution, "There’s no need for that! We may not have extra guestrooms, but Nick and I can sleep outside in the hall so they can stay in the rooms."

Louis chimed in, agreeing with Jason’s suggestion, "Yes, they are part of your entourage, so we should be hosting them as well."

Kiev appreciated their kindness but politely declined.

"Please don’t worry about them. Having my escorts around the house while we spend time with you would be awkward. Their watchful eyes wouldn’t make us feel comfortable. Furthermore, I want them to have a break from their duties since they haven’t had any. I’m sure they would be thrilled to explore your town on their own."

Louis happily accepted Kiev’s decision.

"If that is your wish, then please carry on."

Armel, still present, asked another question, "Pardon me, Your Highness. What about the luggage? We’ve unloaded it from the carriage and placed it in the hall. Which rooms should I deliver it to?"

Callis took the opportunity to provide instructions.

"Oh, only the brown and black luggage need to be brought up to the rooms, Armel. The brown one belongs to me and Rafe, while the black ones belong to my brother and Elis. The rest are all presents for father, mother, and my brothers."

Nick’s eyes lit up with excitement upon hearing about the presents.

"Oh, boy! You brought presents for us?" he asked eagerly.

"She got so carried away with her excitement to meet all of you that she almost bought everything in every shop she visited. Luckily, Elis was there and managed to rein her in," Kiev interjected.

"Oh, that is so generous of you, my dear," Eva responded warmly. "You shouldn’t have bought us anything. Welcoming you is enough to make us happy."

A maid suddenly approached, catching their attention.

"Mrs Amares, the rooms are ready," she said.

"Good, just in time!" Eva exclaimed. "Armel, you can bring the luggage to the guestrooms. Please follow the maid. Rafe and Callis’s room is on the left, while Kiev and Elisabeth’s should be on the right. You and the carriage driver can sleep in the attic."

"What?"

Suddenly, Elis, Kiev, and Rafe all exclaimed in unison, surprising everyone in the room. All eyes turned to them, awaiting an explanation.

"What’s the matter? Don’t you like the arrangement?" Eva asked, slightly puzzled.

Elis stammered, unsure of what excuse to offer, "No... I... I..."

Kiev remained silent, but his face betrayed his annoyance. The thought of his sister sharing a room with her husband made him uneasy. What if Rafe broke his promise and took advantage of her? In this situation, Kiev couldn’t intervene and prevent it from happening.

Meanwhile, Rafe returned the Mederian Prince’s gaze, raising his eyebrows with a different thought in mind. Kiev was the one who concocted the lie and told everyone that he was married to Elis.

Now, because of that, he was expected to share the bed with her. However, the healer couldn’t allow that to happen, especially since the maid was unmarried.

Sensing the tension, Callis suddenly interjected, "Perhaps... can Elis and I sleep with you tonight, mother?"

Surprised, Eva responded, "Why? You’re both married. You’re supposed to sleep with your husbands!"

"Um... well, this is our first time visiting here... so I thought we could spend more time together. You know, have a ladies’ night..." Callis’s voice trailed off, her uncertainty evident as she awaited her mother-in-law’s response.

"Hmm... I think that would be great!" Eva exclaimed. "These men have always surrounded me, so hanging out with the ladies doesn’t seem like a bad idea."

Elis and Callis breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for Eva’s understanding. Rafe and Kiev were also thankful for the Mederian Princess’s quick act.

"You can go and have some rest for now, and tonight we’ll sleep together. Oh, it has been years since I had girls sleeping with me!" Eva added with a hint of excitement.

She then turned to Armel, who was still present in the room.

"Please proceed to put the luggage accordingly as informed by Callis, Armel."

The teenager nodded and left to handle the task.

"I would like to suggest we have a small celebration for our newlyweds," Louis said after Armel left. "Although His Majesty said there would be a grand celebration later, I believe we can arrange a banquet for immediate family and friends since you’re all here."

Nick eagerly said, "Can we do it on short notice, father? They won’t stay long, so tomorrow would probably be the best time."

Louis reassured him, saying, "Don’t worry. It will be just a small gathering. We should welcome our new family members accordingly. I’ll ask the townsfolk for help in getting everything we need. We should do it tomorrow night."

"Thank you so much, father. I appreciate it," Callis expressed her gratitude.

"You’re welcome, my daughter," Louis replied with a warm smile.

"Rafe, my son... First thing in the morning, you and Callis should go to the jewellery shop to get a pair of wedding rings," Eva instructed.

Eva’s keen eyes had observed the absence of a ring on the Mederian Princess’s finger. She wanted to rectify this oversight and ensure that Callis had a symbol of their union.

"Oh, there’s no need to!" Callis protested.

"Hush, my dear!" the woman interrupted. "A married woman should have a token of her marriage. You shouldn’t say no to that!"

Rafe nodded in agreement.

"I will, mother. Please forgive me for forgetting about it. I was overwhelmed with other matters."

"You should apologise to Callis instead! How could you marry her without putting a ring on her finger?" Eva said in a reprimanding tone.

Callis blushed at the attention.

"It’s fine, Mother. Having him accept me is more than enough."

Rafe shook her head gently.

"No, Callis. Mother is right. Please forgive me. Tomorrow, let’s go to the jeweller’s shop and choose the ring. I want to make it right for you."

The Mederian Princess’ eyes gleamed with happiness.

"Thank you, Rafe!" she exclaimed, feeling touched by his determination.

"Haa... but Lady Elisabeth is not wearing a ring too, mother," Nick suddenly interjected.

Rafe bit his lower lip, feeling a surge of anger. He wished he could smack his brother’s head right then and there. Now that Nick had mentioned it, the Amareses turned their eyes to Elis’s empty fingers.

Caught off guard, the maid downcasted her eyes and moved her hands, attempting to hide them under the table. But to her surprise, Kiev suddenly clasped his hand with hers and held it firmly.

"That’s because she has been losing weight recently," the Mederian Prince quickly interjected, coming up with a plausible explanation. "She hasn’t had much appetite, and the ring became loose on her finger, so she left it at the palace, worrying she might lose it."

"Ahh... No wonder only you are wearing your ring," Nick responded, his gaze fixated on Kiev’s finger, adorned with his and Anna’s engagement ring. The Mederian Prince smiled wistfully, relieved that his quick thinking had defused the situation.

"I can see how pale she is. Perhaps she needs some rest. Why don’t you take her to the room first, Kiev?" Eva suggested, concerned for Elis’s well-being.

"Of course," the Mederian Prince replied, standing up and pulling the maid’s hand to him.

"Come, my sweetheart. Let’s get some rest."

Elis’s face turned red at the endearing calling, but she ultimately complied, allowing Kiev to lead her away. The maid followed them obediently to show the way upstairs to the bedroom.

Rafe was about to comment on the situation, but Callis suddenly held his hand, gesturing for him to hold back. He swallowed his concern, understanding her silent plea, and refrained from speaking further. He watched as his brother-in-law departed with his ’wife’.

"Mother, if you don’t mind, I want to take Callis out for a while," the healer spoke up after a moment.

"Don’t you feel tired from the journey?" Eva inquired.

"I’m not tired at all. Callis, do you feel tired and want to rest first?" the healer asked.

"No! I’m thrilled to go out with you. I’d love to see around," Callis replied eagerly.

"In that case, where are you going?" Eva asked, curious about their destination.

"We’re going to pay a visit to Lisa," the healer answered.

"Who’s Lisa?"