The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 314: The Bride’s Priceless Dowry

Chapter 314: The Bride’s Priceless Dowry

Night fell.

The usually serene house became merrier as the guests gathered for dinner.

"Mmm, this is so delicious!" Callis exclaimed, relishing every bite of the buttery, creamy chicken.

Enjoying it as much as she did, Rafe couldn’t help but eat a little more.

Beaming proudly, Eva answered, "I’m glad you guys like it. I made it myself. I can give you the recipe if you want."

A soft laugh escaped the Mederian Princess’s lips as she glanced at her brother, who sat nearby. Knowing his sister’s knack for culinary disasters, Kiev couldn’t help but find the situation amusing.

However, he wisely chose to keep quiet, sipping his drink while quietly observing. After all, Callis would take it to heart and sulk if he dared to mention her unique talent for turning any cooking endeavour into a catastrophe.

"Thanks, mother. I’d love to get the recipe later," the Mederian Princess replied, careful not to offend her mother-in-law.

Eva nodded happily, pleased with Callis’s response.

As dinner ended, they all gathered in the main hall. Seizing the moment, Callis presented her gifts to everyone—a thoughtful gesture that brought smiles all around. The luxurious items included stylish clothing, accessories, and dazzling jewellery.

"Oh, wow! These are amazing!" Nick, always full of enthusiasm, exclaimed with delight.

"Hey, Jason, check me out!" Nick playfully struck a pose, showing off his new, expensive winter coat. "I’m already feeling like a lord!"

Jason couldn’t help but tease him in return, "Dream on!"

Eva and Louis joined in the laughter, their amusement filling the room.

"These were impulsive purchases," Callis admitted with a sheepish grin. "I really hope you all like them."

"We do. Thank you, Callis. These gifts... there’s just so much! I’m at a loss for words," Eva expressed her gratitude genuinely.

"It’s my duty as your daughter-in-law to make you happy," Callis replied with a warm smile.

"Even so, you do not need to spend your money on us. We already had enough on our own," Louis expressed with gratitude.

"It’s not an everyday occasion, father," the Mederian Princess responded gently yet politely.

"We truly appreciate your generosity, but please don’t make it a habit. You and Rafe are newlyweds, and there are important matters to consider for your future together, like establishing a matrimonial home, handling financial responsibilities and so on," Louis advised, his words laced with fatherly concern.

Seizing the moment, Kiev interjected confidently, capturing their attention, "Money shouldn’t be a problem," he said. "Speaking of future planning, I’d like to discuss something."

Curiosity piqued, Louis inquired, "What is it?"

"It’s about the dowry... We haven’t discussed this topic yet," the Mederian Prince revealed. "As my sister has married into your family, it’s only fair for the bride’s family to provide the dowry per the groom’s family’s desires."

Kiev had been waiting for this moment, eager to put the family to the test. The discussion of dowry arrangements often revealed the true colours of those seeking his sister’s hand. The greed of men would usually show knowing how much wealth and assets Callis would bring into the union.

Louis’s gaze shifted from Callis and Rafe to the Mederian Prince. The young couple exchanged bewildered glances, unsure how to react to Kiev’s sudden inquiry, which had never been discussed with them.

Was the Mederian Prince already accepting their marriage since he was ready to pay for his sister’s dowry?

Louis took a moment to contemplate the situation. He understood that traditional customs dictated that the groom’s father determine the value of the dowry. The higher the bride’s family status, the more the groom’s father could demand.

The hall fell into a hushed silence, everyone eagerly awaiting Louis’s response. Then, a warm smile spread across his face.

"I believe we have already received it," he calmly said.

Kiev furrowed his brow in confusion.

"When? I don’t recall giving you anything yet," he replied, puzzled.

Louis’s smile grew wider as he spoke, his words carrying a deeper meaning.

"The soulmate declaration... That is the most valuable dowry Callis has bestowed upon my son. Didn’t you say it’s a lifelong commitment? That she desires no other man but him?"

Callis was left speechless, her lips unable to form a response. She hadn’t anticipated Louis to hold her soulmate declaration in such high regard, as it was uniquely considered significant only to the Mederians and the Ro’ans.

Kiev’s disbelief lingered as he questioned, "Are you certain?"

Louis nodded confidently, affirming his stance.

"Yes. Though I don’t know much about this soulmate declaration, from your explanation, it seems so important for you that you even urged them to marry instantly to the extent of requesting it directly to His Majesty, the king."

Rafe and Callis lowered their gazes. Their silence spoke volumes as they chose to withhold the truth. They felt it was best to keep the secret of their marriage to themselves.

Kiev, however, countered Louis’s perspective, determined to adhere to tradition.

"I appreciate your sentiment, but a soulmate declaration cannot be considered a dowry as it is only important to our clan, not yours," he firmly stated.

Unwavered in his position, Louis responded with conviction, "It holds great importance to us too now. Callis declaring Rafe her soulmate means she has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to him. What more could we ask for in a wife? She will stand by him through thick and thin, in good times and bad, until the end of their days. It’s a gift that not just anyone can give."

Kiev’s lips pressed together. His expression was still clouded with disbelief.

"I’m sorry, but I still cannot accept that," he finally admitted. "Callis is a Mederian Princess, and it would be considered a disgrace if we didn’t provide a dowry in the form of valuable items. Please let us know how much money, gold, or other precious gifts you desire. We can even offer you a huge chunk of Rivendelle land if you wish, and Nick can become a lord instantly. It wouldn’t be hard to persuade the land owners to sell them to you at a high price."

"I was only joking!" Nick interjected hastily when his name was mentioned in the conversation.

Resolute in his viewpoint, Louis responded firmly, "Her love for him is more valuable than any material possessions... It is more precious than any other dowry a man could receive."

Eva spoke up, emphasising her perspective, "What is most important to us is to see Rafe happy. When you arrived and I saw how my son treated Callis, I knew they would make a wonderful couple. I could see the love in her eyes for him, and that was more than enough. Right now, the priority is for Rafe to provide and care for her."

"I agree," Louis supported. "You don’t need to send money back home anymore, Rafe. Don’t worry about us. You have a responsibility now as the head of your own family. You need to work harder and start saving to provide for your household."

"Callis has already committed herself to you, so you should show your utmost commitment to her as well," added Eva.

"Yes, father and mother. I assure you, I will take good care of my wife," Rafe declared earnestly.

Kiev took a deep breath, accepting the decision reluctantly.

"Very well... But if you ever change your mind, do let me know. The offer is still open," he stated to Louis.

"There’s no need for reconsideration. We will not discuss this further as it has already been decided. Thank you for giving us the most valuable dowry," he stated firmly, dismissing the topic.

The Mederian Prince nodded slowly, acknowledging the resolution. Callis, overflowing with joy, couldn’t contain her happiness.

"It’s getting late now. Let’s all go to bed. We have a busy day tomorrow for the banquet," Eva suggested, bringing the conversation to a close.

With that, the family dispersed, ready to rest and prepare for tomorrow. The weighty topic of the dowry had been settled, and the focus shifted back to the joyous occasion of the union between Rafe and Callis.

***

Rafe and Jason found themselves outside in the dark night, illuminated only by a few dim lanterns hanging in the yard. The healer had something to discuss with his brother, and they sought privacy away from the rest of the family.

Rafe pulled out a pouch from his robe and handed it to his brother. Confused, Jason questioned its contents, "What is this?"

"It’s for the banquet tomorrow. You’ll need some money to make the necessary preparations and purchase what is required," Rafe explained.

Jason’s expression turned serious, and he pushed the pouch back towards his brother.

"Take it back! I don’t need it," he declared firmly.

"The celebration is for me and my wife. I should be contributing. Please, take it," Rafe urged.

"Didn’t you hear what mother and father said earlier? You should be thinking about your own family. You’re married now and have a wife to care for," Jason asserted.

"Callis won’t mind. Besides, I’ve earned enough money to support both of us," the healer reassured him.

"Rafe, listen to me," Jason said, his tone serious. "You married a princess, a Mederian no less. Are you fully aware of your wife’s high status? Do you understand the responsibility that comes with it?"

Confused, Rafe asked, "What do you mean?"

Jason took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding.

"Being married to a princess brings certain expectations and obligations. As her husband, you have a duty to ensure her well-being and uphold her status. It’s not just about providing for her immediate needs, but also about maintaining her honour and reputation."

"Callis is not a demanding person," said Rafe. Though his acquaintance with his wife was short, based on her behaviour, he was confident that Callis was a humble princess.

"I know she’s a warm woman. I can tell even though we’ve just met. Still, you can’t treat or take her lightly for granted just because she loves you. She is someone’s precious daughter and sister. I can see how much her brother cares for her. Otherwise, why would a prince come to our humble abode? I don’t know why, but his sharp red eyes somehow intimidate me, though he’s approachable. I have a feeling that if you don’t take good care of your wife, there’s a chance he might do something to you," Jason warned.

"That’s just your feeling," Rafe dismissed the opinion.

"I may not be as smart as you, but I have keen observation skills, and they hardly go wrong. Also, his wife, Lady Elisabeth, seems a bit off, too," Jason continued.

"What are you saying?" Rafe questioned, worried that his brother might sniff the deception.

"She was too cautious and hardly spoke. Somehow, she seemed scared. Is Kiev treating her well? He mentioned that they got married just five months ago when we chatted in the afternoon," Jason explained.

"Elis is just not feeling well from the journey. Don’t worry about it," Rafe tried to reassure him.

"Fine. I won’t meddle in other people’s business. But please keep your money. We have enough already. Nick and I are both adults and working. We can take care of the expenses," Jason insisted.

"Now you make me feel guilty," Rafe confessed.

"You don’t have to. Your main responsibility now is to provide for your wife. Tomorrow, go and get her the biggest wedding ring you can buy. If you don’t have enough money, you can borrow mine. But make sure she’s satisfied. Don’t disgrace yourself and let people gossip that you are incapable of taking care of your Mederian Princess wife," Jason advised.

"All right! I’ll buy her a special ring. Don’t worry about the money. I have enough," Rafe agreed.

Jason smiled.

"Hey, Rafe... I haven’t said this yet... Congratulations on your marriage and for getting such a beautiful and good wife. I hope your children will inherit her looks rather than yours... because you’re ugly!"

"Shut up!" Rafe yelled at Jason, attempting to kick his leg. However, the man quickly evaded the assault and ran into the house, laughing.

The healer chased after his mischievous brother, feeling unsatisfied for missing the target. Unbeknownst to them, Kiev was lying on top of the house roof, his hands resting behind his head and his leg crossing his knee as he gazed up at the starry sky.

A smile played on his lips.

"What a unique family," he whispered to himself, appreciating the bonds he had witnessed.