The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 316: Persuasion Effort

Chapter 316: Persuasion Effort

"Oh, my God! Congratulations, Mer!" Anna exclaimed, her excitement barely contained as she received the news of her dear friend’s upcoming engagement.

Blushing shyly, Meredith couldn’t help but share her happiness.

"You have no idea how nervous I was when I met them! I still can’t believe that everything turned out so well!"

Her hands instinctively flew to her cheeks, her face aglow with joy. When she finally lowered her hands, Anna eagerly reached out and grasped them, a broad smile crossing her face.

"I am so happy for you," the princess gushed. "So, when is the betrothal ceremony?"

Meredith’s eyes sparkled as she replied, "It will take place in five days. My father had a meeting with His Grace yesterday, and he gave his approval. The betrothal would be a small private ceremony, and the attendees would be immediate family and friends. However, Her Grace plans to extend an invitation to Their Majesties, as they have been our main supporters throughout this journey. And, of course, you must come too, Anna," she added.

"Definitely! But five days? Isn’t that too soon? There must be so much to do now! You need a dress, a banquet, and betrothal rings, too!" Anna said, her mind already racing with ideas.

Meredith’s smile remained on her lips, but a glimmer of sadness flickered in her eyes.

"Usually, it would be the bride-to-be’s mother who would arrange everything. But as you know, my mother passed away a long time ago, and my father never remarried."

Anna’s expression turned sympathetic as she realised her friend’s despondent remarks.

"Oh, Mer, I’m so sorry."

A grateful look quickly replaced Meredith’s sadness as she continued, "Don’t worry about it! Her Grace has been a tremendous help. After the meeting with my father, we spent the entire day together, making all the necessary arrangements. With her extensive contacts and business relations with merchants in Gantz, everything for the betrothal has been sorted out!"

"That’s incredibly fast!"

Meredith nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes! Her Grace has been so kind. She never pressured me and allowed me to make my own choices. Of course, she offered guidance and advice whenever I needed it, which was immensely helpful. I honestly couldn’t have done it without her."

Anna beamed with admiration for the duchess’s support.

"That is amazing! It’s wonderful to have someone like her by your side, guiding you through this process."

"It truly is. I feel fortunate to have her support, as well as yours, Anna. It means the world to me. Did you know that we’ve actually met before, and she used to embrace me when I was little? I even asked her to be my mother," Meredith revealed.

"No way! Tell me about it!" Anna exclaimed, captivated by the intriguing revelation.

Meredith recounted how she had met Alex’s mother at her mother’s funeral, unaware of her identity.

"I don’t even remember it," she admitted. "It was Her Grace who told me about it. Alex and I were so surprised."

"Oh, my God! So your wish did come true, Mer! How lucky you are!" Anna said with awe. "Did you meet Sir Jarr, too, during that time?"

Meredith shook her head.

"No, according to Her Grace, he was with the governess and didn’t attend the funeral. Somehow, this feels like God fated it. I’m just so glad that everything has worked out smoothly, and soon we’ll be married," she said with a smile.

Anna’s eyes sparkled with joy.

"I can’t wait to see you two marry and be together. It’s wonderful that you’ve found someone you love and a new family that accepts you wholeheartedly."

Meredith’s expression was filled with gratitude.

"It truly is a blessing, and all of this happened because of you. If you hadn’t come to Gantz, I wouldn’t have had the chance to meet Alex in person and fall in love. Thank you, Anna."

"I didn’t do anything. Your late mother must have been looking out for you from heaven. She must be delighted to know you have found your happiness," said the princess.

"I believe so, too," Meredith agreed. "Oh, I still have wedding matters to sort out, so I might need several days off. I hope you don’t mind. Still, I’m worried that you might be lonely."

"Of course not! This is the biggest event in your life. You should go and enjoy the moment! Take as much leave as you need. Don’t worry about me. Scarlett and Mary always accompany me, and Her Majesty the Queen frequently invites me to meals. Plus, I have my hands full teaching Laura and Lilith, too," Anna reassured her friend with a warm smile.

"Thank you for understanding, Anna. I really appreciate it," Meredith replied gratefully. "Also, about the training..."

The princess’ eyebrows furrowed slightly as she sensed a hesitation in the noblewoman’s voice.

"What about it?" she asked, curious to know what was on her friend’s mind.

Meredith took a moment before continuing, gathering her thoughts.

"Since I’m getting betrothed and will soon be married, can’t we postpone the training? I won’t be able to be around you as much due to the wedding preparations."

"Oh, Mer! I’ve told you before, you don’t need to worry about me," Anna repeated determinedly. "I have already made arrangements with Sir Navin and am committed to the training. It’s something I want to pursue. Besides, Rafe will be back soon and will accompany me too. And don’t forget, the training will start lightly, so there’s nothing to be concerned about! I’ll excuse Sir Jarr from the training so that he can be with you during your wedding preparations."

"All right, if you say so," Meredith finally conceded, knowing that it was impossible to have Anna change her decision.

***

The door creaked open, and Meredith stepped outside, spotting Eric and Alex waiting in the hallway. As soon as they noticed her, the two knights hurried over to her. Meredith closed the door behind her, signalling for them to move a little further away from it, ensuring privacy for their conversation.

"So, how did it go?" the second-in-command knight asked in anticipation.

"She was happy when I conveyed the news... but..." Meredith let out a sigh.

Eric could already sense the defeat in her voice.

"I can tell from your sigh. She doesn’t want to postpone the training and still wants to continue, right?"

The noblewoman nodded, her expression reflecting her disappointment.

"Yes, that’s correct. She’s determined to continue despite the wedding preparations. I’m sorry I couldn’t convince her otherwise."

"Don’t worry about it. I knew it would be difficult to change her mind. But at least we tried," Eric voiced out.

Mentioning Anna’s decision, Meredith continued, "She said that she would relieve Alex from his standby duties during the training as we need time to prepare for our wedding."

Alex, who had been listening quietly, spoke up, "It’s fine. I don’t need the relief. Looking after Lady Raychard is my duty."

Eric shook his head.

"Don’t worry about it, Alex. Prioritise your wedding preparations. His Highness has ordered you to marry quickly, so please focus on that. Leave the safety of Lady Raychard to me and the rest of the knights. We’ll ensure that she’s well taken care of. You can take a few days off."

Alex nodded gratefully.

"Yes, Sir Navin. Thank you."

Meredith looked at Eric, feeling a mix of gratitude and concern.

"I appreciate it, Sir Navin. Thank you for your support and understanding. I trust that Lady Raychard will be in capable hands with you and the others."

Eric gave her an assuring smile.

"You have my word, Lady Grey. We will do everything in our power to ensure her safety and well-being. Now, go and focus on your wedding preparations. This is a special time in your life, and you both deserve to enjoy it."

Meredith felt a surge of gratitude building up within her, and she nodded appreciatively. A profound sense of relief embraced her heart, lifting the weight of worry that had burdened her.

The noblewoman’s gaze shifted to Alex, and in that moment, they exchanged a meaningful smile, understanding passing between them without needing words.

An atmosphere of joy and contentment enveloped them, infusing the air with a palpable sense of happiness.

***

Ayden closed the thick book of medications and returned it to the rack. He had spent the entire morning reading its contents, but the book that usually captivated his attention somehow failed to ignite his usual passion. A small sigh escaped his lips, and his face bore a gloomy expression, reflecting the weight of his thoughts.

A gentle knock interrupted his time, and Rosalie, the chief maid, entered the treatment room after receiving permission. She was accompanied by a servant carrying a basket filled with neatly folded linens.

"Where would you like us to put these linens, Mr Norman?" Rosalie inquired.

Ayden, still lost in his thoughts, responded without looking up.

"The right cupboard will do."

Rosalie relayed Ayden’s instructions to the servant, who promptly began storing the linens in the designated cupboard. The assistant healer remained motionless, his gaze fixed on the bookshelves, his hands crossed over his chest.

Ayden picked up another book from the shelve and placed it on the desk. He sat, his hand propping his chin as he began flipping through the pages, bearing a dull expression.

"Good. You’re dismissed," Rosalie said to the servant after he had finished his task.

The servant bowed and left the treatment room while Ayden continued to feign absorption in the book he was reading, not bothering to pay attention to them. Rosalie, however, took a seat in front of the desk, facing the assistant healer.

"What’s the matter, Mr Norman? You haven’t been yourself lately," she asked with concern.

Ayden glanced at her, his expression still guarded.

"What do you mean? I’m perfectly fine."

Rosalie stared at the assistant healer, seeing through his facade.

"You’ve been unusually clumsy at work, which is unlike you. If you were fine, you wouldn’t be behaving this way. Just the other day, you spilt an entire bottle of medicine on the linens. And, may I add..."

The chief maid’s eyes shifted to the book Ayden was reading, a bemused smile playing on her lips. "Why are you reading a book upside down? I didn’t know you possessed such skills."

Ayden’s gaze followed Rosalie’s, and he realised she was right. The book in front of him was indeed facing upside down. He quickly turned it around to the correct orientation, his fair face flush with embarrassment. Rosalie couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight.

"Stop pretending to be busy. What’s bothering you? Your mind has been somewhere else lately. Tell me about it," Rosalie urged, her tone gentle yet persuasive. "Or maybe, are you thinking about someone?"