The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 319: An Old Man’s Mischievous Plan

Chapter 319: An Old Man’s Mischievous Plan

Rania stood poised at the grand foyer, delicately holding two pristine white envelopes in her hands. Her eyes roamed the expanse of the Count of Medhir’s magnificent mansion, awestruck by its splendour.

A servant had instructed her to wait in this spot, and she eagerly absorbed the luxurious interior decor as anticipation coursed through her.

Amidst the splendid view, Rania’s keen ears caught the sound of footfalls resonating through the hallway. Her gaze swiftly turned towards the source, and to her astonishment, she saw two distinguished noblemen approaching in her direction; they were Liam, accompanied by his son, Aaron, who held his hand firmly, ensuring his safety as they walked up the corridor.

Knowing who they were, Rania gracefully bowed before the two noble gentlemen and offered her heartfelt greetings, "Greetings, Lord Liam Pearce and Lord Aaron Pearce!"

Although an undeniable sense of intimidation washed over her in the presence of these lords, Rania was pleasantly surprised to find that they acknowledged her with genuine politeness.

"Hello there. I don’t recall seeing you before. Are you running an errand for someone?" Aaron inquired, his curiosity piqued as he observed the unfamiliar maid.

The emblem on Rania’s uniform sparked a sense of familiarity, yet he couldn’t quite place where he had seen it before.

"Yes, my Lord. I am Rania Miller, the personal maid of Lady Meredith Grey, daughter of Lord Grey," Rania introduced herself with a respectful demeanour.

Liam turned to his son.

"Isn’t he one of the ministers of the royal court?" he asked.

"Yes, father. You’re right! Now I remember," Aaron replied, recalling the connection.

He then turned his attention to Rania and inquired, "What brings Lady Meredith Grey’s personal maid here today?"

"I am here on behalf of my lady to extend an invitation," Rania replied.

"An invitation?" the Marquese questioned.

"Yes, my lady will be betrothed to Sir Alex Jarr this weekend. So she wishes to invite Lady Sylvia Rogers, a dear friend of hers, to attend the ceremony," Rania conveyed.

"Alex Jarr? Isn’t he the second son of the Duke of Sanad?" Aaron inquired, seeking clarification.

"Yes, my Lord. He is also a high-ranking Knight of Gerhard, currently serving His Royal Highness, the Grand Duke of Gerhard," the maid confirmed.

"Ah, I see... So Sylvia’s friend is getting engaged to Drystan’s comrade. How interesting!" Aaron remarked, a smile spreading across his face.

Liam’s countenance mirrored his son’s as a smile of delight appeared on his lips.

"Is the invitation solely for Sylvia?" the Marquese asked.

"Oh, surely no. My lady also extends her invitation to Lady Rogers’s family as well, and if my Lords wish to attend, you are most cordially invited," Rania replied.

"Thank you for the invitation," Aaron expressed his gratitude.

"Is Sir Drystan Mills also invited to the ceremony?" inquired Liam, seeking clarification.

"Yes, my Lord. Lady Grey, being the lady-in-waiting to His Highness the Grand Duke’s concubine, Lady Anna Raychard, is well aware that Sir Drystan Mills is currently stationed here on His Highness’s instructions. So, I brought an invitation card for him as well. Given that Sir Mills is also a close friend of Sir Jarr, his presence is eagerly anticipated," the maid explained.

Liam nodded, understanding the significance of Sir Drystan Mills’s inclusion.

"That’s good to know," he acknowledged with a hint of satisfaction.

Just then, the awaited servant arrived, bowing respectfully to both lords. She then turned to Rania and beckoned her to follow.

"Lady Sylvia Rogers is currently having brunch at the dining hall. She has requested your presence. It’s right this way," the servant informed.

Rania complied with the servant’s guidance, excusing herself from Liam and Aaron as she redirected her steps towards the dining hall. The Marquese subtly observed her departure from the corner of his eye.

"Let’s go to the dining hall," Liam suddenly suggested to his son, surprising Aaron with the change of plan.

Previously, the Marquese had asked his company to the garden for fresh air.

"Do you wish to have something to eat, father? I can have the servants prepare a meal for you," Aaron offered, considering his father’s needs.

Liam shook his head, declining the offer.

"No, I want to witness Sylvia’s reaction."

Aaron’s curiosity was piqued, but he refrained from further inquiries. Complying with his father’s wishes, both father and son turned and made their way towards the dining room.

The faint but distinct sounds of excitement and exclamation filtered through the door as they approached. Sylvia was radiant, her face illuminated with joy upon receiving the news of her best friend’s betrothal.

"You seem quite excited, Sylvia," the Marquess remarked with a smile as he entered the dining hall with Aaron.

Upon seeing their arrival, Rania respectfully bowed to them.

"Oh, my best friend Meredith is getting betrothed, grandfather," Sylvia replied, her tone filled with delight.

"Yes, I heard. This maid informed me. We met earlier in the foyer," the Marquess shared, recalling his encounter with Rania.

"They are deeply in love, and now they are getting married. I couldn’t be happier for them!" the noblewoman said joyfully.

"I can see that... and the man your friend is betrothed to is the second son of the Duke of Sanad, correct?" Liam inquired.

"Yes, that’s right! He is one of the knights escorting Lady Anna Raychard, the concubine of His Highness the Grand Duke. Lady Raychard is also a dear friend of mine," Sylvia confirmed.

"Miss Rania Miller mentioned that he is also a close companion to Drystan," Aaron interjected.

Upon hearing the knight’s name, Sylvia composed herself, her expression becoming more guarded.

"Indeed, he is. They often serve together on duty," she replied in a lower voice.

"I have an invitation for Sir Mills as well, my lady. May I inquire about his whereabouts so I may deliver the invitation?" Rania requested.

"He is most likely in his room. Allow the servant to guide you there," Sylvia responded, gesturing towards the waiting servant.

The servant nodded, prepared to fulfil her duty, and asked Rania to follow her. However, before the maid could turn to leave, Sylvia posed a question, "Is Meredith currently at the palace?"

"Lady Grey has most likely left now, my lady. She informed me she would take a few days of leave to attend her wedding preparations," Rania replied.

"Ah, yes, I forgot! I really wished I could speak with her, but she must be preoccupied by now. Never mind, I will see her during the ceremony. Oh, how thrilling!" Sylvia exclaimed excitedly.

"She would be delighted to see you on her special day," Rania assured her. "Now, if you’ll excuse me, Lady Rogers, I must continue my task. I must return promptly as my services are required at the mansion," Rania added.

"Yes, of course! Thank you, Rania!" Sylvia responded gratefully.

The maid bowed to Sylvia, and as she passed by the door where the Marquess and Aaron stood, she offered another respectful bow to them.

As the dining hall door closed behind her, Aaron turned to Sylvia and inquired, "So, you will be attending the betrothal ceremony, won’t you?"

"Definitely, Uncle Aaron! Meredith is my best friend, and she invited the entire family! We can go together!" Sylvia replied enthusiastically.

"Betrothals are usually conducted in private ceremonies. It may not be necessary for the whole family to attend, unlike a wedding," Liam interjected.

"Yes, father." Aaron nodded in agreement.

"You don’t want to come?" Sylvia asked, surprised by her uncle’s response.

"I must stay with your grandfather to take care of him," Aaron replied.

"But, grandfather seems better these days," said Sylvia with a hopeful tone.

"I don’t feel like going to a crowded place. I’m not ready to go out yet," Liam responded.

"Your grandfather is right. He is still unwell and needs more time to recover. Since Uncle Chris has returned to manage the march, it would be best for me and Uncle Daniel to accompany him," Aaron added.

"In that case, I will go with my father and mother. Don’t worry, I won’t be gone for long and will return just in time for your medicine, grandfather," Sylvia assured him.

"Why don’t you just go as our representative? Don’t worry about me. Your mother and father can take care of my medication. Besides, you would want to spend time with your friends," Liam suggested.

"Are you sure, grandfather?" Sylvia asked, taken aback. "The ceremony will be held in the evening..." she hesitated.

In their traditions, it was customary for a maiden not to venture out alone at night without a guardian.

"Yes, why not? You can bring your personal maid and a few escorts to ensure your safety. You are now an adult, and I trust you to handle this responsibility well," Liam replied firmly.

Aaron glanced at his father, his reluctance evident. He knew Liam was strict and adhered to the tradition, so his decision to allow Sylvia to go out without a guardian bewildered him.

"Oh, thank you, grandfather!" Sylvia exclaimed with gratitude. "I’m going to go and choose which dress to wear for the ceremony! Or perhaps I should buy a new one!" Her excitement was palpable.

"Go ahead and enjoy the moment," the Marquess replied with a smile.

Sylvia left the dining hall, her happiness evident as she departed. Aaron watched his niece as she left, then turned to the Marquess and voiced his concern, "Why would you allow her to go without a guardian? Shouldn’t Denise accompany her?"

The Marquess took a moment before responding.

"It has been a few days since Drystan stayed in this mansion, and their relationship hasn’t progressed. It’s time to take action and ignite some sparks," Liam explained, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips.

"You’re planning to make them go together?" Aaron asked, surprised by his father’s intentions.

The Marquess nodded, and Aaron’s expression grew more concerned. He knew how strongly Drystan and Sylvia opposed the idea of being a match, but he had never informed his father about it, fearing the impact it might have on the Marquess’s health.

Observing his son’s serious demeanour, Liam spoke again.

"I am aware that they are not in agreement regarding their matchmaking..."

"You knew?" Aaron interrupted, astonished.

Liam chuckled lightly.

"Am I not the northern warrior? I still possess the ability to observe well. I can tell they are pretending to be fine in front of me but quarrelling about it behind me."

"You are indeed observant, father," Aaron acknowledged. "Nevertheless, we will ensure that they both get married. Sylvia is an obedient child, and she will comply with your wishes even if she doesn’t have feelings for him," he added.

"That’s precisely why we need to ignite the spark. Feelings are crucial in initiating a relationship. We all know that Drystan is the right match for her, but she hasn’t realised it yet," Liam explained.

"I’m unsure if Sylvia would want to attend the betrothal ceremony with him. And even if they do, I’m uncertain how the spark would occur," Aaron expressed his doubts.

The Marquess clicked his tongue disapprovingly while shaking his head. "Tsk, tsk... You’re younger than me. How can a young man like you not know how to make a woman fall for a man?" he questioned.

"Father, I have an arranged marriage, and I have never courted a woman before," Aaron admitted, feeling embarrassed.

"Don’t tell me you did nothing to earn affection from your wife? Then how did your sons come about?" Liam retorted.

"That’s different! We’re already married!" Aaron protested, his ears reddening.

"It’s mostly the same. Women are easily drawn to men who are protective, caring, and responsible. Drystan possesses all of these qualities but has never shown them to her. It’s about time for her to see how good he is for her," the Marquess confidently stated.

"But how?" Aaron inquired.

"Let everything unfold naturally," Liam replied with a smile. "Just make sure that on the evening of the ceremony, there are no available carriages, not even for rent."

"You want them to ride a horse together?" Aaron asked, surprised.

"Why not? Drystan is a skilled rider, and Sylvia wouldn’t want to miss her best friend’s important day," Liam said.

"She will likely ask her father or one of us to send her there instead," countered Aaron.

"That’s why Denise and her husband shouldn’t be present that evening. As for you and Daniel, either one only should stay back to look after me. Understand?" the Marquess instructed.

Aaron took a moment to digest his father’s plan. Then, his face brightened.

"Ah, I see! You’re brilliant, father," he complimented.

"Now, take me back to my room and inform the others about the plan," Liam directed.

"Don’t you want to go to the garden anymore?" Aaron asked.

"No need. I already feel refreshed," the Marquess replied with a smile.

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