The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 341: Grandfather’s Mischievous Plan Onset

Chapter 341: Grandfather’s Mischievous Plan Onset

"Achoo!" Sylvia sneezed for the third time, her nose turning red from the persistent sneezing.

"My lady, I believe you are unwell. Your body temperature seems slightly elevated. It would be wise for you to stay behind and rest," her personal maid advised, gently brushing her hair.

"No way! Are you out of your mind?" Sylvia exclaimed, her reflection in the mirror revealing her anger upon hearing the maid’s suggestion. The maid’s shoulders jolted in surprise at her sudden outburst.

Sylvia turned to her personal maid with a grouchy expression.

"This is my best friend’s betrothal ceremony! How can I possibly miss it just because of a few sneezes? Besides, it’s the first time my grandfather has allowed me to spend the night out without a chaperone! Opportunities like this are rare, and I won’t let them slip away so easily!" she scolded her personal maid.

The maid looked down guiltily.

"Forgive me, my lady. I was only concerned for your health."

"Stop worrying unnecessarily! Now, go and check if my carriage is ready! We should be departing soon. I don’t want to miss the event," urged Sylvia, turning back to the mirror to finish her makeup.

"Yes, my lady," the maid replied, placing the brush down and hurrying towards the door.

Once Sylvia finished her makeup, she stood up and adjusted her appearance before the long-standing mirror at the corner of the chamber. She scrutinised her reflection from different angles, ensuring her appearance was elegant for the evening’s event.

Just then, Sylvia’s personal maid rushed into the chamber, her face clouded with worry.

"My lady! There’s been an issue with the carriage!" she reported urgently.

"What’s the matter?" the noble lady asked, observing her maid’s alarmed expression.

"The driver informed me that the carriage axle is broken and cannot be fixed tonight. He can only get a replacement part tomorrow morning," the maid explained.

"What? How is it possible that he didn’t notice it earlier? Why did this happen now?" Sylvia questioned in disbelief.

"He said it happened suddenly! Everything was fine when he inspected it during the day," the maid replied.

"Well, then, find another carriage! What’s the problem?" Sylvia responded discontentedly.

"I apologise, my lady. I have already inquired, but none of the other carriages are available. Lord Chris Pearce took one with him as an additional carriage for his goods when he returned to the march, while our Lord the Count and Lady the Countess took several carriages for separate business purposes. The remaining carriages are currently undergoing maintenance," explained the personal maid.

"You’ve got to be kidding me!" Sylvia exclaimed, storming out of the chamber and heading towards the main hall.

Her personal maid followed closely behind. The carriage driver was summoned and quickly arrived to meet the noble lady to explain the situation.

"What do you mean there are no rental carriages available?" Sylvia’s voice echoed angrily through the main hall, and her eyes were wide open upon hearing his answer.

The carriage driver looked down, fidgeting with his hat.

"It’s true, my lady. When I discovered that none of our carriages were available for your use, I immediately tried to secure a rental carriage. However, they have all been booked, in service, or undergoing repairs," he explained.

"No! This... this can’t be happening! Tell me this isn’t happening! Urghh!" Sylvia yelled in frustration, her face turning red as she slumped onto a settee.

From the hallway, Daniel entered the main hall, holding Liam’s left hand as they approached. The marquess’s cane, held by his right hand, rapped against the floor.

"What’s the matter, Sylvia? I could hear your voice from afar. What has happened?" Liam asked as they reached the main hall.

"Grandfather!" Sylvia stood up, her eyes reddened and tears welling up.

She rushed to her grandfather and buried her face in his chest, bursting into loud sobs. Amidst her cries, she explained the cause of her sadness to him.

"I want to go! Mer would be waiting for me! I haven’t seen her in a while! How can I miss this important event?" she cried.

"There, there now... Surely there must be a solution for you to attend," Daniel said, gently patting his crying niece’s back to soothe her.

"I don’t care! If I have to ride a horse, I will! I can’t miss this! I really can’t!" Sylvia exclaimed.

"You know you’re not skilled at riding a horse. You had a fall from one when you were a child. Your mother would be furious if I let you ride alone. It’s out of the question, and everyone knows it," Daniel replied.

"Then... can’t you accompany me? Mother would be fine with it if I rode with you," Sylvia pleaded.

"I would love to, but who will accompany your grandfather?" Daniel asked.

The noble lady pouted, looking crestfallen.

"I’m so sorry, Sylvia. I wish I were in better health and didn’t require constant assistance. But now, I am an old man who needs help most of the time," Liam said remorsefully.

"Please don’t say that, grandfather. It’s not your fault. Uncle Daniel is right. He should stay behind and look after you," Sylvia said, relenting. "What about Uncle Aaron? Can’t he take me with him?" she asked, hoping.

"I’m sorry, but he has already left. He mentioned some urgent matters to attend to and won’t be back until midnight," Daniel replied.

Sylvia sighed in disappointment, her nose still sniffling.

Just then, Drystan emerged from the hallway, looking dashing with his neatly combed brown hair slicked back. He appeared even more handsome than usual, his robust knightly figure adorned in a long black jacket with elaborate embroideries on the chest and sleeves.

A white ruffled tunic peeked from beneath, paired with white trousers. He held a cloak in his hand and walked with heavy black boots, ready to attend Alex’s betrothal ceremony.

As he passed them, the knight paused his steps and bowed respectfully towards the marquess and his son.

"Ah... Drystan! Are you about to leave for Sir Jarr’s event?" Liam asked.

"Yes, I am. Lord Aaron Pearce informed me that I could attend. Is that fine to you, my lord?" Drystan replied.

"Of course! Sir Alex Jarr is your comrade and a close friend. You should go," Liam responded.

Sylvia’s eyes shifted to the knight.

"That’s it! You’re going to the event too! Can I go with you?" she asked, her tone filled with hope as she wiped away her tears.

Drystan was taken aback by the noble lady’s sudden request, and what was more surprising to him was her condition.

"I don’t believe that would be appropriate, my lady. You should find an alternative mode of transportation. But... may I know what happened to you?" he asked, observing Sylvia’s smudged makeup from her crying.

"She doesn’t have a carriage to go to the event. None are available at the moment. It seems she’s going to miss the party," Daniel explained.

"Oh, no! I really want to go! Please!" Sylvia began to cry once more.

Feeling pity for his only granddaughter, Liam proposed, "Drystan, if you don’t mind, could you take her with you? Sylvia is not a skilled rider and needs someone to ride with her."

"Pardon me?" Drystan responded, surprised by the unexpected request.

"It’s not like she has any other option now," Daniel added.

"But I’ll be riding my horse. I don’t think Lady Rogers would be comfortable," said the knight, expressing his concerns.

"I don’t mind! Really! Please! I can’t miss Mer’s party! I must attend it! It means so much to her!" Sylvia pleaded. "Please, Sir Mills, do take me with you!"

Drystan hesitated, unsure of what to say or do at that moment.

"Indeed, she’s right. Sylvia and Lady Grey have been best friends since they were young. Lady Grey would be heartbroken if Sylvia didn’t attend. Besides, you’re also going to the same event. It wouldn’t be much trouble for you, would it?" Daniel persuaded.

Drystan hesitated before responding, "Umm... It’s not that I don’t want to help. But Lady Rogers is a maiden... So, it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to ride with me."

"Oh, come on! It won’t be a big issue if you act as her chaperone for the night. You practically belong to the family anyway! What’s there to be concerned about?" Liam interjected, his tone filled with conviction.

"Her chaperone? But I’m not her guardian!" protested the knight.

"Then become one, just for tonight. Will you?" Liam’s insistence silenced Drystan.

The knight’s gaze shifted to Sylvia, who looked at him with hope. After a moment of contemplation, he let out a deep breath.

"Fine. I’ll be her chaperone for tonight."

"Great! Problem solved! You can go with him, Sylvia," Liam declared.

"The escorts can follow me," proposed Drystan.

"What’s the need for escorts? You’re the Knight of Gerhard. You alone are more than capable of taking care of her," stated the marquess confidently.

"Only me and her going there?" Drystan sought clarification once more.

"Yes, why not? I have complete trust in you. But remember, as her chaperone, you must ensure her safety. It’s your duty to accompany her to the event and bring her back safely. Don’t let her go with anyone else. I’m entrusting her to your care," Liam explained, highlighting the importance of his trust.

"Yes, my lord. I will take care of her," Drystan bowed respectfully, a sense of responsibility settling upon him.

Sylvia felt a surge of relief and gratitude.

"Thank you, Sir Mills! Thank you so much!"

"Right. We must depart now, Lady Rogers, or we will be late. There’s no time to waste," Drystan said sternly.

"But, my lady, your face..." Sylvia’s personal maid interjected.

Sylvia quickly cut off her maid’s words, determined to make the most of the situation.

"Don’t worry about it! I’ll fix my appearance when we arrive! Get my makeup pouch! Hurry!" she ordered.

The maid nodded and quickly scurried off to the chamber to fetch Sylvia’s makeup pouch. As soon as she returned and handed it to the noble lady, Sylvia turned to Drystan, brimming with excitement.

"Let’s go now, Sir Mills!" she exclaimed, eager to embark on their journey.

"Why are you still addressing Drystan so formally, Sylvia? He has been staying with us for quite a while. He’s your chaperone tonight, so it would be more appropriate to address him by his first name," Daniel suggested, a warm smile on his face. "And Drystan, you should also call her Sylvia."

Sylvia turned to Drystan, who seemed hesitant.

"Would it be all right if I called you by your first name?" she asked, hoping to ease any discomfort he might feel.

The knight furrowed his brow slightly but nodded out of respect for the two lords he admired.

"Yes, that would be fine. We should go now," Drystan said to Sylvia. Then, his gaze shifted to Daniel and Liam. "Please excuse us, my lords."

He bowed respectfully before turning towards the main entrance.

"I’m going now, grandfather, uncle!" Sylvia called out, waving goodbye after adjusting her robe.

"Enjoy yourself!" Daniel waved back, while Liam smiled.

Drystan stepped outside through the main door, descending the stairs where the stableboy awaited, holding the reins of his warhorse. Sylvia hurriedly caught up from behind.

"Drystan, wait for me!" she called out, not wanting to be left behind.

"Hurry up, Sylvie!" the knight urged.

Sylvia halted her steps, taken aback.

"What did you call me? Sylvie? That’s not my name."

"Sylvie... Sylvia... What difference does it make? It’s easier to pronounce anyway," Drystan replied nonchalantly.

"But..."

"Are you coming or not?" he interrupted, eager to get on their way.

"Yes!" Sylvia answered, determined not to let a nickname ruin the evening.

As soon as Sylvia reached the warhorse, Drystan lifted her onto it, his strong hands surprising her with their firm grip. Once she was settled, he leapt onto the horse as well, preparing to embark on the journey.

"Hold onto the saddle horn tightly. I’m going to ride fast so we can reach there quickly," Drystan instructed.

"All right!" Sylvia replied, placing her hands on the saddle horn and gripping it firmly.

Drystan looked up at the dark sky.

"I have a feeling the weather won’t be pleasant later."

"Oh, it’ll be fine! Can we go now?" Sylvia eagerly urged.

"Fine. Hold still," he said, his tone softening.

Suddenly, Sylvia felt Drystan’s arm encircling her waist, causing a jolt of surprise to run through her body. His proximity was closer than expected.

"I need to hold you so you won’t fall. Rest your back against my chest. Since you’re not accustomed to riding, you need to relax, or you’ll be in pain tomorrow from the strain," Drystan advised.

"All right. Please take care of me, Drystan," Sylvia responded, appreciating his attentiveness.

"I surely will. Let’s go. Hiargh!"

Drystan pulled the reins as he made the sound, signalling it to move. The warhorse responded to its master’s urging, starting with a steady trot that gradually picked up its pace.

Meanwhile, from a distance, three pairs of eyes observed the couple’s departure from a windowpane.

"It’s going as planned, father," Aaron, who had been hiding previously, whispered.

"Yes, it is," Liam affirmed with satisfaction.

"I heard Drystan calling her Sylvie," Daniel remarked, a smile forming on his face.

"Aww... he’s already given her a nickname! How sweet my future grandson-in-law is!" the marquess praised, feeling a sense of joy.

The three men chuckled, knowing that the night would surely be a memorable one for them.