The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 346: The Marquess Impaired Memories

Chapter 346: The Marquess Impaired Memories

Drystan felt the heat radiating from her skin. In a hurried motion, he shook her gently.

"Wake up, Sylvie! Wake up!"

She stirred but didn’t fully awaken. The knight briskly patted her cheeks, and soon, Sylvia opened her eyelids, her voice weak.

"My head is pounding, Drystan," she uttered in discomfort.

"That’s because you’re burning up with a fever! I told you to take off your clothes!" he exclaimed. "This is bad!"

"I’m cold! I can’t bear it," she responded weakly, her shivering palpable.

"You must take them off now, or your fever will worsen! How did you catch it so quickly? Were you already feeling unwell before?" he asked, his anxiety mounting.

"I just had a slight flu. It wasn’t that bad..." Sylvia trailed off.

"Why didn’t you tell me earlier!" Drystan’s voice rose with frustration. "That’s it! Take off your clothes now, or I will!"

"No!" Sylvia shouted, her hands instinctively covering her chest.

"Listen to me! I’m not trying to take advantage of you! You’re sick, and if you don’t remove your clothes, it will only get worse! This could be life-threatening! I need to warm you up!" Drystan urgently pleaded.

"But..." Sylvia hesitated, her fear and embarrassment evident.

"You are under my care, and I am responsible for ensuring your safety. If anything happens to you, I would have to bear the consequences. So, please... Sylvie, trust me on this," he gently coaxed.

Sylvia took a moment to gather her thoughts. She was scared, but deep down, she knew that Drystan had her best interests at heart. As her fever continued to rise, she felt weaker, making her decision clear.

"Help me, Drystan. I can’t do it myself," she pleaded, her vulnerability exposed.

The knight nodded. Carefully, he untied the knots of her outfit and began removing her wet clothes. The outer garments clung to her skin, dampening even the inner layers. He had to remove everything, leaving Sylvia only in her short chemise to preserve her modesty.

The knight hung her clothes on the drying line and returned to face her. He wished he had his blanket with him, but he had taken it out for washing and had yet to put it back in the saddlebag.

"Drystan, I’m cold!" Sylvia complained, her body trembling as she felt the wind blowing in from the gaps in the wall planks.

The knight knew he had no other choice.

"Please excuse me for doing this."

Without further delay, he pulled her fragile body into his embrace, but something damp made Sylvia uncomfortable.

"Drystan, your pants are wet," she pointed out.

"If I take them off, I’ll be left only in my braise," he replied, contemplating the situation.

"You took off my clothes, but you kept yours on. It’s making me feel even colder," she voiced her discomfort.

"Fine. I’ll take them off," Drystan relented.

With a swift motion, he pulled down his pants.

"Please warm me," Sylvia pleaded, her shivering intensifying.

The knight embraced her again, rubbing her hands and feet to generate heat. Sylvia didn’t resist, acknowledging that their current predicament necessitated this level of intimacy.

She nestled in closely to him, finding comfort in his embrace. After a moment, the warmth from their closeness started to alleviate her discomfort, and her pounding headache began to subside.

"Are you feeling better?" Drystan inquired, concern evident in his voice.

"Yes, thank you," Sylvia replied with gratitude.

"I know this situation might be uncomfortable for you, but I have to hold you like this to keep you warm. Unfortunately, we don’t have a blanket," he explained apologetically.

"It’s all right. Being in your embrace is making me feel better. You were right. I should have listened to you earlier about removing my clothes," she admitted, realising the wisdom behind his advice.

"This is quite rare. The stubborn Sylvie finally admitted her mistake and acknowledged my advice," the knight teased playfully.

"You do enjoy teasing me, don’t you?"

"Only when you refuse to listen," he quipped.

"Oh, Drystan!" she exclaimed, a little anger in her tone.

The knight chuckled softly. Their eyes met in a fleeting moment that stirred a surge of attraction within both of them.

Drystan then quickly cleared his throat, breaking the spell. Sylvia, too, averted her eyes, halting the little feeling that started to seep through her heart.

"Let’s focus on getting you better. Sleep now. You’ll feel much improved after resting," he urged gently.

"Don’t leave me alone," Sylvia pleaded, thinking that the knight would let go of his arms.

"I’m not going anywhere. I’ll lie down with you to keep you warm," he told her.

Sylvia nodded, trusting his presence and intentions.

They settled down on the makeshift bed, and Drystan held her securely in his arms.

As time passed, fatigue and a sense of security overcame them both, lulling them into a peaceful slumber.

***

The Marquess rose from his seat, his countenance etched with worry.

"Why hasn’t Sylvia returned yet? It’s well past midnight!" he exclaimed in anger.

"They must have encountered trouble due to the rain, father. Daniel and Sylvia’s father had already gone out to search for them. They’ll be back soon," Aaron reassured, attempting to calm his father’s agitation.

Denise, Sylvia’s mother, appeared restless as she sat on the settee, her fingers fidgeting anxiously. Her gaze frequently turned towards the main entrance, hoping for the quick arrival of the young couple who had yet to return from the betrothal ceremony.

"Where is Chris? Shouldn’t he have joined them in the search?" the Marquess inquired, his gaze scanning the room for his third son.

Denise and Aaron exchanged surprised glances before the eldest son responded, "Chris returned to the march as per your orders, father. There’s no one there, so he went back to manage it."

A furrow formed on Liam’s brow.

"He did? I don’t recall..." he muttered.

Just then, a servant rushed in, breathless, and announced, "My Lords! Sir Drystan Mills and Lady Sylvia Rogers have returned!"

A wave of relief swept over the group gathered in the main hall.

"Inform them to join us immediately!" Denise commanded.

"Yes, my lady!" the servant bowed, hastening to convey the message.

Drystan and Sylvia soon entered the main hall, visibly surprised to find almost everyone assembled, awaiting their arrival. The knight respectfully bowed while the noble lady cast her eyes downward, her nervousness palpable as she noticed the stern gazes fixed upon her.

"Where have you been?" Aaron asked impatiently.

"Please forgive us, My Lord. The rain was torrential, obscuring our vision of the road. So, we took a shelter and waited for it to subside," Drystan explained.

"We are all worried sick about you! Your father and Uncle Daniel have gone out searching for you with the guards! Do you realise that you nearly gave us heart attacks?!" Denise nagged.

"I’m sorry, mother. We didn’t mean to make you all worry," Sylvia responded quietly with a tinge of guilt.

"Sylvie... I mean, Sylvia has a fever. That’s why we didn’t rush back home," added Drystan, explaining the situation.

"You have a fever?"

The countess approached her daughter with a concerned expression, placing her palm on Sylvia’s forehead to confirm her elevated body temperature.

Glancing at Drystan, Denise turned to him angrily, "Why did she suddenly fall ill like this? How have you been taking care of my daughter?"

"Mother, please! It’s not Drystan’s fault. I was already feeling unwell before we left. I didn’t tell anyone because I was afraid all of you wouldn’t allow me to attend Meredith’s event. It’s my fault. So, please don’t blame him," Sylvia interjected, pleading for understanding.

Suddenly, the marquess let out a small laugh, surprising everyone present.

"Why didn’t you inform me that Sylvia went out with her husband? If you had, I wouldn’t have had to worry about her," he said.

"Father, what are you talking about?" Denise asked, clearly confused.

Sylvia and Drystan exchanged bewildered glances, equally perplexed by Liam’s words.

"Grandfather, Drystan and I are not married," the noble lady clarified, revealing the true nature of their relationship.

"What nonsense are you spouting? He is my grandson-in-law! He is the Knight of Gerhard, a candidate I personally chose for you! You are already married to him! I was present at your wedding!" the marquess countered determinedly.

"Oh no, it’s happening again," the countess whispered, her face turned pale.

"Please, tell me I haven’t become confused. They are married, aren’t they?" the marquess asked his son, seeking confirmation.

"Father, they have yet to be married," Aaron explained patiently, attempting to clarify the situation.

"No! That can’t be true! Her father gave her away to Drystan! I witnessed it! She was wearing the most exquisite wedding gown! It was a grand celebration! Everyone was overjoyed! I remember it vividly! I am not senile!" the marquess insisted, not believing his son’s reply as he shook his head in denial.

"Father, let me explain..." Aaron started but was interrupted.

"No! I don’t want to listen to you! You’re lying! They are married! I remember it clearly! I’m a northern warrior! I couldn’t have mistaken about my granddaughter’s wedding ceremony!" the marquess exclaimed, his words reflecting his determination to hold onto his memories.

Liam grew increasingly restless, his distress evident as he muttered to himself, appearing more confused and disturbed by the situation.

Sensing his unease, Drystan approached him.

He gently placed a hand on Liam’s shoulder and cautiously said, "Yes, you’re right. We recently held a wedding."

A wave of relief washed over the marquess, transforming his clouded expression into one of cheerfulness once again.

"See? What did I tell you?" he said, glancing at Aaron, who remained silent. "He admits it himself! I can never be wrong! I remember him calling Sylvia by a nickname. What was it? Ahh... Sylvie!"

Aaron lowered his gaze, his sorrowful expression revealing his understanding that the marquess was experiencing another episode of hallucination, his memories jumbled and confused.

"Yes, father. I forgot," Aaron replied softly.

Given the fragile nature of the elderly man’s condition, it was wisest to relent to him for the time being. Getting into a fight with him would only exacerbate his illness, considering his current state.

"Now, Denise, don’t blame Drystan for Sylvia’s fever," Liam interjected, this time to his daughter. "The weather was bad. It was raining and cold outside. Anyone could easily fall ill under such conditions."

Sylvia fought back the tears as she realised her grandfather’s symptoms were resurfacing. The marquess noticed her flushed cheeks.

"Drystan, your wife is unwell. Why don’t you take her to the chamber to rest?" Liam ordered. "Aaron, summon a healer immediately. She needs medical attention."

"It’s all right. I have given her some tonic, and with rest, she should recover," the knight reassured. "There’s no need for a healer at this late hour. I will call for one if she is still unwell in the morning."

"I understand. You want to take care of your beloved wife yourself. What a remarkable grandson-in-law I have here. I made the right choice," Liam remarked, smiling.

Changing the subject, Drystan suggested, "My Lord, since it is late and we have all returned safely, why don’t you retire and rest? We can reconvene in the morning and have breakfast together."

"Yes, that sounds like a good idea. You also need to take care of Sylvia," the marquess agreed. "I will see you in the morning. Oh, and Drystan..."

"Yes, My Lord?" the knight responded.

"Drop the formalities. You should address me as your grandfather now. After all, aren’t we family already?" Liam said warmly.

"Ah... yes, grandfather," Drystan acknowledged.

Liam nodded with satisfaction.

"Denise, please accompany me to my chamber, and Aaron, send someone to inform the search groups that Drystan and Sylvia have returned," the marquess ordered.

Both of his children complied with their father’s request. Denise took the marquess’s hand and guided him out of the main hall to his chamber while Aaron called for a servant to relay the message.

Soon, only the three of them remained in the room.

"Thank you for calming him," Aaron expressed his gratitude to Drystan.

"I didn’t do much," the knight replied humbly. "I simply went along with His Lordship and told a few white lies to calm him down. Please forgive me for my actions."

"No, Drystan, you did the right thing," Aaron reassured him. "Continuing to argue with him would have only made matters worse."

Aaron then looked at Drystan and Sylvia again and inquired, "Tell me, did the rain truly strand you, or did something else occur?"

"We were indeed stranded, My Lord. Nothing else happened," Drystan replied, keeping his response brief.

Though they had not engaged in coitus, the couple was aware of the possible consequences that could occur if the truth about their night together in the barn came to light. They decided to keep it a secret in order to protect themselves from any possible difficulties that might emerge from its disclosure, well knowing of the repercussions.

"Very well, I believe you," Aaron nodded.

Turning to Sylvia, he continued, "Your grandfather fell ill again because he was apprehensive about you. He didn’t sleep a wink and anxiously awaited your return."

"I’m so sorry. I never intended to make him sick again," Sylvia said, her voice filled with remorse.

"The royal healer has warned us that any shocking news can be dangerous for him," Aaron explained.

"I promise I won’t allow anything that could harm him! I won’t go out anymore! I’ll stay within the mansion!"

Sylvia burst into tears.

"That’s not a solution, Sylvia. You cannot confine yourself within the mansion forever. You have a life to live as well. I believe you know what he truly desires," Aaron said gently.

"Tell me, Uncle Aaron! I’ll do anything! I can’t bear to see him like this anymore!" Sylvia pleaded desperately.

"You heard him yourself. He now believes that you and Drystan are married and even hallucinates about your wedding ceremony. He wants you to be with Drystan as husband and wife," Aaron responded.

"But, My Lord, Sylvia and I are not well-suited. We’re incompatible," Drystan interjected.

"I understand that both of you have reservations about the matchmaking. However, I sincerely ask you to reconsider for my father’s sake. His time is precious, and I fear he may not have much left... not even a year. So please make him happy for his remaining opportunity," Aaron pleaded earnestly.

Sylvia’s tears streamed down her cheeks, and she turned to Drystan determinedly.

"I’ll do it. Let’s get married, Drystan!"

"What?! Wait! You can’t make such a decision alone!" the knight countered, taken aback by the noble lady’s sudden resolve.

Realising that Sylvia had already made up her mind, Aaron interjected, "I’ll leave you two alone to discuss this further. Please let me know your decision by morning."

With those words, he left the pair to their conversation.

"Are you out of your mind, Sylvie? Marriage is a serious commitment, not some charade. If we go through this, we’ll deceive His Lordship, the Marquess!" Drystan argued.

"What other choice do I have? You’ve witnessed his condition yourself! And you lied as well, for his sake, just now," Sylvia countered, her voice trembling with emotion.

"You’re asking me to participate in an even bigger lie! How do you expect me to pretend to be affectionate towards you in front of him? There will be more lies in the future!" Drystan protested in frustration.

"Drystan, I know you don’t want to marry me... but please pity my grandfather. You’re the only person who brings him joy these days. He brightens up whenever you appease him. I promise I’ll make it up to you! Please, consider it," Sylvia pleaded, desperation in her tone.

Drystan rubbed the back of his neck, his eyes closing momentarily. A heavy sigh escaped his lips.

"You can’t do this to me, Sylvie! I’m not ready for marriage. I don’t want to be tied down to you," he reluctantly admitted.

"Let’s get married for just one year! That’s all I ask. After that, we can seek a divorce. You’ll be free to be with whoever you want," Sylvia proposed, hopeful.

"That’s absurd! No woman would want to be labelled as a divorcee. You’ll face judgment and scorn from society!" Drystan objected, concerned about Sylvia’s status if they proceeded with her idea.

"I don’t care about that! As long as my grandfather is happy within his remaining time, I’m willing to endure it," Sylvia declared unwaveringly.

"Are you sure about this, Sylvie? You know it won’t affect me as much, but it will have consequences for you," the knight questioned, concerned as he looked at her.

"I am sure, and I am fully aware of the consequences!" Sylvia affirmed, her voice resolute.

"Hold on! Let’s not get too worked up just yet. There must be another solution," Drystan suggested, trying to find an alternative. "What about seeking the help of Mrs Amares to heal your grandfather since her brother declined?"

"I did ask Callis about it, but she said she is incapable of helping. Only her brother can. We were supposed to meet with him two days from now to try to convince him. He has already refused once, so there’s no guarantee of it. They are staying at Gerhard’s mansion now following Anna’s return," Sylvia explained, a little disappointed.

"I know his whereabouts. The knights told me. You seem to have grown close to Mrs Amares," Drystan observed, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

"We became friends when we spent time together at the event," Sylvia replied, her voice softening.

"In that case, let’s first seek the assistance of His Highness Prince Kiev. If he agrees to help, we could sort out this matter. We can’t do it now because your grandfather is in such a vulnerable state, and it’s dangerous for him. But, once he’s healed, we will have a better chance of explaining our disagreement to him rationally," Drystan proposed.

"But what if His Highness Prince Kiev doesn’t agree?" Sylvia asked, her worry evident.

Drystan looked at Sylvia, his expression contemplative.

"Let’s not dwell on that just yet while we still have a chance to prevent this entanglement from happening."

"And what about Uncle Aaron? He expects an answer from us by tomorrow," the noble lady reminded him.

"I will ask for more time from him. Additionally, I will personally take you to the mansion and speak with His Highness Prince Kiev two days from now as decided," Drystan assured her, determination in his voice.

"I agree," Sylvia responded, her eyes sparkling with hope.