The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 387: Tracking Down Plan

Chapter 387: Tracking Down Plan

"I’m asking you again, Sir Navin. Was it really a drill?" the chief of the royal guards enquired, his eyes scrutinising the second-in-command knight, searching for any sign of deception.

Eric met the chief’s gaze sternly, and his grey eyes didn’t even bat.

"Are you questioning me, or is that a reaffirmation you required?" he countered. "Have you forgotten that I am now the appointed representative of His Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Gerhard?"

The chief of the royal guards cleared his throat, a look of guilt colouring his face as he turned his eyes sideways.

"Forgive me. I didn’t intend to be rude. But, saying that the whole occurrence was a drill was a bit... bizarre for me," he admitted.

"It is not something bizarre for the mansion," a determined voice suddenly interjected.

Anryr, the steward, approached from the hallway, drawing the attention of the two knights.

"A drill is an event that we hold randomly to ensure the occupants of this residence are ready for any emergencies. We intentionally didn’t inform anyone about it to reflect the actual situation."

The chief of the royal guards frowned.

"I didn’t expect you to join this discussion, Mr Foster."

"Why shouldn’t I? I am the steward of Gerhard’s mansion, and the management of this residence falls under my responsibility," Anryr countered.

The chief of the royal guards sighed.

"Fine, then. As I said, your excuse is quite unbelievable, Sir Navin."

"Why so?" Eric asked.

"Wasn’t it too much to have a drill at this moment when Lady Raychard is onsite?" the chief probed further.

"Dangerous situations don’t count who’s on-site and when," Eric interjected. "It’s quite relevant to do it regardless of her presence here. Of course, having our lady’s security taken care of during the drill was of the utmost importance."

Anryr spoke up, "We had an attack drill implemented several weeks ago under His Highness’s direct order. The captain of the patrolling forces can testify to that. He also thought the mansion was under attack when we initiated the drill."

The chief of the royal guards showed dissatisfaction in his expression.

"Still, why didn’t you inform me immediately after the drill? I’ve been trying to get an explanation from you, but you’ve been avoiding me. The drill ended in the afternoon, and now only you’re explaining it to me after it gets dark? Your men kept telling me to wait for your response, and you only came to me when I was about to request backup forces from the palace for support."

"I had a post-mortem meeting after the drill, and the knights had addressed some security measures we need to improve," Eric remarked. "Of course, I need to prioritise my duty over the others. It took some time for us to sort out the matter, as this information is confidential."

The chief of the royal guards contemplated, his fingers fidgeting.

After a moment, he said, "Fine. I will heed your explanation and report to His Majesty that there has been no danger here and today’s occurrence is a drill orchestrated by you and your team. But, in the future, if you wish to do such practice whatsoever, please include me in your plan. I will ensure the discretion of your activity so as not to give it an unwanted impact."

Eric smiled triumphantly, having succeeded in convincing the chief of the royal guards.

"I surely will. Thank you for your service."

The chief of the royal guards nodded and was about to leave when he suddenly paused and asked, "By the way, where is Lady Raychard now? My men reported previously hearing some commotion at the training field. Had something else occurred?"

Anryr swallowed his saliva as the probing resumed, piercing him like a spear.

"She’s resting right now in her chamber. There was no such thing as commotion back then. The knights were performing a swordsmanship presentation to her, and she got excited. That’s all," Eric quickly offered an excuse.

The steward held his breath, awaiting the chief’s response.

"I see... All right, then. Please look after her. Should you need my assistance, do let me know. My men and I are always around to accommodate," said the chief.

"Will do. Thank you again," the second-in-command knight replied, nodding respectfully as the chief of the royal guards left.

Once the knight’s figure had diminished from sight, Anryr responded, "Pheewww!! That was so close!"

Anryr clutched his chest, his eyes closing as he heaved a sigh of relief.

"Luckily, we were able to allay his suspicions," Eric said. "I’m grateful for your assistance just now, Mr Foster."

The steward opened his eyes and looked at the second-in-command knight with a solemn expression.

"Why didn’t you tell me what happened?" he asked. "Thankfully, Sir Skyler and Sir Henderson informed me of the details. They said you might need my help since the chief of the royal guards has confronted you, so I came rushing to assist you."

"Forgive me, Mr Foster. I got caught up in the situation. I hadn’t anticipated this to happen," said the second-in-command knight.

"Our lady... would she be all right? I heard she became someone out of imagination, fighting against all of you and the Mederian royal siblings due to the possession! And... and his Highness Prince Kiev went pursuing her alone!" asked Anryr anxiously.

Eric put a finger to his lips, signalling the steward to keep his voice down. He turned his head left and right, ensuring no one was eavesdropping on their conversation.

Once he confirmed they were alone, he spoke quietly, "He’ll be back with her in the morning. He promised so. We couldn’t join him since it could endanger everyone."

"But, would they be fine?"

"I know you’re worried. But, please... don’t make a fuss over this. At least not now. You can get ahold of me however you want later, but please don’t tell the others, especially His Majesty’s men. I’m not doing this to escape my responsibilities but instead looking out for everybody’s sake."

Anryr nodded.

"I know exactly the implications, Sir Navin. I’ve served His Highness longer than you since he was the Crown Prince of Cassian, and I know the palace’s protocols. Our security was breached, and the Bargesians were inside the mansion, casting black magic on our lady! This... Oh, God! We would definitely be imposed with heavy punishment!"

Eric’s expression turned remorseful as he looked down.

"When the time comes, I will report this myself to His Majesty and bear the consequences on my own. I am the representative of His Highness. He put his trust in me, yet I failed to protect our lady."

Anryr shared the guilt. "Oh dear... I wish none of these had happened!"

Eric looked up at the steward.

"For now, change all the locks of the mansion. We are still determining how far ahead the Bargesians have known about the layout of this place. We need to take precautions to avoid the same occurrence from happening again. Also, the number of gatekeepers and guards should be increased. If the chief of the royal guards asks, let him know that these are part of the improvements we are doing after the drill."

"All right, Sir Navin. But what about the Bargesians?" asked Anryr.

"I’ve sent Sir Mills and Sir Brooks to search for them. It seems like they had fled quite some time ago. I hope our knights can track them," Eric replied.

"In this weather?" the steward asked, his gaze shifting to the windows.

Outside, rain fell in heavy sheets, and intermittent flashes of lightning illuminated the gloomy sky. Thick droplets streaked down the window panes.

"They went right before the rain started. Also, I’ve sent a servant to the Count of Medhir’s mansion, informing them that Lady Sylvia Rogers and Sir Mills would be spending the night here. I needed him since he’s the fastest rider among the knights."

"What about Lady Rogers?"

"She can’t return without her chaperone. It would trigger suspicions if Sir Mills suddenly were not by her side," Eric explained. "So, I made it seem as if Lady Raychard requested her to spend the night here since they are quite close."

"I see... Yes, that would’ve made sense," the steward agreed, nodding.

"How is Mrs Amares right now?" asked the second-in-command knight, concern etched on his features as he thought of the Mederian Princess.

Callis was in a weakened state when Luke carried her into the mansion. The knight carefully took her through a secured path to ensure the royal guards didn’t notice her condition.

"She’s in her bedchamber. Her nanny and Mr Amares are attending to her right now," Anryr replied. "She was still exhausted when I saw her, but her husband said it was not alarming."

"Good to know that. I hope she can recover quickly."

"Also..." Anryr paused. "Dame Verns, Miss Baker, and Mr Norman keep questioning about the incident. They know it was not a drill, as you claimed it to be. What should I tell them?"

"It’s fine. I will talk to them," Eric assured.

"All right, Sir Navin. In that case, I will inform the smithy to prepare new sets of keys and locks for the mansion immediately."

Eric gave a little nod, acknowledging the steward.

As Anryr left, the sound of wheels being pushed into the grand hall reached Eric’s ears. He turned to find Clara in her wheelchair, being pushed by Ayden, with Emily trailing behind.

"There you are, Sir Navin! We’ve been looking for you!" said the assistant healer.

Eric raised a brow at the sight of Ayden and Clara together.

"I thought you two were not on good terms?" he remarked, referring to the news of the assistant healer’s love rejection by the knightess.

"That’s not the point now!" Ayden dismissed the second-in-command knight’s concern. "We’re here to seek your explanation. What exactly had happened?"

"Don’t tell us it’s a drill because I’m not buying that! And I know Lady Raychard is not in her bedchamber as usual. Where is she?" Clara demanded.

"Something surely must have happened because Noah came to me after the release and told me to be safe. He said he was going somewhere. He wouldn’t say that unless something dangerous had occurred! Please tell us!" urged Emily.

Eric raised both hands, flexing his palms to calm the trio. He then proceeded to recount the day’s incident. Ayden, Clara, and Emily’s jaws dropped as they heard the details.

"You mean... Lady Raychard, she..." the young woman couldn’t finish her words, overcome with alarm.

Struggling to stand up, Clara exclaimed, "I need to go after her! She’s in danger!"

"Clara, don’t! You’re still healing. You can’t go!" Ayden pushed her shoulders back, forcing her to sit.

"No! I’m her escort! I should be protecting her!" Clara shouted back at the assistant healer.

"Nobody’s going anywhere!" Eric raised his voice and declared. "His Highness Prince Kiev has already gone after her and will bring her back safely!"

The decisive order from the second-in-command knight brought a quick silence to the group.

After a moment, Ayden said, "Sir Navin is right. There’s nothing we can do in this weather. Also, His Highness Prince Kiev is a formidable and resilient knight. He has magical abilities, too. He would be able to bring her back to us."

"Thank you for your understanding, Mr Norman," Eric said.

Suddenly, Damon entered the grand hall with an alarmed expression.

"Sir Navin! Sir Brooks and Sir Mills have returned!" he announced.

"They did? Did they find the culprits?" Eric asked urgently. The others were also anxious to know the details.

Damon shook his head, bringing disappointment to them.

"Sir Brooks fell from the horse due to the bad weather. There was a sudden landslide in the area they were searching, so they decided to return."

"Oh, God! Where is he?" Emily exclaimed.

"He’s in the treatment room," Dathe knight replied.

Without waiting, the young woman rushed to the place to reach her beloved. Eric didn’t stop her, considering the current situation wasn’t right to bring up his disagreement with the two lovers’ relationship.

"I’d better go as well. He might need my attention," said Ayden. He turned to Clara and asked, "Will you be all right on your own?"

"Don’t worry about me. Go help him!" said the knightess.

The assistant healer nodded. He then bowed to Eric and left.

Damon then continued, "Sir Navin... actually, there’s more that I need to inform you urgently."

"Speak," Eric said.

"Maximillian and the other horse that His Highness Prince Kiev took have returned on their own," the knight reported.

"They did? What about him and the lady?" Eric asked, concerned.

"There’s no sign of them. From what it seems, the two horses might have gotten separated from them. Maximillian is a trained warhorse, so he probably guided the other horse to return to the mansion," Damon explained.

Eric sighed.

"This is not a good sign, Sir Navin," Clara interjected. "They both could be in danger!"

"I know," said the second-in-command knight solemnly.

"How about you help us, Dame Verns?" Damon asked Clara as an idea struck him.

"Help you? How?" the knightess asked, slightly confused.

Didn’t Eric forbid her from going after Anna before?

"Your eagles. I heard you have some expertise in using them for tracing people," Damon clarified.

"Ah, right!" Eric exclaimed, striking his fist into his palm. "Sir Brooks managed to trace the Bargesians last time using that method! He said he learned it from observing you. We trailed them before to eliminate them! We thought Lord Morro and his mage had died after falling into the ravine!"

Clara nodded determinedly. Noah had already shared with her about the Bargesians’ collaboration with the King of Ardel and their pretence as the Kingdom’s ambassadors in an attempt to work with Cassian.

She was aware of the grand duke and his knights’ action in pursuing the enemies to eliminate them before embarking on his journey to Agathe Islands.

"Yes, I can do that! But we’ll need to wait until the sky clears. The eagles won’t fly in this weather," she remarked.

"All right. Let’s do this," Eric agreed, hopeful they could use Clara’s expertise to locate and save Anna and Kiev.

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