The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 411: The Return Of The Married Couples

Chapter 411: The Return Of The Married Couples

As the carriage’s wheels creaked to a halt in the mansion’s courtyard, the driver swiftly descended and opened the door for the passengers, bowing respectfully to them.

Servants immediately emerged from the foyer, welcoming as a knight gallantly assisted a noble lady down from the carriage. Her hand, which was wearing a leather glove, enveloped his.

Alex smiled as he saw Meredith’s face light up. The two looked around, their expressions wistful.

They had been away for a while, engrossed in preparations for their betrothal and wedding. When they departed the mansion previously, they were simply a couple in love, and now they had come back as a formally wedded pair.

"Oh, how I’ve missed this place so much!" Meredith exclaimed.

"I recall when we were here to introduce you to my parents when they visited from the dukedom," Alex reminisced.

"Yes, I was quite nervous then!" Meredith chuckled.

"This place holds so many fond memories for us," the knight reflected.

Meredith smiled in agreement.

"I can’t wait to see Anna! I’ve missed her dearly," she expressed.

"Just remember to address her as Lady Raychard in front of others. Even though you’re friends, it’s important to maintain decorum, especially as her title will change to Grand Duchess when His Highness the Grand Duke returns," Alex reminded.

"No need to worry! I’ve always respected and admired her courage. I know how to distinguish our friendship from formalities," Meredith assured.

"Very well. Go and greet her. I’ll head to the stables to check on my horse. I left him here under Sir Parker’s care. He’s probably missing me as well." Alex chuckled.

"Oh, what about the belongings we brought? You said we’ll be staying here until we return to the duchy. So, where should we put them?" Meredith inquired.

"There are quarters designated for married couples within this mansion, with space for ten families, yet it has been unoccupied for some time. Previously, Sir Navin and his wife would use it during our visits to Gantz. However, as she is still staying at her sister’s place after the postpartum period, it currently sits empty," Alex explained. "I’ll have Mr Foster clean and arrange it for our accommodation."

Meredith nodded in understanding.

Just then, Anryr emerged from the foyer, a tinge of anxiety in his expression. Nonetheless, he warmly welcomed the knight and his newly wedded wife.

"Welcome back, Sir and Lady Jarr. I didn’t expect you to return so soon," Anryr greeted them.

"We’ve been away for quite some time. It seemed appropriate to return earlier than planned," Alex responded.

"I see..." the steward said, his forehead creasing with thought.

"What’s on your mind, Mr Foster? You appear troubled about something," Meredith remarked, noticing his sombre expression.

"Yes. Something has occurred. Since you are both here now, it would be best for you to speak with Sir Navin," the steward informed them.

"It sounds serious," Alex interjected.

"It is. It concerns the internal matters of the duchy. However, I am not the one to deliver the news. Please meet with Sir Navin for further information," Anryr stated with a solemn look.

Meredith and Alex exchanged concerned glances. Knowing the steward’s reserved nature, his indication of a significant event hinted at its seriousness.

"Very well, we will see him at once," the knight agreed.

"Please proceed. He is currently in His Highness the Grand Duke’s office. He may wish to discuss this with you both since you’re already here," Anryr added.

"Understood." Alex nodded. "By the way, Mr. Foster, could you arrange accommodation for us in the quarters since we will be staying here?" he requested.

"Oh, so you will be residing at the mansion for now?" inquired the steward.

"Yes. It seems most fitting as we both serve His Highness the Grand Duke and Lady Raychard. Ultimately, we will accompany them upon their return to the duchy," the knight explained.

"Ah, yes! Lady Raychard is still not completely recovered. It would be beneficial to have you both here always," Anryr acknowledged.

"She hasn’t recuperated yet?" Meredith inquired, feeling uneasy.

Anna had mentioned it was just a common cold, and with Rafe and Ayden looking after her, she should have recovered by now.

"Regarding that..." Anryr paused, his gaze falling before meeting the couple’s eyes. "It would be best to inquire further from Sir Navin."

Alex and Meredith grew more anxious. They swiftly excused themselves and made their way to the Grand Duke’s office. As they knocked and entered, they found the other knights assembled, excluding Eli and Damon.

"Why the early return?" Luke inquired, surprised by the newlyweds’ sudden appearance at the mansion. "Aren’t you supposed to be enjoying your time together post-wedding?"

"We chose to resume our duties sooner. Mr Foster informed us upon our arrival that something of importance had occurred. Can you enlighten us on this?" Alex asked, his expression serious.

A hush fell over the group. Eric, who was seated, rose with a grave expression.

"A few events transpired in your absence, one of which was the disappearance of Sir Brooks and Miss Baker," he began.

"Disappeared? But why?" Meredith exclaimed in surprise.

"I’m afraid they fled after I denied their marriage request," Eric disclosed.

"What? Sir Brooks wouldn’t do that! He wouldn’t act against the Grand Duke’s orders despite his differences with you!" Alex interjected.

It was widely understood among the knights that Noah was forbidden from pursuing any romantic involvement with a woman due to his legal complications.

Given his bad reputation and nature, they never anticipated that his feelings for Emily would develop into a significant issue, as they assumed it was merely a passing infatuation.

"He did!" the second-in-command knight raised his voice in anger. "I fear he may have done something harmful to Miss Baker."

"That’s impossible! They are in love! He would never hurt Emily in any way!" Meredith argued.

"Do you trust him?" Garin inquired, intrigued.

Given the limited time the noble lady had spent with Emily and their lack of interaction since Meredith stayed at the palace with Anna while the latter resided in the mansion, doubts arose.

"We spoke during my wedding celebration. I sensed their genuine affection for each other. When Sir Brooks left the banquet looking troubled, Emily hurried after him, presumably to console him," Meredith recounted.

"We all saw them last during the banquet. After that, they vanished. You were likely the last to see them," Drystan interjected.

"Have you attempted to track them down?" Alex inquired.

"We did. We spent the whole day yesterday searching for them but couldn’t locate them anywhere. It’s unsurprising since Sir Brooks is skilled at covering his tracks," Garin added.

"He may have fled to Galicia or another kingdom by now," Eric lamented in frustration. "D*mn it! I wish I could catch and reprimand him. If not for Lady Raychard’s condition, we would still be searching for him!"

"What’s wrong with Lady Raychard? Mr. Foster mentioned she was still unwell. I thought she only had a common cold," Meredith queried.

The knights’ expressions shifted to worry. Their eyes turned to Eric, waiting for him to unveil the matters to the couple.

"Several days ago, something bizarre occurred to her," the second-in-command knight revealed.

"What happened? You assured us everything was fine at the mansion when we met at the banquet," Alex pressed in concern.

"Forgive us for not informing you earlier. Given the circumstances, Sir Navin made the best decision not to reveal it at that time," Luke interjected.

Alex fixed Eric with a stern gaze as the second-in-command knight detailed the harrowing incident involving Anna’s possession and subsequent confrontation between her and the knights. He also recounted Kiev’s pursuit of her, the daring rescue mission, and the unexpected alliance with the Sunik tribesmen.

"That’s impossible! Lady Raychard is gentle and delicate. How could she suddenly display such strength and overpower all of you?" Meredith exclaimed in disbelief.

"Rafael mentioned that her mother was a half-Mederian and His Highness Prince Kiev’s combat teacher. His Highness, Mrs Amares, and Madam Jessy Collins, Mrs Amares’s nanny, revealed this during their meeting, where Rafael and Dame Verns were also present," Eric explained.

"His Highness Prince Kiev confirmed that Lady Raychard has no magical abilities. Her enhanced skills during the possession were likely a result of dark magic, and her special bloodline would have responded to it," Garin added.

"No wonder she appeared so tired at the event! The aftermath must have affected her," Meredith noted.

"Why didn’t you inform us of this?" Alex inquired.

"We couldn’t. Disclosing it would have led to our immediate arrest by His Majesty the King for endangering her life! That would’ve affected your wedding," said Drystan.

"Oh, Heavens! I must go see her at once!" Meredith exclaimed, hastily excusing herself and departing from the office. Continuing the discussion, Alex probed further.

"Will you report this to His Majesty, Sir Navin?"

The second-in-command shook his head.

"I intended to, but Lady Raychard vehemently opposed it. She didn’t want us to face repercussions. Despite everything, she still entrusts us with her protection and declines direct oversight by the royal guards. I feel guilty for not doing what is right," Eric confessed.

"What about the Bargesians? You mentioned the tribesmen are tracking them," Alex inquired further.

"Their eagle relayed a message to Dame Verns this morning, indicating a potential sighting of them heading east. They are on their trail and will keep us informed," Eric responded.

Alex took a deep breath as he grappled with the situation. His mind was still reeling from the unexpected news.

"Had I known, I would have delayed the wedding and dealt with this issue directly! Lady Raychard shouldn’t have been at my wedding in such a condition!" Alex expressed his frustration.

"Even if you were here, there was nothing much you could do. Moreover, our attendance at your wedding was her own decision to prevent any suspicion from Their Majesties, the King and Queen. That was why Sir McQuinn, initially assigned to track the Bargesians, remained behind," Luke explained.

Alex placed his hand on his forehead and let out a deep sigh.

"God, how did everything come to this!"

At that moment, a loud knock echoed through the door, and a servant burst in.

"Sir Navin, you need to come downstairs immediately!" he exclaimed urgently.

"Why? What’s happening?" inquired the second-in-command knight.

"Sir Brooks and Miss Baker have returned!"