The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 68: The Type of Men We Like

Chapter 68: The Type of Men We Like

Clara sat under a towering tree, lost in thought as she tenderly massaged her injured leg.

Despite the persistent throbbing, she noticed a growing numbness that had set in over the past few days, leaving certain areas of her leg devoid of sensation.

As she hadn’t received proper medical care after the incident, the effects intensified, leaving her with no choice but to consider amputation in the near future if she hoped to survive.

The prospect of such a fate filled her with frustration. Even though she had no regrets about putting herself in harm’s way to save Anna, she didn’t want to be a burden on others or live a life of shame.

’Let’s meet Her Highness for one last time!’ her heart spoke.

Yes. It was the right thing to do.

As Noah reported, Clara wanted to see Anna with her own eyes before she left this world to confirm that the princess was indeed safe and well-cared for.

Additionally, knowing that the princess was married to a highly respected individual, she desired to ensure that the princess’s husband was capable of protecting her. Only then could she attain peace of mind and let go without any remorse.

’Tak...’ ’Tak...’

She heard the slow steps approaching her and turned her head slightly. As she listened, her wariness decreased. She recognised the familiar rhythm of the sounds and knew who was coming.

A soft voice called out her name, "Dame Clara..."

Clara didn’t respond to Emily’s call, looking forward instead.

The young woman’s figure sat beside her and coaxed, "Dame Clara... I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you."

"You should drop the honorific title. I told you, just call me Clara," the knightess replied.

"I don’t dare! That’s a highly prestigious title bestowed on you. Someone with a low status like me is already privileged to be allowed to address you by your first name," Emily retorted.

Clara remained silent, offering no further response.

"Please forgive me," Emily pleaded as she looked at her sulking face.

Clara let out a sigh and confessed, "You didn’t do anything wrong. You’re right. I was annoying all this while and being bothersome."

"Oh, come on, please don’t say that. You’re an incredible person. It’s just that you’re not feeling well right now. I talked to Sir Brooks, and he said he understands," responded the young woman.

"You don’t have to cover up for me. I knew I had done wrong, and I had been a burden. I am so useless!" the knightess admitted.

"No, that’s not true! You’ve been a great help to me! Without your knowledge and ability to control the eagles, we wouldn’t have survived in the forest for months! Imagine if it were me on my own. I would’ve died on the third day, for sure. Unlike you, the only thing I’m good at is sewing," countered Emily earnestly.

Clara smirked at her explanation.

"Why the third day? Why not on the first day itself?" she teased her.

"Well... the first day would be me getting lost for directions. The second day would be the day I cried due to hopelessness. So, the third day seems to be the appropriate day to die," the young woman joked.

The knightess chuckled softly, her gaze turning towards Emily with a warm smile. She felt grateful for being saved by her and getting to know her better.

Though Emily lacked the physical strength to fight enemies, she was intelligent, outspoken, lively and knew how to tackle her feelings. Whenever the knightess fell down, the young woman lifted her spirits with humorous jokes and kind words.

Hearing Clara’s laughter, Emily felt a sense of relief wash over her.

"You know, Sir Brooks isn’t as bad as you think. I know you disagreed with him on many things during our journey, but he always takes good care of us and ensures our safety."

"You’re right. He’s not too bad, actually," Clara admitted.

"It’s just that I felt dissatisfied whenever he decided without even asking me. I wouldn’t mind at all if it were only about his matter. But, when it involved us, he should at least consult us first," she expressed her opinion.

"I understand where you’re coming from. However, please consider why Sir Brooks is behaving like that. He had to make a quick decision while we were escaping in the heat of the moment. There wasn’t time for discussion or debate, and he relied on his experience and instincts to avoid danger," said Emily.

"Yeah, I know! I know!" Clara grunted.

"You surely do praise him a lot! Do you like him?" asked the knightess, creasing her forehead as she looked at the young woman.

Clara’s words took Emily aback. "I didn’t say that! I’m just grateful to him! That’s all!" she said in response.

Clara squinted her eyes and studied the young woman’s face carefully. When she saw her guilty expression, she quickly jumped to the conclusion.

"You do like him! Now I get it! That’s why you keep taking his side every time we fight!"

Emily’s cheeks turned red at the accusation.

"I told you it’s not like that! He only reminds me of the male lead character from a romance novel I used to read. You know... the arrogant but attractive type," Emily explained, biting her lower lip as she imagined the character from the book she used to read with her friends.

Clara shook her head in disapproval.

"That may be your type, but not mine. You must’ve read too many novels and indulged in the stories," she said.

Emily defended herself, "What’s wrong with that? Imagine a tall, handsome, muscular man with a broad chest and immense strength who can protect you. I would drool over a man like that."

The young woman looked up and started to imagine. A promiscuous smile was etched on her lips.

"I used to see them every day during my training. They might appear attractive at first glance, but deep down, they are the worst kind of people. They only flaunt their looks to impress girls," she remarked.

"Ouff... I would sell my soul to the devil to lay my eyes on something entertaining as that. Unfortunately, my old master and the unattractive staff back at the mansion provided no such amusement," said Emily with a grunt.

"They are bold and full of exaggerations, Emily! They’re only suitable for a brief and flirty encounter rather than a lasting and trustworthy relationship," advised Clara.

"Who cares! All girls love bad boys, you know!" replied the young woman.

"Well, not me," answered the knightess.

"Then, tell me, what kind of man do you prefer?" Emily asked, leaning closer to her with interest as she grinned.

"I like someone who is caring, diligent, meticulous, and honest," said Clara.

Emily’s face contorted when she spoke.

"You’re too traditional. No one is interested in a goody-two-shoes like that anymore!"

With flatly stretched lips, she distanced herself from the knightess.

"I don’t mind being old-fashioned. Plus, he doesn’t have to be strong because I can protect him. Well, I used to be able to," Clara’s face turned gloomy as she looked down at her injured leg.

Realising the change in her expression, Emily quickly comforted her, "Don’t worry, Dame Clara! When we reach Cassian, we’ll find a skilled healer to treat you. Sir Brooks can assist us in finding one. You’ll recover in no time."

Clara didn’t respond, but a small smile appeared on her face. She knew that Emily was still hopeful for her recovery.

"You know, let’s make some tea. I found some ingredients in the bundle. It will warm you up and calm your nerves. Besides, we haven’t tasted it for quite some time," the young woman suggested to cheer her up.

The knightess nodded, letting Emily leave to fetch some water.

***

"Achumm!" Ayden sneezed for the fifth time in a row.

The weather was fine, and only a subtle wind was blowing. The boat operator had informed them that they would be approaching Carlan Wharf soon.

"What’s wrong with you? Do you have the flu?" Rafe asked, noticing his continuous sneezing.

"I don’t know. Maybe the wind is a bit cold," he replied.

"It’s not that cold, although it’s already dark now. You are just sensitive," countered the healer.

"I’m not usually affected by the weather, but my mother always told me that excessive sneezing could mean someone is talking about you," he explained.

"Don’t be ridiculous. Who wants to talk about you?" sneered the healer. "Take your medicine. I need you to be well so we can take turns caring for the lady," said Rafe.

"Fine, I’ll take it after we reach the shore," he replied.

The healer left his assistant and moved to the front of the boat.

The rhythmic splashing of the boat’s oars in the murky water created gentle ripples that spread towards the shore. The sound of the waves lapping against it grew louder and more distinct.

As the boats approached the land, the crew swiftly lowered the sails and prepared to dock. The boat operator carefully manoeuvred the vessel towards the wharf, using the sail to control the boat’s speed and direction. As they drew closer, ropes were thrown to the waiting hands of the men on the wharf.

The crew expertly tied the ropes to the bollards on the wharf to secure the boats in place. Both vessels were now safely docked.

The entourage had finally arrived at Carlan Wharf.