"That’s impossible! Anna is an Adhemar! She has no relation to the Ro’an Emperor," Sylvia interjected, her voice filled with disbelief.
The marquess, intrigued by her comnt, turned to his granddaughter.
"Who is Anna?" he inquired, his brows furrowing in confusion.
Sensing the potential impact of this revelation on Liam’s fragile state of mind, Drystan discreetly signalled to Sylvia, urging her to withhold any further information for the ti being.
Sylvia quickly caught on to the knight’s cue and decided to backtrack.
"Oh, nothing! I must have been speaking nonsensically," she replied, attempting to dismiss her previous statent.
The marquess, still curious, pressed further. "You ntioned the na Anna of Adhemar. Why did that na catch your attention? Adhemar... Isn’t it the surna of one of the traitoring lords from Ardel?"
Before Sylvia could respond, a servant approached, interrupting the conversation.
"Pardon , My Lord, but there’s a guest who wishes to see you," the servant inford, diverting Liam’s attention.
Initially thinking the servant had co to inquire about refreshnts, Sylvia felt relieved by the interruption.
Liam asked, curious, "Who has co to see ?"
"It’s Sir Eric Navin, the second-in-command Knight of Gerhard, representing His Highness the Grand Duke of Gerhard," the servant responded, revealing the visitor’s identity.
Liam’s interest was imdiately piqued by the ntion of Eric’s na, making him set aside the previous conversation.
"Ah... Then, I need to welco him," the marquess remarked, preparing to rise from his seat.
Sensing her grandfather’s condition, Sylvia quickly offered, "Grandfather, let greet him on your behalf."
Before the marquess could respond, the servant added, "Sir Navin said he’d be coming to see you, My Lord. He specifically ntioned that you don’t need to welco him. Should I lead him here?"
Liam considered the servant’s words and nodded in agreent.
"Very well. Please do lead him here," he instructed, settling back into his chair.
In a short while, the figure of Eric appeared, accompanied by the servant, approaching their location. Liam, determined to show respect despite the instructions, issued an order.
"Help to stand, Drystan," he requested, relying on the knight for support.
Drystan promptly acknowledged the marquess’s command and rose from his seat, ready to assist him in standing.
However, before Liam could fully rise, Eric intervened.
"There’s no need for greetings, My Lord," he stated, his tone respectful yet warm. "I ca here to pay you a visit and see how you’ve been faring. How are you now?"
Liam, grateful for the consideration shown by the second-in-command knight, responded with humility.
"I’m quite well. Drystan has been a great help in accompanying ," he said, acknowledging Drystan’s support.
The knight bowed respectfully to Eric. The second-in-command knight’s mischievous grin appeared as he heard Liam addressing his subordinate by his first na.
"Oh, really?" Eric said. "I’m sure he did. He surely cares for you, aren’t you, Drystan?" he teased.
Drystan’s ears turned slightly red at the teasing remark, but he maintained his composure.
"I’m honoured to serve the Marquess of Sylvere," he responded calmly. "He’s a legend among us, and it’s a privilege to assist him."
"Please have a seat, Sir Navin," Sylvia invited, gesturing toward a nearby chair. "Could you get us so more tea for our guest?" she asked the servant.
Eric graciously sat beside Drystan while the servant promptly attended to the noble lady’s request. Soon, a freshly brewed pot of tea and setting was brought in and served to the knight. Sylvia then dismissed the servant, wanting to ensure privacy for the conversation.
Appreciating Drystan’s loyalty and skill, Liam turned his attention back to the knight.
"His Highness surely has trained Drystan well," he remarked with a smile. "He knows how to appease with his kind words. I am quite pleased with him. I am certain that I made the right choice for my granddaughter."
Sylvia interjected, trying to shift the focus away from personal matters.
"Grandfather, please," she urged. "Now is not the ti to discuss that. Let’s focus on your health first," she gently reminded him.
The conversation continued, delving into the marquess’s condition and other relevant topics. However, after a while, Sylvia noticed signs of fatigue in Liam’s deanour.
She interrupted the discussion, "Pardon , gentlen, but I believe my grandfather needs so rest," she said, concern evident in her voice.
The marquess protested mildly, not wanting to miss the opportunity for conversation.
"I’m fine, Sylvia. It’s not every day I have a guest to talk to," he insisted.
Eric, understanding the need, chid in. "I believe Lady Rogers is right," he concurred. "Don’t worry, I’ll visit you frequently to check your progress, My Lord. His Highness specifically ntioned it. We can chat next ti. I also have sothing to discuss with Sir Mills," he added.
Liam finally relented.
"All right, then," Liam said. "Please tell the servant to summon your mother and uncles to escort back to my chamber. You don’t need to follow. Do accompany Drystan and Sir Navin," he addressed to Sylvia.
The noble lady hesitated montarily, but upon seeing Eric nodding in agreent, she complied with her grandfather’s request. The noble lady quickly arranged for the servant to inform Denise, Aaron, and Chris, who soon arrived to fulfil their duty.
The marquess noticed the absence of his second son, Daniel, and inquired about his whereabouts. Denise explained that he had gone out with her husband, citing an urgent matter that required their attention. Liam nodded in acknowledgent.
"Then, please excuse , Sir Navin," the marquess said. "Please continue with them."
"Thank you for your ti, My Lord. Please have a good rest," Eric expressed his gratitude and concern to the marquess.
Drystan assisted Liam in standing, and his sons took over to support their father’s weight. They departed, leaving Eric, Drystan, and Sylvia alone under the pergolas.
Sensing the need for privacy, Sylvia excused herself, "Perhaps you both wish to talk privately. I’ll leave you two for now."
"There’s no need," Eric replied politely. "I actually want to know how the situation is. It seems like everything is fine, but I can see that His Lordship’s health still requires attention. In his current state, it will take so ti for him to return to the march."
"I think so, too," Sylvia confird with a sigh. "Although the symptoms of his ntal affliction have subsided, he remains weak. The royal healer has been increasing his dication, but there hasn’t been much improvent in his energy levels. We’re concerned he wouldn’t withstand the long journey back to the march. He will most likely need to stay here until the end of winter."
"He should stay for now," Eric agreed.
Sylvia then brought up the intriguing story her grandfather had shared earlier.
"Grandfather told us a strange story just now," she began, capturing Eric’s attention. "He said Lady Raychard resembles Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Regina."
The second-in-command knight listened attentively as Sylvia recounted the details of Liam’s revelation to her and Drystan.
"We can’t truly believe and accept everything he said," Drystan interjected. "It could be the lingering effects of the illusion that still haunt him."
Eric pondered their words, understanding the complexities of Liam’s condition. "Indeed, it may be challenging to discern the truth from his fragnted mories and perceptions," he acknowledged.
"You’re right," Sylvia agreed. "It’s just that he seed so sure about it. He had never been like that before."
"It’s impossible to say that our lady is related to the Ro’an emperor’s lineage, let alone possess a power like the Great Khasif. His Highness, the Grand Duke, confird with that she has no magical attribute at all," Eric continued.
Drystan nodded in agreent.
"His Highness has the ability to sense magic. He would have known before us if she were a Ro’an descendant," he added.
"That makes sense," Sylvia chid in. "Besides, Lady Raychard is an Adhemar, a true enemy lineage to the empire. It’s highly unlikely that a Ro’an descendant would be married into such a family after the betrayal."
Drystan’s thoughts then turned to another matter.
"Talking about magic, I’ve been thinking, Sir Navin..." he paused, gathering his words.
"What is it?"
"During the duel between His Highness, the Grand Duke, and Prince Kiev, there was a mont when the derian Prince was injured, and his sister, Her Highness Princess Callis, healed him with magic," he stated, recalling the event.
"They have healing magic?" Sylvia exclaid, surprised. "I’ve always heard that the derians have exceptional skills in combat and magic, but I didn’t know they could use magic for healing."
"They do. We witnessed it firsthand at the arena," Drystan confird.
Sylvia’s eyes lit up with an idea. "So you’re suggesting we seek their help to heal grandfather!" she exclaid.
Drystan nodded.
"Yes, that’s what I’ve been thinking. Perhaps they could aid in his recovery."
Sylvia beca increasingly enthusiastic.
"Oh, Sir Mills! What a great idea you have! This is excellent!"
Eric furrowed his brow, pondering the proposal.
"We need to ask them first. There’s no guarantee that they can help. After all, the sickness afflicting His Lordship was caused by dark magic cast upon His Imperial Majesty, the last emperor. It has been many years, but its effects persist, indicating its strength. Her Highness Princess Callis did ntion that even magical abilities have their limitations," he reminded them.
"But it’s worth trying to ask for their help! I don’t mind begging if I have to. After all, my grandfather ended up like this while protecting Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Regina, their relative. They can’t be so ignorant as to dismiss his sacrifice!" Sylvia passionately argued.
"You have a point," Eric acknowledged. "However, this must wait," he declared.
"Why must we wait?" Drystan asked, puzzled. Sylvia nodded in agreent, curious about the situation.
"I’m afraid they are currently not at the palace," Eric explained. "They left two days ago to visit Rafael’s family in Rivendelle. They should be arriving today."
"They went to Rivendelle together? Even after the quarrels regarding the marriage proclamation and the soulmate ritual?" Sylvia questioned, surprised.
"Indeed, they did," Eric confird. "Our clever healer managed to convince His Highness Prince Kiev to accompany him to his hotown to seek his consent for the marriage."
Sylvia’s doubt lingered.
"His Highness Prince Kiev wouldn’t harm Mr Amares, would he?"
Eric reassured her, shaking his head.
"No, he wouldn’t unless he wants his sister to beco a widow, which is utterly ridiculous! Please don’t worry. When I think about His Highness Prince Kiev again, I believe he is a good person despite his stern deanour. He saved His Highness the Grand Duke twice during our hunt. If he were a bad person, he wouldn’t have bothered. He’s just a bit grumpy due to the circumstances he finds himself in."
"When are they expected to return?" asked Sylvia.
"Rafael ntioned they would be away for a week. The journey between Gantz and Rivendelle takes four days back and forth, so they will likely stay there for three days," Eric answered.
Sylvia pondered montarily and said, "That seems rather short."
"Yes, it is. However, we cannot afford to have them stay longer as we also need Rafael here. Our lady unexpectedly decided to undergo knight’s training," Eric inford them.
"What?" Drystan and Sylvia exclaid simultaneously, shocked by the revelation.
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