Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 219: Something Formidable

Chapter 219: Something Formidable

"What is it?" Yanad’s serious tone only increased Aideen’s concern.

"I believe that your husband’s men, along with the armies of Davoor and Lafad, are strong enough to defeat the King and the additional forces from Anathaen," the Crown Prince began. Although his words were confident, his voice remained somewhat uncertain. "However, there’s a disturbing rumor circulating within Valon’s quarters that has made me worried."

"What kind of rumor?"

Yanad let out a heavy sigh. "You probably remember all the experiments Valon has been conducting ever since he started studying alchemy. I’m afraid the more he practiced, the more he improved..."

He paused for a moment, as if to collect his thoughts, but in reality, he was still conflicted about going against his own family so openly. Changing one’s perspective on a lifetime of beliefs doesn’t happen overnight, and this inner turmoil was evident in Yanad’s entire demeanor.

Nevertheless, the Crown Prince cleared his throat and pressed on.

"People in his part of the palace have been talking about Valon being in contact with a very powerful magical organization from Anathaen. According to the rumors, he used their help to enhance his abilities, and the joint experiments they’ve conducted have proven to be quite successful and impressive."

"What was the purpose of their joined work?" Aideen already knew the answer to her own question, but she needed Yanad to confirm it. Hearing it from him would solidify her horrible suspicion into dreadful reality.

"Something formidable for this war," Yanad confirmed her fear. "I can’t be sure of its precise nature, but I am certain of one thing –– it’s something... not human. And I think it’s safe to assume it was meant for the king himself."

Lady Valentine pressed her lips into a tight line. A strong sense of fear crushed her like a relentless wave.

The mages were no longer allowed to be involved in regular wars unless directly ordered by the Holy Church. This universal law was obeyed religiously across the Central Continent. Consequently, neither Davoor nor Lafad had any magical support within their armies.

This meant they were now caught in a deadly trap.

’What is going to happen to them now? Ahspid once told me that tampering with human nature using magic leads to horrible results, and I’ve seen firsthand what Valon’s alchemical experiments can lead to... This is not good. I have a very bad feeling about this.’

The tense silence created by their unpleasant conversation was suddenly interrupted by a commotion from the first floor of the castle. Aideen almost jumped to her feet and rushed to the bedroom door, opening it wide. Her face beamed with excitement and relief.

"They are back!"

She was right.

Ahspid and King Yuraon, exhausted but still happy, walked toward Aideen’s bedroom, discussing something rather lively and wiping the beads of sweat from their faces with their dirty gloves.

The princess ran out of the room and nearly lunged at them, enveloping them both in a hug.

"You’re back! Goodness, you’re alright! I’m so happy!"

Although pleased by her warm welcome, the two men gently pushed her away. "My Lady, we are covered in blood and sweat. Let us reserve these pleasant affections for after we’ve cleaned up!"

Aideen pouted at Ahspid’s words but did not insist; she was too exhilarated to have them both back to start friendly bantering. Then, she looked behind them and finally asked the question that had been on her mind since she saw the two of them, "What about Khala?"

Yuraon sighed. "She is fine. Once the Holy Army was pushed back to the neutral border, she ruthlessly dismissed us both, saying she would handle the rest herself. To be honest, Your Highness, I didn’t really mind. Seeing how fiercely those Crimson Witches fought the paladins, I think our presence would have been a burden."

"It’s a shame," Lady Valentine said, lowering her eyes, a sense of regret gripping her chest. "I wanted to properly thank her and her people for helping us. Her gesture truly meant a lot..."

The young king gently patted her shoulder, trying to show his understanding and support. Suddenly, his eyes moved to the open doors of her bedroom, alerted by unexpected movement inside.

Recognizing the person standing before him, his chest tightened with both anger and frustration.

"What the hell is he doing here?"

Upon hearing his quiet yet menacing tone, Aideen turned around and saw Prince Yanad watching them from behind the door. She realized she had been too happy to warn the others about his arrival and now faced an unpleasant reunion.

"Your Majesty," she said, standing before him to block his steps toward the Crown Prince, "I ask you to stay calm. His Highness has come seeking help, and he did not come alone."

"Help? Why would any of us help a filthy Ruan? What––" The king looked down at Aideen and raised his eyebrows. "He did not come alone? Who else is with him?"

Aideen offered him a light smile and glanced back at the bedroom. "I think you should see her for yourself."

Yuraon’s hands began to shake uncontrollably, so much so that he dropped his leather gloves to the floor.

"It can’t be..." Murmuring the same words like a prayer, he marched into the bedroom, only to freeze in his tracks as he saw the person resting serenely on the bed.

"Melania..."

Overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions, the young king fell to his knees next to the bed, frantically running his bright blue eyes over the princess’s sleeping body. His lips trembled as he struggled to express his feelings.

Aideen carefully approached the bed and placed her hand on the young man’s shoulder. "She is alright, Your Majesty. She is alive and will soon be completely healthy. His Highness Prince Yanad orchestrated everything to bring her here. He only meant to help her."

The sight of the woman he loved erased all the animosity Yuraon held for the Crown Prince in an instant. Throwing Yanad a glance of gratitude, he took Melania’s small hand in his and pressed his lips against her thin fingers, tears streaming down his face as he whispered, "I’m sorry, Melania. I’m sorry I left you and that I was so late to come back. I will never let you go now. Even if you no longer want me, I swear I’ll stay with you just to protect you from future harm."