Chapter 9: Operation: Steal the Duke's Heart

SOPHIA'S POV

"Princess?"

"Omg, what is Princess Anastasia doing here?"

I heard a whisper. Before I could react, Lea swiftly pressed down on my head, and when I noticed everyone else bowing, I let her.

After we finished bowing, I looked at her once again. She had fair skin with a rosy glow, a few freckles that suited her small face, a straight nose, and large, captivating blue eyes. Her blonde hair shone like the sun. Then my gaze landed on her outfit—a simple white gown, yet it looked incredibly elegant.

She truly looked like a saint or an angel straight from heaven. Her beauty was so radiant that it felt like she had her own glowing background.

Shocks, she and the Duke are really on another level of face card. It's ethereal.

But who exactly is she? Princess Anastasia—does that mean I'm facing a real princess now?

"I order you to release them now," she commanded in a soft yet firm tone.

It was only then that I realized our current position."Fine, psh, as if I started this mess," I muttered under my breath.

"I am well aware that you have but recently arrived from the East, yet must you not comport yourself in a manner befitting your station? Have you no regard for the consequences of your puerile conduct? Such indiscretion could bring great dishonor upon His Grace, the Duke esteemed name?"

My jaw almost dropped to the floor. She was as sharp-tongued as she was beautiful.

"Hey! FYI, I didn't start this!" I protested.

But Lea quickly grabbed my arm and leaned in close. "Young lady, we are facing the princess of the Prush kingdom. If you open your mouth any further, we might get executed on the spot."

Ugh, right. I almost forgot—we're in the presence of a real princess.

"The two young ladies in your grasp are the daughters of Sir Adolf, a man of considerable wealth and a merchant of great renown in this land. It would be most unwise to detain them further, lest you invite scandal upon His Grace—the very brother whose name you bear," She said calmly, keeping her eyes locked on mine.

Psh, as if I had committed a grave sin.

"Whatever!" I released the two witches I was holding, then composed myself and straightened up.The princess turned to leave but then suddenly faced me again.

"I cannot fathom the reason for your presence, but allow me to remind you— I shall not permit the Duke's esteemed reputation to be sullied simply because he shows compassion for one such as yourself," she declared with resolute authority, her gaze then shifting to Lea, who remained bowed before her.

Aha! She may look like an angel, but she has the personality of a witch!After she left, everyone fell silent.

So this is how a princess behaves in this era—it's downright intimidating. Even if you're right, you're not allowed to speak, or else you might as well seal your own fate.

"Let's go, Lea," I urged her. As I passed by the three noble girls, I paused.

"Listen up, okay? If you ever do that to Lea again, I swear, the only hair left on your bodies will be your eyelashes! Got it?!" They gulped at my threat.

As we walked away, my gaze drifted back to Princess Anastasia. Her elegant presence spoke volumes—she was truly a princess.

༺❀༻The Day of the Banquet ༺❀༻

"I am pleased for you, young lady. At long last, you shall be presented to the public later on," Lea said while fixing my dress. But I wasn't paying much attention, lost in my own thoughts.

I've been in this era for days, yet I still haven't returned to my time. Life here is nice—I'm living like a princess—but something feels off. Days have passed, yet the Duke hasn't revealed his plans.

Why is he making me pretend to be his sister? He won't even talk to me. The last time we spoke was during the mass, and ever since then, even though we live under the same roof, I haven't seen him.

"Young lady?" Lea's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"What is it, Lea?"

"You appear lost in contemplation, young lady. Might I inquire as to what weighs on your mind?"

"Sorry, Lea. I was just wondering—why hasn't the Duke talking to me yet?"

"Do not concern yourself, young lady. The Duke is simply preoccupied with his duties."

"Busy? Does that include personal matters?" I asked curiously.

"Personal matters? Pray, what do you mean?" She repeated.I felt my cheeks heat up.

"Like dating." I looked away.

"Dating?" she echoed with a slight pause.

"I mean, do you think he has a lover?" I asked eagerly. I noticed she blushed at my question.

"Young lady, I do believe such inquiries are rather personal."

"Oh, come on! It's just the two of us here! So? Do you think he has a lover or someone he likes? And if he does, who do you think it is?" I asked eagerly, tucking my hair behind my ear.

"I do think he has a person of interest," she said softly.

My eyes sparkled. "Really?! Then who?" I wasn't one to assume, but there's no harm in hoping it's me, right? Waaah! I'm getting giddy. Gosh!

"Promise me you'll keep this to yourself, young lady, or I shall be forced to hold my tongue."

"Of course! It's our secret. So, tell me!" I grabbed her face, my excitement growing.

"I believe it is Princess Anastasia."

"Waaaah! I knew it, it's—" I stopped mid-sentence and stared at her. "What?"

"Princess Anastasia," she repeated, her face serious.

"Anastasia? You mean… that Princess Anastasia?"

"Indeed, the very same—a princess of elegance and grace, whom we had the privilege to observe at the church."

I quickly averted my gaze. "Wait, why do you think that, Lea? Are you being nosy? HA HA HA!" I laughed nervously.

"I am not one for prying, young lady. However, during my service under Count Eltz, whispers of their closeness were heard. It is not beyond possibility that their engagement will soon be made public by the imperial palace."

"That's impossible!" I stood up abruptly. Lea looked at me, confused. "I mean, you're not even sure, right?"

"Indeed, it is but a rumor. However, the Duke is undoubtedly the most appropriate match for the princess. They are of equal status, and one cannot deny the undeniable harmony they share."

"Worry? Ha! Ha! Ha! Why would I worry? It's actually great if he gets a girlfriend—maybe that'll make him less grumpy! And who cares about him anyway?! He's so arrogant! Why would I even be bothered? We're just pretending to be siblings. It's not like I matter to him!" I ranted dramatically, crossing my arms.

Lea giggled.

"Isabel!" I whined.

"Forgive me, young lady. It is merely that your antics amuse me—it is as though a child were casting a fit over the loss of a toy."

"Losing a toy? Huh! I've never lost a toy in my life! And I don't care about him!"

"I believe you," she said, still smiling.

"But Lea, isn't the Duke the king's nephew? That would make them cousins."

"They are not bound by blood. Princess Anastasia is the Queen's daughter by another man."

"Ohh… intriguing."

"Lea, I have a question."

"What is it, young lady?"

"Do you think that Princess Anastasia will attend the banquet later?"

"It is most certain that she shall. She is royalty, and such events are of great importance to her status."

Well, she has a point.

"Lea."

"Yes, young lady?"

I held her shoulders and stared into her eyes.

"Who do you think is prettier—me or that princess?"

"Huh?" Lea laughed softly.

"Why are you laughing? Just answer!"

"You are both of remarkable beauty, young lady. I dare say, tonight, the attention of many gentlemen shall undoubtedly fall upon the both of you. Yet, there is something to be said for the princess's poise and refinement. Many men, even from foreign lands, hold her in high esteem. It comes as no surprise that the Duke, with all his power and handsomeness, is drawn to her beauty. They appear to be made for one another, both in stature and appearance."

I turned away.

How ridiculous. Who am I in this world to assume anything? But why… why does this sting a little?

Get a grip, Sophia.

"Are you well, young lady?" she inquired with a gentle tone.

"Huh? Of course, I'm fine. I'm just a little bit... you know," I replied nonchalantly.

"Do not worry, for I must confess, though you may seem like a small child in your mannerisms, you are the first person to ever show me such kindness. In my eyes, you surpass even Princess Anastasia and any other young lady in this town," she said with a smile.

"Aww." I immediately hugged her, touched by her words. How sweet of this young one. If only I had a sibling like her, perhaps I wouldn't be such a spoiled brat.

"Lea, may I ask for your help?"

"Of course, young lady. What can I assist you with?"

"I know you have excellent taste in fashion, could you make me presentable for the banquet later?" I pleaded with her.

A warm smile graced her lips at my request.

"I shall do everything in my power, young lady!" she replied, her words causing a little smile to appear on my face.

"This night is going to be thrilling."

༺❀༻ BANQUET NIGHT ༺❀༻

"WOW, Lea, is it really me? Is this really how I look?" I asked in disbelief, still staring at myself in the mirror.

"It is indeed you, young lady," she replied with a smile.

I studied my reflection carefully. My long, black hair was neatly braided on both sides and met at the bottom, with a few loose strands framing my face. It looked even more beautiful with the hairpin she had placed around my head. I couldn't help but feel like a bridesmaid or perhaps even the bride herself!

The ball gown, crafted from a luxurious fabric of soft peach, clung to my form in a manner that was both delicate and flattering, its rich texture catching the light with every subtle movement. The gown was adorned with intricate lacework at the bodice, hinting at the skill of the seamstress, while the voluminous skirt flowed gracefully to the floor, a harmonious blend of elegance and refinement. The gown's rich brown skirt, embroidered with white patterns as intricate as the finest porcelain, moved with me in a dance of grace.

In that moment, as I gazed at myself, I scarcely recognized the reflection before me—how splendid, how striking, a vision that would surely capture the attention of all present.

"You look stunning, young lady. I daresay you will eclipse all the young ladies present at the banquet tonight, and every gentleman and man will be quite taken with you," she said, causing the corners of my lips to curl into a smile.

"Do you think... the Duke will notice me?" I suddenly asked. My smile faded when I saw her wince.

"Ah Lea, stop teasing me!" I called out, feeling embarrassed.

"It is possible, young lady, but I cannot say with certainty," she replied, her gaze lowering.

Just then, there was a knock on my door.

"Young lady, shall we go now?" Lea asked me.

I suddenly placed a hand over my chest. "Lea, I think I might poop from nervousness."

"My lady! Such language is unbecoming!" she scolded me gently but firmly.

"Huhu, I'm just so nervous!"

"This is your opportunity to capture the heart of the man you hold dear," she teased.

"Lea! I'm not in love with him! Just a crush!" I said, playfully hitting her shoulder.

IT'S TIME TO STEAL THE DUKE'S HEART!