Chapter 10: The Banquet Night: Part 1

 ༺❀༻The Banquet Night༺❀༻

SOPHIA'S POV

I took careful steps down the big staircase, with Lea by my side. I felt like I might freeze when I realized almost everyone downstairs was staring at me. I almost laughed because some people looked like their jaws were about to drop.

As I got closer to the last step, I remembered that I should have been escorted. Isn't that how it's supposed to be? And the only person who should do that is my brother... I mean, the Duke. But where is he?

When I reached the last step, a tall man in a military uniform greeted me. I looked up, surprised, before I could smile.

"Friedrich?" I asked, feeling confused by his silence. Why is he staring at my face like that? Do I look weird?

"Deputy?" I repeated, hoping for an answer.

"Young lady!" he gasped as though awakening from a trance.

I had to fight the urge to laugh at the astonishment written on his face.

"My apologies, but I cannot help but be mesmerized by the beauty that lies before me," he said, almost in a daze. I almost flinched when he suddenly took my hand and kissed it.

"Deputy, where is the Duke? Shouldn't he be here?" I asked quickly.

"Fear not, young lady. The Colonel is but a moment away," he said with a note of disappointment. "Would you prefer that I escort you in his stead?"

"No, I mean, I never said such a thing!" I exclaimed in a flustered voice. "Yes, of course!"

"Ah, a most wondrous lady, like a star in the dark night," a voice interrupted, causing us to glance sideways.

And who might this be? He was handsome—if only his words were not so corny.

I rolled my eyes but was immediately startled as he took my hand and kissed it.

What is with all the kissing tonight? Well, I guess it norms here.

"My sincerest apologies for not introducing myself sooner," the man said smoothly. "I am Herr Gustav, a Viscount by title. It would be my utmost pleasure to ascertain the name of the most resplendent lady before me."

"Hehe, Sophia," I replied while smiling awkwardly.

"Milady, such a splendid name for the fairest flower to grace this evening," he said with a charming bow.

My gaze shifted from the Viscount to a newcomer. I frowned as I saw an older man with three women following behind him. They were the same women I had encountered outside the church not long ago.

So, this man must be their father.

"I am Herr Adolf, a widower, and amongst the wealthiest of this town," he introduced himself with an air of arrogance.

Heh. As if I care that he's a widower.

I smiled at his words and then glared at the three women behind him.

"These are my daughters, Miss Esperanza, the eldest; Miss Margarita, the second; and Miss Franciska, the youngest," he said proudly.

The three women merely smiled at me. They better! Let them try raising their eyebrows at me, I'll have them bald!

Soon after, other men approached me, all looking like nobles or officials from prominent families. I couldn't tell.

Psh! What are these men doing here? They're not who I'm looking for, yet they keep coming up to me.

"May I kiss your hand, milady?" Herr Adolf asked, with a polite bow.

"Huh? I guess?" I replied in confusion, unsure if it was normal for greetings.

I was about to extend my hand when suddenly, someone grabbed my arm, halting him. I felt my heart race as I locked eyes with the man who stood before me.

"Duke?" I stammered, still looking at him, who was now staring at Herr Adolf.

At that moment, I couldn't tear my gaze away from him.

He was dressed not in his usual military uniform as a Colonel but in the most magnificent attire befitting aristocracy, which only enhanced his already imposing presence. He wasn't wearing a beret, so I could fully appreciate his handsome features.

I quickly looked away, feeling my cheeks flush from merely staring at him. My heart was racing, and I couldn't seem to calm down as I caught sight of him again.

Ugh! How could someone be this undeniably handsome? He's so gorgeous I feel like my heart might fall to the floor! Yes, I mentally cursed at myself. He's just... too handsome!

"I beg your pardon, Herr Adolf, but I must fetch my sister now. It is time to introduce them to all present," the Duke said firmly, still holding onto my arm.

The Duke did not wait for a response from Herr Adolf and quickly led me toward the center of the hall.

"Good evening to all," the Duke began, his voice commanding the room's attention. "I am deeply grateful for your presence at this feast tonight. I would like to introduce my younger sibling, who has just arrived from the neighboring country to the east.

"My sibling has recently completed their studies and has chosen to settle within the Kingdom of Prush. I trust that you shall treat them with the kindness they most certainly deserve. That is all. Let us all enjoy the evening together."

The applause echoed through the room as everyone clapped, and I joined in. But as soon as the Duke's gaze met mine, I immediately stopped.

I simply clapped. What was his problem? Why is he acting like a damn freezer again?

Soon, the music began, and the ballroom came alive with dancing. It was amusing to watch as I could see how joyful people were during this time—they were very elegant.

"Thank you for this, Duke—" I was interrupted when I noticed that he was no longer beside me.

What? How could he have left me all alone here?

He didn't even smile at me or greet me before disappearing!

Arg! He's so rude! I fumed inwardly.

I noticed him talking with a few officials in the corner, but my irritation only grew when I saw every woman in the hall sneaking glances at him, hiding behind their fans.

Shocks! These women. Yeah, he's insanely handsome, but he's as cold as the harshest winter in Korea.

With an annoyed huff, I plopped down in a corner. As I sat there fuming, I felt Lea sit beside me, her presence a calming contrast to the storm raging inside me.

"Lea, I don't think the Duke was affected by my charm at all!" I pouted.

"Young lady, please lower your voice," she cautioned gently. "You and the Duke are siblings, after all. We wouldn't want others to think ill of you both if they overheard."

"Even so! He didn't even smile or glance at me!" I crossed my arms defiantly.

"Oh, young lady," she said softly.

I remained sulking, still glaring at the Duke, when suddenly the ballroom doors swung open.

A man entered, followed by a woman whose presence left me utterly stunned.

She was extraordinary—draped in a red ball gown with exquisite designs that shimmered under the light. Her long, flowing blonde hair only added to her ethereal grace.

I couldn't help but freeze, as every man in the ballroom seemed to be fixated on her.

Ugh, I hate to admit it, but she truly was breathtaking. All the men were completely captivated by her.

Wait... if all the men are staring at her... Could it be...?

I slowly raised my gaze to the Duke's direction. My heart skipped a beat when I saw him, his eyes transfixed on her—Princess Anastasia.

I clutched my chest. I remained dumbfounded when I saw the Duke's eyes meet Princess Anastasia's, and they shared a secret smile.

Wow. Seriously?! When did he learn to smile? He couldn't even look at me, and now he's smiling at her? Wow, just wow!

"Lea, did you see that? Did you see it? They smiled at each other secretly! My gosh! I cannot!" I said, my nose almost smoking with anger.

"Young lady, pray, calm yourself. Your cheeks are flushed with jealousy."

"Jealousy!?" I asked loudly, causing others to glance our way.

"I'm not jealous, Lea, what are you talking about!" I whispered.

"Then why does it seem as though your ears and nose are about to burn with rage?"

"Huh? Can't you see? I'm just chillin' like a villain here."

"Oh, young lady! But do try to calm yourself and refrain from jealousy."

"What are you saying, Lea! Ah, forget it!" I crossed my arms again, making her laugh.

My brow furrowed again as I noticed the Duke walking in the direction of Princess Anastasia. But what puzzled me was that he passed her and stopped just behind her.

So what are they planning to do now that they're facing away from each other?

I focused on them, and suddenly their hands appeared at the back of each other's, both the Duke and the Princess. My jaw dropped as I clearly saw them holding hands.

What?! Is this real? Wow! They are so sneaky! That Duke! Wow! He acts like a cold-blooded animal with me, but with her, he's like a docile lamb.

"Lea! Look! Look! They're holding hands! Waaah! Have they lost their minds? I'm right here! My gosh! Traitors!"

I quickly turned Lea's head to look at the Duke and Princess.

"Holding hands? Where?" she asked.

I squinted my eyes, seeing that their hands were no longer touching.

"Waaah! Nooo! They were holding hands just now! The Duke's hand was slowly moving, and then PLOP! They were holding hands! Waaah! How could they! I can't believe my eyes, Lea!"

"Lady, might I suggest you calm yourself? From what I see, the Duke is simply speaking with the prime minister—the man accompanying Princess Anastasia. You must be seeing things out of jealousy."

"Oh, forget it, Lea!" I exclaimed, continuing to sit with my arms crossed while resting one hand on my thigh.

"Milady, your foot!"

I ignored her. I raised my eyebrow when I saw the Duke smile again as he exchanged glances with Princess Anastasia.

Gosh! How do I unsee this? I think I need to wash my eyeballs! This is insane!

I couldn't sit still any longer as the music changed. The lively, rhythmic melody turned into a romantic tune. One by one, the men rose from their seats and approached the women, guiding them to the center of the ballroom to dance.

Wow, is this the iconic ball dance?

I was about to smile, but my brow furrowed again when I saw the Duke stand up and walk toward Princess Anastasia.

Wait, don't tell me he's going to ask her to dance? Crap, no way!

I quickly stood up. Just as I was about to step forward, three men blocked my path—Friedrich, Herr Adolf, and a young man I didn't recognize.

"Miss, may we have the honor of a dance with you?"

What? Three of them? What is this, a threesome?

Seeing the Duke approaching Anastasia made my nerves tense up. Shocks! I need to hurry! But what do I do? Aah! Whatever!

"Aww! Ouch! It hurts!" I said, wincing while holding my stomach.

"It hurts?" Herr Adolf asked again.

"Yeah, I think I'm about to... you know."

Both their eyes widened in surprise. I quickly turned to Lea, ignoring them, and looked back at the Duke. My eyes widened when I saw that he was now right in front of Princess Anastasia.

What?! No!

"Ouch! Ouch! It's coming out! I must leave you now! Adios!" I dramatically waved and hurried away. My heart raced faster when I saw the Duke stepping forward, offering his hand to Princess Anastasia.

"Waaaah, no!" I ran.

I was just about to reach Princess Anastasia when I quickly grabbed the Duke's hand.

"Waaah! I got you!" I said with a smile, holding the Duke's hand with one of mine resting on my chest. "Phew! That was close! I'm glad I made it."

I kept my head lowered when I suddenly felt a bad aura, so I slowly looked up.

"What are you doing, Sophia?" the Duke asked in a stern tone.

I swallowed hard. "Hehe, are you going to dance with me? Wait, no, you're going to dance with me?" Waaah! What should I say? He looks angry. Huhu.

"But it is not you whom I have invited," he replied blankly.

I was left speechless at his words. Arg, stupid! Why did I even grab the hand that wasn't meant for me? How embarrassing!

"Duke, please, just let it be. Let us indulge her. It's alright with me," Princess Anastasia said sweetly as she smiled at the Duke.

He smiled back at her. "If that is the case, please wait for my return, Princess," the Duke said gently.

Eww. What a corny thing to say! Making it sound like he's off to another country.

I quickly dragged the Duke to the center before I could get sick of their corniness. Once we got to the middle, I froze.

Wait, how do you even dance? Where should I hold?

I grabbed his shoulders, but he gave me a disapproving look, so I quickly moved my hands to his waist. He placed his hand on his side and exhaled loudly.

Shocks! He looks irritated. How do I do this? Huhu.

I was still unsure of where to place my hands when he suddenly leaned down and whispered in my ear, "You wish to dance, but you do not yet know the proper way to hold?"

I was frozen by his words. I was about to respond when he grabbed me by the waist and pulled me closer to him.

[Thump] [Thump]

My heart raced faster as our eyes met. I quickly looked away.

Wow. This is insane. Why do I feel like I'm trembling?

"You are truly fascinating, bringing me here, yet you cannot even look at me," he said seriously. I felt his grip on my waist tighten.

I lowered my head.

"Lift your head if you do not wish to be embarrassed."

I immediately lifted my head at his command. When our eyes met, the corner of his lips curved upward. In that moment, I regretted taking his hand from Princess Anastasia, but for some reason, I felt pleased. The man before me was mad, but I think I'm the crazier one.

We continued dancing as the partners began to switch.

Wait. Why are they switching partners? I'm not satisfied yet!

I was still holding on to him when he suddenly let go of me. I was surprised when someone else grabbed my waist and one of my hands.

"Young lady, at last," Friedrich said with a smile as he danced with me.

I simply smiled back at him and then glanced slowly at the Duke.

I could only furrow my brow when I saw that Princess Anastasia was now his partner.

My brow furrowed even more when I saw them smiling and whispering to each other. They seemed utterly deranged. How irritating!

But despite all that, I couldn't take my eyes off the Duke.

His eyes were sparkling, almost as if they were smiling—just like his lips did when he tenderly spoke with Princess Anastasia. It was completely different from the way he looked at me. I had to look away.

"What is the matter, young lady? Does your stomach still hurt?"

"My heart, I think, is the one that hurts," I muttered absentmindedly.

"Ha?"

"Oh! Haha! Never mind! May I sit down? I am rather tired."

"If that is the case, allow me to escort you to your seat," he smiled at me, and I merely returned his smile.

As soon as we reached the seat, he promptly left as an official approached him."Young lady, you are unusually quiet." Lea immediately said when she approached me.

"It's nothing. I am fine," I replied to her.

"Fine? Even though you've been frowning and glaring in the direction of the Duke and Princess Anastasia?"

"At first, I didn't want to believe you that something was going on between them, even though I could see the evidence with my own eyes. But when I saw how the Duke smiled, I think what you said is true."

I was surprised when she suddenly took my hand. "The first love is truly painful, young lady, but do not worry, you will forget it in time."

I couldn't help but laugh at what she said. "FYI, Lea, I do not love him! He's just a crush! And who said he was my first love? Where I come from, I had many lovers! And all of them cried over me!"

"Ohh, really? That's not surprising, with your beauty, no doubt many have cried over you. May I ask, what were their names?"

I secretly smiled at her question. "Well, the first one to cry in front of me was Kim Taehyung from BTS. Gosh! I will never forget how he cried while begging me not to leave him! It was so guilt-inducing!"

"Kim Taehyung?" she repeated, clearly believing what I had said.

I smiled again.

"Why did you leave him? And who did you replace him with?"

"Well, here it is, I replaced him with Lee Min Ho. But after just a few days, I got bored with him, so I left him too."

"What?!" Her eyes widened as she covered her mouth.

"HAHAHAHA!" I couldn't stop myself from laughing.

Lea is adorable. But honestly, if I told Jel (my best friend) this, I wouldn't just get a slap—I might get kicked all the way to Mars.

"Sorry, Lea. I was just kidding! Hahaha!"

"Arg! You are such a tease, young lady," she muttered, her face reddening with anger.

I was about to speak when someone stopped in front of us. "Young lady, the dining table for the feast is ready," said the servant before he left.

"It would be best if we just eat, Lea!" I invited her.

"I cannot join you at the table, for it is reserved for officials, nobles, well-known people, and only the Duke is allowed to dine there."

"Arg! If you can't join, then I'll just sit at the back with you."

She was about to reply when I grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the long dining table. I almost felt dizzy when I saw the immense amount of food laid out. "Lea, this food looks delicious. Just stand behind me, and I'll hand you some. Alright?"

"Don't, pry, young lady," she whispered from behind me, but I ignored her.

Once seated, I quickly searched for the Duke. He was at the far end of the table, with the Prime Minister on his right, Princess Anastasia beside him, and the Princess herself on his left.

Eww. He's so clingy. Shouldn't I be sitting there instead? Psh!

I stared at them when, unintentionally, my laced fan fell. I looked around first before going down. Well, no one was looking at me because they were busy talking to one another, so I quickly went down to pick up my fan.

As I held it, my eyes happened to glance at two pairs of hands intertwined beneath the table.

"Shocks!" I gasped, covering my mouth.

Even though I was in shock, I quickly returned to my seat and looked in the direction of the Duke and Princess Anastasia.

What the fudge! How can they act so casually in front of everyone as if their hands aren't joined under the table?

It was like the song You Betrayed Me by Olivia Rodrigo was playing in the background. Traitors!

I was fanning myself frantically, not even realizing it. I felt like I was the Duke's wife, and he's cheating with the princess. When I glanced at them again, they were smiling at each other.

Wow! Could they stop already? It's giving me chills. Seriously!

I wanted to walk out, but no one would notice or stop me, so never mind. I focused on the food instead because I was just annoyed.

"Lea, hurry and take this," I said as I got a plate of food.

"Young lady, don't," she whispered behind me.

"What are you talking about! It's totally normal to pocket food at a banquet nowadays. Just take it already."

I knew she hadn't eaten, and people like her didn't get to eat this kind of food often.

"Go sneak off to your room and eat."

She was about to protest when I handed her the plate. She panicked when she grabbed it and accidentally dropped it.

Oh, dang.

I quickly covered my face with my fan as it made a noise, and everyone started looking at us.

"Servant, what are you doing sneaking food?" an old man in a tuxedo asked. He looked like a noble.

Now we are really, truly doomed!

"Servant, answer!" he shouted, sending a shiver down Lea's spine. She was so frightened that she couldn't speak and turned pale.

I saw the man stand up and approach us. Wait, what is he planning?

He was right in front of us when he raised his hand to slap Lea. I stood up immediately.

"I am the one responsible for this," I said boldly.

The hall fell into silence at my words. My skin prickled when I met the Duke's gaze, his expression completely blank as he stared at me.

I swallowed twice.

Sophia, you're dead.