Chapter 12: The Thief

SOPHIA'S POV

"Lady Sophia! Lady Sophia!"

I jolted awake as Lea shook me vigorously. "What is it, Lea? Why are you so worked up?" I mumbled groggily, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

"Hurry, my lady! The Duke wishes for you to join her for breakfast!"

That instantly woke me up. The Duke? Having breakfast with me?

I shot up from bed without hesitation. "Common, Lea. I'm born ready!" I grinned, already moving to get up.

Lea folded her arms and smirked. "Oh? You seem rather spirited today. And to think, I you didn't utter a word last night."

Last night?

I froze for a moment, my mind drifting back to the events that had unfolded. My brows furrowed as fragments of what I saw came rushing back.

Without thinking, I flopped back onto the bed and pulled the covers over my head. "Just go, Lea! I refuse to eat with that man!"

How could I forget? That insufferable playboy! 

"But, my lady, he has been awaiting your presence at the dining table for quite some time now."

"Oh, really?" I lifted my head slightly.

"Yes, my lady."

"Waaah! Stop tempting me, Lea!" I groaned, burying myself deeper under the covers.

No! No way! I refuse to see his face!

"Go tell him I won't be joining!" I declared firmly. Yet after a few moments of silence, I realized Lea hadn't responded.

"Lea? Didn't you hear me? I said I'm not going!" I repeated.

Still, no answer.

"Lea?" My heart skipped a beat. "Wait... where did she go? Did she just leave? Oh no! Was I just playing hard to get, and now he thinks I really don't care? My gosh! Where's my knight in shining armor to coax me out?!"

Frustrated, I yanked the blanket over my head again, grumbling about my tragic existence.

God. I feel unworthy. What is even the purpose of my life at this moment?

I was still lost in my dramatic sulking when—tap, tap.

I felt a light tap at the foot of my bed.

Psh. So now she's coming back?

"I already told you, Lea. I am NOT going!" I snapped, but the tapping continued.

"Lea, I said stop it! No matter how handsome or charming he is, I will not—" I cut myself off mid-sentence, my hands flying to my mouth as I peeked out from under the covers.

Blood drained from my face.

It wasn't Lea.

It was him.

The Duke!

Oh. My. God.How long had he been standing there? Did he hear everything I just said?!

My eyes widened in sheer horror as I took in the deep crease in his brow. "You may spurn me as often as you wish, but know this—Lea has long since departed from this world."

"Oh... she has? Hehe... since when?" I smiled awkwardly when he crossed his arms, maintaining an unwavering gaze.

Tsk. Why was he looking at me like that? Did he think I was still into him? Ha! Newsflash—I uncrushed him. Last night! Didn't he get the memo?

I raised a defiant brow, crossing my arms in return. "Well? What do you want? Why are you here in my room? Huh? Huh?" I shot back haughtily.

He didn't answer. Instead, he stepped forward.I leaned back instinctively. "Wait, what are you doing? Stay right there! Don't come any closer!" I practically shrieked as he continued his advance.

"I have summoned you time and again, yet you remain hidden. Pray, what is it that you seek to accomplish?" he asked, voice calm but firm.

"For something to happen between us!" I blurted.

Silence.

His eyes widened.

Oh no.

His gaze flickered away, and I realized the weight of my words.

"W-Wait! That's not what I meant!" I practically screamed, horrified at my own phrasing.

Why, Sophia?! why?! What in the world possessed you to say that to a man who looks like he walked straight out of a history book?! Have you forgotten how conservative people are in this era?!

And to make matters worse— I glanced down at myself.

Oh. My. God. I was wearing nothing but a nightgown. And my hair is all tangled. 

Can I just die right now?

He cleared his throat. Ahem. "In any case, I came merely to inform you that a mass shall be held later today in honor of the town festival. Now, rise and take your meal. I shall take my leave." He turned on his heel, muttering a single word as he walked away.

"Troublesome."

I waited until I was sure he was gone before I peeked out from the blanket.

"Waaah! That was so humiliating! How many times do I have to embarrass myself in front of him?! Argh! Stupid, stupid, stupid!" I groaned, burying my face into my pillow and punching it repeatedly.

Wait. Did he just say town festival?

"Lea! Lea!" I called out.

Lea immediately entered the room. "Yes, Lady Sophia?"

"Is it true? There's a festival today?"

"Yes, my lady. In truth, the Duke has most graciously bestowed upon me a sum, which I am to present to you, that you might indulge in the pleasures of Marktplatz at your leisure." She presented a bundle of crisp bills.

My eyes sparkled. "Wait, wait, wait. Are you telling me the Duke personally gave you this for me?"

"Indeed, Lady Sophia."

Something felt off.

"Hold on. I thought for sure he would scold me for my behavior last night. But instead, he gives me money to go out? Don't you think that's strange, Lea? Could the Duke be sick?"

Lea shook her head. "He was in perfect health when he departed earlier, my lady. Indeed, a smile graced his countenance as he took his leave."

A smile? Could it be—?

"Oh my gosh, Lea! Do you think I'm the reason he was smiling?!" I gasped, tucking my hair behind my ear dramatically.

Lea gave me a look that practically screamed, "You're delusional." but who cares.

She sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Should you wish to believe such, my lady, I shall not contest it. However, before we proceed further, allow me to assist you to your bath, for we are already most behind for mass."

Forget about the bath. Let's think why the duke is smiling. I grin. 

Could it be that the Duke was starting to fall for me? It wouldn't be surprising, considering he had saw my professional skill last night. I mean, with a skill as enchanting as mine, who wouldn't fall in love?

I giggled to myself.

It seems I have a new mission to embark on.

OPERATION: Seduce the Duke

CHURCH

"Lady Sophia, I have reminded you on numerous occasions not to use your fan to scratch your back." Lea whispered to me as I scratched my back with my fan.

"It's because my dress is so itchy, Lea. I'm not used to it! Can you help me scratch it?" I said as I continued scratching it.

"Pardon, my lady?" Lea asked in disbelief, her eyes wide open.

"Agh. It's really itchy. Help me, please? Huhu."

"Very well, pray, where might it be?" She asked, looking down as if what she's about to do a crime.

"Near the middle, close to the side," I whispered. She slowly raised her hand to scratch my back. "Yes! There! Ugh, that feels so good!" I said as her hand hit the itchy part of my back.

"Yes! Keep going, ugh! Shove harder, ugh! That's so good!" I almost rolled my eyes from the relief Lea's scratching gave me.

"Oh, my lady, might you not refrain from speaking. This is truly embarrassing."

I almost laugh at lea's remark. She continued scratching my back discreetly when I noticed the man sitting next to me, seemingly peeking at what we were doing. As if we're doing something ridiculous.

"Oh? What are you staring at? Do you want me to scratch you too?" I asked, causing him to quickly look away.

Well, I was just asking. This is crazy.

"Is that enough, my lady?"

"Yes, that's fine. Thanks, Lea." She just smiled and grimaced. lol

Ugh, when will this mass end? We've been sitting here for almost two hours. Shocks! What if we've already passed heaven by now? This is crazy! Plus, I don't understand anything! It's all in German.

I just yawned.

"Why do you yawn, Lady Sophia? Is my sermon so tedious as to bring forth such a response?" The priest suddenly pointed at me, waking me from my daze.

"Lea, why are you yawning? That's rude!" Lea's eyes almost popped out in shock at what I said. Lol.

"I speak of you, Lady Sophia!" The priest said, seemingly angry.

Ugh, looks like I'm not leaving this church without being embarrassed.

"My apologies, but I wasn't yawning."

"What do you imply, my lady? I clearly saw you!"

"Huh? Did you see me yawn, Lea?"

"Pardon? I know not, Lady Sophia." she replied feeling embarrassed. 

"And you, sir, did you see me yawn?" I asked the man next to me.

"Huh? My apologies, but I did not notice, young lady." he responded.

"See? No one saw me yawn. Maybe you're seeing things, would you like me to escort you to an optician's shop? " He just fell silent, clearly embarrassed by what I said. 

Since he had no proof for his accusation, he just shot me a glare before turning away in anger.

Ugh, I hope this mass ends already, I'm getting stale.

-One eternity later-

When the mass finally ended, I immediately looked for the duke, who was up ahead.

"Come on, Lea, let's go to the duke," I said which she nodded in response.

I smiled widely when the duke suddenly smiled at me so sweetly. "OMG! Lea, did you see that? The duke smiled at me! Shocks! What does that smile mean? Could something be building up between us?" I scratched my head at what I just said.

As I was approaching the Duke, I raised both my arms to hug him, but just as I was about to hug him, he passed me by.

Eh?

I still had my arms raised when I saw that he went to Princess Anastasia instead.

"What are you doing, Lady?" Princess Anastasia asked, seemingly caught me raising my arms.

"Ah, well, I'm shadowboxing. Wanna join?" I said, pretending to punch the air.

"See? Upper hook! Left hook! Wattah!" I just grimaced as they looked at me like I was crazy.

Arg! This is so embarrassing. Come on, Sophia, stop acting like a fool! You're embarrassing yourself!

When I glanced at the duke, he looked utterly bewildered, like a madman witnessing his daughter's chaotic behavior. I swiftly turned my gaze away.

"I entrusted Lea with some money so you might enjoy a visit to the Marktplatz. One thing, though—do return before dusk, for we have an engagement this evening." the duke said coldly before turning away.

I don't know why, but I just looked away when he took Princess Anastasia's hand.

"One more thing, pray, think more carefully before acting next time. Did you not consider that I might have been the one embarrassed first, before you?" He glanced at me briefly, but I immediately looked down when I saw his blank expression.

"I-I'm sorry," was all I could say, but he didn't acknowledge me as he grabbed Anastasia's arm again.

"My sincerest apologies for keeping you waiting, Princess Anastasia. Shall we be off?" Princess Anastasia said, smiling in response.

Before they left, I noticed Princess Anastasia's lips curl into a smirk while staring at me.

Psh.

"Are you alright, Lady Sophia?"

"It's so annoying, Lea. I thought he was going to treat me better, but it's even worse. Or maybe I'm just assuming too much," I muttered, looking depress. 

"Think no more of it, Lady Sophia. Remember, nothing in this world is everlasting. Perhaps, at present, he shows you no regard, but such feelings are fleeting. In time, he shall come to favor you."

"Really?"

"Indeed, Lady Sophia. So do not be disheartened. Let us simply go to the Marktplatz and enjoy ourselves, shall we?" She smiled so sweetly, which made me smile too.

"Waah! Let's go! I'm so excited! Wait, are there a lot of handsome men there?"

"Mostly vendors and coachmen."

"HAHAHAHA I like that! Wait, coachman? What's that?"

"Hahaha! I know not, Lady Sophia! Come, let us be on our way."

We got into a carriage and went down a lively and happy street that looked like the town's marketplace center.

My jaw nearly dropped as I took another look around. The place was filled with all sorts of shops—stalls selling food, fruits, clothes, and countless other things.

"Wow! Lea, I feel like I just stepped into one of the postcards from my dad's collection," I exclaimed in awe as we got off the carriage.

"Post… postcard?"

"Yes! It's like I've walked into a picture. It's amazing!"

She just looked at me, puzzled."Let us be off and begin our shopping," she said. I agreed, quickly grabbing her hand and running toward the first shop I saw. It sold fans, sandals, and various accessories.

"This would suit you most perfectly, Lady Sophia." she said with a smile, staring at a butterfly-designed hairpin.

"I think it would suit you better. Give it to me, I'll buy it for you."

"Huh? Nay! Pray, do not spend your money on me, Lady Sophia."

"And why not? You're the only friend, sister, mother, father, grandmother, and even grandfather I have in this place."

She suddenly burst out laughing at my words.

"I am most grateful, my lady. You are exceedingly kind."

"It's nothing, Lea. But in return, can you help me find a gift for the duke?" I grinned.

"Oh? You're up to something," she teased.

"I just want to give him a gift since he gave me money, and also as an apology because I know I've been stressing him out."

"Indeed."

"Haha. You are brutally honest. So, Just help me, okay?"

She smiled and nodded before we started searching. Moments later, my eyes sparkled when I saw a golden, crown-shaped brooch.

I picked it up and held it in the air to show Lea. "What do you think, Lea? Will the Duke like this?" I asked with a smile, waiting for her response.

Before she could answer, we heard an elderly woman shout.

"Thief! Stop that man! He's a thief!"

As I turned around, I saw the man she was pointing at running toward us at full speed.

Wow. So pickpockets already exist in this era.

Realizing he was just a few feet away, I quickly lifted my skirt to my knees and stretched my leg out in his path—boom!

"Damn it!" he cursed as he crashed to the ground. I immediately grabbed his shirt and held him tight, but I was stunned when I finally saw his face.

Shocks. He's handsome.

A smirk formed on his lips as he noticed my stunned expression.

"If you grant me my freedom, Milady, I shall offer you the honor of a dance at this evening's celebration in the town center." he said with a grin.

I raised an eyebrow. Wow. He's not just a thief—he's full of himself too.

"How about a punch instead?" I said, yanking the stolen item from his grasp. But he wouldn't let go, so I tightened my grip.

Oh? He won't give it up?

I grabbed his hair and yanked it."Ouch! Ow! What in the world?! Why are you tugging at my hair? Wait… are you a man in disguise?" he grimaced.

This bastard!

"Do I look like a man? Huh?" I pulled his hair even harder, making him groan in pain. By now, a crowd had gathered around us, but we didn't stop fighting.

"The guards are coming!" a woman shouted, which made the thief shove me away.

Oh, you think you can escape?

Just as he was about to run, I jumped onto his back and bit his ear—hard. But instead of yelling in pain, he suddenly stopped and stared at me, his face turning red.

What's his problem?

"Stop right there!"

"Damn it!" he cursed, shaking me off before sprinting away.

"Ouch!" I groaned, rubbing my hip as I sat in the middle of the street.

"Lady Sophia, are you well? Good heavens, what were you thinking, throwing yourself at a thief in such a manner?"

"Because he's a thief!"

"Just get up so we can pay for our items and go home."

I was about to stand up and follow her when I realized—the brooch I was holding was gone.

Wait… don't tell me… Nooooo!

"Lea, go home first. I need to get something back!"

"Milady? Surely not! The Duke will be most furious!"

"I'll explain everythnig later!" with that, I started to ran off.

But I had to stopped to remove my sandals—they were slowing me down. Once I got them off, I took off running again.

My gosh, Sophia! Where have you ever seen a noblewoman in a dress, barefoot and sprinting down the streets?

I kept running until I spotted him in the distance. He really thought he could get away from me?

When he reached a secluded, dead-end alley, he finally stopped.

"Ha… ha… (panting) You really thought you could outrun me? Let me tell you, running is my sport! You messed with the wrong person!"

He laughed, still catching his breath. "But you were the one who bumped me first, Milady," he said with a grin.

Oh. Right.

I just raised an eyebrow at him.

"Pray, tell me, are you truly a woman? Even that bandit have ceased their pursuit, yet you follow me as though tethered by a tail." he said, still panting.

"Be honest, you like me, don't you?" he confidently said.

"You're so delusional. Now, give me back my brooch!"

"What brooch?" he asked, seemingly confused.

"It got stuck on you when I bit your ear earlier!" I huffed.

I saw him touch his ear, his face suddenly turning red.

Tss. What's his problem now?

When he didn't respond, I stepped closer to search him myself.

"I knew it! You—"

"We've finally found you, Milord," a voice interrupted.

I froze mid-search and turned around.

Milord? Milord?! But I'm a woman—how am I a "lord"?

"Hah… when luck isn't on your side," the thief muttered.

Wait a second. Isn't "milord" only used for nobles, aristocrats, and wealthy heirs? Wait—don't tell me… he's one of them?

"You're a noble?" I asked in disbelief. 

"Is it not quite obvious?" he replied as he frowned.

"Then why do you look like that? And why are you stealing?"

"Hey, hey! Have you forgotten you're in danger right now?" one of the men—probably bandits—cut in.

"Shut up!" I snapped, making him glare at me. "Haha! Just kidding!" I smiled.

"But you know… I don't even know this guy, so go ahead! Capture him!" I stepped back, about to leave, when the thief suddenly grabbed my hand.

"Hey, bring this woman along as well…"

He smirked at me mischievously before dropping the words that made my jaw hit the floor.

"…for she is my accomplice."