Chapter 15: Brow

SOPHIA'S POV

"I like you."

"I like you."

"I like you."

"I like you."

"I like you."

A strangled wail escaped my lips as I clutched my head, my fingers digging into my hair with enough force to nearly tear it from my scalp.

An unbearable heat crawled up my neck as the memory of last night replayed over and over in my mind like a cruel joke.

Had I lost my mind? Why would I say something like that? To him, of all people! What had possessed me to do such an utterly reckless thing?

I groaned in sheer mortification, rolling onto my bed and kicking my legs in a fit of frustration. 

"Lady Sophia!" A familiar voice jolted me from my misery.

I froze, my breath catching in my throat. "Waaaaah! Lea!" Without a second thought, I launched myself off the bed and crashed into her, wrapping my arms around her tightly as if she were my last tether to reality.

Lea gasped but recovered quickly. "What troubles you, Lady Sophia?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

I lifted my head and gazed at her as my eyes welling with unshed tears. "Lea, I think I've gone crazy," I confessed in a pitiful whisper.

Her grip on my shoulders tightened slightly before she pulled back just enough to scrutinize my face. Her lips parted, and for a fleeting moment, I thought she would be alarmed—but instead, she blinked in surprise and then let out a soft chuckle.

"Lea!" I whined, horrified.

She pressed a hand against her mouth, barely able to contain her amusement. "I-I do beg your pardon, Lady Sophia, but—" she paused, her gaze flickering over my face, "Pray, what has befallen the delicate skin beneath your eyes? They appear rather shadowed. Have you not taken rest at all?"

Ugh. Should I tell her that I spent the entire night tossing and turning, tormented by my own foolishness?

Feeling defeated, I trudged back to my bed and collapsed onto it, yanking the blanket over my head. A muffled groan escaped me as I buried my face into the mattress, wishing the ground would swallow me whole.

Lea's soft footsteps approached, and the bed dipped slightly as she sat beside me. "Lady Sophia, are you indisposed? Do you suffer any affliction?" she asked gently.

I peeked out from beneath the covers, my lips quivering. "Lea," I whispered, my voice cracking.

"Yes, my lady?"

"I confessed to the Duke last night." My words barely left my mouth before a wretched sob tore from my throat. "Uwaaaaah!" I wailed as my arms flailing as I threw myself forward, burying my face in my knees.

Lea gasped. "What? But how? What exactly happened?"

I chewed on my lower lip, my mortification returning in full force as my mind dragged me back to the scene of my greatest humiliation.

FLASHBACK

"Duke..." My voice wavered, my fingers clutching the hem of my gown as I struggled to suppress the tremor in my hands.

His piercing gaze remained fixed on me, unreadable and cold as ever. I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing the words out before fear could silence me.

"I like you."

Silence. The world stilled. My breath hitched as I dared to lift my eyes, my heart pounding so hard I feared he could hear it.

But he did not speak. He did not move. His face remained devoid of emotion, his gaze unwavering, detached, and impassive, as though my words were nothing more than a passing breeze.

The weight of his silence crushed me. Panic clawed at my chest. My knees weakened.

Please say something! Anything!

He blinked once, then straightened. "Fix yourself. We are leaving." His voice was devoid of warmth, his words delivered with chilling indifference. And then, just like that, he turned his back to me and walked away.

I stood there, frozen in place, my mind struggling to comprehend what had just happened. The sting of rejection settled in my chest like a vice tightening around my ribs.

What... just happened? Wait. Did he just—?

No. No, no, no. That was impossible.

I am Sophia Shaina Jang. The goddess. The campus IT girl of one of the most prestigious universities in Korea. There was no way—absolutely no way—that he had just rejected me!

Fury and disbelief surged through me like wildfire. No, I refused to accept this!

Fueled by sheer indignation, I dashed forward, my steps quick and determined. I reached him in seconds, planting myself in his path, refusing to let him leave without an explanation.

My heart hammered as I met his gaze again, but still—still—he remained expressionless.

Why? Why was he like this? Did he not feel anything at all?

I clenched my fists, my breath unsteady, and before I could stop myself, I reached out, grabbing the collar of his coat, pulling him down just enough so that we were face to face.

For a fleeting moment, the space between us was nonexistent. My breath hitched. His scent—cool, crisp, intoxicating—filled my lungs. The heat of his presence sent shivers down my spine. I could see the fine details of his face now—the sharp lines of his jaw, the intensity in his eyes, the way his lips parted slightly at my boldness.

My heart raced. I swallowed thickly.

"Duke.." 

I had to say something, anything to break this unbearable tension, but before I could—A sharp cramp twisted my stomach. I pressed a hand against my mouth, my stomach churning violently.

No, not now.

But destiny really likes to play with me.

"UaaakkkkKkkkkkkkkk!"

End of Flashback

"Waaaaah! My gosh! This is so embarrassing, Lea! Imagine? I confessed, and then I threw up right in front of him?! I don't even know which is more humiliating. Gosh! What am I supposed to do now?!"

"Ah, so that is why the Duke bore such a dreadful scent last night. It was on account of you, Lady Sophia." I glared at her.

"Hehe. I was merely jesting, Lady Sophia. But pray, why dost thou believe the Duke showed no reaction?"

I immediately looked at Lea, then lowered my head. "Was I rejected, Lea? I mean… I mean…" I looked at her with teary eyes. "Did he turn down my feelings for him?" Shocks. I sound so corny. Huhu.

She looked at me straight in the eyes before holding my hand. "Aww, Lady Sophia, thou art truly a grown woman now."

I almost laughed at her words. She's only a few years older than me.

"If he did not react when thou didst confess, it may mean just that. Perhaps he wished not to wound you, and thus chose to remain silent."

"Is that so?" I asked while hugging my knees. I wanted to cry after hearing that. So this is what it feels like to be rejected for the first time.

"Do you think it's because of Princess Anastasia?" I asked weakly, but what kind of question was that? It was obvious from the start that he liked Princess Anastasia.

"Mayhap. But Lady Sophia…"

I quickly looked at her. "What?"

"Pray, consider it well. He gave you no answer. It may signify refusal, or perchance…"

"What, Lea?" I asked, suddenly feeling a glimmer of hope.

"Perhaps he is still thinking on it. I believe that as long as he has not plainly refused you, there is still hope." My eyes sparkled at her words.

Shet. Why didn't I think of that? That's right! He didn't say a single word when I confessed. His face was just expressionless.

"But perchance, he sought not to afflict thy heart, and thus did he elect the solace of silence, Lady Sophia."

Pfft.

"You know, Lea, I don't know if you're boosting my confidence or just messing with me."

"Hehe. But there is but a single way to uncover the truth, Lady Sophia."

"And what is that?"

"Ask the Duke again."

"What?!"

"Do you know that my confession last night is the reason I have dark circles under my eyes right now? Right? I couldn't sleep all night, and now you want me to ask him again? Do you want me to go completely insane, Lea?"

"My apologies, Milady. It was naught but a mere suggestion. Yet, if thou dost truly seek his answer, then that alone is the path before you."

Arrggg! I grabbed my hair in frustration because she was right. "But Lea, I can't do that! I can't even face him! Do you realize that? If I see him, I might just start foaming at the mouth!"

"Lea!"

We both turned toward my bedroom door when a voice called from outside. Lea and I quickly exchanged glances.

Wtf?!

I immediately pulled the blanket over my head and lay down as the doorknob slowly turned.

My gosh! We were just talking about him, and now he's suddenly here!

"Why has Sophia not yet risen? The morning repast is prepared."I clutched the blanket tightly when I heard his voice.

Gosh! Just hearing his voice makes me feel like peeing myself. What more if I actually see his face? Waaaaaah! You crazy, Sophia.

"Ah, um... Lady Sophia has yet to awaken, Duke. I believe she is still unwell."

Gosh. Lea, you're such an angel. I'll kiss you later.

"Why are you only telling me this now? Hurry and fetch some medicine from the pantry."

Wtf?!

The moment I heard Lea rushing out of my room, my heart started pounding faster, but it doubled when I felt the Duke approach me and gently pull down the blanket covering me.

My entire body stiffened, and I started sweating nervously when his scent hit me.

My gosh! He smells so good! But shet! No matter what happens, don't open your eyes! Arg! Why did he have to come closer? My gosh.

"You appear as an angel in slumber, yet when awake, you are like a wild child who has just broken free from a cage." he said before chuckling softly.

Wtf?! -/ / /-

Gosh. What did I just hear? Me? An angel? I want to squeal and jump around because of what he said, but I forced myself to stay still and act asleep, even though I was dying from excitement inside.

I was still frozen in place when I suddenly felt his warm palm press against my forehead.

Acckk! I screamed too loudly in my head. I almost opened my eyes at his touch, but I held myself back.

Merciful heavens, please help me endure this act. I might not be able to control myself and end up devouring him. 

"You do feel rather warm. It seems you truly indulged too much last night, and now you are unwell." he murmured.

I'm only burning up because I'm extremely flustered, Duke, And if you don't leave soon, I might really lose control and pounce on you.

"Sophia, about last night…."

Lubdub

Shet. What about last night? What is he going to say about last night?! Waaaaah! What is it?!

"Last night…" My heart pounded twice—no, three times harder as I anxiously waited for his next words.

"About what you said last night—"

"Duke, here is the medicine."

Wtf?! Waaaaah! Lea! Why did you have to come in now?! Waaaah! Why?!

"Give it to her once she has awakened and taken her meal. By the way, it is the Deputy Captain's birthday today. Should she feel well enough, bring her to the estate of Deputy captain. If not, remain here and tend to her. Is that understood?"

"Indeed, Duke." As soon as the Duke received a response, he quickly left the room.

"Waaaaah! Lea!"

"Waaah! What is it?" she asked, startled. I almost laughed, but I was still annoyed at her.

"Do you know he was about to say something about last night before you interrupted?!"

"My apologies, Milady, It seems I have entered at an inopportune moment."

"Arrggg! Lea! I'm going crazy!" I groaned, pulling at my own hair.

"Wait, what did he say earlier?" I turned to her again.

"What do you mean, Milady? Deputy Captain Friedrich's birthday?" she asked, blushing. Aw. Right. Deputy Captain is her crush.

"Lea, do you want to go?" I smirked at her. I laughed even more when her face turned even redder.

"I-is that possible?" she asked shyly.

"Hahaha! What are you saying?! Of course! My crush will be there, and so will yours, so let's go!"

"Crush?"

"I mean, we're going! Actually, I already have a plan," I said with a smirk.

"And what is that?"

"We're going to make ourselves look stunning!" I declared before bursting into a loud laugh.

"Oh my gosh, Lea! You look absolutely stunning!" I exclaimed after finishing her makeover and placing the hairpin we bought from the Marktplatz into her hair.

"A-Am I truly this person, Lady Sophia?" she asked, disbelief evident in her voice.

I smirked. "It's really you, Lea. You are now even more beautiful than Herr Adolf's three daughters. Actually, you have always been more beautiful than them."

"Oh, how embarrassing. Your words are far too ornate, Lady Sophia." she said, blushing.

"Haha! But it's the truth. Oh, and one more thing, wear one of my ball gowns."

"What? That cannot be! It is already more than enough that you have styled me. Besides, I am but a humble servant and have no right to wear such a dress."

"Is that so? Well, you are already beautiful, so you don't really need a fancy dress, but wouldn't it be better if your look was complete?"

"I cannot, Lady Sophia. Please, let it be. It would be best if you took a seat now so that I may tend to your hair as well."

Eh? I had no choice but to follow her.

As she started fixing my long black hair, I stared at my reflection and then at my eyebrows. I frowned upon noticing how messy they were. They looked like a bird's nest.

Gosh! I haven't trimmed my eyebrows since I arrived here. This cannot be. I have to look perfect tonight. I have to be the most beautiful one there! I need the General to notice me immediately!

"Lea."

"Yes, Lady Sophia?"

"Do you know how to shape eyebrows?" I asked.

"Huh? Ah, um, no. Ever since I was a child, I have never groomed my eyebrows."

I stared at her eyebrows. They were also unkempt, but since hers were naturally thin, it was not that noticeable. But mine? Arg! No way.

"Lea, help me shave my eyebrows."

"I would be delighted to assist, but I fear I do not know how." she replied.

I paused to think about what she said. She had a point. There were no trimmers in this era.

"Ah, wait! I have an idea—hold on." With that, I rushed to the pantry, ignoring the many servants bustling about.

I grabbed the smallest knife I could find and turned back to her with a grin. "Tada!"

"What is it that we intend to do with that knife, Lady Sophia?"

"You will use it to shave my eyebrows," I replied with a smile.

"I beg your pardon, Milady?!" she asked in disbelief.

"I trust you, Lea. So go ahead and start the operation."

"Hehe, I am honored by your trust, yet I cannot shake off this unease, Lady Sophia."

"Oh, come on. You can do it. Just get started already." I spoke with confidence.

After a few moments of hesitation, she finally took the knife and stepped closer to me. "Are you prepared, Milady?"she asked with a grimace.

"I told you. I was born ready, so push!"

She could only wince at my words before beginning to shave my eyebrows. Her touch was so light that I barely felt anything.

"I am done with the right one." with that, I quickly turned to the mirror and gasped when I saw how neatly she had trimmed my right eyebrow.

"Wow! Shocks! You are amazing!" I said in awe.

"Haha. I am pleased that you like it, milady. Now, allow me to shape your left eyebrow."

I did not protest and immediately faced her again. But just as she was about to trim my eyebrow, a stray hair tickled my nose, making me sneeze loudly and causing my head to jerk.

"Forgive me, Lea. I did not mean to," I said while wiping my nose.

I turned to the mirror again but was puzzled by what I saw. "Lea, why does it look like half of my left eyebrow is missing?" I asked calmly.

"L-Lady Sophia…" she stammered.

We locked eyes in the mirror. Wait. She is not saying that—

I immediately moved closer to the mirror to inspect my eyebrow. It was clearer than daylight. Half of my left eyebrow was completely gone.

I felt as if the black in my eyes moved to the back of my head. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and—

"UWAAAH!" I screamed from the bottom of my lungs.

"Waaah! Lady Sophia, I am truly sorry! I did not mean to shave off part of your eyebrow when you sneezed. Pry, forgive me!"

I turned to look at Lea, completely in shock. I felt as though my soul had left my body.

Friedrich's birthday. My plans to look stunning for the Duke. My intention to talk to him again later. Like puff! it's all gone now.

"Waaaaaaah!" I collapsed onto the floor as if my world had ended.

"Lea, what do I do now? How can I go to the Deputy Captain's birthday party? How can I even show my face to the Duke if… if… half of my eyebrow is missing?! Uwaaaaaah!" I wailed.

"There will be plenty of opportunities, Lady Sophia. You see the Duke every day here. Pry, do not cry. I truly am sorry."

"I am not just going there to see the Duke, Lea. What is the point of getting you all dressed up if you will not be able to greet Friedrich in person? Waaaah! Why did I have to sneeze? Waaaah! If only I hadn't, my eyebrow would still be intact! Waaaah!"

"It is of no importance, Lady Sophia." she said, but the sadness in her eyes was evident.

Fvck. What do I do? Can I really show up without an eyebrow? Huhu. I look worse than a member of any gangster group because of my eyebrows. 

But I do not want Lea to be sad either. My gosh! Huhu. What kind of madness have I gotten myself into?!

Even though I wanted to migrate to another planet because of what happened, I forced myself to stand up and calm down.

"There is no way we are not going, Lea. Just continue fixing my hair." I spoke through my tears.

"Are you really sure, Milady?" she asked hesitantly.

"Hehe. Just do it before I change my mind." When I saw my face in the mirror again, I felt like crying.

A few hours later, we finally left the house and rode a carriage to the Deputy Captain's estate.

"Lea." I spoke.

"What is it, Lady Sophia?"

"Would the aliens on Mars be angry if I moved to their planet?"

"Huh?"

We stared at each other. "Waaah! Lea, my eyebrow!" I wanted to throw a fit right there in the street, but there was nothing I could do.

"I am truly sorry, Milady." She spoke, sounding guilty.

"Sigh..." I could only let out a deep breath.

The entire ride, the only thing on my mind was when my eyebrow would grow back.

"We have arrived, Lady Sophia." Lea nudged me.

As soon as we stepped out of the carriage, I immediately covered my face with a lace fan, only lowering it whenever there were no people around.

"Lea, promise me that once you greet the Deputy Captain, we will leave immediately, okay?"

"But what about the Duke?"

"Waaaah! I have no plans to show myself to the Duke looking like this! Do you really want me to foam at the mouth? You are driving me crazy!"

She let out a small laugh at my words. What was so funny? I was miserable here. Huhu.

After she agreed, we began walking toward the entrance of the Deputy Captain's estate. Once we found a seat in the corner, waiting for the Deputy Captain, I kept myself hidden behind my fan.

Gosh! Instead of flaunting my appearance, here I was, hiding behind a fan. Waaaah! I just hope no one sees me—especially the Dukel! My gosh!

I was still concealed behind my fan when I heard a loud voice at the entrace. "The king, Princess Anastasia, and the crown prince have already arrived."

Shocks! Why are they here too?

Slowly, I lowered my fan to take a peek at Princess Anastasia and Prince Ludwig.

Gosh! Why does Princess Anastasia look so stunning tonight? Wait, I need to leave before she sees me and laughs at my appearance. More importantly, I cannot let Prince Ludwig see me like this.

Acck! I need to evacuate ASAP!

"Lea, I will head home first. If you want to see the Deputy Captain, I will not stop you, but I really have to leave now!"

She was about to grab my arm, but I quickly turned and rushed toward the door. In my haste, with my fan still covering my face, I suddenly stepped on the hem of my long skirt.

Wait, wait. Not now. No. No. No, please… Not now! Uwaaaaaaaah!

I wanted to stop myself from falling, but it was too late.

BLAGGGG!

"Ouch! Shit! That hurts!" I exclaimed, my face planted on the floor.

Wait. I do not have time to worry about the pain. People are staring at me. My gosh! I was about to stand up when I suddenly bumped into someone's chest.

As our eyes met, I felt like I was about to faint.

"Duke?"