Chapter 17: The Lady in Krampnitz

SOPHIA'S POV

The ballroom was alive with music and laughter, yet an unsettling silence fell over the gathering as his voice rang out—sharp, commanding, and unyielding.

"Sophia, return here at once!"

I froze at the duke command. In the months I had spent in this era, I had never heard the Duke speak with such force, such absolute authority. 

Swallowing hard, I turned to face him, my breath hitching the moment our eyes met. His gaze burned with something fierce, something dangerous. My legs trembled beneath me, as though my body understood what my mind refused to accept—if I disobeyed, there would be consequences.

"You heard me. Come here."

The words came softer, yet they carried an unmistakable finality. My throat went dry. I knew I had no choice, yet my body refused to move. Just as I willed my foot forward, a firm grip seized my arm, halting me in place.

"Sophia."

I stiffened when I saw that it was Prince Ludwig.

Damn it! Did he have any idea what he was doing? The Duke was furious. Even though Prince Ludwig carried royal blood, it seemed he had no authority over the man before us. Here, the Duke held the upper hand. The thought was so absurd that a cold shiver ran down my spine.

I tried to pull away, but before I could react, steel flashed through the air. The Duke's sword was unsheathed in an instant, its tip mere inches from Ludwig's face.

"Say the word, and I will kill you right here, right now." A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.

"Duke, what are you doing?!" Princess Anastasia pushed forward, her voice was desperate. Yet the Duke did not spare her a single glance. His attention remained fixed on me.

"Sophia, come here."

My fingers curled into fists at my sides. With careful, measured steps, I approached him, my breath feels uneven. The moment I stood before him, his gaze locked onto mine.

Then, something shifted. His expression softened, before I could make sense of it, his fingers brushed against my cheek, his touch unexpectedly warm.

"How stubborn," he murmured.

Then without another word he turned on his heel and walked away.

I exhaled sharply, my knees weak. It wasn't until I reached up to touch my face that I realized—he had wiped away a tear. A tear I hadn't even noticed had fallen.

"Deputy Captain, I shall take my leave." The Duke's voice was calmer now, yet still laced with an undeniable finality.

Just as I thought he would disappear into the night, he stopped and glanced back at me.

"You may remain here for the night, but come morning, an escort will be arranged to see you safely home."

My breath caught in my throat. I barely had time to process his words when he spoke again—his voice quieter, yet filled with something unreadable.

"Sophia."

I swallowed hard, gripping the fabric of my dress as my chest tightened.

"This shall be the final time I behold your tears. Do I make myself clear?"

I looked away, unable to bear the intensity of his gaze. What was he saying? What did he mean?

I wanted to respond, to say something anything but before I could find my voice, he was gone. The room, though still filled with murmurs and stolen glances, felt unbearably empty.

"Young Lady, are you alright?"

Prince Ludwig's voice pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to face him—only to take in the sight of his bruised, swollen face. I should have been the one asking him that question.

I extend my arm to check his injuries but before I could touch him, a sharp slap stung my cheek.

"You are a noblewoman, yet you conduct yourself in a most disgraceful manner!" she spat, her voice trembling with emotion. "Your reckless actions have placed Prince Ludwig in peril!"

"Princess Anastasia!" Ludwig protested.

"Silence, Prince Ludwig!"

Her hand rose again, poised to strike but before she could, a firm grip caught her wrist mid-air.

"My sincerest apologies, Young Lady, but I must insist—this chaos has persisted for far too long."

A new voice. Calm, composed.

"Sir Friedrich?" Anastasia's brows furrowed in disbelief. "Stay out of this, Si—"

"Princess Anastasia!" A deep voice cut through the air like a blade.

All of us turned. This time, it's the king.

He stood at the edge of the gathering, his regal presence suffocating in its weight. His face was unreadable, but something about the way he observed the situation sent a chill down my spine.

Had he been watching all along? Why had he done nothing when the Duke threatened his own son? Why did it feel as though the Duke, not the prince, held the real power here?

"Add not to the turmoil of this night." the king said evenly. Then, turning to me, he offered a small, polite smile.

"It appears my children have troubled you more than enough this evening. We shall take our leave at once."

His words were laced with something strange—something that made my stomach churn.

As he turned to leave, he glanced back at me, amusement flickering in his gaze. "I have never seen the Duke act that way before. Fascinating." His quiet chuckle made my blood run cold.

Something wasn't right.

"Young Lady, are you alright?" Friedrich's voice broke my trance.

I hesitated before answering. "Friedrich… m-may I rest now?"

"Then allow me to escort you—"

"If it's alright… I'd prefer to be alone."

A pause. Then, finally, a nod. "If that is what you wish, Young Lady."

I turned to leave, but before I stepped away, I glanced back at him.

"Happy birthday, Friedrich. I hope you at least enjoyed yourself tonight."

He smiled, "I did, Milady."

With that, I left, my thoughts a tangled mess.

How had a simple conversation turned into chaos?

And why—why had the Duke acted that way?

"What exactly am I to you, Duke?"

The Next Day

Argh! I'm so itchy! I want to take a bath! But how am I supposed to do that when I don't even have a change of clothes?

With a frustrated sigh, I flopped onto the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

What could Lea be doing right now? I tried to picture her face, but instead, another image surfaced in my mind.

Whaaaaa! Why is the Duke invading my thoughts again? Doesn't he get tired of running around in my head all night?

"This shall be the final time I behold your tears. Do I make myself clear?"

"Waaaah!" I couldn't help but let out a squeal, burying my face into the pillow.

"Young Lady!"

I jolted upright, my heart nearly leaping out of my chest as Friedrich barged into the room."My deepest apologies for not knocking—I acted in haste upon hearing your scream." he said, slightly breathless.

"It's nothing, Friedrich. I just feel so uncomfortable in these clothes. I really want to take a bath," I admitted.

"Ah, is that so? Pray forgive me, Lady Sophia. There are no women in this household, and thus, I have no suitable garments to offer you."he said with a sheepish expression.

"Haha! Oh, come on, it's fine! Back home, there were times when I went three days without bathing."

"Pardon?"

"Huh? Did I say something?"

"You said… three days?" He looked absolutely horrified.

"HAHAHAHA! I meant I bathe three times a day!" What nonsense are you spouting, Sophia?!

"Ah. Hahahaha!" He laughed, but then an awkward silence settled between us. I could even hear the crickets.

Awkward…

"By the way, you seem to be going somewhere, Friedrich," I observed, finally breaking the silence. His uniform was immaculate—fully geared from head to toe. My curiosity deepened when he averted his gaze.

"Ah, well... I'm visiting Krampnitz, the military training base for the royal guards," he admitted hesitantly.

"Friedrich, we're friends now, aren't we?" I said, tilting my head mischievously.

"Uhmm... I don't like where this is going, Young Lady."

"Pfft! Hahaha! Well, may I accompan—"

"You may not!" he cut me off immediately.

Argh! How boring! I wasn't even finished talking!

"But I have nothing to do here! I might as well go with you. Besides, I'd love to see what kind of place Krampnitz is."

"It is no place for a lady such as yourself. Krampnitz is perilous—home to the most ruthless guards of the Prussian Kingdom, where only the fiercest undergo training."

Oh? Now I was even more intrigued.

"Alright then, leave me here," I said, crossing my arms dramatically. "Oh, by the way, Friedrich, this room has such large windows and plenty of sheets. It reminds me of the time I escaped from Count Elts' estate. I didn't even break a sweat climbing out."

I flashed him a sweet smile, watching as his face shifted into an expression of pure exasperation—like a father dealing with a troublesome child.

"You truly intend to accompany me without so much as bathing or changing your clothes? Even if I wished to take you along, I have nothing suitable for you to wear. Besides, you are a lady!"

"Is that all? Leave it to me," I smirked, my confidence unwavering.

He pressed his fingers against his temple, sighing deeply.

I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing.

One Eternity later

"See, no one will think I'm a woman," I declared, rolling up my pants to my knees. I flinched as Friedrich stepped closer to help me fold the sleeves of my white long-sleeved shirt.

"With your long hair and curvy figure, I doubt anyone would believe that, lady Sophia," he remarked.

I don't know why, but with him so close, I couldn't help but stare. Just like the first time I saw him, I was starstruck by his handsomeness. His ash-brown hair and almond-colored eyes suited him perfectly. He really looks like the sun's son.

"You know, Friedrich, you're really handsome," I blurted out. He looked at me, then blushed deeply.

"Milady, what nonsense are you speaking?" he stammered, averting his gaze. I almost laughed.

Men in these times are easily overwhelmed by compliments. It's amusing.

"Don't worry, I'll just tie my hair and wear a straw hat." I winked at him. He looked away again. Awww, how cute!

After finishing my preparations and getting dressed, we boarded the carriage.

"Remember, Lady Sophia, no matter what happens, do not utter a word. No one must discover that you are a woman—least of all that you are the Duke's sister—or we shall both be in grave danger."

I crossed my legs like a man, rested my arm on my knee, and propped my chin on my hand, facing him.

"Do I still look like a man to you, Friedrich?" I asked in a deep voice.

"With your delicate frame and skin fairer and smoother than any woman I have seen, there is no doubt."

"Pfft. You're such a killjoy. But you know, I can't wait to get to Krampnitz."

"I cannot say the same—I have a bad feeling about this. In any case, we shall return before evening, as the Duke is set to retrieve you later. Fortunately, I managed to send a letter in time, so he will not be arriving this morning."

I felt myself blush at the mention of the Duke's name.

Argh! I don't want to think about the Duke right now. I have mixed emotions when I think of him, and he was on my mind all night. My gosh!

After a few hours of travel, we arrived in the town of Potsdam, where Krampnitz is located. I couldn't help but wonder as I looked around because the people there seemed wary of officials like Friedrich.

"Lady Sophia, no matter what happens, don't stray from my side."

"Got it, Friedrich. Anyway, I just noticed. Why are there banners hanging in the streets here?"

"Ah, so it's the festival today. In fact, that is the very reason I was invited to come here." he replied with a smile.

"Ohhh, so it's a fiesta here. Does that mean there's a lot of food?" I asked, my eyes sparkling.

"That's right, and that's one of the foods."

When he said that, I turned and saw a piglet inside a pen full of mud. "Eh? Why is it still alive? Don't tell me they eat it raw here?"

"Pfft. You'll find out later," he said coolly. I smiled. He's so cool. Hehe.

"Deputy captain, you've finally arrived! Just in time—the games for the royal guards are about to commence for today's festival."

"So, the piglet chase is about to begin, Sir Albert."

Piglet chase?

I'm not familiar with that game, but it seems like a tiring activity. But it sounds interesting.

"By the way, who's your companion, Deputy Captain?"

Shoot. I bowed slightly to hide my face.

"He's one of the royal guards in my office."

"Royal guard? This one's body seems too slender to be a civil guard." I frowned at his comment.

Is physique the basis for being a royal guard?

"Hahaha! He may have a slender frame, Sir Albert, but he is one of the most valiant civil guards in my office."

"Valiant, you say? Do you want to participate your boy in the piglet chase?"

What?! Wait! Participate?!

"Oh? What seems to be the matter? Your boy appears to be trembling." he said, laughing.

This man is really challenging me. He'll see who he's provoking. I leaned toward Friedrich's ear and whispered.

"I'll join."

"What?!" he shouted.

Both Sir Albert and I were shocked by Friedrich's outburst. Why is he suddenly yelling?! Gosh!

I was surprised when he grabbed my arm and pulled me aside.

"You are a noble, young lady—not just any maiden, but the Duke's own sister! Moreover, never in my life have I seen a woman take part in a piglet chase. So heed my words! What you speak of is utter nonsense. It is simply not permitted!" he whispered angrily.

"You know, Friedrich, just chill. I can handle it." He was about to grab my arm again, but I ran into the pen. I saw him scratching his head from a distance.

"It seems I was wrong earlier. Your rooster is quite the fighter, Friedrich," Sir Albert said with a grin. I smirked.

Yaass, I feel the power within me. HAHAHAHA! lols.

I continued to grin as I entered the pen alongside the other participants in the pig-catching contest. I swallowed hard upon seeing their muscular physiques. My eyes widened even more when they suddenly removed their upper garments.

Maybe I made a mistake joining this hehe. No, no. I can do this!

"Hey, aren't you going to take off your shirt? Or at the very least, remove that straw hat so you can see properly?"

I suddenly felt like fainting upon hearing that.

Arg! This pervert. Why would I'd remove my top? Wait, can I back out? But I'm already here. That's right, I'm Sophia Shaina Jang, and I back down from nothing.

I ignored the person speaking to me and moved away.

"Listen up, participants. At the sound of my whistle, the pig-catching contest shall commence." Upon hearing that, I rolled up the sleeves.

"1...2...3, go!"

I was about to move when I saw them quickly rush toward the small piglet that now trembling in a corner.

Gosh! What are they doing? They're scaring the piglet! Wait, why am I just standing here, Sophia? Move!

I took a deep breath and charged forward. "Waaaaaaaah! Move aside! The piglet is mine!" I shouted as I ran toward the group of men chasing the piglet.

Boink*

My eyes widened as, in an instant, I was airborne, like a ball bouncing back to where I started after colliding with their massive bodies.

"Waaaaaaaaah!" I screamed while in midair.

"Young lady, are you okay?" Friedrich asked as I finally landed in the mud. He was about to enter the pen, but I stopped him.

"Stay there. This is my fight! No matter what happens, I'm taking home that piglet!" I declared, then laugh like a madwoman.

"Ah, alright, but it seems the contest has already ended." he said, pointing to the distance.

"Huh? How?" I quickly looked where he pointed. My jaw dropped upon seeing a man already holding the piglet, but I was revitalized when it suddenly struggled free and leaped toward me as if ready to charge.

Before I could process its intent, I was already running.

"Waaaaaaah! Get away from me!" I ran as fast as I could because it seemed I was its target.

"Waaaaaaah! What's your problem, piglet? Why are you chasing me? I still want to live! You're canceled! You're canceled!" I was on the verge of tears from running, as it still wouldn't stop chasing me.

"Milady, your task is to seize the pig, not flee from it!" Friedrich shouted from outside the pen.

Eh? Oh, right. I'm supposed to be chasing it, not the other way around! Waaah! But how can I stop when it's chasing me? ><

I'm still running when I heard everyone around me laughing.

Arg! Are they laughing at me? This can't be! I'm Sophia!

I took a deep breath, stopped running, and faced the piglet.

"You're just a piglet! I'm Sophia! Waaaaah!" I was about to confront it when it suddenly veered off and jumped out of the pen.

Eh?

No one told me this piglet had ninja skills. Unbelievable!

I was about to jump after it when I saw the men also charging toward the piglet. Akk. Go ahead, charge, but no one will take this piglet from me!

Just as the piglet leaped, I quickly climbed the pen's fence and jumped, but as I did, the wind blew off my straw-hat.

"Waaaaah! This piglet is mine!" I declared while lying on the ground, hugging the piglet. I was about to grin when someone suddenly landed on top of me.

"Acck! Aww, damn!"

Who the heck just landed on me?! I was about to get up when another person piled on.

Fvck! These jerks! I feel like my insides are about to spill out from their weight.

Tears welled up as I struggled to breathe when I noticed a pair of feet standing before me.

Wait, who could this be? Don't tell me they're going to pile on too?

I slowly looked up to see who owned the shoes in front of me, but I nearly lost my soul upon seeing his face.

"I had not anticipated discovering something this intriguing in this place." he said expressionlessly, staring at me.

Accck! What is he doing here?!

"Colonel!" All the men on top of me quickly stood and bowed to the Duke.

Seeing his furrowed brows as he looked at me, I immediately stood up. But as I did, my long hair cascaded down.

"You're a lady?"

"A lady?"

"How did that happen..."

I heard murmurs around me.

Shocks! You are so dead, Sophia!

I averted my gaze as the Duke scrutinized me from head to toe.

Damn. This is so embarrassing! I'm filthy, holding a piglet. Ugh! Why does he always show up when I'm up to some mischief?

"Good day, Duke," Sir Albert greeted with a smile, but the Duke ignored him, his eyes fixed on me.

"I am delighted by your arrival at the Potsdam Festival. Pray, accompany me to my home so that I may—"

"Sophia." I immediately looked up when he called my name."What business have you here?" he asked sternly.

I didn't know why, but I felt like I might start foaming at the mouth any moment. Gosh. Why does he need to show up here?

"Duke, forgive me. I was unaware that Friedrich was in the company of a lady. Allow me to deal with this one accordingly." Sir Albert said, reaching for my arm. Suddenly, the Duke drew his sword and pointed it at Sir Albert's neck.

Whoa! I covered my mouth in shock.

"Do not dare lay your vile hands upon my sister." the Duke commanded.

"S-Sister?" Sir Albert asked as his eyes widened. The Duke once again ignored his question, stepping toward me.

"Why are you attired in such a manner? And more importantly, what brings you here?"

"Hehe. Just passing by?" I smiled awkwardly. 

"Passing through, clad in men's attire, amidst a gathering of men?"

Damn. What do I say? huhu.

"Sophia, what must I do to quell your defiance? Must I confine you to my estate to keep you from wandering off and consorting with strangers?"

I swallowed hard at his words.

"Forgive me, Duke. This is all my fault. Please, do not—"" Friedrich began, but the Duke raised his hand to silence him.

"Deputy, see to it that every man who laid a hand on my sister is guillotined at once."I stared at him, wide-eyed.

"Duke?" Friedrich asked, incredulous.

"You heard me well, Friedrich." The Duke approached him. "Have all the men who touched my sister guillotined..." he commanded before turning away.

Wait, what? Did I hear that right? Everyone who touched me?

Guillotined?