Chapter 18: : The Lady in Krampnitz 2

SOPHIA'S POV

"Have all the men who touched my sister guillotined…"

Wait.

What did he just say?

Guillotined?!

Has he lost his mind?! Almost every man here has touched me!

Wait—he's joking, right?

I want to believe he's just messing around, but when I look at him, I realize he has no intention of stopping. Worse, he seems dead serious about carrying out his command.

I scan the crowd, my chest tightening when I see everyone bowing their heads in silence, as if they've already accepted their fate.

Argh! What's wrong with them?! We're talking about their lives here!

I want to protest, but then I remember exactly who the Duke is. I nearly forgot—he's a colonel, the head of the royal guards, a general.

But this isn't fair! If no one else will do something, then I will!

Without hesitation, I sprint forward and block the Duke's path. He stops in his tracks and stares at me, his expression unreadable. The way he looks at me makes me want to back out immediately.

Ack! Why does he have to glare at me like that?!

But I have to do something—if I don't, Waaah! I don't want to imagine unimaginable things.

Taking a deep breath, I muster all my courage. "For you, Your Grace!" I squeeze my eyes shut and hold out the piglet I've been carrying.

My gosh! Out of all the things I could offer, I chose a piglet?! Are you insane, Sophia?! You deserve a slap!

Minutes pass in silence, and when I hear nothing from him, I cautiously open one eye.

"And pray, Sophia, what do you propose I do with this wretched animal?"His voice is devoid of emotion.

I gulp. Waaah! Why is he so mean?!

"This is all I have, but I worked hard to catch it. If you want it, it's yours!" I say, looking straight at him. But his expression remains unchanged.

My heart pounds when I see him stepping forward again, about to walk past me.

Ghad! Did he feel nothing from my heartfelt offer? Does he have no soul at all? He really is a Freezer! He's damn cold!

But no—I have to think of another way to stop him! Right. I have to try this. Whatever happens, so be it!

I take a deep breath and step in front of him again. His brows furrow as he looks at me. He's about to speak when—Silence.

For a moment, I want to smack myself for what I just did.

"Your Grace, please! Take back your order for the executions!" I plead, squeezing my eyes shut as I wrap my arms tightly around him.

Gosh! This is so embarrassing! I feel like my nose is about to start bleeding from sheer humiliation!

When I don't hear a response, I slowly lift my head—only to find our faces mere inches apart.

Badum.Badum.

"You truly believe a mere embrace will resolve this, Sophia?" he asks, his gaze boring into mine. My heart pounds even harder.

Wait…mere embrace?

"Uhm… a mere embrace? You mean, do you want more hugs, Your Grace?" I tease with a grin.

"Ow!" I wince as he flicks my forehead.

"Stand aside, lest you wish for me to order the execution of every soul present." he says flatly. A chill runs down my spine.

That's insane!

Instead of moving away, I tighten my arms around him and look up at him again. "I'll do anything you ask, just take back your command!" The words leave my mouth before I can stop them.

Waaah! What did I just say?!

I glance up, but he doesn't respond.

Erg! Why is he smirking?!

"Deputy Captain, see to it that my sister's every command is obeyed." He finally orders, the corner of his lips slightly curved.

Eh?

I was about to let go of him when suddenly, he grabs my waist and pulls me even closer.

Badum.Badum.

"I do not bargain with just anyone. Should you dare break your word, I shall see to it that every soul present loses their head. Do you understand?"

Hehe… Heads? Is he serious?!

I stand frozen, still in shock as he abruptly releases me and walks past.

Wait—what just happened? Did I just make a deal with death itself?!

"Lady Sophia, are you alright?"

I turn to see Deputy Captain Friedrich watching me.

"Friedrich, waaah! I'm sorry! I caused another mess—OW!" I yelp as he flicks my forehead.

"That is your punishment for such reckless behavior. However..." He pauses, his gaze darkening. "I must admit, had you not intervened, this day might have ended in a massacre. I know the Colonel very well—if he gives his word, he will not go back on it."

I almost felt a shiver run down my spine.

"What are you saying? This was all my fault in the first place." I give him a small smile, but I stop when I catch him staring at me.

"What? Do I have dirt on my face?"

He keeps staring at me, then blinks as if snapping back to reality—and suddenly, his face turns bright red.

Eh?

"What's wrong with you, or is there something wrong with me? Friedrich?"

"Your hair… it's loose."

"And?"

"...It's mesmerizing."

"Huh?" I asked cause I didn't hear what he said clearly, I tilt my head.

"Ha?! I—I mean, we should head to Sir Albert's office so you can change!" He stammers and quickly walks away.

Eh? What was that about?

I stand there, still lost in thought—until realization strikes.

 I'm starving! Wait—oh right. I won a piglet! Hold on… a piglet?

Wait.

Where's my piglet?!

Where did my piglet gooooooo?!

I furrow my brows as I stare out the window of my room in Sir Albert's residence.

Ugh! Why the Duke wont let me leave this room? Is he my father? No! He's my brother!—Wait, no, he's not even my brother! This is ridiculous! Grrr!

My frown deepens when I spot a group of women arriving outside.

Oh… So that's why he's keeping me locked in here. He doesn't want me at tonight's feast because they have female guests.

Tch. Typical officials. Always desperate for female company.

I was still scowling when the rich aroma of food wafted through the air.

Shocks! I already ate earlier, so why am I hungry again?! This is a bad sign.

I glance outside once more, watching as more guests trickle in.

Hmm… It should be fine if I sneak out to grab some food, right? With so many people around, no one will notice me. Besides, I'll only be gone for a moment. Hehe.

With slow, careful movements, I open the door and slip out. No one notices my escape, too preoccupied with the ongoing festivities.

Look left.Look right.

Nice! Everyone's too busy.

I scan the area, searching for the roasted pig I smelled earlier. My lips curl into a grin when I spot it displayed on a long table, and—jackpot!—there aren't too many people around it.

"Perfect," I whisper to myself, smirking.

Just as I take a step forward, my eyes catch sight of something—or rather, someone—that makes them nearly pop out of my skull.

Standing not too far away is a tall, broad-shouldered man with impeccable posture, and a face so ridiculously handsome it should be illegal.

Without realizing it, my hand flies to my lips.

Did… Did I just drool?!

Gosh. Why is the Duke so absurdly good-looking? He looks like someone I'd willingly let strangle me—wait, what am I thinking?!

I keep gawking until a woman approaches him. She's wearing an elegant white dress—screaming a nobility. Her lips painted an intense shade of crimson. She would've been pretty if she hadn't overdone it with the lipstick. Tch.

My eyes narrow as she leans in close to whisper something in the Duke's ear.

Wow. What a flirt. Ugh, forget it. This is annoying.

I spin on my heel and march toward the food, grabbing a plate and piling it high with food. Without hesitation, I take a large bite—only to suddenly choke.

I quickly reach for a glass of water, but the moment I turn around—Splash!

The water spills onto someone's chest.

"Aaaaaah! You filthy servant!"

I freeze at the very moment she called my servant.

Oh, no.

Standing before me is none other than the woman who had been flirting with the Duke just moments ago.

Her face twists in fury as she glares down at the damp fabric of her dress.

"What business does a mere servant have at a gathering of such prestige?"she sneers, her sharp tone a far cry from the demure image of a proper lady.

Before I can even think of a response, a familiar voice cuts in.

"Is there a problem, Lady Clara?"

I swallow hard. It's Deputy Captain Friedrich.

Great. What mess have you gotten yourself into now, Sophia?! All you wanted was to eat! And it's not even my fault! How was I supposed to know she'd suddenly appear in front of me?!

Lady Clara scoffs and dramatically turns to Friedrich. "Deputy Captain, tell me—who is this disgraceful serant, brazenly donning men's attire and shamelessly intruding upon this banquet?"

I clench my fists. The audacity! I don't know who's worse—her or Princess Anastasia! But I can't afford to cause a scene, not again. I need to stay calm.

"What is this commotion about?"

Everyone freezes when a deep, authoritative voice cuts through the air.

As we turn, the crowd instinctively parts to reveal a man exuding power and command.

"Good evening, Captain Gomez," Friedrich greets with a respectful nod.

Captain Gomez?

Wait… I overheard earlier that he's the Marshal of Kramnitz—the one in charge of this entire region.

Lady Clara's eyes gleam as she steps forward. "Father, it appears a mere servant has somehow infiltrated this esteemed gathering."

F-Father?!

Oh, come on! Out of all the people I could've offended, it just had to be the Marshal's daughter?!

Captain Gomez's gaze sweeps over me, his lips curling into a mocking smirk.

"It seems a rat has crept into the feast, desperate for a taste of grandeur."

A… rat?

Excuse me?!

"Surely, Father," Lady Clara says with a smirk, "such insolence deserves punishment."

"Wait just a moment, Captain Gomez. Lady Clara."

I snap my head toward Friedrich.

Thank goodness! He's here!

"The young lady before you is not—"

"What is it that you desire then, Lady Clara?"

All of us turned toward the speaker. My heart pounded violently in my chest when I saw that same emotionless face once again.

Argh! Not again! Will your nonsense ever end, Sophia?!

But why does she sound different this time? Why is she asking what this woman wants to do with me? Why doesn't she just tell everyone that I'm her sister and end this chaos once and for all?

"I beg your pardon, Your Grace. It was never my intention to mar this evening over the insolence of a mere servant. However, I cannot simply stand by and allow myself to be insulted by the likes of her."

Huh? In what way did I insult her?And why does she keep calling me an "servant"? Even though I'm still wearing men's clothes, I still look far more refined than her!

Witch! Too bad for her, though—I know the Duke will stand up for me.

"If that is so, then repay her in kind for the offense she has dealt you."

My head snapped up at the duke's remarked.

Did I hear that right? He's allowing this woman to punish me? Me—his own sister?

I barely had time to process the betrayal before a sudden splash of ice-cold water drenched me. A shiver ran through my entire body, the cold biting into my skin as the wind mercilessly lashed against my soaked clothes.

Why? I thought he was on my side. What does this mean?

I fought back my tears, keeping my head bowed, until I heard the Duke speak again.

"Now, kneel."

Kneel? Isn't it enough that I've been humiliated and drenched in water? Must I kneel as well?

"Your Grace, there is no need for her to kneel." Captain Gomez's voice interrupted, a smirk curling on his lips.

"Servants, take this one to my chambers at once. I shall make use of her before she meets her punishment."

My breath caught as the servants reaching for my arm— But before it even could touch me, a sword flashed between us, stopping them in their tracks.

"Step aside if you cherish your life."

The Duke's voice was sharp, his blade drawn as he positioned himself between me and the Captain.

Wait… what is happening?

"Your Grace, I do not understand your meaning. Why do you defend this in—" Captain Gomez's words were cut short when the Duke's sword pressed against his throat.

"It seems you fail to grasp your predicament, Captain Gomez. Allow me to enlighten you—by the edge of my blade."

"What do you mean—?" His question never reached completion.

With a swift movement, the Duke plunged his sword into the Captain's stomach.

I gasped, my hands flying to my mouth in horror.

"Father!" Lady Clara screamed.

The Duke ignored her. His cold gaze settled on her trembling form.

"I told you to kneel."

Lady Clara, as if in a trance, sank to the floor without question.

"If you still fail to comprehend, then permit me to clarify it further—by force, if necessary." The Duke twirled his sword lightly, the blade glinting ominously.

"The woman you so insolently called a servant—the very one you dared to drench with water—is none other than my one and only sister." He grinned, though there was no warmth in it.

"I was prepared to grant you your petty revenge in exchange for something as insignificant as kneeling. Yet, you chose to escalate matters further."

"Forgive me, Your Grace!" Captain Gomez gasped, clutching his bleeding stomach. "I—I swear this will never happen again!"

But the Duke only sneered.

"You're right about one thing, Captain Gomez," he mused. "This will never happen again." Turning away from him, he called out to another man.

"Deputy Captain, burn this place to the ground. Leave no one alive."

My eyes widened in sheer horror.

Without thinking twice, I stepped in front of him, blocking his path. "Duke, this is all my fault. Please, withdraw your order!" Tears streamed down my face unconsciously, but I barely noticed them.

His piercing gaze locked onto me, unreadable.

"Sophia," he said slowly, "I don't know how many times you plan to test my authority today. Do you realize that rescinding my command at this point would be nothing short of folly?"

"Then take me with them," I declared as my heart pounding in my chest. "If you're going to burn them... then burn me along with them!"

I had no idea if he would actually go through with it, but I had to try. I kept my head bowed, sobbing quietly, when suddenly—A coat draped over my shoulders.

I flinched as his coat, carrying his warm and unmistakable scent, wrapped around me like a shield.

"I told you once before," he murmured, his voice low and firm. "I will not bear witness to your tears again."

His voice was softer now, though still laced with authority.

"So why do you wail like a child? Do my words not strike fear into you? Or have you ceased to fear me altogether?"

I didn't know what came over me, but instead of answering— I threw my arms around him.

"Would it be foolish," I whispered, my voice barely more than a breath, "if I told you... I'm not afraid of you because..."

I clung to him tighter, my fingers trembling against the fabric of his coat.

"...because I like you?"

My plea was soft, desperate. "So please... take back your order."

But I never saw his reaction.

Before I could, the weight of everything crashed down on me—exhaustion, shock, the cold sinking into my bones.

And then, the world faded into darkness.

I jolted awake as I felt the carriage shake around me. Blinking rapidly, I took in my surroundings and only then realized that I was inside a moving carriage.

"How are you feeling?"

"Waaaaaah!" My soul nearly left my body at the sound of the Duke's voice.

"I was unaware that you had a tendency to swoon after clinging to another."

I averted my gaze, heat rising to my cheeks at his remark.

Ugh. Why did I have to wake up now—when it's just the two of us in this carriage?

"Uhm, Duke, what happened?"

"Duke?" He paused as his gaze darkening. "And now you revert to calling me Duke? After daring to speak my name—Raphael?"

Ack! What is he even talking about? When did I call him by his name? I mean, before, I could call him that, but after everything that just happened, there's no way I would dare! I still love my life!

"But seriously, you took back your order, didn't you?"

"And tell me, what do I stand to gain should I retract my word?"

My… womanhood? kidding! But damn, what's wrong with him? Did he drink something? He sounds completely out of it!

"Sophia, the words you spoke earlier..."

I froze as he called my name. "Which part?" I swallowed hard.

"What you said while clinging to me..."

"Hehe, which part exactly?"

"The part where you admitted you like me."

Acccck!

Can this carriage suddenly break down? Or can the wheels at least fall off—even if it's being pulled by horses?!

"Hahahaha! Come on, Duke. I was just joking! Don't be so dramatic—"

I stopped mid-sentence when he suddenly grabbed my hand firmly.

"Sophia, can I claim my wish now?" His voice was serious, his gaze locking onto mine.

"Ha? ah, eh.. of course! What is it?"

I asked, though I could already feel my soul leaving my body at this point.

"Sophia, did you truly mean it when you said you liked me?"

Eeeeeeh?!

Okay, I think my entire system is about to malfunction right now. But damn! Isn't this the perfect chance to confess?

Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze with unwavering determination. "And if I say yes?" Shocks. this feels so unreaaaal. Is the even real?

"Then stand by it."

For some reason, my heart pounded wildly in my chest.

"And why should I?" I swallowed hard.

"...Because I like you."