The Siren's Lullaby (Isekai Book 2)

The Duke

>>Mavis

Our trip was cut short because Enri said he wasn't feeling too good. I don't know what was wrong, but he looked a little annoyed when we went around the market.

It was a short date

But

I touched the red pin in my hair

I got a present!!

My heart bubbled up with glee and I felt so happy! I'm so glad he chose this color! It matches the color of his hair and I just love it!!! I didn't pick it up from the start because I didn't want to be obvious, so I picked the honey one too, and asked him which one he liked.

OH GOD! I was scared he'd chose the other one but I'm so glad he didn't!!

I rolled around in bed in glee when Nana burst into the room.

"Mavis!!" She yelled my name and I sat up with a jolt

"W-what?!" I looked at her in shock, unsure of what was going on, "What is it?"

"It's finally happening!" She seemed excited

"What's happening?" I stood up from the bed in confusion.

"The king finally did it!" She came over and grabbed my hand, "We all were waiting for this!" She began to drag me with her, "You need to see this too!"

See what?!?

***

In the grandeur of the throne room, resplendent with its towering marble columns and adorned with ornate tapestries, King Leonidas prepared to bestow a prestigious honor upon his most loyal knight, Enri. The air was thick with anticipation as the courtiers and nobles gathered, their gazes fixed upon the king seated on his magnificent throne, besides him, sat the most beautiful woman I had ever seen.

Queen Sonomi, the elf, who married our human king.

People talked and whispered amongst themselves about how it was finally happening. Apparently, many people saw this coming.

Clad in regal robes of velvet and ermine, The King exuded an air of authority and wisdom. His silver crown glistened atop his brow, symbolizing his sovereign power. The room fell silent as he rose from his throne, his voice projecting a commanding presence.

"Sir Enri," The king's voice resonated through the chamber, "You have proven yourself a stalwart and valiant knight, displaying unwavering loyalty and unparalleled bravery in service to the realm. Today, I, King Leonidas Maximillian, do honor you with a title befitting your accomplishments."

As the king spoke, a herald emerged, holding a velvet cushion adorned with a golden coronet—the symbol of ducal rank. The herald gracefully approached Enri, presenting the coronet with a deep bow. Enri, clad in his armor, knelt before his liege, his head bowed humbly, awaiting the royal decree.

"By the power vested in me, I hereby proclaim you Duke of Maximillian," The king declared, his voice filled with regal authority. The room erupted in applause as the nobles acknowledged the significance of the bestowed title. The sound of their hands clapping echoed against the lofty ceilings, a chorus of admiration and respect

But I stood there in so much shock, all I could do was look at the guy I fancy with admiration. My heart was thumping loudly in my chest and I felt sort of small in the big place.

With the proclamation made, King Leonidas stepped down from his throne, descending the steps to where Enri knelt. He placed the golden coronet upon his head, signifying his elevation to the esteemed rank of a duke. The crown's jewels glimmered in the sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows, casting a mesmerizing glow on the newly appointed nobleman.

"Rise," The king spoke, his voice reverberating with warmth and pride. Enri rose to his feet, the weight of the title settling upon his shoulders. He looked toward the king, his eyes filled with gratitude and determination.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Duke Enri responded, his voice resonating with sincerity. "I am forever honored by this esteemed title and vow to serve you and the realm with unwavering loyalty and dedication."

The courtiers, nobles, and assembled guests offered their congratulations, their words and gestures imbued with respect and admiration for the newly appointed duke. The throne room buzzed with excitement and a renewed sense of purpose as the king and his loyal subjects celebrated this momentous occasion.

I couldn't tear my eyes away from him even when he blended into the crowd and met the people around him. There were so many people meeting him, I knew I had no chance to go up to him and congratulate him.

They were holding a small party for him too and now that he was a Duke, so many ladies were approaching him. So many mothers were introducing their pretty young daughters. All of them were nobles...

I pursed my lips together, my heart stung, I didn't like this. I stood far from him as I watched the horrendous scene.

No one came to him like this before when he was simply the captain without a title and now the ladies swarmed around him like flies.

"Oh, My God!" Nana rolled her eyes, "Look at those flies," She shook her head at them and then grabbed my arm, "Let's go!" She began to pull me along, "We should go up to him and greet him."

My heart skipped a beat in fear, "N-no!" I yanked my arm away from her.

I felt small in the place. I was merely a trainee in name, not even human, and only a peasant. None of it mattered before but Enri was a Duke now and the weight of that title had started weighing on me. I didn't think much about it before, I had paid no attention to it, but, now that it was all happening in front of me, I was suddenly scared.

"Mavis?" Nana looked at me in shock, "Are you alright?"

"I need some air," I told her and began to exit the room.

I did need air. I needed a lot of it. I gulped as I ran out. My mind started bogging with thoughts and my heart felt heavy. Enri had already rejected me, not once, but twice.

Maybe he didn't want me because he wanted a noblewoman? Is that why he always brought his title in too?

I left the room and ran out towards the open corridors where I stopped to catch my breath. I was feeling strange. My heart felt too heavy and I felt suffocated.

What now?

I shook my head. I feel so weird. My body feels heavy. The same people feel after coming out of the water.

Water... Right... I need water...