Duke for a Day (Or Forever?)

Chapter 4

The morning sunlight streamed through his windows, coaxing Kazuki awake from an uneasy sleep. He had dreamt of his old office job, his coworkers, and even of the stack of paperwork he'd left on his desk. But here he was, still Duke Alaric Valentine, and still trapped in the twisted romance fantasy he'd only meant to skim-read for fun.

He was in the middle of lamenting this surreal situation when Sebastian, as punctual as ever, entered with a new piece of parchment in hand, his face unusually bright.

"Good morning, Your Grace! I bring splendid news." Sebastian cleared his throat and straightened. "You are cordially invited to the royal banquet this evening as the personal guest of His Holiness, the Saint."

Kazuki nearly choked. "P-personal guest?" he stammered, his mind racing. Personal? The rumors were already overwhelming. This would add gasoline to the fire!

"Indeed, Your Grace," Sebastian continued, oblivious to Kazuki's internal turmoil. "The Saint himself requested your presence. It is quite the honor."

Kazuki's mind was spinning. He hadn't yet figured out how to keep up his act as a noble duke without making things worse. How could he sit through an entire evening next to the Saint — under the scrutiny of half the royal court — and manage to keep his cover?

Sebastian seemed to take his stunned silence as composure. "You are known for your calm in the face of attention, Duke Valentine. And your rivals will be there as well," he added meaningfully.

"Rivals?" Kazuki repeated, fearing he already knew the answer.

"Oh, yes. Prince Adrien will be present, as well as Sir Rowan and Lady Liana. I'd imagine their curiosity will be at an all-time high," Sebastian said with a knowing look. "You have a reputation to maintain."

Kazuki sighed. A reputation he neither wanted nor felt remotely qualified to uphold. But he had little choice. "Thank you, Sebastian. I suppose... I should prepare myself for the evening, then."

Sebastian nodded approvingly, clearly impressed by Kazuki's "stoic bravery." "That's the spirit, sir. I shall lay out your finest attire."

Kazuki buried his face in his hands. The banquet hadn't even begun, and he was already exhausted.

That evening, dressed in finery that felt more like a costume than clothing, Kazuki arrived at the royal palace. The grand hall was filled with nobles, their laughter and chatter reverberating off the high ceilings. Glittering chandeliers cast a warm glow, and the air was thick with the scent of roasted meats, exotic spices, and rich wine.

Almost immediately, he felt every eye turn to him. Whispers rose and mingled with the hum of the crowd as people noted the duke's arrival — the Saint's "special guest" for the evening.

Kazuki had barely stepped inside when Lady Liana appeared at his side, radiant in her midnight-blue gown. "Duke Valentine," she greeted, her voice lilting. "I had a feeling I'd find you here. The Saint's invitation... how very special."

Kazuki forced a polite smile. "Yes, I suppose it's an honor."

Liana's gaze sparkled with curiosity. "An honor? Duke Valentine, I heard you rushed to the Saint's side just yesterday. People say your devotion is unmatched."

Kazuki's mind went blank. Rushed? He'd walked, actually, and reluctantly at that. But he couldn't exactly correct her without risking more rumors.

Liana chuckled at his flustered expression, clearly taking it as confirmation of his "feelings." "Worry not, Duke. Your secret is safe with me."

Kazuki opened his mouth to correct her, but Prince Adrien appeared beside them, a challenging smirk on his lips. "Ah, Valentine," he drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Such a noble sacrifice, to endure so much for His Holiness's sake."

Kazuki forced a smile, trying to keep his voice steady. "I... I'm just doing my duty."

Adrien's eyes narrowed, clearly unconvinced. "I'm watching you, Valentine," he muttered under his breath, his expression hardening. "The Saint is important to me as well, and I won't stand for false devotion."

Kazuki couldn't help but think that if anyone was guilty of false devotion, it was him — a regular office worker who had been thrown into this mess. But he could tell any denial would just fuel Adrien's suspicions further.

Just then, the grand doors swung open, and everyone turned to see the Saint enter the hall. Dressed in flowing white robes that shimmered like starlight, he was the epitome of grace, his silver hair glowing in the candlelight. The crowd parted, bowing as he walked through, and he paused upon seeing Kazuki.

The Saint's face softened, a warm smile spreading across his lips as he approached Kazuki. "Duke Valentine," he greeted softly, and somehow, his voice seemed to quiet the entire hall. "I'm so glad you could join us tonight."

Kazuki felt a wave of awkwardness wash over him. How was he supposed to respond to that without giving everyone the wrong idea?

"My pleasure, Your Holiness," he replied, keeping his voice neutral but respectful.

The Saint reached out, gently placing a hand on Kazuki's arm, a small gesture that sent another round of whispers rippling through the crowd. "I do hope you'll sit by me tonight."

Kazuki's heart raced as he felt dozens of eyes on him, each one surely interpreting the Saint's gesture as proof of some unspoken bond. "Of course, Your Holiness," he managed, his face betraying a hint of panic that only Lady Liana seemed to notice.

As they sat, the Saint leaned in, his voice a low murmur. "You seem nervous, Duke Valentine. Perhaps a glass of wine will ease your nerves?"

Kazuki nodded, unable to say no, and took a sip, hoping it might steady him. But instead, the wine only seemed to make him feel warmer — and more aware of how close the Saint was sitting beside him.

Just then, Prince Adrien cleared his throat loudly, catching the Saint's attention. "Your Holiness," Adrien said, his voice almost too polite, "it seems Duke Valentine has captured quite a bit of attention at court lately. Is there any truth to the rumors of his... dedication?"

Kazuki's face burned. What was that supposed to mean? He wanted to shout that there was no "dedication" to speak of, but he could already feel the eyes of the Saint's court on him, waiting for his response.

The Saint turned to Kazuki, his gaze soft and full of understanding. "Duke Valentine is indeed dedicated. His kindness and loyalty have touched many," he replied smoothly, almost as if he, too, were playing along with the rumors.

Adrien's eyes narrowed, and Lady Liana stifled a smirk behind her glass. Even Sir Rowan watched from across the table, his gaze intense as if studying Kazuki's every reaction.

Oh no, Kazuki thought as he realized he'd been backed into a corner. If he denied his supposed "loyalty," it would seem like he was lying, and if he confirmed it, the rumors would spiral even further out of control.

Kazuki plastered on a weak smile, hoping it might convey both "yes" and "no" at once. "I... do care for His Holiness's well-being," he mumbled, opting for the safest response he could muster.

Adrien scoffed, clearly unconvinced, and Rowan's gaze sharpened as if he were dissecting Kazuki's every word. But the Saint only smiled, as if secretly amused by the court's curiosity.

As the banquet wore on, Kazuki could feel the weight of their stares, each one silently drawing their own conclusions. Somehow, by the end of the evening, he was certain that his accidental reputation as the Saint's most "devoted" admirer was stronger than ever.

As he finally returned to Valeria Manor that night, exhausted from his efforts to survive the evening unscathed, Kazuki sank into his bed, replaying the evening in his mind. The Saint's hand on his arm, Adrien's suspicion, and Liana's knowing smile — it was like being stuck in the most awkward rom-com imaginable, with a healthy dose of court intrigue thrown in.

With a heavy sigh, he muttered to himself, "Why does it feel like this isn't going to get easier?"

Little did he know, the rumors would only grow, and the web of misunderstandings would tighten with each passing day.

To be continued...