Duke for a Day (Or Forever?)

Chapter 5

Kazuki was up earlier than usual the next morning, hoping to avoid more scrutiny from the household staff. He'd just wanted some tea, maybe a moment to gather his thoughts, but as soon as he set foot in the dining hall, his hopes for a quiet morning were shattered. Waiting for him was Prince Adrien, arms crossed, with a smirk plastered on his face.

"Ah, Duke Valentine, just the man I was looking for," Adrien greeted, his tone mocking but with an edge Kazuki didn't like. "I couldn't help but notice your... close proximity to His Holiness last night."

Kazuki suppressed a sigh. Not this again. "Good morning to you, too, Prince Adrien," he replied as diplomatically as he could manage. "It was just a seat at a banquet. Nothing more."

Adrien's smirk grew. "And yet the entire court is whispering about your devotion. It seems you've earned quite the reputation."

Kazuki's mind raced for a way to defuse the situation. He could claim his loyalty was purely professional, but something told him Adrien wouldn't buy that. Worse, he didn't want to spark more rumors by defending himself too adamantly.

"Look, I don't know what people are saying, but there's nothing to it," Kazuki insisted, trying to keep his tone calm. "I'm just here to... do my duty."

But Adrien looked unconvinced. In fact, he seemed to see Kazuki's attempts at neutrality as a challenge. "If you're so dedicated to your 'duty,' then prove it, Valentine," he said with a gleam in his eye. "A duel. This afternoon. Let's see if your devotion is as strong as they say."

Kazuki's heart dropped. "A... a duel?" He knew duels were common in this world — the book had a dozen of them — but he didn't have the slightest idea how to wield a sword, let alone duel a prince!

Adrien's smirk widened. "Yes, a duel. Unless, of course, you're backing down. But what would His Holiness think of that?"

Kazuki swallowed hard. He couldn't refuse; not with Adrien practically goading him into it. If he said no, it would seem like he was cowardly or, worse, insincere. With an inward sigh, he accepted the only choice he had.

"Fine," Kazuki replied, trying to sound more confident than he felt. "I'll meet you this afternoon."

The courtyard was buzzing by the time Kazuki arrived. Word of the duel had spread quickly, and an audience of nobles, guards, and palace staff had gathered to watch the spectacle. Kazuki felt the weight of their curious, amused stares as he made his way to the center, where Adrien was already waiting, casually leaning on his sword as if he'd been born with one in hand.

Kazuki eyed the weapon they'd handed him. It was heavy, its weight unfamiliar and slightly intimidating. He could barely remember the fencing lessons he'd taken as a kid, and those were hardly relevant here. Just hold your ground, he told himself, gripping the hilt with clammy hands.

Prince Adrien tilted his head, a cocky grin on his face. "What's wrong, Valentine? Looking a little pale. Scared?"

Kazuki forced a smirk. "Of course not," he lied, raising the sword awkwardly. He hoped the audience would mistake his clumsy stance for battle-weary indifference.

The onlookers whispered among themselves, clearly excited to see Duke Valentine, "the Saint's devoted protector," in action. Kazuki's heart pounded, and he tried to steady himself, ignoring the fact that he had no idea what he was doing.

The fight began with Adrien lunging forward, fast and precise. Kazuki barely sidestepped in time, feeling the rush of air as Adrien's blade whooshed past him. He managed a hasty block, but Adrien's strength was overwhelming, sending shock waves up his arm. I'm definitely out of my depth, Kazuki thought, sweat beading on his brow.

"What's wrong, Valentine?" Adrien taunted, his eyes gleaming with challenge. "Surely you can manage more than this if you're truly devoted to the Saint."

Kazuki gritted his teeth, taking another clumsy swing. Adrien parried easily, his expression smug. This isn't a duel — it's a show, Kazuki realized. Adrien was playing to the crowd, showing off his prowess against the "devoted" duke.

Adrien closed in again, and Kazuki barely blocked his strike, feeling his arm buckle. Just when he thought he might actually collapse from the pressure, a sudden, unexpected voice called out from the edge of the crowd.

"Enough!"

The crowd parted, and Sir Rowan stepped forward, his expression stern. His gaze was locked on Adrien. "This has gone far enough, Your Highness."

Adrien's eyes flashed with irritation, but he lowered his sword. "Why interrupt, Rowan? I'm merely testing Duke Valentine's... resolve."

Rowan's piercing gaze turned to Kazuki, and though his expression was unreadable, there was a flicker of something like sympathy. "If you wish to test the Duke's resolve, perhaps you should pick a challenge he's actually prepared for."

Adrien scoffed but stepped back reluctantly. "Fine. But I'd say his 'devotion' still seems questionable."

Kazuki, still trying to catch his breath, met Rowan's gaze, feeling a mixture of gratitude and confusion. Why had Rowan intervened?

Rowan inclined his head slightly, his tone measured. "Duke Valentine's loyalty to the Saint does not need to be tested in such a manner, Your Highness."

Adrien's smirk faded slightly, but he didn't press the issue further. With a flick of his cape, he left the courtyard, clearly unimpressed. The crowd began to disperse as well, murmuring about the "intense" match and Adrien's apparent frustration. Kazuki could feel his arms trembling from the exertion, but relief washed over him as he watched the onlookers leave.

Rowan approached, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Kazuki. "Are you alright, Duke?"

Kazuki nodded, trying to keep his voice steady. "Thank you, Sir Rowan. I... wasn't exactly prepared for that."

Rowan's expression softened. "It's clear. You're strong in loyalty, but perhaps not yet in swordsmanship." He paused, his gaze appraising. "If you truly wish to protect His Holiness, you might consider training in combat."

Kazuki chuckled nervously. "You're... probably right about that."

Rowan surprised him by placing a steadying hand on his shoulder. "Then consider this an invitation. I'll train you myself."

Kazuki's eyes widened. "Wait, you'd... do that?"

Rowan nodded, his voice quiet but firm. "The Saint's well-being matters deeply to me. If you wish to stay by his side, I'll make sure you're prepared for the role."

Kazuki couldn't believe his luck. Not only had he survived the duel, but he'd also managed to gain an unexpected ally in Rowan. He offered a genuine smile, feeling slightly reassured for the first time since his arrival in this world. "Thank you, Sir Rowan. I'd... appreciate that."

That evening, Kazuki found himself once again in his quarters, rubbing his sore arms and reflecting on the whirlwind of a day. The thought of training under Rowan was both daunting and reassuring. He'd need every bit of help he could get if he was going to survive this world — especially with people like Adrien around.

Just as he was drifting off to sleep, he received a knock on his door. Opening it, he found a maid holding a sealed note. "From His Holiness, Your Grace," she said with a curtsy before leaving.

Kazuki unfolded the note, his eyes widening as he read the Saint's words:

"Dear Duke Valentine,

I heard of the duel with Prince Adrien and admire your courage. It is comforting to know I have such a steadfast ally by my side. I hope you'll join me for tea tomorrow, so we may speak without the prying eyes of the court.

— His Holiness"

Kazuki stared at the note in disbelief. The Saint wants to have tea with me? Alone?

For the first time, he wasn't sure if he should be excited... or terrified.

To be continued...