Duke for a Day (Or Forever?)

Chapter 6

Kazuki woke up with a nervous energy buzzing through him. Tea with the Saint — alone — was the last thing he'd expected. After all the misinterpretations and court rumors, he worried this would only give people more to gossip about. But he couldn't exactly decline the invitation.

Sebastian, noticing Kazuki's unease, gave him an approving smile as he adjusted the collar of his formal attire. "You look dashing, Your Grace. A perfect choice for tea with His Holiness."

Kazuki forced a smile, feeling none of the confidence Sebastian seemed to assume he had. "Thanks, Sebastian. Just... not sure I'm ready for the attention."

Sebastian chuckled. "I think the Saint would appreciate your humility, Your Grace. Besides, you may find that this is the perfect chance to deepen your bond with His Holiness."

Kazuki's face warmed at Sebastian's insinuation. "That's... not really the plan," he mumbled, though he couldn't help but worry about what this tea invitation might lead to.

The garden where the Saint awaited him was private, hidden away within high stone walls draped with ivy and surrounded by flowering plants in shades of blue and white. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, carrying the scent of lavender and roses.

The Saint sat at a small table, looking serene as ever, a pot of tea already prepared. His eyes softened as Kazuki approached, and he gestured to the chair opposite him.

"Duke Valentine, thank you for joining me," he said warmly. "I know your days are filled with duty."

Kazuki tried to appear casual, but the Saint's gentle gaze had a way of making him feel exposed, as if he saw right through Kazuki's careful act. "Of course, Your Holiness. I'm... honored."

As Kazuki took a seat, the Saint poured their tea, his movements graceful. For a few moments, they sipped in silence, the quiet comforting yet charged. Kazuki could feel the tension of being alone with someone who was practically adored by the entire kingdom.

After a few minutes, the Saint broke the silence, his voice soft but clear. "I heard about the duel yesterday. Prince Adrien can be... challenging, but I appreciate your willingness to endure his tests."

Kazuki chuckled nervously, trying to downplay his nerves. "I'm not exactly... skilled with a sword."

The Saint smiled, his gaze thoughtful. "You don't need to be. I've always admired strength of character over strength of arm."

Kazuki shifted, feeling the weight of the Saint's words. He hadn't done anything particularly noble, but somehow, he was beginning to feel the pressure to live up to this body's reputation. "Thank you, Your Holiness. That means... a lot."

The Saint looked down at his tea, his expression turning wistful. "It's rare to find someone who serves from genuine loyalty rather than ambition."

Kazuki's heart raced, realizing the Saint was speaking from personal experience. Everyone wanted to be close to the Saint, after all — for status, for power. It was easy to see how lonely that position might be.

"I... I think I understand, in a way," Kazuki replied, surprising himself with his own honesty. "Sometimes it feels like everyone sees what they want to see in you."

The Saint looked up, his gaze meeting Kazuki's with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. "Yes," he murmured. "But with you, Duke Valentine, I feel... something genuine. It's rare for me to feel such ease with someone."

Kazuki swallowed hard, his face heating up. He had no idea what to say to that. This wasn't supposed to happen; he was just an office worker thrown into this mess. But the Saint's sincerity was undeniable, and Kazuki couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy — and, to his surprise, admiration.

But before he could respond, footsteps sounded on the stone path, and Kazuki turned to see Lady Liana approaching, her eyes lighting up as she noticed the two of them sitting together.

"Your Holiness, Duke Valentine," she greeted, her voice laced with curiosity. "I didn't realize you two were... meeting privately."

Kazuki's stomach twisted as he caught the glint in her eye. He could practically see the new rumors forming in her mind.

The Saint, however, seemed unaffected, smiling gently at Lady Liana. "Duke Valentine has shown me great kindness, and I wanted to express my gratitude."

Liana's eyes widened, and a sly smile spread across her lips. "Oh, but of course. How lucky to have such a loyal and... devoted ally."

Kazuki could barely keep his face from contorting in a grimace. Devoted? He knew that word would be all over the court by evening.

Liana leaned in closer to Kazuki, lowering her voice in a conspiratorial tone. "My dear Duke, you've become the envy of many. His Holiness doesn't often grant such personal attention."

Kazuki tried to brush it off with a casual shrug. "Just... doing my duty," he replied, hoping it sounded dismissive.

But Liana only laughed, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Oh, your humility only makes you more appealing. I daresay, Duke Valentine, that you've become one of the kingdom's most eligible bachelors."

Kazuki's face burned as he sputtered out a denial. "I-I think that's... quite an exaggeration!"

But Liana just gave him a knowing smile, her gaze lingering on him in a way that only increased his discomfort. "In any case, it's good to see His Holiness with someone as trustworthy as you. One can never have too many loyal friends."

The Saint, seemingly picking up on Kazuki's distress, changed the topic smoothly, discussing lighter matters about the court and the upcoming harvest festival. But as they spoke, Kazuki could see Liana's speculative gaze watching them closely, her interest far from subtle.

As she finally left, Kazuki released a sigh of relief. "She... really knows how to spin things, doesn't she?"

The Saint laughed softly. "Lady Liana does have a talent for adding drama to court life."

Kazuki's shoulders relaxed as the Saint's gentle humor put him at ease. "I don't know how you manage it, Your Holiness — the attention, the rumors..."

The Saint looked at him with a soft, almost fond expression. "Perhaps because I'm accustomed to it. But it's refreshing to have someone who treats me as I am, not as a symbol or an opportunity."

Kazuki's heart skipped a beat. How did he keep ending up in these situations that seemed so... romantic? It wasn't intentional, but with the way the Saint spoke, his admiration felt genuine. And there was a comfort in that honesty, a warmth that surprised Kazuki more than he cared to admit.

After tea, Kazuki returned to Valeria Manor, where Sebastian awaited him with a proud, almost smug expression.

"I trust your meeting with His Holiness was... enlightening?" Sebastian asked, his tone suggesting he knew far more than he was letting on.

Kazuki's face grew hot again. "It was just tea. Really."

But Sebastian's smile only widened. "Of course, Your Grace. I'm sure the court will see it that way."

Kazuki buried his face in his hands as he thought of the whispers that would undoubtedly spread through the palace by the end of the day. He'd gone from anonymous office worker to "Duke Valentine, rumored lover of the Saint" in record time — and it seemed there was no way of stopping the rumors now.

As he slumped into a chair, he muttered to himself, "How did my life turn into a reverse harem fantasy?"

And yet, as mortifying as it all was, he couldn't ignore the tiny part of him that felt... grateful. Grateful for the kindness of the Saint, the unexpected allies he was gaining, and, against all odds, for the strange new life he was navigating — misunderstandings and all.