This man who made my arm a hostage whistled as if he is not torturing someone. He didn't even let me thanked the Duchess.

I looked back and saw James, who nodded at me.

If news about my visit in his duchy appeared, it wouldn't blow me down anymore.

We stopped in front of a brown bifold door. By the finger snap, the door opened on its own. It was like the older and magical version of "Siri, open sesame!"

"Welcome to my lair!"

He was like a content creator who was about to make an office tour.

It would be weird if I would be the first to enter, so I waited for him to sit on his throne until he signaled me to sit on the chair in front of his worktable.

He also ordered James to bring water and tea for me.

This humble chancery was the opposite of the typical aristocratic office. They calculated the space needed around the office. Even extending both arms, there was still a wiggle room.

Looking down was a marble floor, which I mistook for a mirror when I saw my face's reflection on it.

Two shelves sandwiched his work table. One thing that caught my attention was the tall pile of papers that could cover his face if placed in front of him.

How could he sleep comfortably at night knowing the work awaited him?

"Hey, do not underestimate the power of the pressured Duke."

I bet this guy did not know the meaning of the word pressure base on the look of his peaceful face.

"By the way, Your Grace. My purpose was to give you this.".

I put down the black box on the Narra tabletop.

His broad smile and glimmering puppy eyes were cute. I instructed him to open the box later.

"Look at my power! This cheap-looking four-leaf clover necklace became expensive when placed on my neck!"

"If that is your definition of Thank You, then I did not have regrets buying it for you."

This man never failed to give me a headache.

"I love my fan's gift!"

Since I already accomplished my goal, it's time to escape from this household.

"I thought you already agreed to have lunch here."

In my volition, I stepped on the Ivrea's trap.

James entered with a tray of refreshments. He got a bottle of red wine from the shelf to the right and served it to him.

The devilish Duke took his first sip, stood up, then he whispered in my ear.

"Do you want a sip? No one would know."

"My conscience says no."

"Tsk. Boring."

He sat back in his armchair, swirled his wine, and chugged it.

James fixed his sight into the charm.

"Dame Bethany, may I ask, where did you get the necklace?" James asked.

"We went to the Enrom Church yesterday."

"Did you meet a guy named Elben?"

"Yes, he was a priest there."

"Oh, I'm glad to hear he was in excellent condition."

The Duke interrupted our brief chat because he did not want us to talk about other men in his office. What a narcissist!

"By the way, do you like books?"

I have a feeling there was an unsaid detail about the blessing.

"Yes, but how did you know?"

"Here we go again. I can't read your mind!"

I glared at him because this was not the first time it happened. Besides, he was sus.

"That is why I have asked how did you know, Your Grace."

"You are an open book. No matter how hard you try to conceal your feelings, you are easy to read. I would appreciate it if you show your real self more."

Was leaning closer needed? I could hear him loud and clear.

If there is no relationship meter and 20 million pesos involved, I have already kicked your ass from the first time we met.

James saved the day, reminded him about the interpreter.

I told them that the Duchess wanted to tour me around their manor. I was about to leave when they pronounced some words and looking for a translator.

"Your Grace, may I see the document?"

Woche, Ja, Notariell Beurkunden. It was Deutsch! This was one language I studied out of boredom!

I put down the document and informed him what it was about. They clapped and requested help.

Translating words from one language to another was a daunting task indeed. For me, I enjoyed it because unlocking hidden meaning was fun added by our seamless workflow. Also, I hope the relationship meter would increase.

We heard knocks and a scream.

"Kids! It is time for lunch!"

I glanced at the grandfather clock next to the shelf of wine. When you enjoy doing something, the time ran like Usain Bolt.

My tummy bloated when lunchtime's over. I took a stroll to burn the extra calories I consumed.

The Duke told me the truth about his lavender fields. I focused on getting my job done and ignored its beauty when I rode the carriage. What a beautiful sight it is!

"Would you like to join me?"

He extended his hand. I would lose points, so we held hands together as we drew closer to the fields.

Rows of lavender covered one-fourth of the landscape. A stroll plus wafting of prominent, aromatic ambient scent calmed my rowdy nerves.

"You also like flowers, huh?"

"Yea, they're stunning and provide color to my dull world."

"How I wish I was a flower right now."

Why would a man say an outrageous thing? Was this man secretly gay?

We kept on walking until we reached the Apple tree on the other side. The bench under its shade made it a perfect spot for hanging out.
"When I was little, this tree was my best friend."

"Not the Crown Prince?"

"You know how hectic his schedules are. He has big bro unlike me. But, he became friends with this tree too."

While saying those words, he touched the trunk.

Well, I agree. Non-human friends such as animals or plants were more loyal and would probably have time to listen to your rants.

"Why do you always preserve your saliva? Was it made from special substance?"

"Your Grace, if nonsense would come out of my mouth, I better shut it up."

He yawned.

"Your philosophy intensified my sleepiness."

This problematic man laid with his head on my lap. One thing crossed my mind---how to escape. In two minutes, his heavy breathing proved my existence as a human mattress.

I stiffened my body to prevent waking him up. Did he also sleep like this when he had fun with other women? What if they tried to see what's behind his mask?

I did not know what kind of hypnotism did he put on me. His defenseless state was the reason my hands trembled.

I considered all the factors; caressing his silky hair was not a sin. I did the same to my siblings when my parents were away.

Maybe if the Duke was always in a puppy and obedient state like this, my life would be peaceful.