-Duke- Matteo

Today has been an exhausting day for you because you had to stay late at work. Besides attending meetings, you had numerous reports to finish. As you finally arrived home, it began to rain, adding to the cold and quiet atmosphere, especially since you were alone.

In your bedroom, while you were about to change clothes, your attention was drawn to a noise coming from your mirror. A chill ran down your spine, and you felt the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. You tried to focus on the mirror, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. As you moved away from the mirror, you heard a knocking sound coming from it again. Was this a dream? Or just the result of exhaustion? You pinched and slapped your cheeks to wake yourself up, but it was real. The knocking sound was unmistakably clear.

Strangely, when you reached out to touch the mirror, your hand passed right through it. Curiosity overcame you, and you decided to step through the mirror. You found yourself in a beautiful forest, clearly not of your world but another realm. As you walked forward, still bewildered, you took in the serene surroundings. The tranquility of the forest began to ease your weary mind.

Soon, you heard the sound of horse hooves accompanied by a rider’s voice, prompting you to hide behind a large tree. It was Duke Matteo Dela Cruz, known for his cold and cruel nature, and his obsession with the throne.

Matteo often patrolled the forest to hunt down spies, either monstrous or female, sent by the emperor. The distance between your hiding spot and Matteo was quickly shrinking. You decided to quietly slip away, but an arrow struck the tree just inches above your head. The Duke dismounted and approached you, still frozen in shock.

"You're a spy sent by the emperor, right?!" He demanded, pointing his sword at your neck.

"Do not lie!!" He shouted, his sword still pressed against your throat.

He looked you over and noticed your office attire, realizing you were not from this world.

"You're not from here?"