Duke Ergi Claude - Tumblr Posts

Hi! If your requests are open, can we get some courting hcs of Duke ergi x reader with a reader who’s hella oblivious to his attempts and that just makes him fall harder 👀

a letter to my love

cw: fluff, courting, reader is navier's lady in waiting and a noblewoman, reader wears a dress featuring: duke ergi

a/n: hello!! it's been a while, omg. schools has been soo annoying, but i'm back! lmk how this is, and i hope you enjoy!

"Your Highness, are you sure you'll be alright?" One of the other ladies in waiting asks. "Of course, I have Lady (y/n) with me after all." She responds with a polite smile, gesturing to you. "She's competent," She adds.

"Oh, you're too kind, Your Highness," You say softly, feeling your cheeks warm up. "It's true," One of the other ladies-in-waiting chimes in, "She does more work than any of us. It's no wonder Her Majesty is bringing Lady (y/n) along." She continues, gushing while describing her fellow noblewoman.

"Oh, please. That's not true." You deflect, smiling politely. "Haha, as helpful as she is, I believe it's time for us to head to the Eastern Kingdom." Empress Navier chips in, stopping the other girls from continuing the conversation further.

A knight helps the Empress into a carriage, helping you in shortly after. The Emperor seemed too busy with paperwork regarding the empire's financial affairs and would head off at a later time.

.・。.・゜✭・.

As you arrive at the Eastern Kingdom, several guards ━along with the King himself, and Duke Ergi━ come to greet you at the entrance of the palace.

"Welcome! Esteemed guests, I hope your trip wasn't too draining?" The King asks, shaking both your and the Empress' hands. "I don't believe you've met Duke Ergi yet? He's a close friend of mine." The King continues, introducing the Duke.

"Ah, Hello, Your Majesty," He says, directing his greeting towards the Empress. "And you are?" He asks towards you, a soft smile gracing his features.

"Lady (y/n), Her Majesty's lady-in-waiting." You introduce yourself, politely. "Well, it's very nice to meet you, Lady (y/n)." He takes your hand in his and places a soft kiss on your knuckles, smiling mischievously at you as he pulls away.

Sharing a knowing look with the Empress, the King starts, "We could have had Lady Krista's ladies-in-waiting tend to you during your stay."

"No, no. It's quite alright, Lady (y/n) is one of my best." She compliments. "Well, in that case, it should be fine. Let's head in then." The King continues.

.・。.・゜✭・.

As one of the servants shows you and the Empress to your designated rooms, you allow Her Majesty to enter her chamber and rest first, helping her wash up and settling her in.

As you are about to head back to your own room, you are stopped by none other than Duke Ergi. "Care for a stroll, Lady (y/n)? The palace gardens are beautiful at this time."

"Ah, are you sure?" You ask. "Of course." He responds, a devilish smile presenting itself on his lips. "Well, if it's alright with you." You continue, dismissing his suggestion as a friendly gesture; to get to know you better.

.・。.・゜✭・.

Following the Duke's lead, you head towards the garden, a blissful silence presenting itself in the air. He leads you both towards under different hedges and to a fountain, surrounded by different kinds of flowers. The water glistens in the moonlight and the flowers provide a beautiful array of color, surrounding the greys of the fountain and stones.

"Oh my, they're-" You start, astound by the beauty of it all, "They're stunning."

"They are, aren't they?" The Duke smiles at you, guiding you to the fountain and sitting on the ledge, gesturing you to sit next to him.

He plucks a flower near it and hands it to you. "It's lovely.." You smile, holding it between your fingers, and smiling gleefully.

"Oh, actually, I believe we should head back now. It's getting late." You stand up and dust off your dress, following the Duke as he guides you back to your sleeping quarters.

"I had fun, if you have time, I'd like to bring you to a place with even better scenery." He kisses your knuckles and lets go of your hand, as you enter the room.

"Better than that? Then, I'll have to take you up on the offer." You smile, closing the door behind you. Walking towards your bedside table, filling a vase with water, and placing the flower in it.

Walking back to his sleeping quarters, Duke Ergi smiles as he thinks to himself, 'She kept the flower..'

.・。.・゜✭・.

"It seems the Duke has taken a liking to you, (y/n)." The Empress states, glancing at you in the mirror as you fix her hair. "Oh, is that so? He seems like a kind person."

"Well, whatever the situation. Please let me know if he steps out of line." She responds. "Of course, though I would be the first to put him in his place." You giggle, tying her hair off with a bow.

.・。.・゜✭・.

Over your stay, you and the Duke grow closer. Sneaking out at night, watching plays, and looking at art exhibitions. All in the name of friendship, of course. There's no way the Duke feels the same way, you think.

On your final day, the Duke hands you a basket of peonies, with a letter attached to it.

"Peonies? They're lovely." You smile, feeling your cheeks grow warm.

"Yes, they mean-"

"Prosperity, wealth, and good fortune." You cut him off with a giggle.

'And love and affection..' The Duke thinks to himself, slightly dejected that you didn't pick up his hidden message. Well, hopefully, his letter will display his feelings.

"Lady (y/n), time to go." One of the servants informs you, a coy smile on their lips.

"Heading back already? Then, shall I visit the Eastern Empire sometime? You can show me around, there." He places a soft kiss to the back of your knuckles, causing the tips of your ears to burn.

"You should."

"I'll hold you to that."

.・。.・゜✭・.

When you arrive back, you quickly help the Empress, wash up, and sit at a small table in your room. You already placed the flowers in a nearby vase, and all was left to open the letter. You carefully open the envelope and unfold the paper.

My Dearest (Y/N),

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I find myself at a loss for words as I attempt to put into writing the sentiments that have been growing in my heart for some time now.

It is a confession of love that I feel compelled to share with you, not knowing how you may receive it, but hoping that you will understand the depth of my emotions. From the very first moment we crossed paths, you captured my heart with your grace, your kindness, and your gentle spirit.

Your presence in the palace has been a beacon of light and warmth in what can often be a cold and austere place. Your humility and beauty are beyond compare, and your innocence is a precious rarity that has enchanted me like nothing else.

I have admired you from afar, and every stolen moment in your company has left me utterly captivated. Your obliviousness to my attempts to court you has only deepened my affection. Your genuine nature, your compassionate soul, and your radiant smile have become the very essence of my happiness.

I understand if my feelings are unexpected, and I respect your response, whatever it may be. However, I cannot hide the truth any longer.

I love you, with a love that is pure, deep, and unwavering. My only wish is for your happiness, and if that happiness lies elsewhere, I will accept it with grace. There is something I would like to propose, though.

In getting to know you better, I have heard tales of your hometown in the Eastern Empire, and I find myself curious to explore the place that has shaped such an extraordinary person. I extend an invitation to you, my dearest (Y/N), to visit your homeland once more.

It would be my honor to accompany you and learn more about the world that has contributed to the remarkable individual you are today. Please consider my words with an open heart, and know that I hold your happiness above all else.

Whether your response be one of love or friendship, I will cherish your presence in my life and will always be devoted to your well-being.

Yours Sincerely and with the Deepest Affection, Duke Ergi

.・。.・゜✭・.

'Where did he get the chance to write all of this?' You think to yourself, pulling out another piece of paper, and an ink and quill; preparing to write your own letter in response to his.

.・。.・゜✭・.

My Dearest Duke Ergi,

I cannot express the joy and gratitude that fills my heart upon receiving your heartfelt letter. Your words have touched me in ways I never imagined, and I want you to know that my feelings are in perfect alignment with your own.

From the moment we first met, I felt a connection, a warmth that I could not explain. Your kindness, your intelligence, and your unwavering support have meant the world to me. I am not oblivious to your attempts to court me; rather, I have cherished each one, and my heart has responded in kind.

The depth of my affection for you is immeasurable. I love you, Duke Ergi, with a love that is as pure and true as the most precious gem. Your presence in my life has brought me happiness and contentment beyond words, and I look forward to every moment we can share.

Your proposal to visit my homeland in the Eastern Empire fills me with excitement and gratitude. It would be an honor to show you the place that has shaped me and to share the experiences of my past with you, my dearest love.

I cannot wait to explore the world with you by my side. I look forward to a future filled with love, happiness, and shared adventures. My heart is yours, Duke Ergi, and I cherish the promise of our journey together.

With All My Love and Deep Affection, (Y/N)

.・。.・゜✭・.