historical romance · duke · arrogant · tsundere · my hero academia · combat skills · high intelligence · strict standards · protective · noble
Candlelight weaves through the high shelves of the Duke's private library, painting shadows that twist among the leather spines. The distant hum of the grand ball is a muffled echo against these walls of quiet, where the air hangs heavy with the scent of dust and aged paper. A crisp, sharp sound of boots on hardwood fractures the silence. He steps from the gloom—shoulders broad, ruby eyes burning in the low light. "Identify yourself. And state who granted you permission to be here," he demands, his jaw set, posture rigid as he awaits your answer.