I Stole The Duke - Chapter 103

“If the rider is tense, the horse will be too. Relax your shoulders, keep your back straight, and fix your gaze forward—as if you’re looking far into the distance.”

“Got it.”

Eliana slowly relaxed her posture, listening carefully to Joel’s calm instructions. It wasn’t the large warhorse she was used to seeing, so she wasn’t terribly frightened, but now that she was actually in the saddle, it felt much higher than she’d imagined.

“Your posture looks good now. Today, I’ll guide the pony by the lead. Please hold onto the ring at the front of the saddle and get a feel for your balance. Let’s begin.”

After thoroughly checking her position, Joel took the lead rope and began walking the pony forward.

“Oh.”

The moment the horse moved, Eliana tensed again.

“My lady, you’re putting too much strain in your shoulders. Even if you fall, I’ll be right here to catch you, so please don’t worry.”

“Ahhh, I’m so jealous of Sir Terius…”

The squires watching from a distance squirmed with envy. They weren’t even allowed within 50 meters of the lady, much less close enough to speak with her.

“Seriously—how does someone even become the lady’s personal guard?”

Even Olive perked up at that question.

“Hey, Towadel cadet! Doesn’t your older brother serve in the 2nd Order? Have you heard anything?”

“My fourth brother said it’s all about looks.”

“Looks?”

“You have to be good-looking.”

“Then… is that the standard?”

“……”

“……”

All at once, the squires turned their eyes to Joel’s face—and fell silent.

Hmph. I’m nothing like these worms.

Olive had confidence in her appearance. Back when she lived on the streets, her face had at least earned her an extra piece of bread now and then (even if it usually got stolen by bigger kids).

I’m fresh and charming, thank you very much.

“Whew…”

Olive took a deep breath to steel herself. Just this morning, she’d been happy just catching a glimpse of him from afar… but now that she saw him up close, a new desire stirred.

Since I’ve come this far, I might as well say hello.

Peeking from behind the wall, she stepped out confidently toward the “fairy.”

“Who’s that scrawny kid?”

The squires stared, eyes wide, shocked by Olive’s sudden move.

“Shouldn’t we stop him? He looks like an outsider.”

“Just let it go. Sir Terius will handle it if things get out of hand.”

Though Sir Terius was known for being kind and gentle, he also had a reputation for dealing firmly with anyone who crossed the line.

“My lady!”

Olive waved cheerfully as she quickly approached.

“You’re…”

Joel, who had been leading the pony, came to an abrupt stop. It was the boy he’d seen at the Wespa boutique.

“How are you here?”

Eliana blinked in surprise at the unexpected visitor.

“My father said he was coming to the Flencia estate, so I came along.”

Olive smoothly used Legionty’s name as cover and stared up at Eliana with open curiosity.

“Ah, I see… Well, since you’re in the South, take some time to relax.”

“I…”

Olive wanted to keep the conversation going, but her mind went blank. No words came to her.

“Then I’ll resume the lesson.”

Before the moment could stretch, Joel quickly stepped in to block further interaction. The lady didn’t seem particularly interested anyway—this was the kind of conversation that usually ended after a polite greeting.

“Ah, Sir Knight! I didn’t get to thank you for picking out my outfit last time. You left so quickly…”

Olive switched to a flanking strategy. If she couldn’t speak to the fairy directly, she’d grab the sly fox instead.

“……”

Joel winced. That awful memory—the “worst day ever”—flashed before his eyes.

“Consider your thanks received. Hyah.”

He quickly nudged the pony forward, eager to leave that incident in the past.

“My lady, you seem a little more comfortable now.”

“Yes, I’m starting to get the feel of it.”

“Then I believe you’re ready to start holding the reins and trying a walking pace from tomorrow.”

Joel immediately continued the lesson, turning his attention fully to Eliana. That boy gave him a strange feeling. The best way to keep him out of the picture was to maintain the conversation with the lady himself.

Should I make you the bathroom fairy again?

Simple tactics didn’t work against a cunning fox.

“Before a horse is a ride, it’s a living being. It’s important to build a bond with it.”

“Is that so? How can I do that?”

“Call its name and pet it gently. It’s also important to let it see you often so it can recognize you as its owner.”

“Annie, I’ll be counting on you.”

Eliana gently stroked the pony’s mane as she spoke its name.

“Go…”

“Yes, just like that. If the rider sees the horse as just a tool, the horse will see its rider as a burden. Physical contact is important to build trust.”

“Understood, Sir Joel.”

There was no room to interrupt. Olive, who had finally managed to open her mouth, now had to close it again.

Ugh… that damned sly fox.

She stared at the back of Joel’s head with a pout. Every time she looked at him, he annoyed her—just like a fox.

Wow! An outsider spoke with the lady!

He already knows her? That’s insane!

Unaware of Olive’s internal frustration, the squires hiding behind the building were already in a frenzy.

“……”

Olive had become the object of envy and jealousy among the squires—but all he felt was a growing thirst.

Clip-clop. Clip-clop. The sound of hooves slowly faded into the distance. Eliana’s silver hair, tied up in a single, simple knot, swayed gently with each step. A sweet, fragrant breeze brushed past Olive’s nose.

I want to touch her.

He had thought exchanging a few words would be enough. But now that he’d stood close and greeted her properly, a new kind of desire took root.

I want her. I want to make her mine.

His gaze was fixed on her pale neck, where a few loose strands of hair fluttered. The sight alone made him feel like he was going mad.

Could I bring her back to the Tower with me?

If he said it plainly—he wanted to pull her into his arms and press his lips against the nape of her delicate neck.

Damn it… even as the Tower Master, I still can’t have what I want?

His desire boiled beneath the surface, unrelenting and wild.

“My lady, we’ll end the lesson here for today.”

Just then, Joel came to a stop. It wasn’t exactly killing intent, but something sharp and sticky crept across his back—like something vile brushing against his skin.

He dared to lust after the lady.

Since learning to control aura, Joel’s senses had only grown sharper. He could tell—this boy had just crossed the line.

“I’ll escort you back to the main building.”

Joel forced his anger down and spoke calmly. He couldn’t draw his sword in front of Eliana.

“You’ve done well today, Sir Joel. It’s lunchtime now, you should rest too.”

“Eliana!”

Just as Joel turned the pony back toward the estate, a familiar voice called out.

“Michalis!”

“Your Grace.”

Michalis approached with long, confident strides.

“Did the negotiation go well?”

“Yes, everything is settled. How’s the riding lesson going?”

“Thanks to Sir Joel, it’s been quite enjoyable.”

“I came to see if you’d like to have lunch together.”

Michalis stepped closer to the pony and extended his arms to her.

“Lunch with you is always welcome.”

Eliana smiled and took his hands. The fact that he was stepping out of the office and joining her for a meal was a sign—things must have gone well.

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow, my lady.”

“Same time, please.”

“Yes, my lady. I’ll be here at ten.”

“Thank you for your efforts, Sir Joel.”

“It’s nothing, Your Grace. I’ve simply fulfilled my duty.”

“……”

Olive’s burning emotions shifted from Eliana to the man who lifted her so effortlessly from the saddle—Michalis.

I want to kill him.

The reason he couldn’t be near the fairy, couldn’t touch her, was simple. It was because of that man.

Can’t I just kill him?

The idea wasn’t hard to imagine. One well-placed curse or killing spell, and the Duke would fall in an instant.

“Hm?”

There was no way Michalis wouldn’t notice such direct killing intent.

“Who is that boy? Why is an outsider inside the estate?”

The only outsiders allowed in today were the Tower Master and their assistant… don’t tell me—

Michalis tried to recall the Tower Master’s appearance from earlier. But it was as if the image had been wiped from his memory—nothing clear came to mind. All he could recall was that the person had been male. He couldn’t even guess the age.

“He said he came with his father.”

Joel responded curtly. Even he could feel the boy’s murderous intent toward his lord. That meant this boy had now crossed the line—twice.

‘Father,’ huh…

Come to think of it, his hair color was similar to the Tower Master’s assistant.

“Sir Joel.”

Their features weren’t alike, but the hair color was close. It was possible this boy was the Tower Master himself.

“Yes, Your Grace?”

“Don’t touch him.”

With Eliana on his arm, Michalis turned away. Whether the boy was the Tower Master or someone connected, it wasn’t worth stirring conflict with the Tower.

“Understood.”

Joel had no choice but to swallow his discomfort and keep it buried.

How do I make her mine—completely?

Olive stared after the Duke and Duchess, growing smaller in the distance, lost in thought. Killing the Duke wouldn’t magically win Eliana’s affection. No—he needed something more subtle. Something natural.

Maybe a divorce needs to happen first.

As much as he wanted to snatch her away and be done with it, he didn’t want her to hate him forever. He wanted not only her body—but her heart.

What would make Michalis divorce her?

The best scenario was for Eliana to be the one abandoned.

What am I even thinking? Can I really just let this go?

“Haa…”

Joel fought the overwhelming urge to kill the boy then and there. But he couldn’t defy a direct command from his lord. So, he exhaled deeply, venting that murderous urge, and turned back to guide the pony.

“Hey! Who even are you?”

“What did the lady say to you?”

As Joel disappeared into the distance, the squires who had been hiding behind the wall swarmed around Olive in a frenzy.

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