I Stole The Duke - Chapter 129

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“I’ll always be nearby, so feel free to call on me whenever you need assistance.”

“Of course. It’s best for us Kanturians to stick together.”

The merchant chuckled as he handed the laborer his payment for the day’s work.

“I’ll coordinate with my family back in Kantur regarding the delivery schedule for the beans and inform you accordingly.”

“Very well, I’ll rely on you.”

Upon completing his tasks, the laborer discreetly returned to his quarters—a modest space within one of the many rental warehouses in the district. Once inside, he securely locked the door and activated a magical light, revealing the interior.

‘If you’re going to disguise yourself, do it properly. You can’t just wander around with such a recognizable face.’

The walls were adorned with newspaper clippings and meticulous notes. One wall prominently displayed a relationship chart centered around the Ascher Duke, complete with photographs clipped from newspapers—ranging from pre-marriage dates of the duke and duchess to outings in Wespa, and even images of the duchess’s bodyguard, Joel.

‘The sailor outfit belongs to Roanes Mikkelsen, and the other with platinum blonde hair and delicate features must be Ista Petergarde.’

Adjacent to the main chart were detailed profiles of the twenty members of the Blue Knights, with recent observations about the two individuals he had just seen added in fine handwriting.

‘So, during unofficial outings, they employ a three-guard formation.’

After updating his notes, the laborer approached a desk in the center of the room and activated a magical communication device.

[What is it?]

Fortunately, His Majesty was available, and the connection was immediate.

“This is Kanchas. It’s an honor to hear your voice, Your Majesty.”

[Do you have any results?]

“I’ve found a way to secure the flower.”

[Oh? Proceed with your explanation.]

…

“Understood. Contact me if you require anything further.”

[Yes, Your Majesty.]

After concluding the magical communication, Maxim leisurely rose and stood by the window. Beyond the city walls, two rivers shimmered, and the azure horizon of Lake Bakar was visible.

‘Before the abundance of Lake Bakar slips further away.’

He closed his eyes, catching the faint scent of sand carried by the dry wind.

‘Perhaps it’s time to ascend the throne.’

Prince Maxim of the Kantur Kingdom picked up the golden dagger resting on his desk.

‘What on earth am I witnessing?’

The kitchen staff of the Ascher Castle blinked in astonishment. The lady of the house had gathered them all to demonstrate roasting unfamiliar green beans in a concave frying pan.

“Notice how the green color gradually turns yellow? Pay attention to the changes in color and aroma.”

Drawing from her two years of experience at a roastery café, Eliana was conducting barista training. Without an automatic roaster, her arms bore the brunt of the labor.

“Whoever excels at roasting these beans, regardless of their current position, will be assigned a dedicated kitchen and have bean roasting as their primary duty. Naturally, this comes with a salary increase based on performance.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

The mention of a salary increase snapped the staff out of their daze. Soon, the rich aroma of roasting beans filled the kitchen.

“Be cautious when smoke starts to appear; the beans can burn quickly. Remember, you’re roasting, not burning them.”

“Ma’am, isn’t this hard on your arms? Can’t we just stir them with a spatula?”

Eliana continued her instruction, despite concerns about her delicate arms handling the heavy iron pan.

“This method ensures even roasting. It’s all about dedication.”

Despite the physical strain, Eliana found joy in this process. Her studies and passion were finally bearing fruit.

“Yes, ma’am!”

“When the beans start popping and emit more smoke, they’re nearly done. This is the most critical moment, so stay focused.”

“Oh! They might burn now!”

“They’re ready. Johannes, could you bring the sieve?”

“Here it is.”

The beans had turned a golden brown, emitting wisps of smoke. Eliana had timed it perfectly.

“After sifting out the chaff and letting the beans cool, place them in a mortar and grind them—not too finely, just like this.”

Exhausted from handling the heavy pan, Eliana demonstrated with a small handful.

“I’ll take care of the rest, ma’am.”

“Thank you.”

“Ma’am, is it ready now?”

“Yes, all that’s left is to brew it. Do we have a cloth filter and a funnel?”

“Right here.”

“Pour the water in three stages, starting from the center and moving in circles…”

Eliana folded the cloth and demonstrated hand-drip coffee brewing.

…

She took a sip of the freshly brewed coffee, savoring its bitter notes followed by a lingering nutty flavor.

‘This is it!’

The taste confirmed it was Arabica. A smile of contentment spread across her face.

“Everyone, take a small taste and remember the flavor and aroma.”

Using the freshly ground beans, Eliana brewed more coffee for everyone, adjusting the strength to suit beginners.

“The aroma is delightful.”

Everyone who had tasted the freshly brewed coffee wore the same look of bliss.

“Now that you’ve all had a taste, it’s time for a competition.”

With limited time, Eliana needed to train as many capable baristas as possible. And when it came to improving skills quickly, nothing worked better than a competition.

“A competition, ma’am?”

“The grand prize is two million rium. Judging will be next Sunday at 3 p.m.”

Eliana officially announced the First Annual Flencia Castle Barista Contest.

“Two million?!”

It was a sum that made ears perk up on the spot.

“There are more than enough beans, so don’t be stingy with them—practice all you need.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

And just like that, the great bean-roasting war began in the kitchen.

Now then… who should I serve coffee to next?

Leaving the excited kitchen staff behind, Eliana gathered what she needed and headed out.

“Ma’am! Let me get that.”

As Eliana rolled a cart into the adjutant’s office, the senior aide jumped to his feet in surprise. Seeing the duchess herself pushing a cart in made him visibly flustered.

“Oh, it’s fine. Where is he?”

Eliana responded casually, trying to put the nervous man at ease. He had suddenly been promoted into this role from under Iadis, and the weight of it clearly showed on his face.

“The Lord Duke is in his office. Let me knock for you.”

He knocked on the door on her behalf since Eliana’s hands were full.

“Come in.”

“Would you have time for a short tea break?”

Michalis stood up immediately upon seeing her.

“You shouldn’t be pushing things like this. Ask your attendants.”

The cart, loaded with two glasses, a kettle, ice, and several tools, looked heavy at a glance.

“It’s okay! Please sit down. I wanted to serve you myself—from beginning to end.”

Eliana gently stopped him from reaching for the cart.

“Well… you really didn’t have to go this far.”

Even as he spoke the words, a faint smile tugged at his lips.

“……”

Eliana quickly set out crystal glasses on the coffee table and began brewing, not wanting the water to cool.

“Cold is better, right?”

Nothing beat an iced Americano when your head was pounding from stress.

“Yes… What is this?”

“It’s a drink from Kantur. It’s called coffee. Try it.”

As Michalis lifted the glass to his lips, Eliana found herself oddly nervous.

“This is…”

His brows furrowed slightly at the initial bitterness, but as the rich aftertaste settled on his tongue, his expression softened.

“How is it?”

“The aroma is wonderful.”

And not just because she’d made it—it was genuinely good.

“Especially the fact that the finish isn’t sweet. I like that.”

“If it suits your taste, I’ll make it for you whenever I can. You’re not overworking again, right?”

Michalis had been working late more often recently. Lately, Eliana barely saw him except during dinner.

“I’m pacing myself so I don’t fall behind too much.”

There was a big difference between having Iadis around and not. Ever since Iadis took on a separate assignment, Michalis had taken on the brunt of his workload.

“Still, it feels like you’ve been practically invisible.”

Most nights, Eliana was left with only the faint impression that someone had briefly laid beside her.

“Are you complaining?”

Michalis chuckled as he set the glass down. She must not have liked him sneaking into bed so late and quiet every night.

“No, it’s not that…”

“I just didn’t want to wake you.”

Even this simple moment—sitting across from his wife, chatting over a drink—was enough to ease his fatigue.

“And what if I had woken up?”

“If our eyes met, I don’t think I could’ve stopped myself.”

Oh no…

Eliana looked away, trying to avoid the heat in his gaze. This was his office, after all. Losing control here would be very, very bad.

“Right now, Riana—”

“From me?”

Eliana paused, mid-sip.

“You smell like roasted peanuts.”

“Pfft!”

She nearly choked on her coffee.

“Oh no… is it that strong?”

Apparently, she was radiating roasted bean fragrance from every pore.

“I’ll confirm that for you.”

Michalis shifted over to sit beside her, unable to resist the adorably worried look on her face.

“Hm, smells like the peanuts got a little overdone.”

He leaned in closer to her shoulder, where the toasty aroma was strongest.

“I didn’t realize you were so fond of nuts.”

“Actually… it’s not peanuts. It’s coffee beans.”

Eliana finally explained, unable to take the peanut comments anymore.

“I didn’t know coffee was technically a bean.”

Given its ground state, it made sense that people wouldn’t think of it that way.

“Delicious things should be shared. Speaking of which—mmp!”

Eliana tried to shift the topic toward business, but her words were abruptly silenced.

“……”

Michalis pressed his lips to hers, wordlessly asking for a kiss. What began as a soft, hesitant touch deepened quickly. The scent of coffee still lingered on their breath, warm and bittersweet between them.

“……”

In a different way, Michalis was savoring his coffee too.

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