I Stole The Duke - Chapter 133

“It definitely looks like a magic circle… but I’ve never seen one shaped like this before. There are inscriptions carved underneath—this must be…”

“Maybe they’re explanations for the spell and the activation phrase?”

“If that’s true, then this is basically a magical tome.”

If they could decode this stone tablet, it might finally be possible to use Sardis magic in the present day.

“There’s another unusual stone tablet on the seabed. Can you help us bring it up?”

Just then, another protective sphere surfaced beside the boat, carrying two mages.

“Again??”

The two mages who’d just been sobbing with joy looked over in disbelief, eyes wide.

“Hahaha! No problem at all. Just lead me to where it is.”

The speaker, who had been catching his breath on the side of the boat, dove back down without a second thought.

“Incredible… Operating three spells at once. As expected of a Master’s apprentice.”

Just as he disappeared beneath the surface, another sphere floated up—this one with another small stone tablet hovering next to it in midair.

“……”

Karahan was too overwhelmed to even hear Regenti going on about ‘the Master’s disciple.’

I’ve achieved my life’s greatest goal…

To have found a Sardis magic circle after a lifetime of searching—this was more than he had ever dared to hope.

“Again??”

That strange reaction made both Karahan and Regenti turn their heads.

“Again, you said?”

Four mages locked eyes in mutual shock.

“What in the world—!”

Karahan’s eyes grew round. The boat beside them had another stone tablet.

“Um… this is the third one.”

One of the mages wiped away his tears and held it up proudly.

“The magic circles on each one are different.”

The four of them began comparing the tablets, their shoulders bouncing with excitement. This was it—the moment Sardis magic was no longer a legend or fantasy, but a real, living discovery.

A match between a noble family of tradition and a household of immense wealth.

The engagement ceremony wasn’t held in Count Terius’s own territory, but rather at the Flencia estate, chosen for its easy accessibility. The wedding itself was already scheduled to take place next year at a marquisate in Wespa.

“The southern sun really doesn’t hold back, does it?”

By September, Wespa’s heat had started to ease, but Flencia’s southern sun still blazed fiercely.

“My goodness, with weather like this, and they’re still holding it outdoors?”

Guests fanned themselves endlessly as they walked under the intense sun, hot enough to melt them on the spot.

“Hmm… For a family as wealthy as the Terius House, this seems a bit inconsiderate toward out-of-region guests.”

To think the pre-ceremony party of such a grand engagement was being held in the middle of the day, under the open sky! Had expectations for a “rich people party” been too high? With every drop of sweat, disappointment grew.

“Maybe they just wanted to show off the garden?”

“Well, at least the wind isn’t hot. That’s something to be grateful for.”

The estate’s garden was so large that guests had to walk more than ten minutes from the carriage drop-off point. With staff scattered throughout to guide them, guests dabbed at their sweating foreheads as they moved.

“Oh my goodness!”

Around twelve minutes into the walk, the guests were greeted with an unexpected sight.

“Wow! Just look at that!”

Past the line of orange trees heavy with ripe fruit, a wide-open lawn and a vibrant flower garden stretched out before them.

“There are tables with parasols!”

The garden was filled with round tables, each shaded by a large parasol. To the east, the clean white walls and towers of the mansion stood tall. To the south and west, the bright cobalt coastline was clearly visible.

“Are those… sunbeds? Can we lie down?”

Hundreds of tables filled the lawn, and beside them were rows of sunbeds, all facing out toward the breathtaking view of Flencia.

“This is insane…”

Some guests were already reclining, sipping chilled drinks. Was this an engagement party—or a five-star resort?

“Should we go over there too?”

Men and women alike had their eyes caught by guests dressed in light, breezy clothes that revealed calves and ankles—clear signs they were southern nobles who had arrived earlier.

“Umm… should we lie down too?”

In Wespa, propriety and etiquette were everything. But here? It felt like you could finally take off the mask and breathe.

“Here is the menu. Once you’ve made your selection, please raise your hand and someone will take your order.”

As the guests from central Wespa hesitantly settled onto the sunbeds, a staff member approached with menus. Due to the southern heat, it seemed all the food was prepared fresh on the spot to prevent any risk of foodborne illness.

“For those who prefer indoor seating, the banquet hall has also been opened. It’s that central building over there. Please feel free to enjoy the facilities however you like.”

Just then, a pleasant breeze swept in from the sea. Though they were by the coast, the humidity wasn’t high, and as long as they were shaded from the sun, it actually felt quite refreshing.

“I think I like the outdoor setup better…”

Rich people parties really were on another level. This place felt like heaven.

“Huh… but the drinks look a little unusual?”

There were all kinds of southern-style fruit ades, high-end cocktails, and even simple orange juice—all served with ice. No matter what you ordered, it came cold.

“Surely the Terius family wouldn’t serve anything untested. Just for today, let’s enjoy ourselves.”

Any hesitation was short-lived. Looking out at the deep cobalt sea and the white Temple of the Sea God with its brilliant blue domed roof, even the most skeptical hearts relaxed.

“Hahaha! We’ve come all this way—let’s enjoy the southern lifestyle!”

The clink of ice in glasses echoed all around, filling the space with a crisp, refreshing rhythm.

“Oh! Look over there!”

As the pre-ceremony festivities reached full swing, the South’s most powerful noble couple—the Duke and Duchess of Ascher—finally arrived.

“Sir Joel Terius is the Duchess’s escort knight, so it makes sense he arrived early.”

Although there was no formal announcement for arrivals at the outdoor pre-ceremony event, a subtle stir ran through the crowd, and all eyes began to drift in one direction.

“We greet His Grace the Duke and Her Ladyship.”

“It’s been a while—since the wedding, in fact. It’s lovely to see you again.”

The Southern vassals naturally began approaching to pay their respects to the picture-perfect couple.

“Doesn’t Her Grace look even more beautiful than the last time we saw her?”

Guests watching from nearby tables whispered among themselves. The Duchess was wearing a two-layered dress, made of a cool, breathable lining with a sheer lace overlay. The pale sky-blue lining fell just below the knees, while the lace extended halfway down her calves, its delicate patterns drifting like soft sea foam.

“And she looks healthier, too.”

“Oh, you’re right.”

Not long ago, the Duchess had looked so frail, she seemed like she might blow away in the wind. But now? She stood steady and radiant. She wasn’t voluptuous, no—but she was far from looking weak or plain.

“Would you like to try a dress like that, my dear?”

“Oh, come now. You can only wear something like that here in the South.”

Each time the Duchess’s soft blue dress swayed like waves at the edge of a beach, it made those watching feel a subtle flutter in their chest. Maybe it was the Southern weather. A dress revealing bare calves—unthinkable in other regions—didn’t look improper here. It looked fresh, even graceful.

“Darling, since we’re already down South… what do you say we stay for a few extra days?”

“Are you being serious? I’d love that.”

Even the most conservative nobles from the North were starting to melt into the South’s free and passionate atmosphere.

Perfect. Everything’s going smoothly.

Eliana glanced around the garden with a soft smile. Everyone was naturally sipping iced drinks without a second thought.

“Michal, shall we go over there?”

“For now, I’d rather spend time with you. I’ll greet the others later.”

Michalis waved off the vassals gathering to greet them.

“Ah, yes, Your Grace.”

So the rumors are true—he really is devoted to his wife…

The vassals could only watch the couple’s retreating backs with reluctant admiration.

“I saw something interesting over there.”

Near one edge of the garden, a row of drink bars had been set up, preparing orders fresh on the spot. The Duke and Duchess paused in front of one of them.

“I’m a bit thirsty. Can we get two drinks?”

Eliana acted the part effortlessly in front of the staff sent from the Ducal residence.

“Yes, right away.”

The trained staff moved quickly, preparing coffee just as they had practiced.

“……”

The Duke and Duchess stood side by side at the bar, each taking a sip of the dark-colored drink.

“It has a wonderful aroma. I like it.”

Michalis tried to lift the corners of his mouth… but the result was painfully stiff.

Oh no… that awkward smile again.

He really wasn’t good at pretending to enjoy something.

“I really like this drink. Can we purchase it somewhere?”

With many eyes on them, Eliana quickly smoothed over the awkward tension.

“Yes! This is actually a brand-new product available for separate purchase.”

From behind the counter, one of the estate staff members brought out a neatly ribbon-wrapped box.

“Michal, shall we sit at that table over there?”

“Of course.”

After making the simple transaction, the couple settled into an open table across from each other.

“This is my first time attending a garden party like this.”

“When the weather cools down a bit more, how about inviting the ladies of the court for a tea party in the inner garden?”

“Hm, I haven’t done much with the garden yet, so maybe after I spruce it up a bit.”

The Duke and Duchess sat there, chatting comfortably as they drank their curious new beverage.

“What’s that black drink?”

The unfamiliar name and appearance had made it easy to overlook—until now. But once the high-ranking couple drank it, attention snapped to the dark beverage.

“Shall we try it too?”

“Excuse me! Can we place an order over here?”

Guests who had been admiring the couple began raising their hands one by one. Coffee was now being brewed without pause, and its sweet yet rich aroma drifted softly through the garden—drawing even more curiosity.

“Oh my, this is cold and smells amazing.”

“They say it’s a new tea from Terius Trading.”

Terius Trading—the company that had launched everything from floral cravats to wristwatches that were still sold out Empire-wide. If this was their newest release?

“A new product? Well, then I have to buy it!”

Finely roasted and ground coffee beans, sealed in elegant glass jars, were selling out like wildfire at a modest price of 10,000 rium per box.

“Do you brew this like regular tea, just steeped in hot water?”

“There’s a little instruction booklet inside the box. But coffee is best enjoyed cold—with ice—for the full experience.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

And so coffee, along with its handwritten, highly opinionated preparation guide, began spreading across the Empire.

“Is this parasol table available for purchase too?”

“I’m afraid these are special limited editions, and all the units we brought are currently being used here at the event.”

“Limited edition, you say? Well then, reserve the set my group is sitting at.”

And just like that, the parasol tables became another sold-out luxury.

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