I Stole The Duke - Chapter 138

“Damn those southern nobles.”

That sly fox! He riled up the guests and completely turned the mood in his favor. He clearly had a natural gift for capturing the public’s attention.

“Hahaha! That’s my boy! Everyone, can’t you see how much he takes after me? Hahaha!”

From a distance, Count Terius was laughing heartily, utterly unaware of what was going on.

Why is everyone in the Terius family like this?!

The Marquis trembled with frustration. Now that he thought about it… that big-boned Count over there was the original “thief” — the one who once snatched away the most beautiful woman in the empire, the Countess, with just a few words.

“Hohoho!”

And just how much had he understood? Even the Easterner standing beside the Count was laughing out loud.

“……”

The Marquis was undeniably cornered. If he didn’t give his blessing now, accusations soaked in regional bias would pour down like rain — “See? Central nobles are so old-fashioned.”

“…Very well. I give my blessing.”

The fortress wall, trembling from the bombardment, finally collapsed. Marquis Rancelloti, his eyes blazing, had lost his daughter.

Let’s see how long you can keep flaunting your charm in Wespa.

The Marquis took a step back from the battlefield. The engagement party was taking place in the South — the home ground of his future son-in-law — which put him at a significant disadvantage. Rather than fuming over it, it was smarter to prepare for what came after the wedding.

Annoying as he is, there’s no one better suited to be my successor.

He was now more convinced than ever. That young man wasn’t meant to rot away as a knight under Duke Ascher — he belonged in politics.

After the wedding, you’re not going back to the South.

The ceremony would be held in Wespa. No matter what it took, if he could anchor the couple in Wespa, then ultimately, he would have won.

“Haha, looks like Marquis Rancelloti got completely outmaneuvered.”

“Haha, the young man is full of fire. Isn’t this entertaining, Your Grace?”

“Entertaining, is it…”

Michalis couldn’t just laugh along with his retainers. He could clearly see that this cunning raccoon was trying to steal one of his most promising talents. And there was nothing funny about that.

I need to take measures.

He took a sip of his chilled white wine, swirling it casually. It was bitter at first, but left a faintly sweet aftertaste.

First comes wealth. Then, courage.

As he descended the stairs, Iadis reflected on the textbook example Joel had just demonstrated.

I don’t have Sir Joel’s wealth…

Still, there was no need to feel discouraged. The Concerto viscountcy wasn’t especially wealthy, but it was stable. And unlike Joel, Iadis had something secure — his title as the heir.

Then what I need… is courage.

Not bad. Iadis wrapped up his little self-assessment. If he simply kept asking women to dance and engaged in sincere conversations, surely, he’d meet someone whose heart matched his own.

“Um… Lord Concerto?”

As if on cue, the moment he stepped into the ballroom, a beautiful young lady approached him.

“Good evening, Lady Isabella Yuriental.”

She had been his third dance partner at the Crown Prince’s birthday celebration.

“Oh my, you remembered me?”

When Iadis said her name in perfect pronunciation and elegant tone, a shy smile bloomed on her face.

“Of course. Not just you, Lady Yuriental — I remember all ten ladies I danced with that night.”

He remembered their names, their outfits, even the brief conversations they’d shared.

“A-all of them?”

Though Iadis’s voice was gentle and sincere, her expression cracked just a little.

“The opal necklace you wore that night was lovely, but the aquamarine one you’re wearing now suits you even better.”

He did his best to move the conversation forward. It was proper social etiquette to offer a compliment before asking for a dance.

“Ah… thank you… Well then, please enjoy the ball.”

Before Iadis could even ask her to dance, she turned and walked away.

Wait… did I mess something up?

He felt like he’d just been rejected. He hadn’t mispronounced her name. He hadn’t been impolite. But no matter how much Iadis — a man determined to fall in love before the end of the year — replayed the conversation, he couldn’t figure out what had gone wrong.

“Evelyn. I saw you enter with the Tower Master earlier. What was that about?”

Jitujeon, ever mischievous, was poking fun at her friend Evelyn.

“I just happened to run into him…”

Evelyn answered distractedly, her gaze still lingering on the grand staircase where the Tower Master had disappeared.

“‘Just happened to’? Really?”

They “happened” to meet… and ended up walking in arm-in-arm. A lot had clearly been left out of that explanation.

“Or maybe it was fate?”

“Oh no. Don’t tell me you’ve changed your love interest again.”

With Evelyn, whose heart seemed to shift every time they met, this wasn’t exactly surprising.

“Yes. Love. I think I’m in love with him.”

“Evelyn, get a grip. There are men you just don’t fall for — married men, bad boys, minors, and the Tower Master.”

Sure, she’d probably fall for someone else by next week, but losing her “star” must’ve stung — and it made Jitujeon’s words come out sharper than she intended.

“What’s wrong with the Tower Master?”

“You saw him use magic. Think, Evelyn. Does it make any sense for the Tower Master to look like a young man? What if it’s just a transformation spell? For all you know, he could be an eighty-year-old man!”

Jitujeon jabbed Evelyn with a bitter but not entirely unrealistic truth.

He didn’t seem like a grandpa…

Evelyn blankly recalled his face. So gentle he made her heart flutter, yet completely oblivious to a woman’s feelings… He seemed less like an old man and more like someone with no experience in love at all.

This one’s serious…

Watching Evelyn stare silently at the stairs, Jitujeon shook her head. Her friend was clearly not in her right mind. The urge to tease her faded fast.

“…Wouldn’t someone like that be better for you?”

Jitujeon, in a rare act of generosity, decided to personally choose a perfectly eligible man for her friend—one attractive enough to potentially steal her heart.

Thanks to the groom being a knight, the engagement party had an unusually high number of young knights in attendance, so the odds of finding a decent man were in their favor, even with a random pick.

“He’s… not the Tower Master, at least.”

“Evelyn, stop staring at the stairs and look this way. He’s incredibly handsome. Looks smart, too… Oh—wait, why’s he coming over here?”

Did he see me pointing?

Jitujeon quickly hid her hand behind her back, realizing she’d been pointing at the best-looking bespectacled man nearby.

Please… don’t come this way.

Despite her silent pleas, the fair-skinned, handsome man strode directly toward them. Her face flushed bright red—clearly, he’d caught her being anything but ladylike.

“I am Iadis Concerto.”

The man came to a stop, and his voice rang out, clear and resonant.

Oh my! Iadis Concerto?

Jitujeon snapped to attention. That name was all too familiar—it belonged to the famous adjutant of Duke Ascher, and until recently, it had been the subject of Evelyn’s endless letters.

“May I have the honor of a dance, my lady?”

Iadis extended his hand to Evelyn, who stood staring blankly. He was keeping his promise to take the initiative if the opportunity presented itself.

“I truly appreciate the gesture… but I’m not feeling well at the moment. Dancing might be too much for me. I hope you understand.”

Her former crush didn’t even register. Right now, Evelyn’s heart was wholly consumed by thoughts of the Tower Master.

She’s completely gone, huh…

Jitujeon didn’t even have time to feel jealous. Evelyn had just rejected the adjutant of Duke Ascher.

“My apologies, then. Please enjoy the rest of your evening.”

He probably just wanted to return the favor from earlier—treating my heatstroke…

Either way, he’d been rejected again. Iadis turned away without lingering. The night was still young, and there were many more chances ahead.

“Huh?”

Just as Iadis turned, bowing politely in farewell, Evelyn suddenly snapped out of her trance. A familiar, subtle scent of parchment had brushed past her nose.

That paper scent… If he really asked me to dance first because he wanted to…

To her knowledge, there was only one man who carried the faint fragrance of books and parchment.

“Alessina!”

“What is it?”

But he was already walking away. Evelyn quickly grabbed Jitujeon’s hands in both of her own.

“Walk with me. And when I give you a signal—”

“A signal?”

“Trip me.”

“…What?”

“To the best of your strength, with all the jealousy and annoyance you feel toward me.”

“With all my… Okay, I mean… sure.”

Wait, seriously? Her love interest changed again?! But… I guess he’s still better than the Tower Master…

Stunned, Jitujeon nodded. With a sigh of resignation, she followed behind Evelyn, who was now marching forward with purpose.

“Oh, if it isn’t Lord Concerto!”

After being turned down by Evelyn and crossing the ballroom, Iadis was soon stopped by another familiar face.

“It’s been a while, Baron Felcas.”

“Is your father, Viscount Concerto, doing well?”

“Yes, he remains in good health, thank you.”

“This here is my third daughter, Marinella. Why don’t you two say hello?”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. As your father may have told you, I’m Marinella Felcas.”

This was exactly why attending social events was important. Iadis found himself unexpectedly introduced to the baron’s daughter.

“The pleasure is mine. Iadis Concerto, at your service.”

As one of Duke Ascher’s trusted aides, Iadis was a strong candidate for marriage, despite being slightly older than the average suitor. Many noble parents had simply missed their chance to introduce their daughters to him because he hadn’t attended many balls.

“Lady Felcas, if it’s not too forward…”

Just as Iadis extended his hand toward the young lady—

“Ah!”

Someone collided hard into his back with a loud crash.

“Oh no!”

He quickly caught the woman who had fallen against him.

“Are you alright?”

“No… not really.”

A trained knight’s body was as solid as stone. Colliding with him at full force had to hurt.

“Do you feel dizzy? Any pain elsewhere?”

First heatstroke, now this… Today clearly wasn’t Evelyn’s day.

“Damn those southern nobles.”

That sly fox! He riled up the guests and completely turned the mood in his favor. He clearly had a natural gift for capturing the public’s attention.

“Hahaha! That’s my boy! Everyone, can’t you see how much he takes after me? Hahaha!”

From a distance, Count Terius was laughing heartily, utterly unaware of what was going on.

Why is everyone in the Terius family like this?!

The Marquis trembled with frustration. Now that he thought about it… that big-boned Count over there was the original “thief” — the one who once snatched away the most beautiful woman in the empire, the Countess, with just a few words.

“Hohoho!”

And just how much had he understood? Even the Easterner standing beside the Count was laughing out loud.

“……”

The Marquis was undeniably cornered. If he didn’t give his blessing now, accusations soaked in regional bias would pour down like rain — “See? Central nobles are so old-fashioned.”

“…Very well. I give my blessing.”

The fortress wall, trembling from the bombardment, finally collapsed. Marquis Rancelloti, his eyes blazing, had lost his daughter.

Let’s see how long you can keep flaunting your charm in Wespa.

The Marquis took a step back from the battlefield. The engagement party was taking place in the South — the home ground of his future son-in-law — which put him at a significant disadvantage. Rather than fuming over it, it was smarter to prepare for what came after the wedding.

Annoying as he is, there’s no one better suited to be my successor.

He was now more convinced than ever. That young man wasn’t meant to rot away as a knight under Duke Ascher — he belonged in politics.

After the wedding, you’re not going back to the South.

The ceremony would be held in Wespa. No matter what it took, if he could anchor the couple in Wespa, then ultimately, he would have won.

“Haha, looks like Marquis Rancelloti got completely outmaneuvered.”

“Haha, the young man is full of fire. Isn’t this entertaining, Your Grace?”

“Entertaining, is it…”

Michalis couldn’t just laugh along with his retainers. He could clearly see that this cunning raccoon was trying to steal one of his most promising talents. And there was nothing funny about that.

I need to take measures.

He took a sip of his chilled white wine, swirling it casually. It was bitter at first, but left a faintly sweet aftertaste.

First comes wealth. Then, courage.

As he descended the stairs, Iadis reflected on the textbook example Joel had just demonstrated.

I don’t have Sir Joel’s wealth…

Still, there was no need to feel discouraged. The Concerto viscountcy wasn’t especially wealthy, but it was stable. And unlike Joel, Iadis had something secure — his title as the heir.

Then what I need… is courage.

Not bad. Iadis wrapped up his little self-assessment. If he simply kept asking women to dance and engaged in sincere conversations, surely, he’d meet someone whose heart matched his own.

“Um… Lord Concerto?”

As if on cue, the moment he stepped into the ballroom, a beautiful young lady approached him.

“Good evening, Lady Isabella Yuriental.”

She had been his third dance partner at the Crown Prince’s birthday celebration.

“Oh my, you remembered me?”

When Iadis said her name in perfect pronunciation and elegant tone, a shy smile bloomed on her face.

“Of course. Not just you, Lady Yuriental — I remember all ten ladies I danced with that night.”

He remembered their names, their outfits, even the brief conversations they’d shared.

“A-all of them?”

Though Iadis’s voice was gentle and sincere, her expression cracked just a little.

“The opal necklace you wore that night was lovely, but the aquamarine one you’re wearing now suits you even better.”

He did his best to move the conversation forward. It was proper social etiquette to offer a compliment before asking for a dance.

“Ah… thank you… Well then, please enjoy the ball.”

Before Iadis could even ask her to dance, she turned and walked away.

Wait… did I mess something up?

He felt like he’d just been rejected. He hadn’t mispronounced her name. He hadn’t been impolite. But no matter how much Iadis — a man determined to fall in love before the end of the year — replayed the conversation, he couldn’t figure out what had gone wrong.

“Evelyn. I saw you enter with the Tower Master earlier. What was that about?”

Jitujeon, ever mischievous, was poking fun at her friend Evelyn.

“I just happened to run into him…”

Evelyn answered distractedly, her gaze still lingering on the grand staircase where the Tower Master had disappeared.

“‘Just happened to’? Really?”

They “happened” to meet… and ended up walking in arm-in-arm. A lot had clearly been left out of that explanation.

“Or maybe it was fate?”

“Oh no. Don’t tell me you’ve changed your love interest again.”

With Evelyn, whose heart seemed to shift every time they met, this wasn’t exactly surprising.

“Yes. Love. I think I’m in love with him.”

“Evelyn, get a grip. There are men you just don’t fall for — married men, bad boys, minors, and the Tower Master.”

Sure, she’d probably fall for someone else by next week, but losing her “star” must’ve stung — and it made Jitujeon’s words come out sharper than she intended.

“What’s wrong with the Tower Master?”

“You saw him use magic. Think, Evelyn. Does it make any sense for the Tower Master to look like a young man? What if it’s just a transformation spell? For all you know, he could be an eighty-year-old man!”

Jitujeon jabbed Evelyn with a bitter but not entirely unrealistic truth.

He didn’t seem like a grandpa…

Evelyn blankly recalled his face. So gentle he made her heart flutter, yet completely oblivious to a woman’s feelings… He seemed less like an old man and more like someone with no experience in love at all.

This one’s serious…

Watching Evelyn stare silently at the stairs, Jitujeon shook her head. Her friend was clearly not in her right mind. The urge to tease her faded fast.

“…Wouldn’t someone like that be better for you?”

Jitujeon, in a rare act of generosity, decided to personally choose a perfectly eligible man for her friend—one attractive enough to potentially steal her heart.

Thanks to the groom being a knight, the engagement party had an unusually high number of young knights in attendance, so the odds of finding a decent man were in their favor, even with a random pick.

“He’s… not the Tower Master, at least.”

“Evelyn, stop staring at the stairs and look this way. He’s incredibly handsome. Looks smart, too… Oh—wait, why’s he coming over here?”

Did he see me pointing?

Jitujeon quickly hid her hand behind her back, realizing she’d been pointing at the best-looking bespectacled man nearby.

Please… don’t come this way.

Despite her silent pleas, the fair-skinned, handsome man strode directly toward them. Her face flushed bright red—clearly, he’d caught her being anything but ladylike.

“I am Iadis Concerto.”

The man came to a stop, and his voice rang out, clear and resonant.

Oh my! Iadis Concerto?

Jitujeon snapped to attention. That name was all too familiar—it belonged to the famous adjutant of Duke Ascher, and until recently, it had been the subject of Evelyn’s endless letters.

“May I have the honor of a dance, my lady?”

Iadis extended his hand to Evelyn, who stood staring blankly. He was keeping his promise to take the initiative if the opportunity presented itself.

“I truly appreciate the gesture… but I’m not feeling well at the moment. Dancing might be too much for me. I hope you understand.”

Her former crush didn’t even register. Right now, Evelyn’s heart was wholly consumed by thoughts of the Tower Master.

She’s completely gone, huh…

Jitujeon didn’t even have time to feel jealous. Evelyn had just rejected the adjutant of Duke Ascher.

“My apologies, then. Please enjoy the rest of your evening.”

He probably just wanted to return the favor from earlier—treating my heatstroke…

Either way, he’d been rejected again. Iadis turned away without lingering. The night was still young, and there were many more chances ahead.

“Huh?”

Just as Iadis turned, bowing politely in farewell, Evelyn suddenly snapped out of her trance. A familiar, subtle scent of parchment had brushed past her nose.

That paper scent… If he really asked me to dance first because he wanted to…

To her knowledge, there was only one man who carried the faint fragrance of books and parchment.

“Alessina!”

“What is it?”

But he was already walking away. Evelyn quickly grabbed Jitujeon’s hands in both of her own.

“Walk with me. And when I give you a signal—”

“A signal?”

“Trip me.”

“…What?”

“To the best of your strength, with all the jealousy and annoyance you feel toward me.”

“With all my… Okay, I mean… sure.”

Wait, seriously? Her love interest changed again?! But… I guess he’s still better than the Tower Master…

Stunned, Jitujeon nodded. With a sigh of resignation, she followed behind Evelyn, who was now marching forward with purpose.

“Oh, if it isn’t Lord Concerto!”

After being turned down by Evelyn and crossing the ballroom, Iadis was soon stopped by another familiar face.

“It’s been a while, Baron Felcas.”

“Is your father, Viscount Concerto, doing well?”

“Yes, he remains in good health, thank you.”

“This here is my third daughter, Marinella. Why don’t you two say hello?”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. As your father may have told you, I’m Marinella Felcas.”

This was exactly why attending social events was important. Iadis found himself unexpectedly introduced to the baron’s daughter.

“The pleasure is mine. Iadis Concerto, at your service.”

As one of Duke Ascher’s trusted aides, Iadis was a strong candidate for marriage, despite being slightly older than the average suitor. Many noble parents had simply missed their chance to introduce their daughters to him because he hadn’t attended many balls.

“Lady Felcas, if it’s not too forward…”

Just as Iadis extended his hand toward the young lady—

“Ah!”

Someone collided hard into his back with a loud crash.

“Oh no!”

He quickly caught the woman who had fallen against him.

“Are you alright?”

“No… not really.”

A trained knight’s body was as solid as stone. Colliding with him at full force had to hurt.

“Do you feel dizzy? Any pain elsewhere?”

First heatstroke, now this… Today clearly wasn’t Evelyn’s day.