I Stole The Duke - Chapter 148

It had been a full week since the Kantoor warriors’ surprise attack. Eliana was seated across from Riela at a small tea table arranged in the garden.

“I’ve been thinking about creating a wisteria tunnel,” Eliana said softly. “But I’m not sure where to place it.”

A cool breeze brushed through Eliana’s hair. October in Flencia was the perfect season for tea outdoors.

“A wisteria tunnel? Do you already have some spots in mind, Duchess?”
Riela gently set down her coffee cup and smiled.

“Yes, I’m torn between the west garden path and the east side corridor.”

“Then how about we take a walk and have a look while we talk about it?”

“That sounds like a lovely idea.”

Eliana stood up, taking the bonnet Amy handed her, and placed it on her head.

“Wisteria loves warmth. I think you’ll end up with a tunnel even more beautiful than the ones at the royal palace.”

Riela’s cheerful voice as they walked together made the moment all the more pleasant.

“Thank you for visiting so often, Riela.”

In a time when even going outside felt like a burden, the presence of a peer—a friend—was a great comfort.

“No need to thank me. I really enjoy visiting the estate, Duchess.”

Spending time with Riela over tea and small talk—sharing little things that only women of their age might discuss—was slowly helping Eliana let go of the haunting memory of that night.

“How much foot traffic does each area get?” Riela asked.

“The west path is more commonly used, but the east side corridor is quieter. It’s a nice place to walk and think.”

“In that case, I think the east corridor would be a better choice.”

“Can I ask why?”

“When we passed the west path earlier, I noticed you’d need to remove some trees and paving stones—it’d turn into a major construction project. The east corridor is mostly grass and flowers, and honestly, it could use more shade. A wisteria tunnel would be perfect there.”

“I see. I had been thinking of how many people could use it, so I prioritized accessibility… but your reasoning makes sense.”

The two women continued to chat warmly as they strolled through the gardens, with Amy and Riela’s maid walking a few steps behind them.

“My lady’s been visiting the garden so often lately—it makes me so happy,” Amy said quietly.

Not far away, a small group of squires peeked from behind a wall, watching the two noblewomen with reverent awe.

“Who’s the lady with the Duchess? I caught a glimpse earlier—she’s stunning.”

“Her walk is so graceful… Is she floating like a butterfly or is it just me?”

“It’s like two rays of light descended into this stone-cold estate.”

Six or seven young squires whispered, eyes wide with admiration.

“She’s Lady Riela, Sir Terius’s fiancée.”

Even for these squires, Riela’s beauty and elegance felt like a gift to the eyes.

“A woman that gorgeous… and she’s already engaged. Sir Terius is too lucky.”

“Is that so?”

A calm, unfamiliar voice interrupted.

“She really does live up to the title of the Empire’s ideal bride.”

“You’re not switching sides, are you? The Duchess is still number one in my heart!”

“I just meant it as a compliment! I swear I didn’t—Wait… S-Sir Terius?!”

One of the squires turned to defend himself—only to find Sir Terius standing right behind them, along with six members of the 2nd Knight Division and a senior knight of the Blue Order.

“Hmph!”

All the squires snapped their mouths shut, faces pale.

“Gentlemen,” Terius said calmly. “What is this undignified behavior?”

“We apologize, sir!”

“Fifty laps around the 3rd Division’s training ground,” ordered Sir Ista, the highest-ranking officer among them.

“Yes, Sir!”

The squires turned and sprinted off, stumbling over themselves in their rush to escape punishment.

“Sir Joel! Sir Ista!”

Hearing the commotion, Eliana paused in her walk and turned—her face lighting up in recognition.

“It’s been a while, my lady,” said Joel, bowing.

“Duchess,” Ista added with a respectful nod.

Joel, Ista, and six other knights stepped forward with confident strides. They had just returned from a two-week voyage for their final trial.

“We’ve completed our test and returned safely.”

The trial had involved leading a small fleet through a dangerous zone of reefs. It was a mission that could easily have cost lives, especially if storms rolled in. The fact that all returned, without a single loss, was an achievement in itself.

“You’ve all worked so hard. May I ask—how did Sir Joel and Sir Ista perform?”

“We both passed,” Ista replied, his expression satisfied.

“Congratulations, Sir Joel. I expected no less, and you’ve proven me right once again.”

“As your personal guard, I’ll do my best to never bring you shame, my lady.”

“I already trust you’ll continue to do well.”

Becoming a knight of the Blue Order wasn’t the end—it was only the beginning. Within the Blue Knights, ranking in the lower tiers meant you’d constantly be challenged by juniors eager to rise. To reach a position of stability, Joel would now need to climb quickly and secure a place in the top ten. His real journey began now.

“You must be heading to report to him—I shouldn’t keep you too long. Go on now.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“I’ll return tomorrow to greet you properly.”

The knights offered a respectful nod before heading toward the main estate building.

‘I’m so glad you made it back safely.’

‘I missed you.’

The couple exchanged glances—brief but full of meaning, a conversation held entirely through their eyes.

“Riela, you can return with Sir Joel later. In the meantime, why don’t we walk through the south garden and talk about what flowers would be best to plant there?”

“I’d love that. Lately in Wespa, it’s trendy to plant bulb flowers together—like muscari, hyacinths, and tulips.”

Riela smiled, happily accepting Eliana’s gentle gesture of consideration.

[Wasn’t it a crime committed by illegal immigrants who left Kantoor of their own accord? This has nothing to do with us.]

[Do you truly expect anyone to believe that a group of elite warriors—some of master-level skill—just happened to be illegal immigrants?]

As expected, Kantoor’s official response was full of denial.

[Oh? So Kantoor has such a powerful force? If that kind of group really exists, please introduce them to me—I’d like to give them a title.]

[Prince Maxim Masoud Asluhan, may I remind you that this is an official diplomatic exchange? This sort of flippant attitude will not lead to favorable outcomes for your nation.]

[Are you threatening the king of another country?]

[Don’t forget—when all else fails, soldiers speak with their swords.]

[Then by all means, come and invade. Let’s see you get past our borders without a fleet, Duke Michalis Ascher.]

[…]

Was this truly something a head of state would say? Michalis bit his lip. He could feel Prince Maxim’s intent loud and clear—the Kantoor king was taunting him on purpose.

[Prince Maxim Masoud Asluhan… do you truly desire war?]

Michalis had held his silence long enough.

One week later, Michalis stood at his desk, recalling the contents of that magical communication as he stared down at a spread-out map.

After the Kantoor warrior attack, Flencia had closed its ports to wheat and barley exports. All illegal Kantoor nationals found within the territory were detained and returned to their homeland—along with the bodies of the fallen warriors. These were the most immediate actions he could take without needing imperial approval.

‘Our intel agent in Kantoor is overdue with his report.’

Something was off. A war hadn’t been declared, but all signs pointed to one already underway.

‘What should I do…’

Michalis felt the weight of the decision pressing down on him. Kantoor was not a nation that stood to gain much from war. The royal family and nobles controlled the lush banks of Lake Bakar and the twin rivers, while the rest of the nation remained mired in poverty.

The land was mostly desert. Years of overgrazing had ruined the pastures. Even the gold dust from the Muiyr River—once a key resource—was dwindling with each passing year.

‘If it comes to war, it’ll be a land invasion. And the cost in lives will be heavy.’

Kantoor had practically no navy. Any conflict would involve direct landings, not naval battles. And as he’d already seen firsthand, the fighting power of their warriors was nothing to underestimate. The potential bloodshed far outweighed the meager spoils.

‘And then… there’s the alliance between Kantoor and Zaiphon.’

If he moved troops to strike Kantoor, Zaiphon could easily retaliate from the east. That two-front risk was not something he could ignore.

“Hmm…”

He couldn’t just sit and wait, either. Letting the provocations go unanswered would only invite more. Michalis let out a groan as he stared down at the map.

If those two nations had truly decided to work together and push for war, then these small-scale attacks were just the beginning.

‘I need to contact the Admiral.’

He thought of the naval commander from the Eastern Empire—someone he’d met at Joel’s engagement banquet. Alliances weren’t a card exclusive to the enemy.

Knock, knock, knock.

As Michalis rolled up the map into a cylindrical case, a firm knock sounded at the door.

“Come in.”

“Your Grace.”

“Your Grace.”

Eight people stepped into the office and saluted in unison, their presence filling the room.

“I, Ista Petergar, reporting for duty. I have returned safely after completing my mission as navigation examiner for Sir Joel Terius’s Blue Order entry trial.”

“I, Joel Terius, have returned safely after completing my Blue Order entry trial. I hereby report my arrival, Your Grace.”

“I, Astasio Panos, served as vice-captain for the entry trial fleet. I have returned and report accordingly, Your Grace.”

Michalis nodded slightly.

“Ista, what were the results?”

“No injuries or illnesses. All three frigates returned intact. Sir Joel Terius has demonstrated that he is fully capable of commanding a fleet. As the examiner for this trial, I officially report Sir Joel Terius has passed.”

Ista spoke in a strong, confident voice.

“You all did well. We’ll save the official congratulations for the induction ceremony.”

Just as he had expected. Michalis allowed himself a moment of satisfaction as he looked at the loyal subordinates who had once again lived up to expectations. It was a welcome reprieve from the storm clouds brewing just beyond their shores.

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