I Stole The Duke - Chapter 150

‘He may not show it, but that night must have been deeply traumatic for him.’

Michalis’s heart had been in turmoil lately—so much so that he rushed to Eliana, fearing she might be crying alone in the bath.

He had revealed to her, far too clearly, just how dangerous it could be to simply hold the title of the Duchess of House Ascher. After experiencing something like that, feeling fear or anxiety was only natural. But this small, strong-hearted wife of his simply put on a smile and pretended everything was fine.

“If you find it hard to put into words… then take it out on me. Get angry. Yell at me.”

If she blamed him, if she lashed out, maybe he’d feel a little less guilty. But Michalis couldn’t bring himself to let go—not even though she was still surrounded by danger. For Eliana’s safety, he should have sent her to the Ascher estate in Wespera. That would’ve been the right thing. But the thought of being far away from her… was unbearable.

“I’m really okay. It’s not like that,” Eliana said gently, hugging him back after a moment of hesitation.

‘How could I ever leave someone like her behind?’

‘She says she’s fine, but why does she seem so fragile?’

Michalis’s arms tightened around her. Her damp hair clung to his shirt, soaking it through.

“What can I do… to ease your fears?”

“Just hold me. Stay with me… until morning.”

Eliana let the towel around her body fall. At the moment when reality crept back in—if she could offer just one truth to Michalis—this was it.

That she wanted to stay with him.

“……”

No more words were needed. Michalis gently lifted her chin. Their lips met, slow and tender. Eliana’s hands reached up, brushing along his neck and shoulders, unbuttoning his shirt one by one.

To help, he let their kiss pause and stepped back slightly. He brushed her wet silver hair over her shoulder, then gently tucked away the strands clinging to her cheeks. His warm lips traced the curve of her ear, leaving a trail of heat. Her soft earlobe vanished between his lips. The warmth of his breath tickled her ear, and Eliana flinched slightly, her shoulders trembling.

Amused by her reaction, Michalis smiled and pressed playful kisses to her pale cheeks.

Thud.

His damp shirt fell to the floor. His lips now lingered at her wet nape. One arm wrapped around her back, the other hand lifted her gently, his fingers brushing her chest.

“Ah…”

Eliana let out a soft gasp as he teased her, her hand instinctively gripping the waistband of his pants.

Thump.

As Michalis’s kisses moved lower, his pants slid to the floor. Eliana shivered beneath his touch, her hands fumbling.

“If we stay like this until morning… you might catch a cold.”

Now fully exposed, Michalis lifted her into his arms and stepped into the warm bath. As he settled into the tub with his back against the edge, the water spilled over with a loud splash. Eliana straddled his thighs and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Their lips met again in a deeper, aching kiss beneath the water.

All the knights of the First Order were gathered at the training grounds in perfect formation. In front of a large audience, Joel’s official induction into the Blue Knights was about to begin.

“I, Michalis Ascher, Lord of Flencia and Supreme Commander of the Southern Navy of the Wespera Empire, hereby appoint Sir Joel Terius as a knight of the First Order.”

Michalis, dressed in his full ceremonial uniform, fastened a golden epaulet to Joel’s shoulder as the young man knelt on one knee in a formal salute.

“I, Joel Terius, solemnly swear to never forget the weight of the blue uniform granted by my lord, as a knight of the First Order of the Southern Navy of the Wespera Empire!”

“Sir Joel Terius, rise.”

“Yes, Commander!”

Joel stood tall, delivering a crisp salute.

“I sincerely congratulate Sir Joel Terius on his appointment to the First Order. I’m aware of your many achievements in the Second Order—done with a sense of duty and an unwavering spirit. I hope your future will be filled with even greater honor and joy. Glory to the Guardians.”

Michalis ended the short speech and returned Joel’s salute. As Joel stood at attention, the military band, unused for some time, began to play a triumphant ceremonial march.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Three ceremonial cannons fired in celebration. The sharp scent of gunpowder and the white smoke spread low across the ground before quickly vanishing with the breeze.

Clap clap clap—!

From the guest seating, Eliana smiled brightly and joined the knights in applause.

‘Michalis really does look good in uniform… I wish he’d wear it more often.’

Though Joel looked impressive in his Blue Knights’ uniform, Eliana’s eyes were completely fixed on Michalis. The sapphire chain across his chest blended seamlessly with the dark fabric—it looked like it was made for him.

“This concludes the official induction of Sir Joel Terius into the First Order.”

As Michalis stepped down from the podium, knights from the Second Order rushed forward to offer Joel their congratulations.

“To join the Blue Knights at just twenty-two? Truly incredible, Sir Terius!”

“He may become the third knight in history to serve twenty full years in the Blue Knights.”

“I always knew you’d make it. You’re the kind of person who succeeds no matter what.”

‘If I go over there, the knights might feel awkward around me…’

Eliana watched Joel, now surrounded by his fellow knights, her heart swelling with pride. Since she had already offered her congratulations earlier, she quietly rose from her seat. She figured it was best to follow Michalis and leave the moment to Joel.

“My lady—”

Just as Eliana turned around to leave, a voice called out to her.

“Count Terius. Congratulations on Sir Joel’s induction.”

The Count and Countess, along with Riela, approached with warm, joyful smiles.

“Thank you for your kind words, Duchess.”

“He still has a lot to learn, but please allow him to serve as a shield to protect you.”

“There’s no need to worry. There’s no one more capable than Sir Joel,” Eliana replied with sincerity.

“Congratulations on your second son’s achievement, Count.”

At that moment, Michalis walked up beside Eliana. The pleasant atmosphere grew slightly more formal with his presence.

“We greet His Grace, Duke Ascher.”

All three bowed respectfully in unison.

“Count, may I walk with you for a moment?”

“Of course. I would be honored.”

It seemed Michalis had something specific to discuss with the Count.

“Eliana.”

“Yes?”

She had been about to continue her conversation with the other women but paused in surprise. Michalis had already offered his arm in a natural, escorting gesture.

“Walk with me.”

“Alright…”

And just like that, the three of them ended up strolling together.

“Count, I received the report yesterday about the docking at the base.”

Once they left the lively training ground and entered the quiet garden, Michalis finally spoke.

“Thank you once again for granting access to the base. It’s a great honor to take part in something that could shape the future.”

“Tell me, did the shipment include the furniture?”

As their conversation continued, Eliana realized why Michalis had brought her along—he had wanted to create a relaxed, natural setting for this meeting.

“Yes, Your Grace. A ship carrying the first batch of furniture arrived last night. If you visit the base now, you’ll be able to see them.”

“I know the schedule was tight. Thank you for all your hard work.”

Now, at last, the groundwork for Flencia’s future—and Michalis’s vision—was beginning to take shape.

“There are fifteen pieces in the first shipment. While those are being worked on, we’ll prepare the next batch right away.”

“Understood.”

Eliana was impressed. Count Terius’s work was reliable and efficient. Drawing magic circles on the inner panels of each piece of furniture had to be done by hand. With fifteen to begin with, the pace would be manageable—not too overwhelming, but enough to make steady progress.

“Michalis, are you busy this afternoon?”

“I wouldn’t say I’m free. Why do you ask?”

“I want to get started as soon as possible.”

“You’ve just been through a major event today. Don’t you want to rest for a bit?”

Michalis gave her a puzzled look. It was unusual for Eliana to push herself this much, especially after such a big occasion.

‘I don’t know how long I can keep delaying the system…’

Even though she had bought herself around a year and a half, there was no guarantee how long the trick would last. That’s why Eliana was determined to get as much done as she could—before time caught up to her.

“If you’re too busy, can I ask Sir Iadis to escort me?”

Joel was still occupied receiving congratulations, and since magic would be involved, she couldn’t ask just anyone. Iadis was the next best choice for a reliable escort.

“…Shouldn’t I see for myself how the work is going? I’ll change and meet you there.”

“You don’t have to check today. We won’t finish everything anyway.”

“I’m not that busy after all.”

“Wait… didn’t you just say you weren’t free?”

“I said I wasn’t free. I didn’t say I was busy.”

Michalis had no intention of letting his aide witness the historic moment of Eliana crafting their very first product. He was going to be there himself.

“Then let’s go together. I’ll change into something more comfortable, too.”

“Haha! Seeing you both like this gives me hope for Flencia’s bright future.”

The Count smiled warmly, clearly happy to see how close the duke and duchess were.

“Thank you for your help, Count. You’re dismissed.”

Michalis, perhaps feeling a little embarrassed that the Count had seen him acting so fondly, quickly wrapped things up.

“If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“Please go ahead. Once the first batch is finished, we’ll reach out to you through Sir Joel.”

“I’ll trust everything to Her Ladyship,” the Count said meaningfully, then offered a quick bow and took his leave.

“Ahem. Shall we go, my lady?”

With a slightly awkward cough, Michalis extended his arm and began walking Eliana back toward the main estate.

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