I Stole The Duke - Chapter 52

“Ah, since you’re already here, why not join us for some tea?”

Lady Rancelloti, the host of the tea party, approached Joel and asked with a smile.

“My apologies, Lady Rancelloti. During escort duties, the rule is to remain standing. If the opportunity arises in a more private setting, I’d be happy to join you then.”

“O-Oh… I see.”

“If the knight stands there alone, he draws too much attention.”

“That’s right. He’s so tall, it’s like there’s a pillar just standing there.”

“Oh dear, he’s so distracting, I can hardly focus on the conversation!”

While Rancelloti momentarily faltered from the polite refusal, supportive jabs flew in from every direction.

Duchess, please—just give the order already!

The eyes of the young noblewomen—united in the same desire—turned to Eliana, brimming with silent pleas.

“Sit down, Sir Joel. That’s an order.”

Eliana sighed inwardly. If she didn’t let Joel sit, she’d likely become the public enemy of the room.

“Yes, my lady.”

Now that the word order had been spoken, he had no choice. Wearing a slightly awkward expression, Joel picked up the one remaining spare chair.

“Then, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll take a seat.”

He effortlessly lifted the chair with one hand and squeezed it between Eliana and Freya.

“Lady Espensen, pardon me for a moment.”

There’s no way I’m letting her sit next to Her Grace.

“……”

Why next to her of all people?

If she’s a crown princess candidate, she should act like one. She shouldn’t be flirting with anyone but His Highness.

The air around Freya was suddenly filled with a thick wave of hostility.

“Of course, go ahead.”

Ugh, this sly little fox.

Freya smiled sweetly as she subtly moved her chair to the side.

Well, the prettiest fox always gets hunted first. Enjoy the show while it lasts.

“Now that all our guests have arrived, shall we enjoy the refreshments?”

Only after Joel had taken his place did Rancelloti sit down, gently guiding the atmosphere back on track with a gracious smile.

“Let’s do that, Lady Rancelloti.”

In this kind of setting, the highest-ranking guest must lift their teacup first.

Dream, activate real-time image scan.

As everyone watched her, Eliana gracefully lifted her teacup and activated the system simultaneously.

[Beginning real-time scan. For user safety, auto-shutdown will occur in one hour.]

With a soft chime, a translucent window filled with data popped up in front of Eliana’s eyes.

Dream, highlight any food with toxins in red.

[Color indexing activated on popup display.]

No issues with the food. Now, Freya… what kind of act have you prepared for today?

Seeing no color changes, Eliana brought the teacup to her lips.

“This tea has such a lovely fragrance, Lady Rancelloti.”

Not my taste, but still.

She took a light sip and smiled politely.

“I was worried it might not suit your refined palate. I’m relieved it’s to your liking.”

“……”

Freya waited until Eliana set her cup down before lifting hers.

“You’ve prepared a delightful tea, Lady Rancelloti. It’s a pleasure to taste something so refined.”

The way Freya held her teacup—every movement aligned with imperial etiquette—was flawlessly performed for all to see.

A fine tea, paired with a perfect stage. Everything is set.

The curtains had risen.

By the end of this tea party, both the Duchess and Rancelloti—if luck allowed, even that foxy knight—would suffer a fall.

“Sir Joel, feel free to relax for a bit and put aside your duties.”

Thankfully, there’s no poison…

Feeling slightly guilty seeing Joel sit so stiffly, Eliana gave him a gentle word.

“Yes, my lady.”

Only then did Joel ease his posture and pick up his teacup.

This tea…

It was exactly to his taste. A subtle dimple appeared at the corner of his mouth before disappearing.

Oh my!

It was a fleeting moment of delight, visible only if you were paying very close attention to his face.

It’s a fine tea, but… Eastern Empire’s White Tiger Silver Needle isn’t quite to Her Grace’s taste. And when it comes to cookies, she prefers chocolate over butter, doesn’t she?

As Joel set the teacup down, his thoughts were already turning toward Eliana. It was a perfect opportunity to gather more information for advising his lord accurately.

Ugh, it’s hot. I really want an iced americano with a mountain of ice…

Joel’s observations were spot-on. Hot tea in early summer was clearly not to Eliana’s liking.

No matter how she tries to hide it, she still shines.

This tea party might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience…

Of course, the other young ladies’ attention was still glued to Joel. From the subtle flash of the diamond cufflink when he lifted his cup, to the silver bracelet on his wrist—every little detail captivated them.

“Um… Sir Knight, may I ask what that is on your wrist?”

A young lady seated across from him couldn’t suppress her curiosity.

“It’s a wristwatch.”

“Can it be purchased through Terius Trading?”

“It’s not yet available, but it’s scheduled to be released to the market soon.”

Everything he wore became a trend. Joel—who had already sparked a floral cravat craze across Wespera—was now hinting at the next big thing.

Oh my gosh, I have to get one!

The young noblewomen, who had already swept up every style of floral cravat he’d ever worn, now had stars in their eyes.

A popular knight indeed… thank you so much.

Everyone’s attention being focused on Joel was a wonderful thing—for Freya.

Dream, terminate real-time image scan.

[Real-time scan terminated. Remaining safety buffer: 55 minutes.]

Joel’s presence was helpful for Eliana as well. With all eyes on him, she could focus entirely on Freya without distractions.

“The Duchess must be very proud of her escort.”

Your oh-so-perfect knight will be the one to drag you down.

Freya lifted her teacup again and smiled sweetly—directing her words past Joel and straight at Eliana.

“Yes, I’m quite grateful to my husband for assigning me such a capable escort.”

“Oh my, one can truly feel how dearly the Duke loves you.”

“The Duke must place a lot of trust in your knight.”

“Indeed, most wouldn’t assign such a crucial role unless they had complete faith in him.”

“He really is impressive…”

Especially that face.

Freya’s little bait worked perfectly—soon, the other young ladies gathered around and started chattering enthusiastically on their own.

“……”

Meanwhile, Freya’s hand slid discreetly beneath the tablecloth, fingers feeling along the underside of the tabletop.

Flick.

As expected, her fingers brushed against a thin cord—part of a simple mechanism she had arranged by bribing one of the Rancelloti servants.

Everything’s in place.

Her grip tightened around the cord. All that remained now was the perfect moment to trigger it—ideally, when the Duchess brought her teacup to her lips.

“What’s the South like?”

“It’s a beautiful region with mild weather all year round and breathtaking scenery. A very pleasant place to live.”

“Oh, it sounds lovely. I’d love to visit someday.”

The tea party had now entered its twentieth minute. The Duchess’s handsome knight was still the center of attention.

“I’ve heard the Plensia beaches are stunning.”

“They are. The sunsets in August, in particular, are spectacular.”

“And since you’re with the Navy, I assume you’re an excellent swimmer?”

“Of course. Swimming is a basic requirement.”

Kyaa! I can’t help it—I just imagined him in a swimsuit!

The noblewomen’s minds were now swimming through the Plensia coastline alongside Joel.

“……”

The tea’s fine, so why hasn’t she picked up her cup? Ah… is it morning sickness?

The unexpected issue was that the Duchess hadn’t touched her tea. She nibbled on a cookie here and there but left the cup untouched.

Riela, even in this life, you’re just an obstacle.

If you’d invited someone possibly pregnant, the least you could’ve done was serve tea safe for unborn children. This was a clear failure on the hostess’s part.

“……”

By now, something should’ve happened. Why hasn’t Freya made a move yet? Is she waiting for the party to wind down?

Eliana, for her part, was also waiting for Freya’s next move.

“Duchess, isn’t this tea simply delightful?”

It wasn’t a difficult variable. All Freya needed to do was make her drink the tea.

“Yes, I can tell great care was taken to preserve the flavor.”

Ah, so she has to drink it for something to happen?

Prepared for anything, Eliana rested one hand on her clutch as she slowly brought the teacup to her lips.

Now!

Freya yanked the cord she had prepped earlier.

Snap.
A soundproofed pouch hidden beneath the table sprang open.

Rustle!

Just as expected, something tumbled out beneath the table.

“Huh? Did anyone hear something just now?”

“Pardon? What do you mean—?”

Squeak! Squeak, skitter!

Suddenly, pitch-black rats came pouring out from under the table.

“Kyaaah!”

The chorus of screams that erupted was inevitable.

“Eek!”

Something small and dark brushed past Eliana’s foot.

W-What?! Rats?

The moment she realized what they were, Eliana instinctively dropped the teacup she had just lifted to her lips.

Clatter!

The porcelain shattered into pieces on the floor.

“Ah!”

The tea had already cooled, so she wasn’t burned—but her dress was soaked, clinging uncomfortably to her skin.

“Kyaaah! A rat! There’s a rat!”

One young lady, whose foot had been trampled by one of the scurrying creatures, screamed as if she might faint.

“Eek! A rat, a rat!”

In the midst of the chaos, Freya flung the cord back toward the center beneath the table and leapt to her feet with a theatrical shriek.

Kyaaa! I can’t stand rats!

Pale as a sheet, Eliana jumped up as well. This wasn’t something she could solve with magic.

“Kyaaah!”

“Aaaaah!”

Screams rang out from every direction. The once-charming tea party had descended into complete pandemonium.

“My lady!”

Joel was just as stunned as anyone by the sudden chaos.

Those rats must not get anywhere near her.

Shards of porcelain were scattered across the floor, and rats were darting about in all directions.

“Excuse me!”

Without a second thought, Joel sprang up and swept Eliana into his arms. It was pure instinct—swift, protective, and immediate.

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