I Stole The Duke - Chapter 73

‘How did he know? Do all mages sense this kind of thing?’

“Ah, yes. It’s just a small protective spell…”

“You don’t have any internal mana. Is it a magical artifact?”

‘How much can they detect, exactly?’

Eliana, who had never consciously felt mana before, was completely out of her depth.

“Yes, it’s a magical tool.”

Her handmade magic cards technically counted as artifacts, so it wasn’t a lie.

“Fascinating. May I see it, if possible?”

The mage’s face lit up with curiosity as he stepped closer.

“That’s a little difficult. It’s single-use, and it breaks when activated.”

Strictly speaking, only the mana stone shattered, but the rest was intact.

“Ah, then could I at least see the remains?”

‘Why won’t he just let it go? Why’s he getting so close?’

‘Could it be… an ancient artifact?’

The mage had never felt such a unique magical signature before. His curiosity was overwhelming.

“I threw the pieces away.”

Eliana instinctively took a step back. The mage was far too close for comfort.

“Then… may I at least take a closer look at the magic I’m sensing right now?”

“That’s enough, mage. Do not approach my wife any further.”

Just as the man came within reach, Michalis stepped between them, shielding Eliana with his body.

“You will not come any closer.”

Even before he’d finished speaking, the ten knights had already stepped forward to block the mage’s path.

“I-I meant no harm. I was simply curious… I only wanted to take a closer look.”

“That won’t be allowed. Activate the portal—now.”

Michalis found the mage’s expression—his almost bewitched gaze toward Eliana—deeply unpleasant.

“Understood…”

The mage returned to his post, looking sulky and defeated.

‘What a shame… If I weren’t on portal duty, I would’ve pressed harder.’

His magical curiosity burned inside him, but the long line of nobles waiting behind them kept him in check.

‘I’ll need to be more cautious around mages.’

Eliana let out a light sigh as she clung to Michalis’s arm.

“Portal activating. Please brace for disorientation.”

Whoosh—!

The three mages exchanged signals, and in a blink, the scenery shifted.

“Urk!”

They had arrived at the hunting grounds.

Whinny!

Eliana clamped a hand over her mouth while their horses, eyes still covered, let out a distressed snort. The motion sickness was real.

“Are you alright? Can you walk?”

“I’m okay. It’s tolerable.”

Michalis supported Eliana as she swayed slightly, helping her find her balance.

“We should clear the circle quickly so the next group can come through. Let’s move.”

True to their military nature, the Ascher household moved swiftly, herding the staff and clearing the magic circle in no time.

“Ahhh! You’re finally here!”

“Oh my goodness!”

“Kyaa, Lord Terius! Over here, please!”

The moment they stepped off the circle, a wave of excited voices rushed toward them.

‘Ugh… Joel’s popularity is terrifying.’

His photo had dominated the front pages for days, driving interest with his luxurious outfits and wristwatch.

At this point, Joel’s popularity was practically rivaling the crown prince.

Meanwhile…

‘What the hell is this? This makes it way harder to get a clean shot at the duchess…’

At the same time, Jack was struggling.

As noble families poured into the hunting grounds with the rising sun, the area around House Ascher’s tent had become packed—borderline chaotic.

“When are they getting here?!”

“Soon, I think?”

Dozens of noble ladies had gathered since early morning, all hoping to catch a glimpse of Joel in person.

‘Just get one look at his face, then disappear.’

Even Michalis’s secret admirers had disguised themselves as Joel’s fans and crowded near the tent.

‘There.’

Jack narrowed his eyes as he spotted the Ascher entourage approaching.

‘Ahhh! They’re here!’

Led by the duke and duchess, the group moved in perfect formation toward the tent.

‘So handsome… today, too…’

Jack could clearly see the young noble ladies squealing and hopping with excitement, hands clasped tightly to their chests.

‘Looks like I’ll have to wait until the tournament officially starts.’

Watching the bustling tent entrance, Jack quietly held his breath and waited.

‘What is all this…?’

Finally shaking off her nausea, Eliana blinked in surprise. Piled high in front of the tent entrance were dozens of beautifully wrapped gift boxes.

Later, she would find out that 80% of them were for Joel, and the remaining 20% were left by fans of Michalis who had dropped the gifts and run away in secret.

“Guess we didn’t need to bring a supply wagon after all.”

Inside the tent, the floor was already laid with rugs, and the essential furnishings—tables, sofas—had been prepared. The staff quickly added folding chairs and snacks they’d brought along.

“Michalis, I’m going for a walk.”

“As you wish.”

The tent felt stuffy, and the low hum of conversation outside was distracting. Eliana wanted a bit of air and space.

“I’ll accompany you.”

“I’ll come too.”

Cedric and Speaker immediately stepped to Eliana’s left and right.

“Ah…”

Trapped between the two largest men among the Wespa escort, Eliana suddenly felt very uncomfortable.

‘I miss Sir Joel…’

Out of habit, Eliana looked around for Joel—but remembered he’d be participating in the tournament today alongside Michalis. There was no way he could be her escort.

“Then for protection, let’s go with Sir Eastar and Sir Roanes.”

Eliana named the two Blue Knights with the gentlest expressions, hoping to avoid being sandwiched by the intimidating pair.

“Eliana. Today’s escort includes everyone—except for Sir Joel.”

“…Pardon?”

As expected, behind Cedric and Speaker, the remaining seven knights were already lined up behind her.

“Even in designated safe zones, a hunting ground is still dangerous. You never know where a stray arrow might come from.”

‘Wait… what?’

Eliana slowly turned to study Michalis’s face.

‘Could it be… Michalis knows about the assassination attempt?’

“……”

But he only wore his usual impassive expression as he carefully inspected his longbow.

“Excuse me, could you move aside?”

“Oh! Oh, my!”

Just then, a clear, graceful voice pierced through the crowd and into the tent.

“Ah—Lady Rancelloti.”

“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Duchess.”

With calm poise, Riela Rancelloti stepped inside and greeted Eliana with a graceful bow.

“Sir Joel is over there.”

“Ah… Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Duchess.”

Eliana skipped the usual pleasantries—Riela was, after all, part of the most talked-about couple in Wespa these days.

“Milady.”

Seated on a folding chair, Joel stood quickly upon seeing her.

“My skill may be lacking, but I poured my sincerity into this. Please return safely.”

Blushing slightly, Riela shyly offered him a handkerchief embroidered with violets.

Smooch.

Joel gently took her hand in his and brushed his lips over the back of it.

‘Oh my…’

Even something as simple as receiving a handkerchief—Joel made it look like a royal ritual. Eliana, caught off guard, felt her heart flutter a little at the scene.

“I’ll treasure it.”

After the kiss, Joel tucked the handkerchief carefully into the inner pocket of his jacket.

“Your Grace. May I step away for a moment?”

“Of course. You have my permission.”

Michalis gave his approval without hesitation.

“Milady, would you care to take a walk with me?”

“Yes, I’d love to.”

Exchanging looks dripping with affection, Joel and Riela took each other’s hands and exited the tent.

“Ahem. Must be nice…”

“Indeed…”

“Suddenly I miss my wife…”

The knights coughed awkwardly, lost in thoughts of loved ones they’d left behind in the south.

“……”

Just then, Michalis’s gaze subtly prodded Eliana.

‘Oh no…’

He was looking at her with unmistakable anticipation. He was waiting for something. She needed to give him something.

Thump.

Michalis set his longbow down on the table and began walking toward her.

‘Ahhh, what do I do?!’

The closer he came, the more blood seemed to drain from Eliana’s head.

‘I didn’t prepare anything!’

She had completely forgotten this classic romance-fantasy trope! She’d been so focused on making peace with Michalis these past few days that she hadn’t planned anything for the tournament.

“Eliana.”

‘Whatever! Just go for it!’

Swish—

Just as Michalis stopped in front of her and called her name, Eliana pulled free her ponytail. Her hair tumbled down in soft waves.

“I’m sorry, Michalis. I’ll prepare something better next time.”

She wrapped the pink pearl and emerald-adorned ribbon around his wrist like a bow.

“Please be safe—and come back to me unharmed.”

“Of course. I’ll return with the finest prey.”

Michalis smiled as he took in Eliana’s expression—her face flustered and bright red.

‘Did I tease her too much?’

Still, he found it incredibly endearing. Eliana, like a startled little bird, would flap and fumble, but always managed to find the right answer in the end. Even the faint scent of the soap she used—clinging to the ribbon—made him smile.

Outside the Ascher Tent…

“Ahhh!”

“Oh my goodness!”

The area outside House Ascher’s tent was in complete chaos, overrun by excited noble ladies.

‘Lady Rancelloti will be crown princess anyway…’

‘She can drop the act now.’

‘Sir Terius, don’t be hurt—just come to me instead…’

Joel and Riela had appeared hand in hand, and the crowd’s response was explosive.

“There are too many people. We’ll have to walk farther out. Excuse us for a moment.”

Joel lifted Riela in one smooth motion and placed her on his horse. The snow-white steed looked like something out of a fairytale—perfectly suited to him.

“Sir Terius, how long are you planning to date Lady Rancelloti?”

Just as Joel mounted, someone from the crowd asked the bold question.

‘Probably just through June… Maybe three months at most…’

That was the expectation.

“Oh, we’re not dating.”

“……!”

All the young ladies froze as Joel opened his mouth to speak.

“Our engagement ceremony will be in three months. After that… she’ll no longer be my girlfriend—but my fiancée.”

“W-What?!”

“I hope you’ll understand a man’s wish to spend time alone with the woman he loves.”

Without hesitation, Joel took the reins and settled behind Riela.

Clip-clop. Clip-clop…

The horse began to walk. A path opened like magic through the stunned crowd.

Boom!

Joel’s fanbase imploded.

“E-Engaged?!”

Several young ladies staggered back, dazed.

“Nooo! This can’t be happening!”

Like fish spilled from a shattered bowl, the group scattered—faces pale, expressions dazed.

‘Even so… I still love you, Joel Terius…’

Some of them, apparently, were determined to remain fans in the shadows.

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