I Stole The Duke - Chapter 74
By the time the crowd had fully dispersed from around the tent—leaving behind only a mountain of gift boxes—the next event began to unfold.
“We greet the sun of the Empire.”
From the now-quiet portal, the imperial family stepped through.
The Emperor and Empress walked side by side, followed closely by the Crown Prince and about twenty imperial guards.
“Before we begin the opening ceremony, I have an important announcement.”
Stepping down from the portal’s magic circle, the Emperor climbed onto the central platform prepared in the clearing. He stood tall, showing no sign of nausea from the teleportation.
“I am aware that the recent outbreak of plague has caused you all great concern.”
It had been four days since District 3—where the outbreak began—was sealed off.
“……”
The crowd of nobles, gathered for the lively hunting tournament, fell into a solemn silence at the mention of such a grim topic.
“You’ve all seen the three mages maintaining the temporary portal, yes?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“After the tournament concludes, they will be deployed to District 3 to eradicate the plague. This has already been arranged with the Mage Tower.”
If high-ranking mages from the Mage Tower were involved, the plague’s containment would be swift. For nobles whose estates bordered District 3, it felt like a massive burden had been lifted.
“We are grateful for the Sun’s mercy.”
The nobles bowed deeply in unison, expressing their gratitude. In the more than 300-year history of the Wespera Empire, such swift and direct action during the early stages of an epidemic was unprecedented.
“……”
However, the expressions of the noble faction leaders were less pleased. The Emperor had claimed all the credit for the crisis management through direct cooperation with the Mage Tower, leaving no opportunity for them to shine.
“Furthermore, we must acknowledge that times are changing.”
The Emperor’s voice continued, echoing across the clearing.
“As such, starting next year’s tournament, the arquebus will be officially recognized as a valid hunting weapon.”
This was the first point of agreement between Michalis and the Emperor.
‘This is…’
The crowd buzzed.
‘A clear favor toward House Ascher.’
‘Does this mean the Emperor won’t be checking their power?’
Until now, firearms had been banned under the pretext that their noise would startle prey or horses. But now, the use of guns had just been legalized.
“……”
Michalis stood calmly, expressionless, as the long-negotiated announcement was made. This was the reward for alerting the court early about the plague and helping to strengthen the Emperor’s authority.
“After a one-hour break, we will commence the opening.”
As the Emperor stepped down from the platform, numerous eyes immediately turned toward Michalis.
“Congratulations, Duke Ascher.”
“Ahem. I’d like to place an order for about twenty hunting arquebuses. Would you recommend a model?”
In an instant, a small crowd swarmed around Michalis.
“Sir Cedric. Escort my wife.”
“Yes, Your Grace!”
“Madam, please be careful.”
The nine knights quickly formed a protective circle. Thanks to them, Eliana was able to slip away from the crowd and return safely to the tent for a brief rest.
Ten Minutes Before the Tournament Begins
All participants were already mounted and waiting for the signal.
‘Michalis!’
From a distance, Eliana locked eyes with him and raised her hand in a quiet cheer.
“……”
Michalis lifted his hand slightly and brought her hair ribbon—still tied around his wrist—to his lips.
‘What… That’s way too charming…’
Eliana’s face flushed bright red.
“Ah, there you are, future son-in-law!”
While Eliana and Michalis were exchanging secret signals, a horse carrying Marquis Rancelloti pulled up beside Joel.
“Ah—Your Excellency,” Joel greeted, standing beside Michalis.
“Why the formality? We’re practically family now. Just call me Father-in-law!”
The Marquis cheerfully tugged at the reins—tightening the metaphorical leash on his popular future son-in-law.
“Then… Fa—”
“Tsk. ‘Father-in-law’? Let’s not rush things.”
Joel’s lips closed tightly at the chilly voice from his left.
“The engagement hasn’t even taken place yet.”
The moment Michalis’s gaze shifted from Eliana to Joel, his expression turned sharp.
“Duke Ascher, even in a lord-vassal relationship, it’s a bit much to interfere with another family’s affairs, isn’t it?”
But Marquis Rancelloti wasn’t backing down easily.
“Who said I was objecting? I’m simply advising you not to get ahead of yourself.”
‘He’s such a cunning fox.’
Michalis found the Marquis irritating—especially the way he was trying to snatch away such a capable talent for his own household.
“The engagement is in three months. That’s practically around the corner.”
‘Even if the Duke tries to resist, this man will still end up my son-in-law.’
“An engagement is just that—an agreement. Speak again when there’s a confirmed wedding date, Marquis Rancelloti.”
‘I’ll speak to his father myself and delay the wedding as long as possible. Be ready to squirm.’
“Surely, Your Grace isn’t planning to sabotage their marriage?”
“Come now, Marquis. Do I look like someone so petty?”
‘A sharp old fox indeed…’
“……”
With Michalis on one side and his future father-in-law on the other, Joel stood in the middle, visibly uncomfortable—caught between duty and domestic drama.
“Let the tournament begin.”
At that moment, the Emperor—mounted and positioned at the center of the formation—raised his arm high.
Bwooo—!
With his signal, a loud horn blast echoed across the clearing, marking the official start of the hunt.
“Sir Joel. I’ll be hunting alone today. Don’t follow me.”
Michalis took off without another word.
“Yes, Your Grace! I wish you success.”
Joel, who had been riding alongside him, turned his horse in a different direction, heading off on his own.
“Wait for me, son-in-law!”
Marquis Rancelloti quickly spurred his horse to follow Joel.
Clop-clop…
Michalis’s black stallion moved at a steady pace between the tall trees.
‘If my suspicions are right…’
Though he had initially ridden deep into the hunting grounds with the other nobles, Michalis had quietly doubled back toward the forest’s entrance.
“……”
His sharp gaze combed through the leafy canopy, searching each branch.
‘If Eliana and the woman from House Espensen are truly locked in a life-or-death struggle, then that woman would only have one option left.’
Two unaccounted-for hours. Where had she gone? If he viewed the situation purely from the assassin’s perspective, the answer was surprisingly clear. There were only so many ways to act after being warned to keep away.
Rustle… rustle…
His horse stepped slowly through dry leaves, then came to a halt.
Michalis dismounted in a smooth leap, landing heavily enough to snap a thick branch that let out a loud crack.
“……”
Drawing his sword in its scabbard, he sliced through dew-laden spiderwebs. Every step he took was silent and deliberate, like a predator stalking its prey. His well-fitted white hunting uniform was quickly soaked by the morning dew.
Crunch.
Brushing aside a thicket of wild rose with his scabbard, he spotted a group of tents in the distance.
Snort…
The black stallion nudged into the brush behind him and let out a soft snort.
“Shh…”
Michalis gently tapped the horse’s muzzle with his fingers. Well-trained, the horse snorted once and stood still.
‘I have to take down the target without Eliana noticing.’
Reattaching his sword to his belt, Michalis pulled the longbow from his shoulder. His intended prey was likely positioned near the edge of the hunting grounds.
‘These people are insane…’
Completely obsessed with their duty.
Jack, hidden in position with his crossbow, could only curse under his breath as he watched his target move within range.
‘Damn it. She’s right there—but she’s not.’
Because of those ridiculous human tanks flanking her. The duchess’s small frame was nearly invisible. All Jack could catch now and then were flashes of her silver hair, carried on the wind.
“……”
His curses grew steadily worse the longer he waited for an opening.
‘What the hell is that lunatic doing?!’
One of the guards, about ten paces ahead, suddenly drew his sword and sliced a rock in two with a flash of bright blue aura.
‘Why bother clearing rocks off the path if you’re going to chop them anyway?!’
This was the same knight who had earlier lifted a stone bare-handed in front of the duchess, claiming it was in the way.
“Sir Lucas, I’m fine. Please put your sword away.”
At the same time, Eliana was growing more and more frustrated.
‘It’s already hard enough that no one can get close to me… Do they have to drive everyone off within a hundred meters, too?’
The moment Lucas drew his blade, a group of nobles who had been approaching to greet her shrieked and scattered like pigeons.
“Ah—my apologies. The loose stone was a potential hazard.”
Lucas was only trying to prevent the lady from tripping, but unfortunately, his cold expression did him no favors.
“Sir, do I look like a child to you? I won’t fall over that easily. Please stop clearing the roads.”
“Yes, my lady. Understood.”
Once the sword was sheathed again, things became marginally less terrifying.
“Marchioness Ibisegun!”
Eliana’s expression brightened as she spotted someone familiar while pacing near the clearing, surrounded by her knights.
“Ah—Duchess Ascher…!”
But the Marchioness turned pale and took a step back.
“Oh! I-I just remembered I left something in the tent, hohoho…”
It was clearly an excuse to flee.
“Countess Hogišin! What a surprise to see you here.”
“Ah… y-yes, so nice to see you, Duchess Ascher…”
As Eliana called out warmly, the Countess visibly flinched when she turned.
“Did Lord Hogišin also attend the tournament?”
“Ah, well… I-I haven’t been feeling well. I think I should go lie down in the tent…”
And just like that, the countess retreated as well.
“Haa…”
Eliana let out a long sigh. This was no longer just avoidance—it was a miracle. No, a miracle performed by the Blue Knights.
Step. Step.
Every time Eliana took a step, the nine knights matched her stride exactly. One step—one step. Two steps—two steps.
Left, Sir Cedric. Right, Sir Speaker. As if those two massive men weren’t intimidating enough, the icy stare of Sir Lucas at the head of the group parted the crowd like Moses at the Red Sea.
‘Well… I guess I’ll never get hit by a stray arrow at this rate.’
The problem was, in exchange for that safety, she had effectively become a social outcast at the tournament.
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