I Stole The Duke - Chapter 91

What’s with that hostility?

Joel was a master at reading the mood of any ballroom. Even while receiving all sorts of glances, he instinctively picked up on the one that practically stabbed him—and flinched.

The Tower Master?

That black robe, embroidered with golden magical sigils, left no room for doubt.

“Is something wrong?”

“No, I must’ve been mistaken.”

Joel gave a casual shrug at Riela’s question.

Yeah… probably just my imagination.

He forced himself to ignore the prickling gaze. It was already shocking that the Tower Master had left the Tower. But why would someone like that be interested in him?

Maybe he’s just into watches, too.

Surely it was nothing personal.

“Would you mind introducing me to your friends, Riela?”

Joel had finally taken some time off—and he wanted to enjoy what little he had with the woman he would soon be apart from.

“Entering now: High Magicians of the Tower—Intern Vateria, Regenti Digiz, and Perrow Fendermek.”

Damn. What are they doing here?

Olive’s expression tightened. The three mages, stationed in Wespa to deal with the plague, had just entered. This was bad. His current seat as Tower Master had been handed to him by his teacher—he’d do best to avoid any contact with other high-level mages.

Master…?

The three, who had reluctantly agreed to attend the banquet due to pressure from administrative staff, froze in place.

Oh no.

The Tower had changed leadership while they were in Wespa. They’d been thoroughly warned beforehand.

Don’t be fooled by his youthful appearance.

According to reports, the new Master had flipped the entire Tower on its head in a single day.

Lazy. Bad temper.

The rest of the warning list spun through their minds.

“We greet you, Master.”

There was no escaping now. The three mages quickly approached Olive and bowed in unison.

“Uh…”

The previously silent Tower Master finally spoke. Guests nearby, who had been eavesdropping casually, perked up instantly.

“Don’t mind me. Just enjoy yourselves.”

The voice, magically disguised, was low and cool.

“Yes, Master.”

He won’t even show his true face to us?

The three exchanged the same thought. Better not get involved with someone infamous for a bad temper. Without another word, they quickly backed away.

Phew…

Only after they left did Olive let out a silent sigh of relief.

“Entering now: His Grace Michalis Ascher, Duke of the South and Shield of the Empire, and Her Grace Eliana Ascher, Duchess of Ascher!”

As he exhaled, the herald’s voice rang out across the grand banquet hall.

Ah. That must be the duchess my teacher told me to observe.

Olive, who had momentarily forgotten his original task, turned his head quickly.

“There!”

The moment he spotted the entrance, his breath caught in his throat.

Of all times… now?!

The silver-haired fairy he’d been waiting for had arrived. The one from the boutique—the very same—was the Duchess of Ascher.

And next to her… her husband?

His eyes, which had been locked on the fairy, slowly shifted.

Damn.

The second he saw the Duke’s face, a curse slipped through his thoughts.

He’s young… tall… built… and handsome as hell…

An overwhelming sense of defeat crushed him.

Damn it. Damn it!

Standing next to the fairy was a man so flawless, even from another man’s perspective, there was nothing to criticize. And to top it all off—he was a duke, second only to the Emperor in power.

He could’ve at least been ugly. Or old!

Olive had secretly imagined rescuing her from some creepy old pervert—but that fantasy was dead now.

“Hm?”

While escorting Eliana into the hall, Michalis casually scanned the room—only to be struck by an intense gaze full of venom.

The Tower Master?

It wasn’t hard to identify the source of the glare. Michalis’ face darkened.

“Michalis? Is something wrong?”

Eliana looked at him curiously as he suddenly paused.

“The Tower Master is here,” he murmured, leaning in close to her ear.

The Tower Master? I’d better be careful.

That was the universal signal not to use any magic. Fortunately, she hadn’t brought any magic cards with her tonight.

“All right.”

Damn it. They even look affectionate.

Seeing the Duke and Duchess whisper sweetly to one another, Olive’s mood plummeted even further.

I want to tear them apart.

Spite, fueled by jealousy, began to stir.

Step. Step.

After nearly two hours of standing like a statue, the Tower Master finally moved. The eyes that had been focused on the ducal couple shifted to him.

“Tch.”

Michalis stepped slightly forward, lowering his arm from its escort posture to stand protectively in front of Eliana.

“Duke Ascher?”

“That’s me.”

From afar, he hadn’t looked so tall—but up close, Olive found himself having to tilt his chin up to meet the man’s eyes. That subtly strange voice was also somehow unpleasant to hear.

“I wanted to introduce myself.”

Stopping at a polite distance, Olive extended a hand for a handshake.

“I am Michalis Ascher, Duke of the South.”

“I’m the Master of the Tower.”

“……”

Despite being the one to initiate the handshake, the Tower Master didn’t offer a name—an obvious breach of etiquette.

Still no magical wave coming from her.

Olive’s attention was focused entirely on Eliana, searching for any foreign magical signature, just as his master had instructed. But there was nothing—just as it had been at the boutique.

“Well then, I hope you enjoy the evening.”

With the handshake complete, the Tower Master turned and walked away without a second thought.

What is he up to?

Michalis frowned. The man didn’t bother to hide his hostility, nor did he observe the proper decorum. He was suspicious from every angle.

“……”

Reaching the terrace, Olive yanked the curtain shut with a loud swish.

Does this appearance mean… I can’t even approach her like this?

He recalled how the Duke had instinctively shielded his wife behind him. The thought alone made Olive bristle with irritation.

“Storage.”

He summoned a subspace and shoved the Tower Master’s robe inside.

Now what about this outfit…?

Revealed beneath the robe was the same noble attire Joel had picked out for him earlier. It made him look even younger, which annoyed him—but he couldn’t deny it suited him well.

“Blink.”

He glanced around before casting a short-range teleportation spell to an empty terrace nearby.

“……”

No one paid attention to the young noble who strolled out from the previously unused terrace.

“Regarding the Duchess’s protection tonight…”

As Michalis began to speak, the knights in formal civilian dress immediately perked up their ears.

“Sir Ista Petergarde will handle close-range protection. Sir Cedric and Sir Speaker will provide long-range support. Those not named may enjoy the banquet until further notice.”

“Yes, Your Grace!”

Their voices rang out, but their expressions were a mix of delight and disappointment.

Of course. It’s about looks again.

With Joel on leave today, many knights had hoped to be chosen as the Duchess’s “escort for the day.”

Still… long-range isn’t so bad.

Haha, no surprise I was the first pick.

Cedric accepted the result cheerfully, while today’s winner, Sir Ista, allowed himself a quiet smile.

Damn it. All my sons inherited my looks… so much for guarding the little one in the future.

Sir Speaker, already imagining years ahead, fell into a quiet gloom.

“I’ll see you again shortly.”

“Yes, I’ll be here.”

Michalis had matters of business to attend to, and Eliana would need time to mingle with the noblewomen. It made sense for them to go their separate ways for now.

“Oh my, Duchess Ascher! We were so worried after the incident during the hunting tournament. Are you well now?”

“Ah, Countess Hogishin! Yes, I’m completely fine. Thank you for asking.”

“Hoho, I didn’t get a proper chance to greet you last time—something urgent came up, I’m afraid.”

Your bull-like escort looked like he might charge… It was terrifying.

But that problem had solved itself. Now that Eliana was accompanied by a much more refined-looking knight, noblewomen who had previously hesitated began to approach her one by one.

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

“It’s been a while, Marchioness of Ibisergun.”

“And who might this handsome young man be?”

The Marchioness of Ibisergun turned a curious eye toward Sir Ista.

“I am Sir Ista Petergarde of the 1st Southern Naval Knights,” he replied with a respectful bow.

Oh dear… He’s already married.

The ring on his hand saved him from an onslaught of matchmaking attempts.

“Well then, Duchess, do enjoy the evening.”

“You as well, Marchioness.”

The social season was coming to its close. With little time to waste, the Marchioness—on the hunt for suitable sons-in-law—gave a brief farewell and moved along.

“Duchess Ascher, I believe this is our first time meeting. I am the Marchioness of Rancelloti.”

A calm, graceful voice pulled Eliana’s attention.

“Ah, it’s an honor to meet you, Marchioness.”

Joel’s future mother-in-law had arrived. The ever-elegant Marchioness Rancelloti, surrounded by her admirers, gave Eliana a polite curtsy.

“It’s an honor to be forming ties with the South.”

“I’ve been hoping to meet you as well, Marchioness.”

The Marchioness’s followers hovered nearby, waiting for their turn to greet Eliana. Even exchanging simple pleasantries was shaping up to take quite some time.

Support