Chloe, The Thief Lady - Chapter 7-1

Chapter 7: I Want You to Learn How to Obey Properly (1)

It was the third day since the Duke of Arne built a barracks at the border. Everyone was very nervous because they thought there was going to be a fierce battle because the Imperial Guard was brought along. However, the Duke did nothing but set up the barracks. In the morning and evening, the Duke did not come out of the barracks except for a light walk with Young Duke Elio. The knights did not start fires or hunt and thoroughly solved the meal with dry food. Drinking water was gathered by going to the neighboring estate and drawing it. The soldiers would rather be doing something – this rather bizarre peace leaves everyone with bated breath.

“…What the hell are you trying to do?”

Rutger, the leader of the rebels, rubbed his bearded chin due to the news the scouts brought him. Rutger was keenly nervous about the movements of the Duke who didn’t budge after setting up the barracks. He couldn’t sleep properly at night, and food didn’t pass. This wasn’t just Rutger’s problem. A disturbance began among the rebels when the Duke of Arne, who is renowned as the Sword of the Empire, came. There were quarrels and shouts every day among those who have become a bundle of nerves. The longer it lasted, the more the rebels suffered. However, the Duke eats three meals a day and even takes a walk.

“Is this Arne too…?”

Rutger threw his gaze out the window with a tired look. In his gaze, there was a large barracks where the Duke of Arne stayed. The thought of doing something was tempting, but he had no idea what to do. At times like this, it is dangerous to move blindly.

“Leader, what do we do?”

Rutger shook his head again today.

“I’ll watch the situation for the time being. Tell them not to provoke.”

“Until when?”

“Until the Duke moves.”

“Leader!”

Rutger made a stern face toward Bryne, the commander who raised his voice in protest.

“Bryne. Calm down. Until now, there has been a ‘justification’ of fighting for the right to live for the citizens, who are starving. But if you attack the Duke first, who received the Royal order, you will become a traitor.”

“Hah. Really. Justification. Justification. What is that? It’s a pun after all.”

“Did you forget, Bryne? That we became a ‘mob’ once that word is taken away?”

Bryne shuddered at Rutger’s words. However, unlike a little while ago, he did not make a call for a surprise attack on the Duke’s camp. He just slammed his feet as if he was dissatisfied.

“If you are full of energy, go out and hunt something. It looks like it will be a long battle.”

“Yeah, it is a bit stuffy. It’s the leader’s words, so I’ll follow along.”

While grunting, Bryne quickly picked up his hunting tools. As Rutger said, if there is a long-term war, securing food is the most important thing, so now was not the time to hesitate. As he stepped outside, a cold wind hit his cheeks. The season was quickly heading for winter.

“I don’t know if I’ll be spending winter here.”

Bryne, who rubbed his tingly cheeks, shouted and set up a hunting squad. It wasn’t long before the sun set and night would come, so he had to hurry.

“Fortunately, they are making a move today. They are setting up a hunting group.”

Elio’s expression as he put down his telescope was gentle.

“Good choice. If grain is consumed here, it’ll be hard to get through winter. Watch carefully so that the knights do not secretly hunt.”

“Do not worry. I warned them that if they get caught hunting, they will pay the price.”

“Would they ever listen?”

“I made them listen.”

Elio took out a dagger from his arms and turned it with a pinch, making a mischievous expression. The smile of a handsome man was wonderful, but his blue eyes were filled with a fierce light without any mercy. The Duke sighed lightly at Elio’s words. It was just the mask of a gentle and friendly little Duke. He is the only one who knows the true character of Elio the Little Duke.

“Elio, do it in moderation.”

“Of course.”

Elio stood up with a sharp dagger in his arms and looked polite and gentle.

“How surprised would Chloe be if it went into her ear?”

“Chloe… By the way, I’m worried about the little one being alone.”

Duke Arne’s eyebrows, which had been straight, were now wrinkled. Even when he was there, spies and assassins crawled into the Duke’s house, but what would the estate be like without the Duke of Arne?

“Hmm…” The Duke let out a sigh without realizing it.

“Chloe is also the number one hunter. Don’t worry too much.”

It was a sound that was uttered to reassure the worried Duke, but in the end, it was impossible to do. The Duke’s expression darkened at Elio’s words.

“What’s the point of a name like Chloe, a playful kid who gets cute things?”

If the northern hunters had heard it, they would have shed tears.

“Chloe is also Arne. And Rosie and Evan are there, calm down.”

Elio was also worried, but at least in this moment of appeasing the Duke, he was being extremely sincere. The Duke of Arne, who has a great nickname as the Sword of the Empire, was actually a fool for his daughter. It’s a big deal for Chloe to be a target.

“Do not worry.”

So Elio soothed the Duke with a very serious and determined expression.