Forgotten Juliet

Chapter 109:

* * *

Just because the Duke of Carlyle was accompanying her, Juliet felt a change in peoples attitudes towards her.

Especially from the men who tried to pretend they knew something.

From the moment the young Duke appeared, Grinvud, Charlottes husband, was busy bragging about his business.

Juliet glanced over occasionally, concerned about Lennoxs harsh expression and worried about what he would do to the Viscount.

Viscount Grinvud, perhaps misunderstanding Juliets expression, forced a friendly smile.

Ha-ha, my apologies. Business matters might have been hard for the Lady to understand and perhaps boring.

Juliet responded with a faint smile.

Its okay. It wasnt much of a story to begin with.

Oh is that so?

Yes. You have a knack for complicating simple matters.

It was just a long-winded version of the story that the recently Marquis Guiness had made a fortune with a magic stone.

Juliet knew much more about the magic stone mine and Marquis Guiness than the Viscount did.

Leaving Lennox amidst such men, Juliet had quite a pleasant time with the Charlotte.

The tea party under the blooming flower trees was romantic.

Near the end of the tea party, Emma, with a book in hand, offered to read the tea leaves.

It was a popular game among the younger social circles.

The game involved interpreting the patterns of the tea leaves left at the bottom of the teacup.

With a serious look, Emma flipped through the fortune-telling book and interpreted Charlottes cup.

It looks like a dove, so Charlottes baby will be a girl!

But Emma, this looks more like a puppy than a bird? A puppy means a boy

But I want a niece!

It was all playful and subjective, fitting the patterns to what they wanted.

Ill read yours too, Juliet!

Cheerfully, Emma looked into Juliets cup.

This is a crescent moon! And on the right, a fish?

Looking into her own cup, Juliet did indeed see tea leaves shaped like a crescent moon.

The crescent moon signifies a first love, and the little fish Ah, I get it!

After rummaging through the interpretation book, Emma delivered the result.

Juliet will reunite with her first love and have a child in a happy family!

With sparkling eyes, Emma asked:

Who was Juliets first love?

Juliet wasnt easily trapped.

Theres no chance of that, Emma.

Juliet laughed a little at the rough interpretation.

My first love was a man who said he didnt need children.

Why?

Im not sure. But he said there was no need to have them

Juliet inadvertently looked up to see Emma glancing surreptitiously at the gathering, seemingly connecting her story to the Duke of Carlyle.

Regretting her loose talk, Juliet quickly added:

No, that man is someone I will never meet again.

Meaning, it wasnt the Duke.

Juliet firmly denied it.

Oh my god.

Seeing Emmas shocked reaction, Juliet felt that she got her point across. However, Emmas face turned serious.

Did he pass away?

It was then that Juliet realized Emma interpreted her words differently.

But what did it matter? Maybe this was a better way to cover her slip of the tongue.

Hes not in this world anymore.

Strictly speaking, it wasnt a lie. The comment about not needing children was from her past life.

Emma, looking sad, whispered an apology.

Im sorry, Juliet. I didnt know. I shouldnt have brought it up.

Its okay. But Emma, can you keep this story a secret?

It wasnt a pleasant story for others to know.

Of course Oh!

Emma suddenly stood up in alarm.

Turning to see what alarmed her, Juliet locked eyes with a man who had been staring at her.

Then, Ill be

Emma hastily retreated, and Lennox casually approached.

His sudden appearance startled Juliet.

Did he hear?

If he did, she would deal with it.

But contrary to her concerns, Lennox, who had been staring intently at Juliet, suddenly said:

Give me your hand.

Juliet, looking puzzled, extended her hand. She flinched slightly when Lennox, who had removed his glove, touched her.

You have a fever.

It seems so.

She felt a bit hot, but in reality, it was because the aftereffects from when the butterflies were summoned back were still lingering.

So, thats why I wasnt feeling well.

As a cool magical energy flowed in, the heat slowly dissipated. Juliet, who had passively extended her hand, sneaked a glance at him.

In theory, stabilizing the flow of magical power is possible by physically touching each other. The more intimate the touch, the faster the effect. But now, its not like theyre a couple or anything.

Suddenly holding hands like this made her wonder.

If it was like before, a single kiss would have sufficed. How long would this take now?

Juliet hesitated on whether to laugh.

They cant be like this all day.

As if reading Juliets mind, Lennox gently caressed the inside of her wrist.

Feeling the curious glances from those around them, Juliet felt embarrassed.

The amount of magical power isnt abundant, so it easily becomes unstable.

Who said that?

The top mage, Eselrid, had mentioned it. Although not abundant in magical power, shes always in a peculiarly full state.

Just someone said it before.

But for some reason, she felt like she shouldnt tell the truth. It felt like a rather secretive matter.

Its not that bad.

Hmph.

Juliet laughed at his rather generous assessment, and Lennoxs eyes narrowed.

Juliet!

Then, a lady wearing a bonnet waved from afar.

See you later!

Its Charlotte.

Juliet smiled and waved back briefly, explaining,

Shes the Madams granddaughter.

Though the explanation was short, Lennox understood. Juliet had mentioned Charlotte a few times in the past few days.

He was somewhat surprised that Juliet, who typically isnt quick to befriend others, got close to someone in just a few days.

He saw Charlotte, supported by her husband, cautiously getting into a carriage.

Only then did Lennox realize Charlotte wasnt alone.

The eldest granddaughter who came to give birth?

Yes. Shes expecting a baby in the spring.

Juliet added with a smile:

It must be adorable.

Watching Juliets profile, Lennox impulsively asked:

Do you want a child?

Juliet, momentarily taken aback, soon burst into laughter.

No, not really.

Despite getting the answer he hoped for, Lennox felt somewhat deflated.

He found himself gauging Juliets reaction.

Why?

Why what?

You like those things.

Young, fragile, and soft.

To his knowledge, Juliet couldnt pass by a baby animal.

Especially if it seemed pitiable.

He remembered how Juliet would secretly care for motherless baby foxes every winter.

By her standards, a baby would be the perfect fit.

Yet Juliet laughed as if she found the comment absurd.

She found it humorous that Lennox referred to cute baby animals as those things and the fact that she caught his hidden meaning so quickly.

You cant have everything you like.

Realizing that she needed to elaborate further.

I mean, just because I like something doesnt mean I want to have it.

She then frowned slightly.

Lets not talk about this anymore. Lets go.

Sure.

Even after getting the answer he was seeking, a part of Lennox felt uncomfortable.

He understood why he had been so eager to win Juliets favor these past few days.

He was afraid Juliet might desire something he couldnt provide.

Juliets butterflies didnt work for him, but he knew what he would see if they showed him his worst nightmare right now.

It would undoubtedly be Juliet saying, I want a child, so this wont work. Goodbye.

So when Juliet said she didnt want a child, he shouldve felt relieved.

My first love was a man who said he didnt need children.

Hes someone I will never meet again.

But hearing that, Lennox didnt know how to react.