Forgotten Juliet

Chapter 114:

* * *

Oh, youre here.

Miss, no, Countess Monad.

Familiar faces gathered in the annex greeted her.

Some ladies tried to avoid Juliets eyes, looking awkward, while others forced a smile.

The aftermath of Duke Carlyles rampage was still felt.

Juliet smiled faintly in response.

In fact, the preparations for the wedding were just a formality; this gathering was more about building relationships.

Fatima, catching Juliets eye, made a brief awkward gesture but then did her best to avoid her gaze.

How about we arrange the guests like this?

And the order of entry is

The ladies buzzed around the future Crown Princess, offering their opinions and suggestions. Fatima, surrounded by them, looked very happy.

Standing out to the bride in this setting could earn one the title of Maid of Honor, the most prominent of bridesmaids.

Being the Maid of Honor to the Crown Princess was a significant title.

But Juliet was the only one in this setting not interested in that title.

Everything important, from the type of flowers to be used on the wedding day, the color of the ribbons, and the seating of guests, was left to the close aides of the future Crown Princess.

While the bridesmaid candidates eagerly discussed matters by Fatimas side, Juliet was tasked with making ribbons for gift wrapping.

It was a simple task that anyone could do, but she didnt mind it.

Excuse me Countess Monad. We will handle this.

Its okay.

Palace maids approached, looking flustered, but Juliet casually waved them off. It took her a long time as she wasnt particularly skilled with her hands.

The atmosphere at the Dukes mansion was tense, making it uncomfortable to stay.

The conflict with Marquis Guinness seemed prolonged. The officials of the Dukes mansion were all busy with grim expressions.

No one explained what the issue was with Marquis Guinnesss magic stone,

Its none of your concern.

Lennox firmly said.

Without any reason or means to help, Juliet felt more at ease in a place where she could be lost in thought.

Why did Marquis Guinness suddenly take control of the magic stone mine? Juliet pondered.

Such an event hadnt occurred in her past lifes experiences.

In her past life, Marquis Guinness had deeply resented the Norths monopoly on magic stones, hatching countless plots, and was ultimately defeated and killed by the Duke.

But the current Marquis Guinness is still alive.

If things had gone as in the past, he should have died years ago.

Well, many things have changed from the past, so maybe the Marquis being alive wasnt so strange.

But the sudden discovery of a magic stone mine in the South was definitely strange.

Mines cant just be discovered overnight.

How did he get hold of the mine?

As Juliet was lost in thought, an unusual conversation took place around the future Crown Princess.

His Majesty the Emperor said he would also bring a rare demon beast on the wedding day.

Fatima proudly told the surrounding people.

Both of Their Majesties seem to adore Miss Fatima very much already.

Exactly. Instead of the palace magicians, they hired other magicians, right?

They brought magicians from the Merigold Merchant Guild!

Which magicians?

Juliet felt a sudden unease. When she looked up, Fatima was grinning triumphantly. Juliet was the only one feeling uneasy in the cheerful atmosphere.

Your Highness, the magicians are here!

Bring them in!

Before Juliet could escape, the door opened, and a group of people poured in.

They were all dressed in splendid robes, clearly identifying them as magicians.

Compared to the court magicians, these men and women looked much younger but each had an arrogant expression.

Welcome!

Despite the aristocrats hospitality, the magicians just nodded haughtily.

And then Juliet locked eyes with the last magician to enter.

He noticeably flinched when he saw her.

Eshelrid?

Only then did Juliet understand why Eshel looked so strange when he said he was going to the palace yesterday.

* * *

The relationship between Merigold Merchant Guild and Juliet wasnt yet known in the capitals social circles.

After the Lucerne incident, Juliets grandfather, Lionel Lebatan, had kept everything under wraps.

What kind of magic will the magicians show us?

Ladies asked with sparkling eyes.

We are all looking forward to it. The court magicians fireworks are truly magnificent.

However, the magicians seemed a bit haughty.

Hah, we didnt come here to show you such trivial fireworks.

Of course. True magic is about mastering the principles of the universe

All the magicians, except for Eshelrid, grumbled and spoke incomprehensibly.

The ladies, who had no immunity to the magicians, exchanged puzzled looks.

Roughly, they decided, We might not understand what theyre saying, but lets wait and see what they show us.

That will be explained by our friend Eshelrid Eshel?

One of the magicians, who was grumbling, nudged Eshels side with his elbow.

What are you doing?

While the other magicians were boastfully rambling on, Eshel was sending desperate signals to Juliet.

Ack! Uh what?

Eshelrid quickly composed herself with a dignified expression and cleared her throat.

However, her fellow magicians were quite observant.

They noticed a woman trying to quietly slip away.

Countess Monad!

Fortunately, a kind-hearted lady called Juliet to stop her.

Come watch the magic with us!

Fatima also nodded awkwardly.

Yes, Miss Juliet. Come and watch with us. We can deal with the ribbon later.

Then, seemingly the eldest among the four magicians spoke with exasperation.

Huh! I told you, ladies, magic is sacred. It shouldnt be turned into a mere spectacle

The rambling magician paused. His gaze fixed on the woman being held by the arm.

What did you just say? Countess Juliet Monad?

The faces of all the magicians, except Eshel, changed in an instant.

Juliet thought to herself. Having gone undercover to the guild to see a baby dragon, they all seem quite eccentric.

The magicians in splendid robes all stood up at once, competing for attention.

Is there any spectacle as magnificent as magic! Isnt that right?

Our primary role is to entertain our clients!

Their tone was much different from before.

Bang!

Oh my!

From the hand of a woman in a green robe, white doves flew out, followed by the other three magicians showing off their magical prowess.

What else can we show you?

It was nothing short of a competitive talent show.

Hey, Eshel!

You do it too! That thing, where you spew fire!

Pushed to act, Eshelrid waved his hand.

Instead of fire, bubbles in the shape of fire-breathing dragons appeared, casting beautiful rainbows.

My goodness!

Ive never seen anything like it!

The ladies in the salon clapped in delight.

After a while, when it seemed the magicians had run out of tricks, they sat down, looking a bit tired.

One of them muttered with a desperate look.

So, about that baby dragon

We enjoyed it! Juliet interrupted with a smile.

Wait a moment!

We have more to show you!

But what could they have meant?

It seemed the magicians had completely forgotten their original purpose.

While the ladies enjoyed the magicians antics, only Fatimas expression darkened as she noticed something odd.

Excuse me for a moment.

M-my lady!

Taking advantage of the magicians being surrounded by the other ladies, Juliet quickly slipped out.

Huh?

Outside, she found Jude sitting on the ground, yawning. On seeing Juliet, he smiled.

Why are you leaving so soon?

Im going home.

Now?

Quickly. The fire-breathing magician is chasing me.

Huh? Our carriage

Leave it.

With determination, Juliet hastened her steps, pulling Jude along. They had just left the palace.

Ah!

Suddenly, a shrill scream was heard.