Forgotten Juliet

Chapter 160:

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Crack.

Awakened by the sound of something breaking, Juliet, who had been dozing off in the waiting room chair, quickly came to her senses.

When she opened her eyes, the fireplace was ablaze, and it was dark outside. Oddly, she felt an emptiness on her lap.

Nix?

Just moments before, there had been a weighty and warm baby dragon curled up on her lap.

Juliet yawned softly and rose from her seat.

Thats when it happened.

Clang!

Rolling

Juliet momentarily gazed at the object that had fallen near her foot.

It was an apple-shaped ornament. One that had been placed on the high shelf above the fireplace Wait, the shelf?

?

Peep.

Slowly lifting her head, Juliet locked eyes with a pair of glowing yellow eyes, reminiscent of a pumpkin.

The baby dragon, looking somewhat flustered, was precariously dangling, its front paws perched on the edge of the broken, tall shelf.

Nix!

A startled Juliet quickly took down the dragon named Onyx.

The shelf was high, so Juliet had to step onto a stool and tiptoe to reach and take the baby dragon down.

It seemed the baby dragon had been tempted by the red apple-shaped ornament on the shelf.

How on earth did you climb up there?

Juliet asked incredulously, but the baby dragon avoided her gaze, looking guilty.

Afraid she would scold it for damaging the shelf? But as far as she knew, Onyx wasnt the type of dragon with such a conscience.

As Juliet examined Onyx for any injuries, her eyes narrowed.

It appeared unharmed, but she suddenly realized that Onyx had grown significantly.

The once palm-sized cute little dragon was now too large to be considered a baby.

It was now about the size of a large cat. Its decorative wings also seemed more prominent

Your Highness!

Suddenly, noises from outside distracted Juliet from her examination of Onyx, and she approached the window.

Rain was drizzling, and a familiar horse was in sight. The owner of the mansion, Duke Carlyle, had returned.

After a moments hesitation, Juliet swiftly headed to the main hall.

Ah, Miss.

Among the busy servants, thanks to the return of the master, the Dukes secretary, Elliot, recognized Juliet.

His Highness has just returned.

Yes, I saw.

Juliet tilted her head upon seeing what Elliot was holding.

Why the towel?

Well, isnt it because he came back soaked? In this weather, is he in his right mind?

Elliot exclaimed in exasperation.

In this season, where he went and what he did, I dont know if he just arrived or if he was wandering around

As Elliot grumbled, Juliet sneaked a glance at the wall clock, and Elliot caught her look.

If you could reprimand him a bit

How can I scold His Highness?

Juliet smiled awkwardly, but Elliot persisted.

His Highness uniquely listens to you.

He probably just pretends to.

At least he seems to listen.

Mumbling, Elliot handed her the towel and gently pushed her back.

You came to talk to him anyway, didnt you?

But judging from the atmosphere, it didnt seem like a casual chat was on the cards.

I really appreciate it!

Juliet regretted not waiting until the next morning, but it was too late.

The swift secretary of the Duke pushed Juliet into the bedroom and promptly closed the door behind her.

Juliet hesitated but knocked on the bathroom door to hand over the requested towel.

She waited for a while, but when there was no response, she cautiously opened the door.

Swoosh.

The bathroom was filled with steam, and Juliet immediately regretted her decision.

I clearly told you to leave!

A stern voice rang out.

I was asked to bring this for you.

Leave it and go.

Juliet narrowed her eyes but did as told and quickly left.

However, for some reason, she felt defiant and waited for him. Just as she began to regret her choice, the bathroom door opened, and Lennox stepped out.

He didnt comment on Juliets waiting, but he seemed unmistakably displeased.

Why.

I have something to tell you.

Lennox crossed the room and sat down on the couch.

Speak.

Lennox didnt just look tired; his expression was grim.

Having returned home late after seeking an audience with the Emperor, had something happened?

Regardless, Juliet didnt dare to scold him as Elliot had asked.

After a moments hesitation, not wanting to waste his time, she briefly summarized the days events.

So, thats what happened.

However, Lennox showed no particular reaction after listening to her entire story.

She hadnt expected an enthusiastic response, but she thought he would at least show some reaction.

So you jumped into the lake for that?

Lennoxs first question was unexpectedly off from what Juliet had imagined.

Just to find out that?

The water was shallow. There were many people around

Juliet answered as if defending herself. It wasnt a particularly dangerous act.

Thats rather remarkable.

She hadnt expected him to be impressed, but Lennoxs tone was sarcastic.

Feeling slighted, Juliet rose from her seat, not wishing to argue.

Ill be on my way.

What did that wolf cub say?

Yes?

How did he know she met Roy?

How could I not know?

As if Lennox had caught a glimpse of Juliets thoughts, he got up, strode towards her, and gently pulled her wrist with a smirk.

It was the same left hand where Roy had passionately kissed during the day.

He left such an obvious trace.

I bet he spouted nonsense like if he left his scent on you, the demons wouldnt dare approach, right?

Roy hadnt said such a thing.

However, Juliet realized what Roy meant when he said shed be fine for a while.

Protection of the Lycanthropes or something.

Juliet had heard about it before.

The forest tribe was indeed higher on the food chain than demons, so with their protection, one could avoid most demon attacks.

But Juliet was more concerned about the man before her getting angry than being thankful for Roys good deed.

Juliet quietly pulled her hand away.

What is it?

Lennox.

Why?

Dont talk like that.

Roy is my friend, and he helped thinking of me.

Huh, that wolf brat is a friend?

The fierceness returned to Lennoxs eyes that had softened for a moment.

So youre defending him?

Juliet sighed softly.

I dont want to fight with you. I dont want to be hurt over something like this anymore.

She felt Lennox flinch, but she continued speaking softly.

Theres not much time left.

Juliet spoke honestly.

If we waste time arguing, well surely regret it later.

And then?

Pardon?

My question is,

Lennox carefully asked, avoiding answering.

Have you ever thought about what will happen next?

Lennox deliberately avoided the word contract, but Juliet understood.

Had she ever thought about what would happen after the current contract ends?

Juliet looked up blankly at him.

The man seemed anxious, as if hoping for a specific answer.

Actually, she hadnt.

Since her childhood, Juliet had a keen intuition.

She recalled a warning from the Pope. Something that Sebastian told about preparing for her funeral.

Even before she heard that story, Juliet had a hunch that she wouldnt live long in this life.

Yes, I have.

So she had never imagined what their relationship would be like after this contract.

I will be happy.

However, Juliet answered with a bright smile.

She wanted to give him the answer he seemed to want to hear.

I believe you will be okay too.

Juliet didnt know if her answer satisfied Lennox.

But he held her hand firmly for a while, frowning slightly.

The next morning, Juliet received a visit from the renowned Dukes knights.

What brings you here at this hour?

Juliet tilted her head, wondering if it was related to the Second Prince, when Jude handed her something with a strange expression.

We have something to deliver.

My necklace?

It was the diamond necklace she had dropped in the lake the day before.

How did you?

Juliets eyes widened in surprise.

The initials carved inside were still intact.

Thanks to the preservation magic on the necklace, it was in perfect condition.

The diamond necklace had a long history; it was a gift for Juliets 19th birthday.

Tell me anything you want.

A man, seemingly annoyed, arrogantly asked. Upset by his attitude, Juliet made a difficult request.

Queen Arabellas necklace. Give it to me.

Queen Arabellas necklace was a legendary item desired by many since her past life.

It was famous not only for its price but also for its tragic backstory. The queen died, and her lover, a nobleman, committed suicide soon after. It was a well-known story.

Recalling the past, Juliet asked:

Where and who found it?

Ah, that is Ouch!

Just as Jude was about to speak, Milan kicked his shin.

Someone came from the imperial palace this morning. A servant from the palace found the lost necklace.

Juliet noticed the two knights exchanging suspicious glances.

Is that so?

Without pressing further, Juliet put on the necklace again.

I should visit to express my gratitude soon.

Th-Theres no need for that

Ah, you should! Especially to the palace. They will surely appreciate it.

Yes.

After seeing off the two knights, who were terrible liars, Juliet sat by the window.

Looking at her reflection in the window and touching the necklace around her neck, she thought.

Its impossible.

She had told him the story behind this necklace in her past life, a very long time ago.

Back then, Juliet was a naive young girl, happy just to have him beside her. Shed talk about any story she knew, even though Lennox clearly didnt like them.

Thats a silly story.

Especially, Duke Carlyle wasnt the type to remember such trivial matters.

Juliet bit her lip slightly. There was no way he would remember such a distant memory.

But why now? Why this unexpected act?