Chapter 22:

Chapter 22:

A deal?

Yes.

A rare sense of satisfaction appeared on Lennoxs lips. It may have looked elegant, but Juliet knew.

Thats a smirk.

However, Juliet wasnt disappointed.

I have something useful for Your Highness.

Taking a cautious step forward, Juliet approached him.

Sitting on the couch, Lennoxs gaze was lower than Juliets.

Since Juliets standing position was higher, she could look down at Lennox.

Useful?

Yes, as you can see.

As soon as Juliet finished speaking, Juliets butterflies twinkled their wings in the darkness.

Unbelievably, the key of the Count, which no one seemed to know the purpose of, was an artifact that the high nobles in the first life competed to possess.

However, Lennox still responded coldly.

I dont need an inferior spirit mage.

Even in the face of his cold words, Juliet didnt back down. She took another step closer to the chair where Lennox was seated.

I will learn so that I wont be inferior anymore. If you teach me

Teach you?

Lennox openly sneered.

I dont have a hobby of teaching women who cant even ride properly.

Instead of answering, Juliet took another step. The distance between them narrowed, to the point where their knees almost touched.

But you havent heard my condition yet.

It doesnt seem like it will make a difference even if I do.

What about what you mentioned yesterday, closing off the magic what is that?

Juliets left hand grabbed the back of the couch where Lennox was sitting.

Juliet asked quietly.

Will you teach me?

* * *

Four days later.

Juliet was sitting on one side of the palaces banquet hall.

Oh God, Lady Monad!

Is there anything as fast as the rumors in the capital?

Kind-hearted members of high society came to find the pitiful young Countess who had been left alone and consoled her enthusiastically.

Ive heard all about it.

How heartbroken you must be.

Cheap sympathy and light interest poured in. And inevitably, whispers followed.

[Everyone is very worried about you.

You will attend the final days party, wont you?]

A few days ago, Fatima sent a letter to the Monad mansion.

Naturally, in Fatimas letter, in addition to the question whether Juliet would come to the banquet on the last day or not, there were also a few rather banal words of sympathy, although not too sincere.

However, Juliet didnt even have a chance to talk to Fatima after arriving at the party hall. She wondered who Fatima was referring to when she said, Im curious about who they are.

Its hard to bear. You lost your parents, and yet you came to the party in your right mind.

Because after offering conventional words of comfort and turning away, people began gossiping fearfully, one after another.

Today was the last day of the bells ball.

In the end, Juliet only attended the first and last days of the week-long party.

What should she do next?

She felt lost.

No matter how hard she struggled, if she couldnt escape from the miserable life of her previous life, what should she do in the future?

Lost in deep thoughts, Juliet didnt notice that her surroundings had suddenly become quiet.

Tak, tak.

The footsteps that leisurely crossed the silent banquet hall stopped right in front of her.

And Juliet was unaware that the throbbing headache that had been bothering her suddenly disappeared.

Excuse me, miss.

She casually raised her head at the unfamiliar voice and was taken aback.

Your Highness?

A man with red eyes kneeled before her, bringing their eyes to the same level.

May I offer my wishes to the merciful lady?

Juliet was momentarily taken aback, as she hadnt expected to hear these words from him. It was an absurd situation in which Duke Carlyle uttered a childish greeting in accordance with the rules of the blue bells banquet.

Then her lips echoed those words.

Let the splendor of the forest shine for you only.

Then the red-eyed man smiled broadly.

Well hello, Juliet.

This man had an incredible ability to control the atmosphere around him just because of his appearance.

And Juliet, without even looking back, already knew that all the eyes of the guests in the banquet hall, where now there was deathly silence, were directed at her.

Because from these views, her skin seemed to tingle.

Why?

Feeling a lot of pressure, Juliet was somehow able to open her lips, but she didnt know where to start. Meanwhile, Lennox grabbed her wrist in the blink of an eye while she was still.

His lips touched the back of Juliets hand lightly, and then he pulled away, but before he moved away, there was a loud sigh from the guests.

Juliet looked at her wrist. It wore a wreath of bright blue flowers, neatly tied like a bracelet.

Thats how its done, isnt it? Lennox muttered softly.

None of his actions were wrong, he performed the entire ritual according to the rules of etiquette for this ball.

Upon entering the banquet hall, the first thing he must have snatched from the hands of a servant was a wreath of bluebell flowers.

In fact, few of the guests observed the rules of etiquette for this banquet. And in most cases, even just knowing the words of greeting was already considered a great achievement.

Words reflexively flowed from her lips as she fidgeted with the flower on her wrist.

I thought you would refuse.

Why?

Because you dont like troublesome matters.

In an instant, Lennoxs expression narrowed. Juliet, who had bowed her head deeply, didnt see it, but Lennox extended his hand.

Weve had enough of this performance. Lets leave now.

But Juliet looked at his hand and shook her head.

I cant walk. Because of my ankle.

How did you come in then?

Well, the servant

When Juliet pointed to the receptionist who stood to the side, Lennoxs eyebrows twitched in surprise.

He muttered something that sounded like a curse, interpreting her words in some way.

The next moment, Juliet found herself embraced by him as they smoothly exited the party hall.

I meant he supported me.

It seemed a bit late now to correct it.

Juliet could vividly see the astonished expressions of the people behind his shoulder. In that moment, she caught a glimpse of Fatimas flustered face, who was watching her at that moment.

Slowly blinking her eyes, Juliet had a premonition.

Her childhood and this life had bid each other a permanent farewell.