Chapter 25:

Chapter 25:

The craftsmanship of the man who created the figurine of a dove with half-spread wings made of pure silver, in truth, could be called remarkably exquisite.

Among the domains of the Duke in the North, there were small islands, including rocky islets, which were not easily accessible by boat and were not very productive for fishing.

The nickname of those islands was Carlyles Silver Cup.

Contrary to appearances, the amount of silver deposits in the mines there was considerable.ViiSiit novelbi/n(.)c/(o)m for latest novels

However, compared to other mines owned by the Duke in the rugged territories of the North, the silver mine of Carlyle Island was modest.

Thats why it was given a cute name like Silver Cup.

Although everyone knew that the island had a substantial amount of silver, the Duke had never given a direct order to mine it for nearly 20 years.

Frankly speaking, this was due to the traditional ownership of these islands, owned by the mistress of the northern lands.

It was like the Duchess personal property, an emergency fund, and such.

But since for the past two decades, the place next to Duke Carlyle has been empty, no one has actually worked on the mines.

Juliet became aware of the existence of the silver mine when she had been staying in the Dukes northern castle for about three years.

* * *

Greetings, madam!

An old man dressed in clothes that seemed to have passed out of fashion about a hundred years ago came to the castle.

As soon as the old man saw Juliet, he made a formal bow.

Elliot rushed over to explain to the bewildered Juliet.

The old man was the chief of the island, and every ten years, when he came to the Dukes castle to report on the fiscal settlement, he insisted that he couldnt leave until he greeted and paid his respects to the lady of the Duchy, who was the owner of the island.

Just receive him casually. After all, His Highness wont even ask about it.

Elliot whispered quietly.

During the last visit, Lady Merrill, the housekeeper, received the greeting instead, so Hurry up! Otherwise, that nobleman wont leave. Surely, you dont intend to turn todays elderly visitors into guests?

It was the first and last time Juliet tried to stop Elliot.

Juliet nodded in agreement, and the old man smiled brightly as he firmly grabbed Juliets hand.

This is our heartfelt gift to the lady.

As he said that, carriages filled with various carved crafts began to line up behind the old man.

Startled, Juliet tried to persuade the old man and concluded the situation by accepting the smallest pair of graceful doves decorations placed at the top of the first carriage.

I like this! So this is enough.

The old man had a slightly disappointed expression, but he nodded with satisfaction when he saw the pigeon Juliet chose.

Indeed, the lady has exceptional taste! Doves are a symbol of peace. With such an excellent mistress, the household must be peaceful Seeing you, I feel like I can retire from the world without any regrets.

After the old man, Genofi, who shed tears continuously, finally left, Elliot grumbled mischievously.

Hell still be alive for their next visit.

After the noisy reception, Juliet, who was left alone in the hall, fiddled with the doves decoration in her hand for a while.

One of the silver doves, spreading its wings harmoniously, was slightly different in shape.

They were made separately but designed to overlap as a pair.

Juliet observed them attentively and placed the two pigeons together, making a clicking sound as they fit perfectly. The two pairs of wings, slightly overlapping, looked affectionate, and Juliet chuckled to herself.

Suddenly, she felt someones gaze and looked up, startled, quickly hiding what she held behind her back.

This um

I understand.

A man who had been leaning against the entrance of the hall, appearing from who knows where, cut her off.

The previous night, Lennox Carlyle had changed his plans and ordered her to accompany him straight back to the North.

But she had escaped from him, even resorting to harsh and bitter lies.

So, perhaps Lennox was now angry at Juliets actions and had led the Dukes entourage to the North.

But if he was still in the capital

By now, they probably have met.

They must have met.

Dahlia Fran.

His true lover.

* * *

Contrary to the image known to the public, Lennox Carlyle was a rather exemplary nobleman.

People would spread malicious rumors, calling him the debauched child of a demon or a licentious tyrant in the temple, but Lennox Carlyle, the ruler of the North, led a surprisingly mundane and simple life.

Apart from the time he spent working, Lennox Carlyles leisure activities were primarily divided into two categories.

Either he would go hunting in the forests teeming with monsters, or he would spend days locked in his bedroom with his beloved.

Although he could be somewhat demanding, he was a fairly decent superior.

He never lost control of his senses, never touched drugs, and had no gambling addiction.

Even the occasional hunting he enjoyed could be seen as a legitimate exercise of his ruling authority.

After all, the North was a land teeming with monsters. The people of the northern territories loved their lord, who put so much effort into subjugating the monsters.

As for the latter case, well

Apart from the fact that marriage was out of the question and there was no talk of engagement, it was a fairly pleasant arrangement.

But Elliot thought it would be better if his master were a drug addict or an alcoholic.

Then, he probably wouldnt be tormenting so many people in the middle of the night like this.

Krrr~!

Ugh!

Once again, the screams of monsters echoed from the dark forest.

Elliot instinctively let out a scream in response. Only one person would know what was happening inside.

At this rate, the monsters near the capital will dry up.

Jude muttered with a grave expression.

Arent we supposed to receive a payment from the imperial family?

Elliot was taken aback and clicked his tongue.

Jude, the youngest knight, was usually cheerful and adorable, but sometimes he threw confusing jokes or serious remarks that were hard to distinguish.

Elliot felt a little bitter.

No wonder I felt uneasy.

The previous night, Lennox, who had gone to the train station to pick up Juliet, returned alone. And since then, he had been in that state.

He had been trapped in the forest near the capital, where monsters appeared, and he was slashing them down wherever they came.

Tsk. Its so obvious, yet they pretend not to know, again.

Perhaps even Juliet herself wasnt aware, but Carlyles daily life had gradually become addicted to her presence.

And when Juliet left, Duke Carlyle didnt know what to do and ended up trapped in the forest.

I wish he had at least been drinking.

Or he could go inside and get some sleep.