Chapter 64:

Chapter 64:

* * *

It was several hours later that the carriage arrived at its destination.

Juliet decided to walk to the address written on the envelope after getting off the carriage.

A picturesque landscape unfolded before her eyes.

Following a white sandy beach where waves crashed, houses were neatly built with only a fence in between. Among them, a petite house with a blue roof, built on the edge of a steep cliff by the coast, was particularly noticeable.

Thats the house!

Juliet, full of excitement, pointed towards the house. Roy, upon seeing the house she pointed to, tilted his head slightly.

The person Juliet likes?

While Roy was trailing a few steps behind, Juliet had already arrived at the front door and knocked.

The door opened to reveal a young woman holding a newborn baby.

Oh my, Miss!

Hello, Agnes!

Juliet greeted her with a broad smile.

* * *

I didnt expect you so soon!

Agnes warmly welcomed them into her quaint mansion.

At the entrance, Roy whispered softly to Juliet,

So, Agnes was the one Juliet likes.

Agnes is my dearest friend.

When Juliet left for the north with the Duke of Carlyle, Agnes had gone with her. Until Agnes got married and left, she had been a significant source of support for Juliet, who knew no one in the north. She was especially like a sister to the introverted Juliet.

Why do you ask?

I wondered if I was just another friend you liked to Juliet.

Before Juliet could ask what he meant, Roy smiled mischievously and moved ahead.

Meanwhile, Agnes introduced Juliet to her month-old baby.

Would you like to hold him?

Can I?

Juliet, somewhat nervous, awkwardly held the swaddled baby.

Agness baby, said to be a month old, was smaller than expected but quite hefty.

Hes so warm.

Juliet, feeling the warmth of a baby for the first time, whispered in awe. Agnes chuckled,

Babies are usually like that. They have a high body temperature.

Juliet found the baby fascinating and cute, as he didnt cry even when held by a stranger. However, she was also afraid of dropping him, so she quickly handed him back to Agnes.

Juliet watched in amazement as Agnes cared for the baby.

Suddenly, a recent memory made Juliet smile.

Would Lennox Carlyle even guess about the things done to help her?

After a moment, she asked:

Where is Mr. Maurice?

Ah, hes so busy these days. But hell be back late tonight!

Agness husband was a merchant traveling by boat to various continents. This time, however, he wasnt traveling far and was expected to return soon.

The east had a tradition of using a lunar calendar. Therefore, its said that the real New Year in the east starts with this Moon Festival.

So, according to our custom, today is New Year.

The festival of the first month.

Although it sounds grand, its simple.

As the name suggests, its a village festival that begins when the full moon rises after the start of the New Year.

The festival in the small village was, as is often the case, more about eating, drinking, and enjoying rather than anything special.

Have fun!

Pushed by Agnes, Juliet and Roy set out early in the evening when the festival was in full swing.

Shall we go?

With a bright smile, Roy offered his arm.

The two wandered amongst the jubilant crowd, soaking in the festive mood.

As they did, the sun completely set and it turned dark. Living up to its name, the moon in the sky appeared three times bigger than usual.

Shall we go there?

No.

Juliet pulled on Roys arm.

Theres a lake over there. Its a better place to view the moon.

Roy looked at her and said:

Youve been here before?

Yes.

Juliet answered briefly and smiled, hoping he wouldnt probe further.

Alright. Lets go there.

Just then,

Mr. Roy!

An unexpected voice stopped them. Juliet recognized the face.

Was his name Nathan?

Nathan ran up and grabbed Roy, paying no attention to Juliet. However, what worried Juliet more was the absence of Elsa, who was always with Nathan.

My Lord

Kitan-

Juliet stepped back, observing their conversation.

She couldnt grasp the details, but the atmosphere seemed tense. Roy, who had been listening silently, grew more serious.

After a while, he turned to Juliet.

Juliet, I need to

Go!

Realizing the urgency, Juliet quickly exclaimed. Roy hesitated for a moment and then nodded.

Ill be back soon.

Its okay. I can go to the lake alone.

Really, Ill be back soon.

Alright.

Then the two men left.