Chapter 100:

Chapter 100:

* * *

I think it was me who got dumped. Is my memory incorrect?

Juliet, who spotted him, didnt even seem surprised; she blinked quietly.

Lennox coldly glanced over the group of people surrounding her.

These cunning folks. Worthless humans, neither their names nor faces worth remembering.

But, by his standards, the moment these lesser beings surrounded a single woman and spouted all sorts of insults, it didnt matter whether they were human or beast.

A sneer escaped him.

Seeing them, who might disappear any moment or turn their backs again, yet too scared to grip a woman tightly, let alone utter such insolence, rage welled up within him.

Since when did you dare to comment on the affairs of my house?

Until a moment ago, these people were like a pack of wolves, all frustrated that they couldnt tear apart a single woman. Now, they paled and bowed their heads in front of him.

Oh, you misunderstand, Duke!

We absolutely didnt mean it that way

Do you think you can compensate for the honor of my house with your filthy tongues?

He wasnt one for idle talk.

I will teach you the only way to atone with your pathetic bodies.

Clang!

Lennox grabbed the sword of a standing guard and threw it on the ground.

Draw it.

Gasp.

For a moment, everyone stared in shock, turning pale. But everyone there understood. There was only one way to restore tarnished honor.

It was to duel, staking ones life. And that meant a merciful, legal death.

According to the Empires laws, killing due to duels or territorial disputes wasnt considered a crime.

The man standing before them was notorious as a sword master even before turning twenty.

Desperate screams erupted everywhere.

Du, Duke!

What are you doing? Draw your sword.

His calm urging voice was smooth as always, without any variation in tone.

But the trembling folks, looking like cattle herded to slaughter, couldnt find a way out.

Mostly because he entered the hall last. The Duke stood guarding the door.

We have committed a crime worthy of death!

One by one, the quickest to judge the situation began to kneel and bow their heads.

Sobs were heard here and there. Yet, Lennox Carlyles face, like cold steel, showed no change.

Seems you cant think with that head of yours?

Yes?

Its probably better to cut it off.

Swish.

The blade of Duke Carlyle, sharp as ever, seemed ready to strike, reflecting a dark light.

What do you mean

A moment later, the crowd realized his implication.

Lady Monad!

Countess!

If you spare our lives, we will do anything!

In their haste, they crawled on their knees, bowing before Juliet.

It was quite a comical scene, but Juliet, looking down at them, didnt even crack a smile.

They pleaded with tearful eyes, but Juliet said nothing. The man with the sword glanced briefly at the crowd.

Just lip service in asking for forgiveness?

At that, their cries grew even more desperate.

No, its not! Lady Monad, we will never be insolent again!

But Juliet chuckled.

It was a strangely unfamiliar smile.

Mesmerized by her face, Lennox suddenly realized her expression was a mocking smile.

However, he couldnt fully understand because Juliet had never shown him such a look before.

The real issue isnt those people.

Juliet glanced briefly toward the door where people had disappeared and then, smiling, approached and touched his arm.

She whispered to him with her perfectly red lips:

For the past seven years, Your Highness has been allowing me to be spoken of as you please.

Lennox gritted his teeth silently.

Crack.

The glass in his hand shattered. Red liquid, whether blood or wine, dripped onto the floor. Juliet looked at his injured hand and quietly said:

So, dont do it again.

* * *

The Carlyle Ducal family often found itself the subject of unfavorable gossip.

Their extreme and dark family history could fill dozens of books, much to the delight of gossipmongers.

However, Lennox Carlyle was inherently indifferent and didnt care about public opinion.

He thought Juliet must have felt the same way.

The Carlyle castle had been without a mistress for twenty years.

When did it start?

The advisors, who had been begging him to get married, grew silent a few years after Juliet Monard began staying at the castle.

Your Highness, might you consider attending the event with the lady this time?

A loyal assistant suggested it, only then realizing that the Ducal family had been gradually delegating the responsibilities of a mistress to Juliet.

At first, it was just simple ledger checks. But it expanded to her attending and hosting events on behalf of the Duchess.

We asked her to do these tasks. She just agreed.

The assistant defended Juliet, anticipating Lennoxs anger, saying she had only been accommodating.

Lennox simply listened.

The assistants concern was about unfavorable rumors regarding Juliet attending the parties alone.

So, could you please attend with her just for today?

That was the advisors argument.

Around that time, Lennox began feeling uneasy because of a woman who hardly ever gave him a warm smile.

Although it seemed obvious, the idea of replacing Juliet with someone else never crossed his mind.

Juliet never spoke of it.

Crash!

But when Lennox arrived late at the banquet hall, what he saw was Juliet, seemingly in a fit of anger, breaking a teacup.

Are you angry?

He met Juliets eyes outside but didnt immediately understand her question.

Are you angry because I acted like the mistress and made my own decisions?

She asked with a calm expression, unbelievable for someone who had just spilled tea in anger.

The direction of the question was wrong.

Lennoxs cold expression wasnt Juliets fault.

He was upset that Juliet didnt tell him about problems she faced.

Before he could ask what happened, Juliet sighed softly.

If youre not mad, Ill go.

Even after that, Juliet never spoke to him about the rumors surrounding her.

He wasnt sure if it was right to ask, and Juliet never told him.

So, he handled things in a way he was familiar with.

Without directly confronting Juliet, he ensured that those who overstepped their boundaries in the North could never do so again.

He was content with this quiet and swift compromise, and Juliet remained by his side without shedding a tear. He thought it was okay.

Until Juliet Monard left him.