Chapter 119:

Chapter 119:

Even if a dead person truly came back to life, it wouldnt be as shocking as this.

Carlyle, you were definitely dead!

The Emperor hurriedly closed his mouth. The incident of his murder was still being treated as top secret under Silica law.

Even though it was just a rumor, some nobles in the banquet hall were still murmuring.

Regardless, it was a matter the Emperor shouldnt publicly mention.

Carlyle, werent you dead?

Only after asking did the emperor realize how stupid his question sounded.

Well

However, Duke Carlyle responded without a hint of laughter.

Did you deceive me and the imperial family?

The Emperor then decided it was okay for him to be angry.

Whether it was a misunderstanding or not, the overly calm attitude of Duke Carlyle was somewhat infuriating.

Stay calm, Your Majesty.

Do I look calm right now? Why such a lie!

Duke Carlyle spoke calmly.

If youre going to punish me for my wrongdoing, Ill accept it later. But for now, dealing with the traitor should be the priority.

Trtraitor?

Lennox Carlyle glanced at Marquis Guinness, who was still staring at him as if he were a ghost.

You should know, Your Majesty. Counterfeiting money is a grave crime akin to treason.

And?

And among the items that nobles are allowed to produce and trade freely, theres only one thats equivalent to money.

Ah, I know that. Its the mana stone, isnt it?

While answering, the Emperor seemed a bit proud. Mana stones were the only item treated as equivalent to currency.

Yes. Then, the one who falsely claimed the existence of a non-existent mana stone mine to defraud investments from the imperial family and other houses

Duke Carlyle signaled the waiting imperial guards.

Shouldnt they also be punished for treason?

Well, yes? But why are you telling me this

Captain of the guard, take him away.

The captain instinctively grabbed Marquis Guinness, then hesitated, wondering if it was right to follow the order of the Duke rather than the Emperor.

But the Emperor didnt have time to scold the captains hesitation.

You cant mean Marquis Guinness, you?!

The Emperor was lost in the recent conversation.

Its not true, Your Majesty! This is an absurd frame-up! Let me go!

Marquis Guinness resisted fiercely, but Duke Carlyle calmly replied.

Then, we should send someone to the south to investigate. Please allow the dispatch of an inspector, Your Majesty.

Permission granted. Send an inspector to the south immediately!

Whats going on?!

Marquis Guinness!

Not only the nobles, but the imperial family also invested in the southern mana stone mine of the Guinness family.

The wedding atmosphere was ruined, and Marquis Guinness was surrounded by angry people.

Ignoring them, Lennox went straight out of the banquet hall.

Your Majesty!

Outside, the Dukes secretary, Elliot, quickly followed.

Wheres Juliet?

Sir Milan and Sir Jude have gone to get her. Theyll escape the Dukes residence soon.

Good.

What on earth

The loyal secretary looked at his master in disbelief.

Elliot wondered why he had staged such an event, deceiving the Emperor and other nobles. The Duke seemed completely unbothered, given that he had faked his own death.

Whether it was Juliet asking to be dead for just one day or Duke Carlyle agreeing to such a request, both seemed out of their minds.

He probably would never get used to them.

But he had something to offer her.

At least he was confident he could keep one promise with her.

Because someone got angry.

?

She told me to promise not to kill anyone in front of others.

Lennox smirked.

But its fine here since theres no one to watch.

The Marquiss subordinates, blinking, realized the meaning of his words a beat too late.

Master!

As Lennox wiped the blood from his blade onto the robes of a fallen soldier and looked up,

Are you alright?

A group of knights was rushing towards them. Leading them was a dark-skinned man.

It was Hadin, a close confidant of the duke.

You came early.

Lennox responded coldly.

The situation at the abandoned temple was swiftly resolved. From the start, Marquis Guiness, who lacked the necessary forces for a rebellion, should have concentrated on either getting the Emperor out of the palace or killing the Duke of Carlyle.

However, being overly cautious, the Duke hesitated, splitting his limited forces, leading to their defeat.

Im glad youre safe.

Hadin sighed in relief, but Lennox noticed blood on his arm.

You went to the palace?

Yes, Ive captured the Marquis alive.

Hadin reported calmly.

Knowing that the Marquiss soldiers had gone after the Duke, Hadin decided that capturing Marquis Guiness, who was surrounding the imperial palace, was a priority.

Ultimately, the knights of the Dukes house captured Marquis Guiness and rescued the Emperors party before coming to their master.

The Dukes earlier tease about them being early was because of this. And their master didnt reprimand their unilateral decision.

What about Juliet?

Shes still at the Dukes residence. Sir Milan and Sir Jude are with her, so we should hear from them soon.

Thats unpredictable.

Lennox stood up, seeming deep in thought.

Are you going there yourself?

As Hadin asked, he suddenly realized where they were.

Exactly 7 years ago in the summer, it was right at this temple ruin where they found a blood-soaked woman.

I said Id go get her.

With a blunt reply, Lennox casually wiped his bloodied hands.

It was a one-sided promise, but anyway, Lennox had said that to Juliet. Even if Juliet didnt care, he intended to keep it.

Then, Ill escort you to the Dukes residence.

Hadin nodded and started walking.

In truth, even though the appointed time had passed, there was no communication from the knights who went to the Dukes residence, making Hadin somewhat anxious.

Clang!

But before Hadin could take more than a few steps, a strange noise was heard from behind.

Turning around, Hadin was shocked.

Master?

With his sword plunged into the ground, Duke Carlyle was kneeling halfway.

Damn it.

Lennox felt a sudden dizziness and a ringing in his ears.

Staggering, he relied on his sword to stay upright.

It was then that a slender black panther appeared before him.

Master!

The shouts of Hadin and the other knights seemed to fall on deaf ears, not reaching Lennox.