Chapter 137:

Chapter 137:

* * *

Upon hearing the news that Marquis Guinness had escaped from prison, the capital was turned upside down. Juliet deliberately sat in the salon of the palace with the windows wide open.

Have you heard the rumors? Marquis Guinness last night

Could it be the doing of Duke Carlyle?

Someone cautiously raised the question, but everyone was skeptical.

Hehe. What dont you know? Werent you aware that Duke Carlyle was adamant about putting Marquis Guinness on trial?

True. From the Dukes perspective, he could have just let time resolve the issue. Why would he take such a risk?

If Marquis Guinness goes missing, we wouldnt gain anything.

Now that you mention it, thats true.

Listening to the ongoing conversation from the open window, Juliet smirked. Lennoxs consistent push to put Marquis Guinness on trial had its effect.

Then who could be behind this?

While eavesdropping, Juliet spotted a man rushing towards her.

I have a favor to ask, Your Highness.

Juliet approached him and casually linked arms with him.

Please erase the name of Marquis Guinness, as if he never existed.

To others, they looked like a couple casually linking arms, leaving a ballroom.

Please make sure nothing can ever grow on his land.

Juliet whispered softly.

In return, I will help you find what youve been searching for a long time.

What Ive wanted?

Yes.

Juliet read the longing in his eyes.

Theres something you were looking for in the south. Its the Dukes heirloom.

* * *

While the 7-day festival hadnt completely concluded, the Emperor tried desperately to detain Duke Carlyle.

The Emperor gave a warning to the Duke who wanted to visit the Southern Marquess residence that he couldnt permit the use of the gate. But Duke Carlyle wasnt someone who would be fazed so easily.

I dont need the Emperors permission.

But without using the gate, how will you get to the south? Itll take a while.

Without the gate, the journey from the capital to the south would undoubtedly take about two weeks. Juliet was concerned about the excessively long journey.

But Lennox easily assuaged her worries.

Theres no need. Ive acquired another gate.

Juliet felt this was typical behavior, and it made sense that the Emperor had a love-hate relationship with Duke Carlyle.

Unlike the usual route to the south, the newly acquired gate was relatively close to Marquis Guinnesss territory.

Except for passing through a vast, deserted forest right after the gate, it was quite an innovative route.

Juliet, about to choose a horse, was stopped.

What are you doing?

What?

Lennox asked with a stern expression, but Juliet was just as puzzled.

A horse is faster than a carriage.

Get down.

Not understanding Lennoxs anger, Juliet begrudgingly climbed into the carriage. Only after ensuring Juliet was safely in the carriage did Lennox start the journey.

Lets go.

The convoy, heading to a distant place, was rather modest. Aside from one carriage, there were only eight knights.

Then, Lennox suddenly asked Juliet.

Whos here?

Juliet followed him out curiously.

She hoped that Lennox, realizing his mistake, had brought the knights back, but the knights dismounting werent the ones who had left earlier.

Sir Cain!

But it was someone Juliet was happy to see.

Its been a while, Miss.

The person who greeted her bluntly was Cain, the fencing instructor of the knights.

Did you come all the way from the North?

Seeing him after such a long time, Juliet, forgetting her previous anger, asked in surprise.

Yes, I came to escort you.

Seeing a familiar face after such a long time made Juliet remember the fact that Lennox had abandoned her, and she got angry again.

Ah, is this the Duchess, Instructor?

A young man with a cheeky look in his eyes spoke up, twirling around.

Puck.

Apologize for your rudeness to the young lady, Jerome.

Kain forcefully grabbed the young mans collar. Reluctantly, the man introduced himself.

Man, youre so stern. Hello, Im Jerome.

Instead of greeting him directly, Juliet tilted her head and asked Cain, as Jerome was a new face to her, who was familiar with all the knights of the duchy.

Who is this?

A new recruit. Hes a mercenary, so he doesnt have any mannerisms.

Cain mumbled with a somewhat deep expression, and his words about having no manners were not out of modesty.

Do you know, Miss?

On the way back through the forest to the capital, Jerome gazed at Juliet with a curious expression.

There are scary creatures in forests like this.

Scary creatures?

Yes! For example, insect-type monsters appear in the southern forests

The other knights tried to stop Jerome, who seemed to be talking nonsense, but Juliet purposely feigned a scared expression and stopped them.

Insect-type monsters?

Yes. And spider or centipede monsters also appear from time to time.

Centipedes! I really hate things with many legs.

Juliet pretended to be really scared, her face paling.

Other knights, like Cain, who knew she had participated in hunting beasts in the North, looked at her with puzzled expressions.

Juliet played along with Jeromes bravado while also sneaking a peek at the flask hanging from his saddle.

Fermented alcohol was a typical food that attracted the sensitive-nosed forest monsters.

But Sir Jerome is an excellent fighter, so you can protect me, right?

Uh well, I guess so. Yes.

Juliet looked at the pompous fool sarcastically, then glanced over his shoulder.

Ahem, I wasnt going to mention it, but I have actually caught a centipede monster befo?

Jerome, who was leading the way on horseback, suddenly sensed something off. The other party members all stopped behind and looked into the forest.

Waiting for them on the other side of the forest was a centipede monster with pincers.

Jerome, who had been bragging just moments ago, stared blankly at the surreal sight.

Oh, how convenient, Sir Jerome.

Juliet said to him with a sly smile.

Shall we see your skills in action?