Chapter 160:

Chapter 160:

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Crack.

Awakened by the sound of something breaking, Juliet, who had been dozing off in the waiting room chair, quickly came to her senses.

When she opened her eyes, the fireplace was ablaze, and it was dark outside. Oddly, she felt an emptiness on her lap.

Nix?

Just moments before, there had been a weighty and warm baby dragon curled up on her lap.

Juliet yawned softly and rose from her seat.

Thats when it happened.

Clang!

Rolling

Juliet momentarily gazed at the object that had fallen near her foot.

It was an apple-shaped ornament. One that had been placed on the high shelf above the fireplace Wait, the shelf?

?

Peep.

Slowly lifting her head, Juliet locked eyes with a pair of glowing yellow eyes, reminiscent of a pumpkin.

The baby dragon, looking somewhat flustered, was precariously dangling, its front paws perched on the edge of the broken, tall shelf.

Nix!

A startled Juliet quickly took down the dragon named Onyx.

The shelf was high, so Juliet had to step onto a stool and tiptoe to reach and take the baby dragon down.

It seemed the baby dragon had been tempted by the red apple-shaped ornament on the shelf.

How on earth did you climb up there?

Juliet asked incredulously, but the baby dragon avoided her gaze, looking guilty.

Afraid she would scold it for damaging the shelf? But as far as she knew, Onyx wasnt the type of dragon with such a conscience.

As Juliet examined Onyx for any injuries, her eyes narrowed.

It appeared unharmed, but she suddenly realized that Onyx had grown significantly.

The once palm-sized cute little dragon was now too large to be considered a baby.

It was now about the size of a large cat. Its decorative wings also seemed more prominent

Your Highness!

Suddenly, noises from outside distracted Juliet from her examination of Onyx, and she approached the window.

Rain was drizzling, and a familiar horse was in sight. The owner of the mansion, Duke Carlyle, had returned.

After a moments hesitation, Juliet swiftly headed to the main hall.

Ah, Miss.

Among the busy servants, thanks to the return of the master, the Dukes secretary, Elliot, recognized Juliet.

His Highness has just returned.

Yes, I saw.

Juliet tilted her head upon seeing what Elliot was holding.

Why the towel?

Well, isnt it because he came back soaked? In this weather, is he in his right mind?

Elliot exclaimed in exasperation.

In this season, where he went and what he did, I dont know if he just arrived or if he was wandering around

As Elliot grumbled, Juliet sneaked a glance at the wall clock, and Elliot caught her look.

If you could reprimand him a bit

How can I scold His Highness?

Juliet smiled awkwardly, but Elliot persisted.

His Highness uniquely listens to you.

He probably just pretends to.

At least he seems to listen.

Mumbling, Elliot handed her the towel and gently pushed her back.

You came to talk to him anyway, didnt you?Điscover new chapters at novelhall.com

But judging from the atmosphere, it didnt seem like a casual chat was on the cards.

I really appreciate it!

Juliet regretted not waiting until the next morning, but it was too late.

The swift secretary of the Duke pushed Juliet into the bedroom and promptly closed the door behind her.

Juliet hesitated but knocked on the bathroom door to hand over the requested towel.

She waited for a while, but when there was no response, she cautiously opened the door.

Swoosh.

The bathroom was filled with steam, and Juliet immediately regretted her decision.

Pardon?

My question is,

Lennox carefully asked, avoiding answering.

Have you ever thought about what will happen next?

Lennox deliberately avoided the word contract, but Juliet understood.

Had she ever thought about what would happen after the current contract ends?

Juliet looked up blankly at him.

The man seemed anxious, as if hoping for a specific answer.

Actually, she hadnt.

Since her childhood, Juliet had a keen intuition.

She recalled a warning from the Pope. Something that Sebastian told about preparing for her funeral.

Even before she heard that story, Juliet had a hunch that she wouldnt live long in this life.

Yes, I have.

So she had never imagined what their relationship would be like after this contract.

I will be happy.

However, Juliet answered with a bright smile.

She wanted to give him the answer he seemed to want to hear.

I believe you will be okay too.

Juliet didnt know if her answer satisfied Lennox.

But he held her hand firmly for a while, frowning slightly.

The next morning, Juliet received a visit from the renowned Dukes knights.

What brings you here at this hour?

Juliet tilted her head, wondering if it was related to the Second Prince, when Jude handed her something with a strange expression.

We have something to deliver.

My necklace?

It was the diamond necklace she had dropped in the lake the day before.

How did you?

Juliets eyes widened in surprise.

The initials carved inside were still intact.

Thanks to the preservation magic on the necklace, it was in perfect condition.

The diamond necklace had a long history; it was a gift for Juliets 19th birthday.

Tell me anything you want.

A man, seemingly annoyed, arrogantly asked. Upset by his attitude, Juliet made a difficult request.

Queen Arabellas necklace. Give it to me.

Queen Arabellas necklace was a legendary item desired by many since her past life.

It was famous not only for its price but also for its tragic backstory. The queen died, and her lover, a nobleman, committed suicide soon after. It was a well-known story.

Recalling the past, Juliet asked:

Where and who found it?

Ah, that is Ouch!

Just as Jude was about to speak, Milan kicked his shin.

Someone came from the imperial palace this morning. A servant from the palace found the lost necklace.

Juliet noticed the two knights exchanging suspicious glances.

Is that so?

Without pressing further, Juliet put on the necklace again.

I should visit to express my gratitude soon.

Th-Theres no need for that

Ah, you should! Especially to the palace. They will surely appreciate it.

Yes.

After seeing off the two knights, who were terrible liars, Juliet sat by the window.

Looking at her reflection in the window and touching the necklace around her neck, she thought.

Its impossible.

She had told him the story behind this necklace in her past life, a very long time ago.

Back then, Juliet was a naive young girl, happy just to have him beside her. Shed talk about any story she knew, even though Lennox clearly didnt like them.

Thats a silly story.

Especially, Duke Carlyle wasnt the type to remember such trivial matters.

Juliet bit her lip slightly. There was no way he would remember such a distant memory.

But why now? Why this unexpected act?