Chapter 161:

Chapter 161:

* * *

Early in the morning.

A small, entirely black creature was walking briskly across the mansions lawn.

Onyx, who had his fill from breakfast, was in a very good mood.

He enjoyed walking on the dew-covered lawn and appreciated the plenty of food available at the Dukes mansion.

Compared to the Count Monads mansion, the Dukes mansion was vast.

The baby dragon had a big pink flower in his mouth.

It was a fresh peony he had specially found for Juliet.

Onyx hoped his master would accept it and forgive the mishap he caused yesterday.

Yesterday, Onyx had climbed a shelf, wrecked it, and almost aroused Juliets suspicion.

The baby dragon didnt want Juliet to hate him.

Although Onyx didnt fully understand human speech, he had extraordinary perceptiveness and memory.

I only raise him until his wings are fully grown.

Onyx clearly remembered Juliet saying that.

By now, Onyx was smart enough to understand what wings were.

Flap, flap.

Unintentionally moving his back muscles, Onyx realized something.

He had wings on his back. And Juliet seemed to dislike wings.

Because she said until theyre fully grown.

Does Onyxs wings look ugly in the eyes of his master?

Peep

Onyx hung his head low.

In truth, when reflected in water, Onyx thought his wings looked quite splendid. But if Juliet disliked them, he would too.

Right now, Juliet might hold him close and say, Pretty, cute, but would she still think hes pretty once she knew about his grown wings?

So, Onyx was careful not to let his master find out about his wings.

Holding the large flower stem in his mouth, Onyx quickly swelled with hope.

Juliet loved flowers, so perhaps seeing this would improve her mood and she would overlook his grown wings.

So, in a way, the flower was like a bribe.

Squawk!

Suddenly, Onyx stopped in his tracks.

A strange noise came from the other side of the lawn. A strange creature barked loudly at Onyx.

Dog?

The young dragons eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Not far away stood a four-legged beast.

It was a hunting dog kept at the mansion.

Thanks to the mansion owners love for hunting, there were several hunting dogs at the Dukes place.

These hunting dogs, optimized for hunting beasts rather than regular hunting, were quite large.

In front of these purebred hunting dogs, the few-months-old Onyx looked as small as a cute rabbit.

However, seeing the large hunting dogs for the first time, Onyx approached without fear.

Growl.

As Onyx approached, the chains holding the dogs tightened.

To the hunting dogs, the small black baby dragon seemed like easy prey.

Arf! Arf arf!

The chains around the dogs necks strained as if they might break.

The dogs barked fiercely as if they would pounce any moment, but Onyx wasnt startled. Instead, he observed the barking dogs and then looked around.

Since it was early, no one seemed to be watching. The baby dragon dropped the pink flower he had been holding onto the ground.

He wasnt thrilled about it, but it was a relief to see Juliet so engrossed in something. At least she would stay by his side for now.

* * *

Oh my!

Miss, look at this.

Maids gathered around the dressing table, holding a hairbrush, were buzzing. A rare, large flower lay before them.

Its a peony.

Juliet smiled brightly at the pale pink bloom.

Peep!

From a distance, Onyx proudly raised its head.

Onyx, who roamed the mansion as if it were its own, often brought Juliet flowers, large leaves, or fallen fruits.

How adorable, said the maids, brushing her hair, laughing.

The baby dragon was adored by the mansions maids. Although they treated it more like a peculiar-looking cat than a majestic creature.

Hes even better than humans, Juliet murmured, hugging Onyx.

The baby dragon purred and cozied up to her.

Knock knock.

Yes?

Miss Juliet.

It was Milan knocking.

Do you have a moment?

Come in.

Juliet gladly invited him in, and the others made room for him.

Onyx was also briefly ushered out.

Ive just met with His Highness.

Milan presented Juliet with the same object he had shown to Duke Carlyle earlier.

As you can see, its a commonly produced smoke bomb.

It looked like an ordinary metal ball on the outside.

It was probably made to look ordinary to avoid detection

Thats fortunate.

Juliet said, smirking.

Can you make smoke bombs that look the same?

Of course. As many as you need.

Soon, the Second Prince would regret scattering such common smoke bombs everywhere.

And we need to find out where the Second Prince keeps that evidence

Milan lowered his voice.

To do that, we need to enter the palace at least once.

So we need an excuse?

Yes, especially an excuse to approach the Second Prince.

That shouldnt be hard.

Juliet had already received a letter of concern from Fatima.

While it was under Fatimas name, the Emperors instructions were clear. The letter, which began with greetings, ended with an elaborate invitation to visit the palace as soon as she was well.

Taking advantage of the fact that the Emperor felt indebted to Duke Carlyle more than Juliet seemed not a bad idea.

And for your mission, Ive shortlisted a few capable individuals.

Indeed, the Deputy Commander of the Dukes Knights.

Juliet admired Milans efficiency.

All of them are equally outstanding, so anyone you pick would

Crash!

Suddenly, a loud noise from outside interrupted their conversation. It sounded like something collapsing.