Chapter 162:

Chapter 162:

What are you talking about?

Well?

Juliet, coming out with Sir Milan, noticed people gathered near the greenhouse.

Oh my, you little rascal!

Peep!

Elliot stood holding onto the neck of a small black dragon.

A tall stack of fruit baskets had toppled over, and the servants were cleaning up the empty baskets and debris.

Anyone would think youre starving!

Elliot grumbled.

The baby dragon had seemingly gorged on precious tropical fruits, its belly rounded as it playfully flicked its pink tongue.

I apologize, secretary.

We we surely locked the door as instructed

The servants also looked astonished.

The hungry young dragon ate almost anything, but had a particular weakness for sweet fruits.

Despite being scolded by Elliot, the Dukes secretary, Onyx seemed pleased with its mischief.

Peep.

When Elliot picked up Onyx, it relaxed its body, perhaps thinking he was playing.

Understanding the situation, Juliet sighed and approached them.

Ah, Miss Juliet.

Elliot handed her the mischievous dragon.

Peep?

Onyx wagged its tail happily but sneakily watched Juliets reactions.

Im sorry, Elliot. Ill compensate for the damages.

No need for that. This little one sure has expensive tastes.

As this wasnt the first time such an incident occurred, the servants efficiently cleaned up the scene.

However, its strange.

Elliot tilted his head.

We certainly locked the door this time.

Standing next to Juliet, Count Milan glanced around and pointed to the top of the door.

Maybe it entered from above?

He pointed to a narrow gap between the door and the ceiling.

The ceiling?

Juliet asked, and others looked puzzled too.

Doesnt it have suction cups on its feet?

They flipped Onyxs front foot suspiciously, but the baby dragons paw was soft and squishy.

Juliet looked down at Onyx. The young dragon had always been mischievous, but its antics seemed to increase recently.

She wondered if its not just growing bigger, but if something else had changed.

?

The baby dragon, feigning innocence, looked somewhat suspicious.

Peep.

The silence prolonged, and Onyx, fearing Juliet might scold it, tried to act cute.

After some thought, Juliet gently embraced Onyx.

Sir Milan.

Yes, Miss?

Juliets eyes flashed meaningfully and seriously.

About that plan earlier, can I hear it again?

* * *

A few days later, in the palace.

In Second Prince Cloffs office, a secret strategy session was in progress.

All preparations are complete.

Because the Emperor had told him to catch the culprit, prince Cloff was slowly preparing for the final phase.

He had reduced the frequency of smoke bombs that agitated the beasts and discreetly informed the Emperor that he had acquired decisive evidence.

Now, we just need to decide when to reveal the evidence.

Once the smoke bomb bearing the Dukes emblem is disclosed, the North will turn against the entire Empire.

How about the court meeting in a few days?

What about the official banquet where the Pope attends?

The princes advisors eagerly offered their opinions.

Roy, always expressionless, gave Juliet a warm smile as their eyes met. However, he soon left surrounded by others.

They probably wouldnt have a chance to chat at the banquet.

By the way, Roy said he was invited because of the prophecy. What was in that prophecy?

Juliet.

Yes?

Distracted, Juliet unwittingly lost her balance and landed on Lennoxs lap as he sat on the couch.

Oh my

Their intimate posture was so obvious that the court ladies, who were blatantly staring, blushed and quickly moved away.

Im sorry!

But, despite their close posture, the atmosphere between them was incredibly dry.

Having Juliet so near after a while, she thought, That expression again.

He was the one who had pulled her close to chase away the curious onlookers, yet Lennox flinched noticeably when Juliet shifted.

Lately, Lennox was strange.

He seemed cautious even about touching Juliet.

Sometimes, when she felt his gaze and looked back, Lennox would look at her with a sad expression as if he had something to say.

But he never spoke.

The only times he displayed emotion were when he was blatantly jealous. Like earlier when he encountered Roy.

Juliet thought it would be better if Lennox acted as he used to, bossing her around, instead of acting like a sulky child.

When Juliet sighed heavily, his gaze followed her.

Your Highness.

What.

With a sly smile, Juliet suddenly pulled at his collar.

He could have easily pulled away, but Lennox, looking surprised, allowed Juliet to grab him by the collar.

What are you doing now

Dont be childish.

For a moment, a puzzled expression appeared on Duke Carlyles handsome face.

Childish?

Ive never questioned or got mad no matter how you behaved.

Who said I was playing around?

He protested as if taken aback.

Juliet shrugged.

Everyone has seen and heard, havent they?

Damn. How many times have I said thats all a misunderstanding-

The marriage proposals that came in almost daily?

Who kindly sorted and handed them to you?

Lennoxs voice rose, prompting Juliets eyes to widen in surprise.

Indeed, a few years ago, Juliet had meticulously examined a marriage proposal that had been presented to her. But she didnt expect Lennox to remember it.

It was just a fleeting memory for her, but judging by Juliets expression, he quickly added.

I properly refused them all.

What about Princess Priscilla?

Juliets reaction was skeptical.

Though he claimed to have declined, she had heard that Lennox had also sent gifts in return.

I never promised marriage to Priscilla. She came on her own to talk about her crush. Dont you remember the incident? I remember being particularly pestered by you at the time.

Oh, is that so?

Juliet feigned ignorance, remembering Lennoxs angry face from back then.

When she smiled mischievously, Lennox asked her sincerely,

Do you believe me now?

Juliet playfully pushed his forehead.

If you acted sincerely from the beginning, I wouldnt have misunderstood.

Lennox seemed to take her words to heart and didnt protest further.

He put his hand on Juliets waist, slowly pulling her close.

Then, lets go.

Looking down at Juliets face, which was now closer than before, he continued:

If youre done making a scene, we should join the banquet.

Yes, Your Highness.

The evening banquet proceeded under the watchful eyes of everyone present.