Chapter 183:

Chapter 183:

So, I pretended to be fooled by Ronda, and called Lord Hilbery.

You mean our doctor?

Yes.

Just in case, Juliet decided to find out what the Love Potion that was circulating in the market was all about.

If she had ordered Hilbery to show the tea leaves and identify the ingredients, it would have been impossible for Hilbery, even if he was a legendary doctor known for resurrecting the dead.

However, Juliet had some suspicions about the ingredients of that potion, and the skilled doctor, Lord Hilbery, confirmed Juliets suspicions.

Its a hallucinogenic made by mixing anise root and nettle honey.

Juliet received a small silver cup from Lord Hilbery, shook it, and brought it over.

When mixed, it tastes sweeter than sugar, and makes one feel as though theyre walking above clouds.

The only caution was that this hallucinogenic was so potent, that even a slight whiff could be addictive.

In fact, Juliet had been suspicious since she met Eunice, the main character in the rumors who allegedly obtained a fiance using the potion.

Just being a young lady in love didnt seem to fit, as Eunice appeared to be intoxicated, with a dreamy expression on her face.

Of course, the person selling such a suspicious drug wouldnt have properly informed about the precautions.

While swinging the small cup in her hand and smiling, Juliet suddenly brought the cup to her lips.

Miss!

Miss Monad!

The sudden action surprised everyone around, their eyes almost popped out.

Just moments ago, she had explained the poison and now she was drinking it!

However, it was Lennox who reacted first.

He grabbed Juliets wrist before even realizing it.

You.

Why?

But Juliet licked her lips with a perfectly fine expression on her face.

That

Ah, this.

Juliet answered with a playful smile.

Its just chocolate.

Indeed, what was in the cup Juliet handed over was not a medicated drink, but a sweet-smelling chocolate beverage.

According to the doctor, chocolate helps neutralize the toxicity of nettle honey, so she had prepared it in advance.

You had me scared for ten years.

Lennox let go of Juliet with a somewhat disgruntled expression.

Feeling guilty for inadvertently deceiving them, Juliet shared the expensive chocolate, generously made with milk and sugar, with others.

Although the banquet had turned into a mess, with terrified guests fleeing, and within the barrier made of sacred objects, a mythical snake demon was trapped, sharing chocolate on a chilly night with the objective achieved was quite a charming experience.

Its said that in ancient times, this chocolate was used as a mild medicine.

Its not a beverage that goes well with the Yuno Purification Festival, is it?

In a way, its a real love potion.

The warm chocolate had a mood-lifting effect.

Juliet was no exception.

While rolling the still-warm silver cup in her hands, Juliet glanced at the man who had come next to her.

What did the Emperor say?

If we take that snake up North, he doesnt care about the rest.

Juliet thought for a moment.

Will the Second Prince pay for his sins?

It will start with the death penalty at least.

Juliet was honestly a bit skeptical but decided to move on.

Alright. Ill trust you.

I have something to ask too.

Go ahead.

What did you do with the boutonniere?

What boutonniere?

They said you bought male jewelry from a high-end boutique. Didnt you?

Juliet was flabbergasted.

How did he know that?

Juliet spoke ambiguously on purpose.

I gave it to a gentleman whom I very much admire and love.

Watching Lennoxs expression harden was quite a pleasant sight.

Juliet, who was smiling for a while, told the truth.

I gave it to my grandfather.

Thats enough.

Lennox seemed slightly relieved, yet half seemed still discontent.

Juliet.

Lennox reached out his hand.

Shall we go home?

Juliet realized that the home he was referring to was not the Dukes residence in the capital.

Looking at the hand he extended, Juliet smiled faintly.

Just before leaving the banquet hall, Juliet met a group of handsome men and beautiful women who had just arrived.

Roy?

Hello, Juliet.

It was Roy and his clan.

You are a bit late to attend the banquet, arent you?

Glancing at the messed up banquet hall, Roy spoke.

It seems like we missed something big.

No, its fortunate that you are late!

Even with a slightly tired expression, Juliet smiled brightly and briefly explained what had happened.

Listening to her story, Roy smiled back throughout, yet for some reason, felt a heavy heart.

Under the pale moonlight, Juliets light brown hair shimmered silver, and her cheeks were flushed as if she had something to drink.

Im glad to see youre safe, Juliet.

Hypocrite.

Roy scolded himself.

Roy actually sensed that something would happen at the banquet today and therefore arrived late on purpose.

He clearly remembered that the evil spirit had encouraged him to lure Juliet.

-Just a drop, and you can have her.

Of course, Roy didnt fall for that petty trick.

For a moment, Roy was proud of that fact.

He had done a noble thing. He didnt succumb to shallow desires and impulses, he didnt put Juliet in danger.

But was it really noble?

The moment he saw the bandage wrapped around Juliets wrist, Roy felt suffocated.