Chapter 205:

Chapter 205:

The anomalies of Duke Carlyle were known throughout the North.

It wasnt just mere rumors. In the North, magicians from the Eastern Mage Tower of Elaim were spotted, and Duke Carlyle had invested a significant amount of money and knights to search through the mines and frozen rivers.

There were rampant rumors that the Duke had gone mad searching for the body of his deceased lover.

No one knew exactly what happened, but the northern lords didnt miss this opportunity.

Isnt that arrogant Duke not in a state to hold a sword?

Duke Carlyle had ruled the North for a long time but wasnt on good terms with the lords of the surrounding areas.

His northern territory was vast, and thanks to that, the Carlyle family shared borders with many families.

Lennox Carlyle, like the heads of the Carlyle family before him, suppressed the surrounding lords with a firm hand, and the northern lords begrudgingly bowed their heads while becoming increasingly displeased with the growing power of the Dukedom.

Now, seeing the Duke in a peculiar state, the northern lords who had been eyeing an opportunity began to subtly eye the Dukes territory.

Furthermore, Lennox Carlyle had personally eradicated his direct bloodline, so, apart from distant relatives, there were no close relatives.

The neighboring nobles were excited.

We mustnt miss this opportunity.

Greymore, Calhoun, Gallowell.

The first to cross the border of the Dukes territory was the alliance of these three families.

The Duke was a subject of fear, but they believed they could manage somehow if the three families united.

Moreover, we have a justification, right? Isnt Count Greymore a distant relative of the Duke?

Though indeed a very distant relative.

And theres also Viscount Gallowell.

Viscount Gallowell was a famed knight who had earned honors in wars.

Count Greymore and Viscount Calhoun, who had served the Duke for a long time, were subtly pinning their hopes on the young Viscount Gallowell.

If Count Greymore provides the justification and military, and Viscount Calhoun provides the military funds, what they expected from Viscount Gallowell was the military strength and strategic tactics honed on the battlefield.

Though it was dirty to lead their armies and fight to snatch land from each other, they needed to be prepared for the Dukes knight brigade even if Lennox Carlyle couldnt hold a sword.

Still, theres no chance that the knights will engage in direct battle.

Ive heard that those illustrious knights are also rummaging around the lower rivers.

Are they looking for the body? Ah, its unfortunate that those remarkable knights have met the wrong master.

They were completely immersed in baseless optimism.

Of course, they didnt dare to march directly into the Dukes residence or attack Duke Carlyle.

Hmm, but Viscount Gallowell is late.

Oh, here he comes!

!

Haha! This guy, always dawdling!

Seeing the flag of Viscount Gallowell from afar, Count Greymore and Viscount Calhoun laughed cheerfully.

The flag of Viscount Gallowell flapped in the wind.

At the front, a man on a black horse was galloping towards them quickly, followed by a group of knights at a moderate speed.

Ah, you! We thought you got scared and ran away or something!

Haha!

Count Greymore and Viscount Calhoun exchanged jokes in relief as they saw the flag of Gallowell.

If youre not here, who would behead that insolent Duke? We were discussing that!

However, while exchanging frivolous jokes waiting for Viscount Gallowell to approach, the two noticed something strange.

?

Helens voice was shining as she asked.

A peaceful moment, but eyes full of meaningful gaze.

A product crafted with sapphire and diamonds together, its part of a set with a necklace and earrings too?

Juliet gently placed down her tea cup with a picturesque smile.

Its the fifth time.

Huh?

That question you asked. Its the fifth time I heard it, aunt.

Juliets response seemed unrelated at a glance.

However, as Helen soon understood the meaning, her eyes widened.

Oh my.

Yes, oh my.

Juliet smiled sweetly and nodded.

It wasnt the first time in the past few days that someone rushed to Juliet upon hearing the Duke had purchased jewelry like rings and necklaces, possibly for a marriage proposal.

It must have reached Helens ears much earlier.

Compared to her hot-tempered cousin Theo who burst in asking Hey, are you getting married?!, Helen had inquired with much more decorum.

I dont even know what it looks like.

But truly, Juliet had never even seen the shadow of the said splendid ring.

She was bewildered the first few times, but as it repeated over time, Juliet was slightly annoyed.

When people ask Did Duke Carlyle buy some amazing jewelry somewhere? or Did you hire a famous jewelry craftsman?, what should I say?

Juliet grumbled a bit to Helen.

I cant say Yes, its very beautiful and eye-poppingly expensive and splendid. about a ring I havent even seen.

Haha.

As Juliet sighed deeply, Helen burst into laughter.

The variety was so diverse that Juliet could almost make a list of the supposedly purchased gifts that Duke Carlyle had bought.

Juliet spent all day with the people of the Dukes house, yet the only ones to mention this were all outsiders.

Try this as well, Lady.

At a perfect timing, Elliot, the Dukes secretary, appeared in the reception room carrying the tea food himself.

Its made from fruits that are only available in this season. Miss enjoys it too.

Elliot was very polite to Helen, the major lady.

Thank you, Elliot.

But Helen looked very interested. She looked alternately at Elliot and Juliet with a curious expression.

And I just like the present situation.

Clatter.

At Juliets words, Elliot flinched and asked.

Yes? What do you mean?

I was just telling my aunt that I like the current state and dont want to change anything.

Elliot looked back with a startled face, but what does it matter? Juliet smiled sweetly.

I For a moment.

Juliet watched Elliot rush out, smiling mischievously.

However, Helen wasnt the last guest to visit Juliet that day.