Chapter 206:
After seeing Helen off, Juliet decided to take a light walk to the entrance of the castle on her way back.
The large green trees cast a shadow, making it a cool, pleasant weather for a walk.
However, Juliet stopped walking after a while. She discovered a tall man and woman under a big tree.
Ah Hello, Juliet?
The woman who greeted her awkwardly first was a stunning beauty with a tall figure that could make ones eyes sparkle.
Have you been well?
A very beautiful tall woman, and a man with a large physique, too.
Elsa.
They were Roys colleagues, Elsa and Nathan, who were members of the forest clan.
Im glad youre safe, Juliet.
Elsa seemed happy, but for some reason, she couldnt meet Juliets eyes.
I heard there was an accident Its good to see you looking well. Are you alright now?
Yes. Im fine.
Juliets eyes lingered on Nathan who was standing behind Elsa as she answered with a smile.
Unlike Elsa who treated Juliet warmly like a friend, Nathan didnt like her.
Furthermore, Nathan was very loyal to Roy.
Juliet thought Nathan might openly resent or criticize her.
However, when Nathans eyes met Juliets, he only slightly nodded, not showing any particular emotion.
Well, you see. The elders have decided on Roys punishment. So, we wanted to let you know
Juliet then remembered that it had been a few months since she last saw Roy.
The forest clan couldnt be punished under the Emperors law, so it was said that they took Roy into the forest.
Elsa hesitated, then spoke.
Its an iron cage punishment.
Iron cage?
Juliet blinked, not knowing how severe the punishment was.
Is Roy locked up somewhere?
Noticing Juliets confusion, Nathan chimed in to explain.
Its a 9-sided in human time, its a 10-year imprisonment.
Yes, Roy has been imprisoned often before. Its a relatively light punishment.
10 years of imprisonment?
How could that be a light punishment, Juliet wondered.
However, Elsa and Nathan didnt seem to think it was serious.
Well, they have different lifespans and species.
By their standards, it might not be such a long time.
Oh, of course, there were elders who claimed that the punishment was too light for what he did, that he deserved a heavier one
Elsa trailed off, checking Juliets reaction.
It seemed she belatedly realized that Juliet nearly died due to the ripple effects of Roys actions.
Since Juliets return, the Duke of Carlyle had been extremely cautious not to expose her whereabouts. There were still many people who believed that Countess Monad had died, or suffered a terrible fate and gone missing.
She nearly died after all.
Elsa seemed to be worried that Juliet might get angry knowing that the punishment was light compared to Roy releasing the snake.
But Juliet didnt care.
It must be hard.
She was human, not a wolf, so from Juliets perspective, 10 years was a long time.
And in the first place, Roy released the snake because he was deceived by it. He might think it was his own will, but Juliet knew how cunningly the snake manipulated people.
It was force majeure.
But Juliet, I have a favor to ask.
Uh, tell me.
Roy is a bit not doing well.
Did I sleep all day again?
Juliet was bewildered.
The journey to the summer palace through a gate usually took half a day. She clearly left in the afternoon, so it should have been midnight with the moon risen.
But when she drew back the curtain by the window, it seemed like just before sunrise outside, and she felt tired as if she had been running on the carriage all night.
We have arrived, Miss.
At the urging of a soft voice from outside, Juliet hesitated.
But this isnt the Dukes summer palace?
Where is this
Please descend.
?
One by one, Juliet was picking out the suspicious points, and somehow realized that the mans voice calling her from outside the carriage was very familiar.
Thump.
What are you doing here?
Sure enough.
When the carriage door opened, the black-haired man, who was leisurely leaning against the door, was someone she knew well.
I came to escort my lady.
In a linen shirt and black pants, the modestly dressed Duke Carlyle looked like a completely different person from the man who has been bringing nightmares to countless northern lords recently.
Come to think of it, it had been a long time since they faced each other.
Although the situation was a bit strange, Juliet scanned him and was relieved that he looked unharmed without a scratch.
Lennox offered her his hand with a courtesy as if he really had been a servant.
Where is this?
Velot.
Velot?
Juliet was confused again.
Velot was a leisurely resort city in the central west. Moreover, it was in the exact opposite direction of the Dukes summer palace.
You said you wanted to come here?
It seems like he remembered that in a weird way.
I said I had to come, not that I needed a villa.
Besides, the reason Juliet wanted to come to Velot was not to enjoy it as a resort but for another purpose.
Ill consider that next time.
Will there be a next time?
He held out his hand to Juliet, who was amazed.
Juliet, with a cautious expression, came out of the carriage for now.
Wow.
The first thing that caught her eye as she came out was the blue roof shining in the morning sunlight.
The newly roofed magnificent arches made up of stone mansions, harmonized with the surrounding forest, looked like a picture.
It seemed like someones craftsmanship, built with a similar atmosphere to the summer palace.
But although its magnificent, its a bit small compared to the palace Isnt it a bit cramped for all the Dukes people to stay?
Just as Juliet was about to ask, she hesitated.
They seemed to be following her, but besides the carriage she rode, there was nothing in sight around.
No, to begin with, apart from the coachman, they were the only humans in this vast barren field.
Lennox.
Suspecting that this man had some scheme again, Juliet stared at him with suspicious eyes.
When are the others coming?
Not coming.
Theyre not coming?
Seeing the heavily guarded Juliet, Lennox laughed leisurely like a fed-up beast.
Is there a kidnapper who informs you of the destination?