Chapter 229: Epilogue 19

Chapter 229: Epilogue 19

The Northern Dukedoms main conference room.

It was the regular meeting day held once every three months. Since morning, the vassals of the Dukes family and the lords of the Northern Duchy were present in the conference room.

So there should be no problem with the production quantity until autumn.

The mines of Elpasa and Alje are also being smoothly restored.

Having subdued the neighboring nobles under the pretext of territorial inspections during the summer, and having secured a favorable position in negotiations with the imperial family, it seemed there was no room for the prestige of the Duchy to rise further.

Slowly, there were whispers suggesting that at this rate, the Duchy might seek independence.

However, Duke Carlyle, leaning back comfortably in his chair with a big window behind him, exuded a different kind of leisure compared to the youthful intimidating aura he usually had.

It was hard to pinpoint, but something was certainly different.

The nobles were secretly side-eyeing the Duke, whispering amongst themselves.

The Duke is late to the meeting.

Whats going on?

Duke Carlyle appeared in the conference room about 10 minutes late today, without a tie, and with slightly disheveled black hair.

Being late for the meeting wasnt the only strange point.

Throughout the reports, Lennox was fidgeting with a small box on the table or gazing outside.

Gasp.

The lords, who had been closely watching the Duke, doubted their eyes for a moment.

There seemed to be a softness around Duke Carlyles lips, known for his cold demeanor, which was replaced by a fleeting hint of a smile.

Whats going on? Is he feeling unwell?

The lords began reviewing his actions as they felt their throats tighten.

They had known Duke Carlyle for over a decade, but his smile was usually a precursor to ominous events.

For example, brutally retaliating against those who defied him.

Did he enjoy decimating neighboring territories?

We should be cautious anyway.

The blood of the families who opposed the Duke hadnt yet dried, so to speak.

The lords decided to be cautious, which led to an oddly tense conclusion of the meeting.

The meeting, which usually was brief, exchanging just mission reports and instructions, never lasted over two hours.

So until the next reporting day-

But just as the meeting was concluded and people were getting up to exchange greetings, Duke Carlyle suddenly spoke.

Is there anything you want to say?

Excuse me?

Is there nothing more to say?

What? The lords eyes were drawn to the small box that had been igniting their curiosity.

Tucked away in a corner of the table, the small box revealed a pair of gleaming rings.

Oh the rings! The rings

Your Highness!

Youre engaged? Congratulations!

The Dukes vassals, now keenly aware, were the first to express their joy and congratulate him.

Then the other lords realized why Duke Carlyle, infamous for his cold-blooded demeanor, had been smirking like a drugged person all along.

No way, an engagement? Such a joyous event!

They regretted not noticing sooner. Duke Carlyle seemed to have been sick with a fever for which there was no cure, metaphorically speaking.

The lords sighed with relief and began to chime in one by one.

These are wedding rings, right?

So when is the wedding

But Duke Carlyle bragged about the rings with some arrogance.

These arent just any wedding rings.

Excuse me?

Juliet chose these with her exquisite taste.

Moreover, it seemed the Duke was quite feverish in his love.

Am I going crazy

Eventually, Lennox, who had argued for the third time that night during the bath, thought some countermeasures were needed.

Tell me.

What?

He put down the towel he was using to dry Juliets hair and looked seriously into her eyes.

What do you not like?

Lennox stood with his hands on either side of the table where she sat. The loose white shirt Juliet was wearing was his.

What did I do wrong again?

Juliet tilted her head.

Why are you saying that all of a sudden?

You think I dont know you. Lennox caressed Juliets cheek.

He knew the expression she made when she was hurt.

You have a certain expression whenever you dont like something.

Do I?

Yes.

With her lips tightly sealed, she looked at him with hurt eyes like a lost child.

Lennox was always scared when he met such a gaze.

Dont you like the gift?

Are you kidding? Of course, I like it.

Juliet playfully wrinkled her nose.

Who doesnt like shiny things?

But Lennox wasnt fooled.

This was the expression Juliet made when trying to avoid an uncomfortable situation.

So whats the problem?

Juliet hesitated.

Tell me, Juliet. What did I do to you again?

He wouldnt know if she didnt say it. Damn it, he wasnt eloquent, and Juliet was afraid to ask him anything because of her past trauma.

And because of that, he had almost lost Juliet several times.

He didnt want to leave even a sliver of anxiety.

Its not your fault. Thank you for the gifts. But.

But?

Its too much.

Juliet said it bluntly.

Especially like this morning, I dont like it when you disappear leaving only the jewelry on the bed. Give me flowers instead.

Lennox was staring at Juliet to hear her answer, but he frowned, not understanding what the problem was.

Whats the problem? Isnt jewelry better than flowers?

Seeing that he didnt understand, Juliet blushed a little and said again.

Its like compensating I dont want to be left alone as if paying a price.

Lennox was shocked.

Thats not it. I didnt mean to pay a price.

I know. Its just, sometimes I feel that way.

Lennox seemed to understand a bit. Juliet was talking about their previous relationship.

When he looked shocked, Juliet seemed to regret what she had said.

Dont worry about it.

But how could he not worry after hearing such words.

Lennox gently touched Juliets white hand on the table.

But then how do I prove it?

Juliet was stunned for a moment.

If I dont give you beautiful things, things that you would like how do I prove that I value you?