Chapter 233: Side Story 1. (1)

Chapter 233: Side Story 1. (1)

Juliet opened her eyes to the familiar tingling sensation on her nape.

Hello.

She locked eyes with a man, who was half-lying against the beds headboard reviewing some documents.

He leaned over and planted a kiss on Juliets forehead.

You finally woke up.

In a drowsy state, Juliet sat up and broke into laughter.

She realized why her neck was tingling her silky hair was neatly, albeit loosely braided to one side.

Where did you learn to do this?

I tried to develop a hobby I could do without waking you up.

Juliet felt a bit sorry for him. Recently, due to preparing for guests, she had been busy and would go to bed late, falling asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.

On the other hand, Duke Carlyle was always an early riser.

You seem to have a fever.

Lennox furrowed his brows as he touched Juliets forehead.

Are you feeling alright?

Just lack of sleep. Im fine.

Juliet smiled brightly. The cool touch of his hand felt good.

Seeing Juliet smile, Lennox seemed relieved and softly caressed her nape.

However, the now alert Juliet firmly pushed him away.

We cant. The guests will be arriving soon.

Its vexing.

Lennox sighed as he embraced her tightly.

As I said, any time-

The guests will be annoying or if playing the hostess gets tiring, I can quit,I know.

Juliet quickly caught his words and completed the sentence.

Ever since she decided to invite guests to the Dukes residence, Lennox had said this several times.

Alright.

He reluctantly let Juliet go.

Quickly escaping to the bathroom, Juliet headed downstairs a while later.

Did you cough, maam?

Hello, Josephine. Good morning.

Juliet crossed the sparkling hall.

When they returned from their long but short honeymoon, the first thing the people of the Dukes residence gave to Juliet was a splendid chatelain.

A bunch of keys that could open all the doors in the castle, a symbol of the mistress. The people respectfully asked:

Have you decided what kind of Madam you will be?

Only then did Juliet truly feel the reality of her marriage.

Juliet had two choices. One was to maintain a dignified relationship with neighboring families as had been done for the past hundred years, and the other was to try building a more warm and friendly relationship.

When she asked Lennox what she should do, his answer was, My wife can do anything. In the end, it was just do whatever you want, which wasnt helpful.

After much thought, Juliet decided to try being a sociable and charitable hostess.

In December, there was the traditional Northern Star Birth Festival, literally a holiday commemorating the birth of stars.

It was a festival to thank and greet each guardian star during the seven days when dazzling stars rose one after another.

And Juliet sent out twenty invitations.

Once decided, everything following was easy.

Beautiful.

Juliet exclaimed innocently.

Thanks to the magicians dispatched from the tower, the entire castle sparkled as if made of ice and crystal.

Everyone prepared a lot.

Juliet admired the brilliantly decorated hall.

Of course. Miss I mean, Your Highness, this is the first event you are hosting.

In a proud tone, the head maid answered. Among them, the most splendid were the large ice sculptures and twinkling star decorations placed throughout the castle. All Juliet did was interact with the magician and write invitations.

Its not surprising.

Lennox wasnt surprised. He and his family have many enemies. Its no exaggeration to say that all the families they are associated with are under suspicion.

You dont have to worry too much. Its only a matter of time before we catch whoever is behind this.

Im not worried about that.

At the loyal vice-captains words, Duke Carlyle smiled broadly.

Counterfeiting gold coins is a low-tier crime. Without a doubt, well catch some miserable bastard.

Yes? So what

Almost carelessly asking what he was worried about, Milan was quick to close his mouth.

Besides, what is this toy for?

Deliberately changing the topic, Lennox pointed at the box on the table. Inside was a crystal brooch, the size of an adults fist.

It twinkled like a jewel in the shape of a flower, easily mistaken for an ornament, but it was actually a magical tool.

Ah, its a new magical tool developed by the magic tower recently. Her Highness instructed me to bring useful items for you.

This?

With a doubtful look, he narrowed his eyes.

The new mistress of the Dukes house boasted significant connections, one of them being the Eastern Mage Tower of Elaim.

Duke Carlyle often hired magicians for various reasons, such as making flowers bloom in the garden all year round for his wife, or renovating the castle, and supported them as well.

The proud Mage Tower was also friendly towards the Dukes house. They occasionally showcased newly developed magical tools to the Duke.

It seems like an explanation is needed.

Ah, of course.

Sir Milan quickly explained.

Milan, who visited a magician a few days ago, had received instructions on the use and precautions of the magical tool.

Its a magical tool with a recording spell on it.

Startled.

[Its a magical tool with a recording spell on it.]

The knight touched the brooch and Milans voice repeated exactly what he had said just moments ago.

Its an interesting toy.

Duke Carlyles eyes narrowed.

I dont know where it would be useful

Indeed.

It wasnt a very new spell. Though rare, voice recording magic had been used often. Usually, it was used to record important agreements or meetings.

He had never seen a recording magical tool in such a small, sparkling form before.

But Lennox decided to pay the value for now and consider its utility later.

Send it to the Mage Tower.

Yes.

Holding the cheque Lennox handed over, the knight left the room first.

Lennox looked out of the window for a moment. Due to the Christmas preparations, the entire castle sparkled like a crystal sculpture.

There must be one among them.

He glanced at the guest list.

The simplest way to catch the culprit behind the counterfeit gold coin incident was to apprehend all the suspicious individuals.

But he didnt want to use such a method right now.

-I just want to get along well for now.

When Juliet said that to him, he simply nodded without a word.

-Later on, it might help with your reputation, you know.

Though Juliet wanted to get along with other nobles to help salvage his already hit rock-bottom reputation, he didnt want to cause trouble, let alone help.

Theres no need to try so hard.

Twenty invitations had been sent out. Juliet had chosen nobles from the northern families who were distant relatives of the Duke or had good reputations.

But Lennox knew that even among those close to him, there were people harboring ill will.

Watching the carriages arriving one after another from the window, Lennox suddenly thought.

It would be nice if Juliet wasnt disappointed even if there was a culprit among them.