Chapter 243: Side Story 11

“Can we kiss?”

“Of course not!”

“…Really not?”

When Lennox asked softly, Juliet smirked.

‘Is he drunk?’

For a drunk person, Lennox didn’t seem much different from usual.

His breathing was stable, and his complexion was normal. He even seemed calmer than usual.

Perhaps because he always acted as he pleased, there wasn’t much difference whether he was drunk or not? Or perhaps becoming more modest is a sign of being drunk?

Just as Juliet was observing him closely, the entrance hall suddenly became noisy.

“…Move aside!”

“You can’t enter.”

“I need to talk to the Duke!”

Juliet quickly pushed him aside and stood up.

“What’s going on?”

“His Highness is…”

“Duke Carlyle! You are here!”

A distinct accent echoed. Juliet looked at the group of foreigners rushing in.

Dressed in exotic attire, they were foreign envoys invited to the banquet.

“This land has been our territory for 50 years, Duke!”

Waving a map, they appeared somewhat drunk.

“You can’t pretend you don’t know now!”

These were envoys from Rodos, demanding the territory of a disputed area.

Rodos was a city-state bordering the North.

“No, we already agreed on that!”

Elliot interjected in shock, but the slightly drunk envoys continued to make a fuss.

“Ah, that’s the claim of the Duke!”

“Our king said to bring the negotiation document!”

That was indeed the purpose of the original meeting.

“We need to hear your answer today!”

“What do you think, Duke?”

The questions from the Rodos envoys were directed at Duke Carlyle.

Lennox stood still, but Juliet wondered if this could be a dangerous situation.

‘What if he just answers every question bluntly…’

Among those present, only Juliet knew that he was drunk.

What if he agreed to their territorial demands or easily signed the negotiation?

While Juliet glanced anxiously, Lennox, who had been silent, stepped forward with a broad smile.

“So, you need my answer?”

Adjusting his tight necktie, Duke Carlyle emanated an even more relaxed aura than usual.

“Yes!”

Noticing this, the envoys seemed pleased.

“We won’t leave here until you sign!”

“Well, then I should answer.”

As Duke Carlyle smiled, Juliet realized her worries were misplaced.

With a swift motion, a sword was drawn.

“Eek!”

“Lord!”

-Do you think I don’t have limits?

Her husband was apparently more impulsive than she thought.

* * *

It was later known that the effects of the World Tree Fruit were more potent in non-human races.

There were rumors that Duke’s distant ancestors weren’t entirely human, so perhaps that influenced its effect. Juliet grumbled as she sat in the bathtub.

“What if you suddenly draw your sword?”

“…”

The arrogant foreign envoys fled in fear, and Juliet hurriedly ushered him into the steaming bathroom.

“They were annoying from the start.”

While Lennox answered obediently, he was wary of her mood.

She slapped his hand away.

“Get your hand off.”

She rebuffed his attempt to grasp her wrist.

In fact, Juliet understood why various people were suddenly being a nuisance to the Duke.

“They’re curious whether Duke Carlyle will really become king.”

“I know.”

Although it was virtually autonomous.

Many tried to check and balance the growing power of the Duke. If Duke Carlyle really wanted, he could become king right away.

Juliet cautiously asked:

“Will you really become a king?”

Lennox grinned.

“Do you want to be a queen?”

“I don’t want to be a queen or anything like that.”

“Then I won’t.”

It was too simple an answer.

“Really?”

“Yes. Taking the throne would just be a hassle.”

Lennox smirked cheekily.

“It’ll only take away the time I spend with you.”

“You really…”

Lennox slyly pulled her hand, leaned into it, and gave it a gentle kiss.

Juliet couldn’t help but laugh.

“…You’re like a fox.”

The not-so-cold Lennox reminded her of Nix in many ways, making it harder for her to get angry. His obvious flirting even seemed cute.

His drunken antics were like this; it was terrifying to think of someone seeing him like that.

Was the young Lennox Carlyle, before he matured and when he was in his teens, like this?

Moreover, looking down at the smirking Duke Carlyle from this angle wasn’t a common opportunity.

A Lennox Carlyle with such a seemingly compliant expression.

Wait.

‘…Anything?’

Juliet suddenly felt intrigued.

Maybe she could get answers to questions she had always been curious about?

“Lennox, can I ask you something?”

“Anytime.”

While he was changing his clothes, Juliet took the opportunity to ask a question she’d always been curious about.

“Do you know the room at the end of the third floor, north side? There was no key. What’s inside?”

“Nothing. It’s just an emergency exit.”

“Then between Elliot and Milan, who do you trust more?”

“I don’t trust either of them. Elliot is fearful and Milan lacks skills.”

Juliet, momentarily surprised by the blunt evaluation, playfully asked:

“What about Nix?”

“He’s noisy and talks a lot.”

Juliet laughed out loud.

“But Nix is cute, right?”

“…Yeah.”

Lennox reluctantly admitted.

Juliet thought of another question she hadn’t asked yet.

“Lennox?”

“Yes?”

“What do you think about having kids?”

He hesitated.

“Kids?”

“Yes.”

Lennox’s expression became very serious, making Juliet nervous. She thought she wouldn’t be disappointed even if he honestly said he didn’t like the idea. However, his answer was unexpected.

“It’s inefficient.”

“…What?”

“Human babies, I mean. They grow inside the womb for nine months. Moreover, foals can run around just a few hours after birth.”

Juliet blinked in surprise.

Did he catch a strange habit of comparing to a baby foal after playing with Nix so much?

“And it’s too risky. Does it make sense to risk one’s life?”

Lennox discussed the risks of having a child quite seriously.

“Okay, I got it. Right.”

Juliet quickly silenced him. It wasn’t the answer she expected, but she assumed he simply didn’t like the idea. Lennox Carlyle wasn’t the type of man to honestly reveal his thoughts, especially not when slightly drunk.

Juliet decided she was satisfied for now and turned to go to bed.

But Lennox, having changed his clothes, suddenly pulled her close.

“But our child would be adorable.”

“…”

He softly kissed the nape of her neck from behind.

“Of course, assuming the child takes after you.”

Juliet blinked. The scent of her favorite soap wafted from the freshly bathed man’s hair.

“…You play well with Nix. Isn’t that enough?”

“That guy didn’t put you in danger.”

Holding her close, Lennox added with a smirk:

“And it would’ve been better if he looked like you.”

Juliet realized he was serious.

And she had a faint hunch about the real reason he was hesitant about children.

‘…Maybe he’s afraid the child will resemble him.’

She deeply pondered on how to address this.

Lost in her thoughts, Lennox led her to the bed.

“It’s your turn now.”

“For what?”

“I’ve been answering all this time, haven’t I?”

“…You noticed?”

“Do you think I don’t know you?”

His red eyes, darkened a bit, glinted with mischief as he sat on the bed.

Had his drunkenness worn off? It felt a bit too soon for that.

“Answer honestly, it’s important.”

“Alright, what are you curious about?”

“Are you happy, Juliet?”

Upon hearing the question, Juliet burst into laughter.

“That’s your question?”

“It’s the most important question to me.”

His voice was calm and sincere. Juliet brushed back his damp bangs and replied.

“…I used to be scared when you were affectionate.”

In the past, she was always anxious, fearing his affection might someday hurt her. She feared getting accustomed to the illusion of being loved and then being abandoned one day.

“But it’s not like that now.”

Juliet smiled brightly.

She liked that his dark red eyes were solely focused on her.

She didn’t need any further confirmation. Juliet felt content and happy.

“So I hope you’re happy too.”

Lennox took her hand and gently kissed her fingertips.

“I love you.”

“…All of a sudden?”

“In the past, now, and always. There was never a moment I didn’t love you.”

That’s so unfair.

Juliet giggled happily.

Who could resist such a face and that expression?

‘Oh, right.’

Leaning on his shoulder, Juliet remembered another question she hadn’t asked.

“Lennox.”

“Yes?”

“About what you said last time. What did you mean?”

“What did I say?”

-Every time I see you, I have desires you can’t even imagine.

“You definitely said that.”

He hesitated.

Pushing him slightly away, Juliet noticed Lennox avoiding her gaze.

“What happens if you don’t hold back?”

“…Why do you want to know?”

Lennox turned his head slightly, his ears reddening.

“We agreed to be honest, right?”

Lennox frowned slightly and then embraced her tighter.

“If I tell you, it’s not like you’ll do anything about it.”

“There’s no harm in hearing it.”

Juliet shrugged nonchalantly.

His intense red eyes narrowed, and Lennox smiled as if he had been waiting for her response.

“…You might regret it, Juliet.”