Just shut up and listen

Juli remained by Duke's side for three days and on the third day she was Relieved, she no longer had to wear the cumbersome black dress or encounter Duke. And she was right.

The next day, Duke set forth on his educational journey and remained absent for a duration of three years. Meanwhile, life in Wismar continued to evolve.

In instances where urgent documents required Adrian's attention, Mr. Bernhard dutifully delivered them to him on a weekly basis.

Simultaneously, arrangements were being made for the engagement of Adrian de Louis and Rose Witlock, slated to take place after Adrian concluded his military training. The marriage ceremony was delayed, per Adrian's request. Despite the postponement, the entire town was abuzz with discussions about the upcoming union between the Louis and Witlock families.


On the other hand, Juli and Keylup's friendship started to deepen significantly in those three years.


Growing up in the forest, Juli developed a deep bond with nature. Over time, she acquired a profound knowledge of various medicinal plants with the potential to aid people's well-being. Recognizing that many commoners struggled to afford the services of doctors and modern medicine, Juli made the decision to study herbalism and naturopathy, aspiring to become a healer who could provide affordable and natural remedies to those in need.


Keylup found himself spending nearly every day with Juli in the forest, absorbing her wisdom about plants and nature. Initially, he might not have been very interested, but as he continued to accompany Juli and witnessed her genuine passion for plants, he gradually developed his own fascination with the subject.

Juli and Keylup almost everday spent their time near the riverside in the forest sitting at dock. The sound of the river flowing was enchanting to the ears.

"I'm going to become a naturopathic doctor. I want to stay connected to my herbs and plants," she shared, her voice resonating like a melodic tune in the serene surroundings.

Keylup replied with a tinge of disappointment, "You're lucky. You have the freedom to choose your profession."

Juli laughed, "And you don't consider yourself lucky?"


Keylup sighed, "My destiny is already decided. Born into a merchant family, I'm expected to inherit the family business, even though I have no interest in it."

"Isn't this the aristocratic way of living?" asked Juli, surprise etched across her face.

Keylup glanced at Juli, "It would be wonderful if we could work together as naturopathy doctors, side by side, helping commoners," Keylup suggested with playful eyes.

"Indeed, it would be wonderful." Juli's eyes was lit up with excitement, thinking he and Keylup working together.

She gave a pause to that thought, when she noticed the setting sun. The hues of the sunset painted the sky in a tapestry of warm colors, casting a serene glow over the forest.

"It's getting dark now. Your mom must be eagerly waiting for you at home."

Keylup furrowed his brows, his lips forming a slight pout. "I don't understand why, being a man, I'm still expected to go home at this time. I'm not a kid anymore," he mused, folding his arms and standing up.

Juli chuckled seeing keylup cute expression, "That's a question only your mom can answer!"

Mock me all you want now, Miss. Hahn," Keylup turned his face away. "Let's go."


Keylup dropped Juli off at her place and began walking toward his home.

Mr. Hahn was busy preparing dinner. When Juli entered the home, she noticed her father's presence,

"Father, you came home early today."

Mr.Hahn smiled looking at Juli, "Yes, I finished my work early."

Juli sat at the table, observing her father chopping vegetables.

"Were you with Keylup?"

She giggled, "Yes, Father. You know Keylup always comes to the forest after school and learn about plants from me."

"Poor boy, but what's the point? He has to inherit his family business." remarked Mr. Hahn.

Excitedly, Juli explained, "Father, you know Keylup has to be before sundown, as per his mother's wish. He is definitely a 'poor' boy." She giggled again and Mr. Hahn smiled hearing his daughter giggling.

The dinner was prepared and they sat together to have dinner. While eating dinner, Mr. Hahn remembered the message he had to deliver to Juli.

"The Duchess wishes to meet you tomorrow. Before you go to Duchess Louis, put on some decent clothes."

"Why does she want to meet me?" Her eyes widened with curiosity.

"I do not know yet, Juli, but you must go."

"Yes, Father, I will."

While Juli and her father were enjoying a peaceful time together, a different atmosphere was brewing within the walls of the Witlock mansion.

Once Keylup reached home, he retired to his room. The tranquility of his personal space provided a refuge from the outside world, allowing him a moment of solitude to reflect on the events of the day.

A little while later, Rose knocked on his door. "Brother, may I come in?"

"Yes, Rose, please come in."

"How was your romantic date with Juli?

Keylup tried not to react to this question and tried to keep his face straight. "I do not understand what you are talking about, sister."

Rose tilted her head slightly towards the left, watching Keylup, who was sitting near the window, "so you want to keep pretending. I wonder if Juli knows the secret lies with her brother."

Keylup looking out the window, wondered if today was a mocking day. First it was Juli and now his sister.


"It does not concern you, my dear sister. You should focus on Duke Louis." He turned his face to look at her with a force smile.

Rose's eyes widened, and her fingers pressed against her lips as she exclaimed, "Oh my, I guess I hit a nerve with my brother."

She couldn't help but smirk, relishing the playful banter with her brother.

She continued, “It does concern me; after all, you are my brother, and Juli is my friend. Who knows, if you treat me well, I might help win Juli's heart!"

Now Rose got Keylup undivided attention, with a Duchenne smile on his face, "After all, merchant blood runs in your veins, sister."

"Dinner time, brother. But a heads-up - Mother's furious about your daily meetings with Juli." Rose warned Keylup before dining.

"How does she know?"

"The entire town knows. Can't believe you didn't catch on?" She laughed, "Some noble ladies even hinted to Mother about your potential romance with Juli." Rose winked mischievously at her brother.

Keylup grinned, baring his teeth, "I guess, I don't have to hide my feelings anymore." Despite the relief, a nervous anticipation lingered in him, uncertain about what the future at dinner table held.

The Witlock family gathered around the dinner table—Keylup, his father, his mother, and his sister.

At the table, Keylup and his mother, Alexandra, appeared tense as they ate dinner. Alexandra struggled to broach the topic, unsure of how to begin. Meanwhile, Keylup hoped that nothing would be revealed during the meal.

"I've started hearing some peculiar rumors, Keylup,"

Keylup cleared his throat, "What kind of rumors, mother?" Ofcourse he pretended not to know.

"About Ms. Juli Hahn wooing my son, Keylup Witlock."

Keylup did not like the way his mother phrased the sentence, it was unintended offense directed at Juli. His gaze briefly lowered to his plate before he lifted his head slightly to speak with his mother.

"That's not true, mother. It's the other way around."

"Where have you learn to speak in such manner with your mother, Son?" Keylup's father interrupted the conversation,

Keylup even felt more nervous when his father, Henry Witlock joined their conversation.

"I didn't mean to be disrespectful; please accept my apologies. However, I don't wish to hear anything against the woman I love and intend to marry in the future."

A stunned silence overcame the expressions of Mr. and Mrs. Witlock, with Keylup's declaration.







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