Chapter 108
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 108
“The reason James left Miss Daphne? Hmm. It isn’t really my place to say, but couples don’t usually break up for one-sided reasons, do they? James simply wants to protect Miss Daphne’s honor…”
If a stranger had heard those words, they would have assumed Daphne was a woman with a scandalous and extensive history with men.
Harriet let out a hollow, dumbfounded laugh. Viviana, who was relaying the gossip, looked as awkward as if she were the one who had committed the sin.
Daphne, however, merely sipped her tea in silence, showing no signs of agitation.
That very composure worried Harriet even more. She reached out and carefully took Daphne’s hand.
“Miss Daphne. Right now, the engagement itself is the talk of the town, so some people might actually believe Bella’s lies. But the truth always comes out eventually.”
At her words, Daphne smiled brightly, as if snapping back to reality.
“Thank you both for your concern. But truly, I am fine.”
She meant it.
If anything had surprised Daphne while listening to Viviana, it was the realization that hearing James’s name didn't hurt anymore. There was a time when she had prayed desperately for his return, when the mere thought of him was so painful she couldn’t even eat.
“It seems the saying ‘time heals all wounds’ is true. Looking back now, I don’t even remember why I was so obsessed with him. Why did I waste so much time like that, if this was how it was going to end?”
As Daphne laughed, sounding embarrassed by her past self, Harriet squeezed her hand tighter.
“It’s because you spent that time the way you did that you’re fine now.”
Daphne looked unconvinced, so Harriet reiterated with firm conviction.
“Miss Daphne, you gave your all to that love. You burned every last drop of it until there was nothing left. You saw it through to the very end without regret. That is why you are free now.”
“Is that so?”
“Absolutely! If you hadn’t done that then, you would still be suffering today. That past year wasn’t wasted time; it was the time that made you stronger.”
Daphne lowered her gaze to her teacup, falling into thought.
Yes. I won’t cry over a past love anymore. I gave my best, and I have no lingering regrets.
If that was the case, it was time to stand tall for all to see.
She had announced her return to High Society by appearing with a smile at the last party held at her family’s estate, but she could still feel the hesitation in everyone she met. They didn't know how to treat her.
Determination filled Daphne’s violet eyes.
“I suppose I need to show them how much I’ve changed—how much stronger I’ve become. I won’t let Miss Bella wag her arrogant tongue anymore.”
At her declaration, Harriet clapped in support, and Viviana raised her teacup as if making a toast. Daphne burst into genuine laughter at the sight of them.
Harriet’s earlier words echoed in her mind: Why are you grieving when you have everything, just because one insignificant man disappeared?
I am Daphne Laurel.
She had forgotten it for a while, but she was the foremost flower of High Society, a woman whose name alone carried immense weight. She decided then to unfurl from her crouched position and properly show the world who she truly was.
After that, the world looked different.
It had been a long time since she had shaken off her depression, but for the first time, the world seemed full of challenges she was ready to embrace.
“Thank you. I always learn so much from Miss Harriet.”
“Me? What did I do?”
“Miss Harriet, you are always so confident and wise. I know that someday, all those baseless rumors about you will vanish. As you said, the truth always comes out naturally.”
Daphne was sincerely grateful. If it weren’t for Harriet, she might still be afraid to leave her house.
Viviana nodded in agreement.
“That’s right, Harriet. Just you wait. Someday, you’ll be a renowned figure in High Society, acknowledged by everyone.”
“I’m already a renowned figure. Is there anyone who doesn’t know Harriet Listerwell, the Scandal Maker?”
Harriet, embarrassed by the sudden praise, tried to turn it into a joke, but Viviana remained serious.
“I’m being honest. I think I’m starting to understand why Bella tried so hard to bring you down.”
“Oh, really? I don’t see it.”
“You shine brighter than Bella. You draw everyone’s attention. That must have truly provoked her inferiority complex.”
Harriet felt flustered to hear such praise in front of Daphne, who was rumored to be the most beautiful woman in the social circles, but Daphne shared the sentiment.
“Exactly. I wonder what kind of man will be the one to recognize and snatch up our radiant Miss Harriet?”
At the mention of ‘men,’ Viviana and Daphne giggled, exchanging expectant glances. Harriet’s feelings, however, grew complicated.
Cedric’s face had popped into her mind without warning. Quite presumptuously, at that.
*
On the way back, after encouraging Daphne one last time, Harriet leaned against the carriage window and stared blankly at the passing scenery.
New leaves sprouted on every branch of the roadside trees, announcing the arrival of a brilliant spring. But her heart felt neither the warmth of the season nor the brilliance of the sun. It was clouded with confusion.
Do Daphne or Viviana have any idea? Just how foolish the ‘wise’ Harriet Listerwell actually is?
She was tormented by memories of ‘that day’ that rushed back the moment she lost her focus.
Cedric’s cold reaction when she handed him the Ruby Brooch should have been the most shocking part, but all she could recall was the feeling of him embracing her from behind and being carried into the mansion in his arms.
If she had felt only self-loathing or shame, she might have been able to sort out her feelings quickly. But the mix of excitement, joy, and a strange sense of accomplishment was driving her mad.
As she floundered in that whirlwind of emotions, mocking and blaming herself, she eventually found herself turning that blame outward.
What on earth is that man thinking?
It was a question Harriet couldn’t answer, no matter how many nights she spent pondering it.
Her cheeks would flush at the thought, Does he perhaps like me?, only for her to immediately scoff, As if. Then she’d try to rationalize it: Perhaps it was just an expression of joy at finally recovering his father’s keepsake? But then the doubt would return: Even so, isn’t embracing someone like that a bit excessive?
“Miss! Are you alright?”
Harriet snapped back to attention at the coachman’s call.
The carriage had already stopped in front of the Fellon Estate’s main gate. She had been so lost in thoughts of Cedric that she hadn’t even noticed they had arrived.
Embarrassed, she let out an awkward laugh.
“Oh, I must have dozed off.”
“Hahaha! It’s certainly the kind of weather that brings on spring fever. They say you should be extra careful not to catch a cold at times like these, Miss.”
“I will. Thank you for your hard work today.”
After alighting from the carriage, Harriet immediately went to greet Trisha and check on her health, then decided to have a simple lunch with Roxana.
Since Trisha had become bedridden, Roxana had been practically maintaining the entire estate. She often neglected her meals and sleep because of the workload, so Harriet made a point of suggesting they eat together. Otherwise, Roxana would often just make do with a piece of bread, never leaving her desk.
“How many hours did you sleep last night?”
“As I always say, there is no need for Miss Harriet to worry. I get enough sleep.”
“But the dark circles under your eyes have been getting worse lately, haven't they?”
At Harriet’s observation, Roxana picked up a piece of apple pie and took a bite, clearly avoiding the question. Seeing her chewing, Harriet knew she wouldn't get a straight answer.
Harriet didn't press the issue. Instead, she buttered a slice of white bread and changed the subject.
“Perhaps it’s because of the spring, but I keep finding my mind wandering lately. I shouldn’t be like this, especially with Great-aunt Trisha in her current state.”
She said this hoping Roxana would scold her. She wanted a stern rebuke—to be asked what spring had to do with anything, or if she intended to disappoint Trisha by being so carefree.
But the answer she received was not what she expected.
“Sometimes people are just like that.”
“…Have you ever felt that way too, Teacher?”
“Of course. I am human, after all.”
Roxana washed down the sweetness of the pie with warm black tea before continuing.
“One cannot always run in a straight line toward a goal. Humans are, by nature, creatures made to stumble, collide, break, and then learn.”
“But there are people who don’t seem like that at all.”
“Those swans are merely better at hiding the legs paddling frantically beneath the surface. Think of a child learning to walk. Not a single child in this world learns to walk without falling first.”