Chapter 136
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 136
"Well, that was a failure."
Bella shook her head and laughed airily, as if Cedric’s evasive answer hadn't bothered her in the least.
"It’s a blow to my pride, but a novel experience nonetheless. Honestly, you’re the first man to ever resist my charms."
"I’m not sure I’d call it a 'honey trap,' but this is certainly better than awkwardly pretending to be innocent."
"Ahahaha! Thank you for recognizing the effort. I wish everyone were as perceptive as Your Grace. Other people don't seem to appreciate this side of me."
Bella flashed a mischievous smile that crinkled the bridge of her nose. It was a stark departure from her usual mask—the one with the drooping, innocent eyes and the sweet, helpless air. Now, she looked vibrant. Sharp.
Cedric was certain this was the real Bella Listerwell.
"Was that all you wanted to say to me?"
"Why? Are you disappointed? I wouldn't mind getting a little more personal, you know."
"I politely decline."
"Don't be so quick to dismiss the idea. You never know what the future holds."
Just then, someone called out to Cedric from across the room.
"Your Grace! Duke Kailas! Over here! I’ve saved a seat for you! Please, don't just stand there—come and sit down!"
It was one of his more fervent supporters—a man who acted more like a self-appointed attendant than a peer, constantly offering displays of excessive loyalty.
Cedric didn't ignore the gesture and approached the table. Bella followed.
The expressions on the faces of those watching the two approach were quite a sight. A mix of surprise, anticipation, and the thrill of catching a juicy piece of gossip before anyone else spilled out in greedy smiles.
"Oh my, look who it is. Isn't this Lady Bella Listerwell?"
"You’re as beautiful as ever. Seeing the two most stunning people in high society standing together is truly dazzling!"
"It’s a bit late, but congratulations on your engagement, Lady Bella. Did Young Master Cheslow not accompany you today?"
In response to the flurry of compliments and questions, Bella donned her usual mask, smiling with an air of practiced innocence.
"James will be a little late, he said. He’s been quite busy with his heirship lessons lately."
"Even so, to leave such a beautiful fiancée all alone!"
"I’m hardly alone. His Grace, Duke Kailas, has been keeping me company..."
The gazes converging on them were heavy with unspoken questions. The air practically hummed with curiosity regarding the nature of their relationship.
But Cedric merely offered a gentlemanly smile, neither explaining nor denying a thing. He was well aware that his silence would fuel strange rumors, yet he remained unbothered.
Just then, Daphne appeared in the distance, holding Edgar’s hand. Bella was the first to notice. She set down the drink she had been sipping and rose from her seat.
"Excuse me for interrupting. I think it would be best if I took my leave."
"Oh? Why? Won't you stay a little longer?"
"If I stay, Lady Daphne might feel uncomfortable. It was brief, but thank you for the hospitality. I hope we meet again."
Bella’s gaze turned to Cedric. It was clear he was the only one she truly wished to see again. To the onlookers, her look might have seemed almost wistful, but Cedric merely gave a slight nod and took a sip of his drink. In that moment, Bella offered a graceful bow, turned, and walked away.
The group, clicking their tongues in regret as they watched her retreating figure, immediately swarmed Cedric like a pack of jackals. Of course, given his status as Duke Kailas, they couldn't ask him outright.
"It seems you two are well-acquainted. Though this is the first time I’ve seen you together."
That was the first probe: What is your relationship?
"Up close, Lady Bella truly is an extraordinary beauty. I thought any woman standing next to Your Grace would be overshadowed, but she certainly holds her own."
That was the second attempt to sound him out.
"Well, no matter how grand the engagement ceremony, they say no one knows what will happen until they actually walk into the wedding hall. Hahaha!"
That was the third—a bold instigation to steal away the woman destined for the Cheslow family.
Even as such irresponsible and tiresome words ran rampant, Cedric’s lips remained tightly sealed. He neither affirmed nor denied their suspicions.
Eventually, Edgar approached, offering his arm to Daphne. Though Cedric hated to admit it, Edgar quite often played the role of savior.
"Why are you hiding? I finally found you."
"I wasn't hiding."
"Don't be absurd. I can usually spot you at a glance, but today, I couldn't find your head anywhere, no matter how hard I looked."
"That’s a very long-winded way of admitting your claim of spotting me at a glance is a lie."
He shot back a snarky retort, but for the first time since arriving, genuine relief was evident on Cedric’s face.
"Please excuse me. Count Dawson must have arrived with this fellow, so I should go pay my respects."
He offered a faint smile to the people whose eyes were still darting about, eager to pry more information from him, and rose from his seat. This much would be enough of a reward for those who had spent the evening wagging their tails for his attention.
What concerned him more now was Bella Listerwell. For the first time, he was genuinely curious about her.
Was bringing up Harriet just bait, or was she the actual target?
He couldn't yet tell if her intention was to use Harriet as an excuse to get closer to him, or if her sole purpose was to disparage the girl. If it was the latter, there was no need to listen further. But if it was the former, he needed to know why she was so desperate to bridge the gap between them.
Bella Listerwell, who showed no reaction after I rejected her once before, has suddenly approached me. Either she’s jealous of Harriet’s success and wants to tear her down, or someone promised her a reward for acting as a pawn.
If there was someone behind her, he needed to dig them out. He had a few suspects in mind, but he needed decisive evidence or testimony to deliver a knockout blow.
If I wait, she’ll come back. She’s the one who wants something, after all.
He decided to set a simple trap. A private party invitation would likely be enough to draw her out.
*
Cedric recalled his encounter with Bella again the next day because of Jeremia.
"I saw you talking with a young lady named Bella yesterday," Jeremia remarked, tilting her head as they shared tea. Her tone was casual, but it was a question that demanded an answer.
"It was nothing significant."
"..."
Jeremia, seemingly unsatisfied, continued to watch Cedric with a thin smile. He knew his mother’s nature well; if he was involved with a young woman, she would cling to the lead relentlessly. He also knew this was part of the reason his marriage had been delayed for so long.
Cedric sighed. "Countess Arens brought her over and introduced her."
"Countess Arens wouldn't have anything to ask of you... So, that young lady must have used the Countess."
Cedric merely shrugged.
"Her purpose?"
"I don't know yet."
"Interesting."
Only then did Jeremia pick up her teacup. But it seemed her comment about being interested in Bella wasn't just idle talk.
"What about the girl herself? They say she’s the most beautiful woman in high society."
"Appearances aren't everything. Some poisonous mushrooms are beautiful, while the most potent medicinal ones are often gnarled and strange."
"But appearances are an effective weapon. You can achieve quite a lot with them—more than you’d think. Though, I suppose you know that best."
"Thank you for giving birth to me with such a face, then. It’s true that things are sometimes easier because of it."
Cedric didn't deny it, nor was his pride hurt. Why should he be offended by the suggestion that he made good use of the weapons he possessed?
"Puhuhu. Sometimes I pity the young ladies who fall for you. But don't get complacent. When you face an opponent on whom that weapon doesn't work, things can actually become much more difficult."
"...I know."
Cedric sighed again and drank his tea.
Jeremia might not have intended her words for anyone specific, but the moment Cedric heard them, he thought of Harriet.
I wish she’d at least like my face.
It was clear she felt some kind of affection for him, but he couldn't quite pinpoint what it was. Sometimes she would blush or avert her gaze, making his heart flutter; other times, she would look at him like a kindly patron, making him feel twisted inside.
At least it’s good that there are things only I can do for her. If she leans on me more and more, then someday...
Yes, someday.
Just as Cedric picked up his teacup to hide the smile threatening to break across his face, the door to the tea room swung open. Butler Herbert approached quickly, whispering in his ear.
"Sir Benjamin Nelson has arrived with an urgent message, Your Grace."
The only reason Benjamin would come in such a rush was regarding the medicine bottle Harriet had entrusted to him.
Cedric immediately called him in.
Benjamin practically ran into the room, his usual dignity forgotten. He offered a hurried bow to Jeremia, then looked to Cedric, his eyes asking if he could speak freely in front of her.
Only after Cedric nodded did Benjamin pull the medicine bottle from his bag.
"Where did the young lady say she obtained this medicine?"
"Is there a problem?"
"A problem? Your Grace, this is a drug that hasn't even been approved for public sale!"