Chapter 145
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 145
Benedict remained silent until they reached a secluded balcony. He kept glancing around, sipping his champagne nervously before finally finding his voice.
"The rumors say the purpose of today’s gala is to find you a wife. Is there any truth to it?"
"It’s all a matter of interpretation, isn't it?" Cedric replied smoothly. "I didn't host the event with that specific intention, but if I were to marry someone I spoke with here, the rumor would technically become true."
"Do you happen to have any young ladies in mind?"
"Are you truly that curious, Uncle?"
"Of course I am! Anyone who serves the Ducal House would be. The position of Duchess is of no small importance, you know."
Cedric chuckled and shrugged. "It seems you cared a great deal for my mother."
"Naturally! Especially since your mother was none other than the Imperial Princess. Come to think of it, your future spouse will have quite a burden to bear. No matter who she is, she’ll be compared to her."
"There is no reason to evaluate different people by the same standards. Anyway, was my marriage the urgent matter you wanted to discuss?"
"Uh, well..."
Just as Benedict was about to speak, someone approached and greeted them.
"Oh, there you are! I am John Listerwell. Thank you for inviting us to the party."
Cedric turned to find John wearing a welcoming expression, his daughter Bella standing beside him. Cedric was about to politely ask for a moment of privacy, but Benedict waved his hand dismissively.
"No, no. It seems you’re busy today, and I’d feel guilty monopolizing your time. Let’s talk later."
John looked flustered and tried to stop him. "Oh dear! My apologies. It seems we’ve interrupted your conversation. Please, continue."
"Not at all. It’s my fault for cornering the busiest man in the room and droning on about boring trifles. Cedric! These people came all this way to greet you, so do have a chat with them."
Benedict offered a genial smile and made his exit, leaving John and Bella behind. The two offered apologetic smiles of their own.
Benedict, who had lured him away only to ramble about useless things, and the Listerwells, who had appeared at the exact moment he tried to leave.
This was no coincidence. Cedric could already see the outlines of their scheme.
Bella Listerwell... She’s mobilizing every resource she has to achieve her goal.
Of course, her ultimate motive remained unclear. Was Bella the instigator, or were Benedict and Marquess Pascal orchestrating things from the shadows? Regardless, the person he needed to investigate had delivered herself to him. There was no reason to refuse.
He signaled a passing servant and requested champagne for John and Bella.
"Thank you, Duke!" John seemed deeply moved by the small gesture of consideration, while Bella elegantly took a sip of the wine.
"This champagne is truly exquisite. It’s quite different from what is usually served at these functions... It reminds me of Leveret."
Cedric was genuinely surprised. The drinks for today’s guests had been meticulously selected for this long-awaited occasion. A true connoisseur might identify it, but it wasn't a common enough vintage for a young woman to recognize after a single sip.
"...That’s correct. It’s Asti, considered a sibling to Leveret. They are very similar. It seems you have a refined palate for wine."
"I simply remembered it because I enjoyed it once before. But it truly suits today’s party well."
"And why is that?"
"It’s less saccharine and carries a heavier body than the usual Allen Mac or Baypool, doesn't it? The effervescence isn't frivolous, and the bouquet is rich. I thought such qualities suited the atmosphere of the Ducal House perfectly."
Cedric nodded slowly. He tilted his glass, then set it down on a nearby table.
Bella’s assessment was largely correct. This champagne—not overly sweet, with fine bubbles that rose steadily—was one of the subtle tools used to highlight the difference in status between his house and others. It had been Jeremia’s decision, of course.
Just then, another guest approached and spoke to John.
"John! Come over here for a moment. There’s someone I’d like to introduce... Oh! Duke Kailas, you’re here as well!"
Both John and Cedric turned toward the newcomer.
Seizing the opening, Bella brushed the rim of the glass Cedric had just set down. Her fingertips were dusted with a fine coating of Angelic Powder. It was a swift, concise, and natural movement; no one would have noticed a thing.
While she "worked," the man who had interrupted launched into a lengthy praise of the party before winking at John.
"Actually, I have an acquaintance I’d like John to meet... Are you two planning on a long conversation?"
"No," Cedric replied. "We were just exchanging greetings."
"Then, if you’ll excuse us, I’ll steal this man away. Hey, don't interrupt the young people; you come with me."
John glanced between the man and Cedric, bowed his head in apology, and followed.
Only Bella remained at Cedric’s side. She watched her father’s retreating back, then turned to Cedric with a sweet smile.
"This is truly a magnificent party. It took so many greetings just to make it this far."
"Lady Bella is quite the celebrity in high society herself, after all."
"Hardly as much as the Duke. I’d like to get some fresh air for a moment... What do you say?"
Bella gestured toward the balcony. Cedric smiled faintly and nodded. He picked up his champagne glass again and followed her out, closing the door behind them to block out the prying eyes of the ballroom.
The sun had not yet fully set. The sky was dyed a deep orange, and the air seemed to carry the heavy scent of blossoms.
"Spring is truly wonderful. The whole world is fragrant."
Bella left Cedric’s side and approached the railing. The Ducal House’s gardens spread out below—astonishingly beautiful and meticulously maintained, with delicately pruned trees and vibrant flowers. For a fleeting moment, Bella imagined how lovely it would be to host her own tea parties in such a garden. Then, she turned to the business at hand.
"Lately, strange rumors have been circulating regarding you and Harriet. Have you heard?"
Cedric walked over slowly and stood beside her. His silence was affirmation enough.
"It’s a rumor that won't help you in the slightest... Isn't that right?"
"Am I expected to go around explaining myself to everyone? False rumors tend to dissipate if left alone."
"Hmm, I don't think it will be that simple this time. Everyone knows the Grand Duchess is rushing your marriage. Any woman who stands by your side is bound to attract attention, no matter who she is."
Bella looked up at Cedric, her gaze sharpening.
"But if that woman happens to be Harriet—who already has a scandalous reputation... Well, wouldn't people begin to take you lightly? All sorts of unqualified women will flock to you."
"That is not something I need to concern myself with."
"You might change your mind once you’re buried under dance invitations. When the waltz begins in that ballroom tonight, you’ll understand exactly what I mean."
Cedric’s fingers tapped a rhythmic tap-tap-tap on the stone railing. After a moment, he spoke.
"Let’s change the subject. This isn't your concern, is it?"
Bella let out a soft, airy laugh and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Ruby earrings dangled from her lobes; she was wearing a matching ruby necklace as well.
As he watched her, Bella tilted her head. "How about we help each other?"
"Help each other...?"
"You don't want to be bothered by women, do you? And frankly, you don't seem particularly interested in marriage, either."
It was an undeniable truth. Cedric was about to take another sip of his champagne, but he paused and set the glass back down.
"And?"
"Use me. Let it be known that the woman rumored to be with you isn't Harriet, but Bella Listerwell."
"Before I ask why I should do that, aren't you already engaged to James Cheslow?"
Bella took a step closer to him. "That is exactly what I want to gain from this arrangement. A 'broken engagement.'"
Cedric frowned as if he’d heard something nonsensical. Bella sighed.
"That engagement was never what I wanted."
"That... is unexpected."
"I know. James is more than I deserve. But at the same time, he was a burden. You know how famous his relationship with Miss Daphne was."
Bella’s face contorted, her expression shifting into one of deep, practiced sorrow.
"I had to make an advantageous marriage for my family. When James pursued me, I couldn't refuse my father’s command."
"But what makes you want to defy your father now? Breaking an engagement is several times more difficult than refusing one."
"I thought I could endure it! But... as the wedding approaches, I’ve realized something. I’ve never experienced true love in my life."
Her clear eyes trembled, and tears began to well at the corners.
"I want to experience true love. You can laugh at me and call it childish or naive. But I don't want to be a mere asset sold off for the sake of my family."
Swallowing her tears with a ragged breath, Bella spoke again.
"If a scandal breaks out between us, the Cheslows will take issue with it. My father will believe I have a chance with you and permit the engagement to be broken."
"And after that?"
"After some time passes, we can part ways with a suitable excuse. My father might be angry, but I don't care."
Cedric chuckled at the audacity of her plan.
"Why should I risk public scrutiny to manufacture a scandal with you? A scandal with Lady Harriet would be preferable. At least I can control that one."
"Because," Bella said, her eyes regaining their confident glint, "you’ll gain something from this, too."