Chapter 186
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 186
Word traveled fast that Cedric was preparing a magnificent wedding for Harriet. In particular, the news that she had become the owner of the most expensive tiara from Lundberg sparked intense interest and envy among the city's unwed socialites.
“I thought that tiara was strictly a display piece. I never imagined it would actually be sold.”
“Right? But since the Duke of Kailas was the buyer, it makes perfect sense, doesn't it?”
“Lady Harriet is so lucky. Those earrings last time were breathtaking, and now a legendary tiara…!”
Harriet, attending Annabelle’s tea party for the first time in a while, broke into a cold sweat as a flood of congratulations poured in from all sides.
If the wedding gets canceled after all these rumors, what will become of me?
Though she was brazenly playing her part, trusting in Cedric, she couldn't predict what the future held. All she could do was play the role she had been given to the best of her ability.
“When you say things like that, I truly feel embarrassed. Honestly, these gifts are far too much for me. I tried to decline, but since it is a matter concerning the Ducal House, I had to match their standards…”
“That’s right! The prestige of the Ducal House must be considered.”
“I am always careful not to tarnish their reputation.”
“What are you talking about! The Duke of Kailas would be disappointed to hear that.”
The more Harriet—feeling a sharp pang of conscience—acted with humility, the more envious those around her became. Unable to bear their admiring gazes, she eventually found herself able to respond only with a strained smile.
Once the topic of the ducal wedding passed and Harriet was no longer the center of attention, Viviana, who was sitting beside her, leaned in and whispered.
“Thanks to you, friend, I’m getting a contact high from all this smug satisfaction.”
“I’m glad at least one of us is enjoying it. My throat is parched.”
“Shall I tell you something that will cheer you up, too?” Viviana chuckled and continued. “I guarantee you, this news has reached Bella. You know how much she loves jewelry, right? Imagine how jealous she must be. She might actually need a period of bedrest to recover.”
At those words, the discomfort Harriet had felt moments ago vanished as if by magic. She finally understood why Cedric had told her to walk with her head held high. This was a strategy to confuse his enemies, and at the same time, a form of 'revenge' for her.
She hadn't intended to define her status through wealth gained from a fake fiancé, but if that was her opponent’s preferred battlefield, she saw no reason to retreat.
“You’re right. Thinking about it that way, I’m starting to feel a little excited, just as you said.”
“See? So enjoy this, Harriet.” Viviana winked.
Thanks to her friend’s encouragement, Harriet was able to embrace the situation.
Right. I decided to enjoy what I can.
A potential duchess. She willingly accepted the weight of the ridiculous title.
*
Viscount Preston, whom she met through Cedric’s arrangement, was considerably younger than she had expected—perhaps in his late thirties.
Harriet, greeting him alongside Cedric in the Kailas Mansion’s drawing room, was a little flustered, having anticipated an older man. Noticing her surprise, he offered a faint smile.
“My father fell in the Kifren War. Because of that, I inherited the title early.”
“Ah! I was rude. I apologize for bringing up painful memories.”
“There is no need to apologize. Everyone who meets me without knowing the history is usually surprised. But I am curious as to why you sought me out. No matter how I look at it, there seems to be no connection between Lady Harriet and myself…”
He responded gently. His demeanor and speech clearly marked him as a man of thorough education.
However, it was precisely that refinement that made Harriet realize persuading him wouldn't be easy. Those raised strictly as heirs do not act on emotion; they meticulously calculate the interests of their house. Just like Cedric.
To such a man, she had to present the sole testimony and circumstantial evidence of a seventy-year-old man and say, ‘I’d like to tear up the lawn of your family’s park and dredge the lake. Oh, and the House of Preston might be dragged through the newspapers.’
Please help me, Mom, Dad!
Harriet took a small sip of tea and a subtle, deep breath, trying to mask her nerves.
“There is one connection. Albrecht Park.”
At her words, the Viscount tilted his head, his expression blank.
It was understandable. It would be remarkable enough for him to recall an accident that occurred in his family’s park so long ago, but remembering the victims and their daughter was nearly impossible.
“Twelve years ago, a boating accident occurred in Albrecht Park, owned by the House of Preston. The deceased were my parents.”
“Oh, dear…”
“And today, I have a very difficult request to make of Your Lordship.”
Though she had started speaking, the thought that her path would be blocked if he refused made her swallow dryly.
“Although a long time has passed, I wish to salvage the boat my parents were in from the site of the accident.”
Sure enough, Viscount Preston’s expression clouded with trouble. But he was, as expected, a cultured and polite man. He did not offer an immediate refusal.
“I am, of course, saddened by your parents' accident, but I don’t quite understand why you feel the need to retrieve that boat now. Wouldn't it be better to use those funds to enshrine your parents' remains in a temple instead?”
“Because that boat could be evidence.”
“Evidence, you say? What kind of…”
Harriet raised her gaze and looked him directly in the eye.
“Evidence that my parents were murdered.”
Viscount Preston’s body stiffened. “Murder? Did you just say murder? It wasn't an accident?”
“Yes. I only learned of it two years ago, and as you know, I haven't had the means to pursue the matter until now.”
Now she had to reveal the truth of that day to this man as well. It felt strangely chilling to explain her trauma to a complete stranger.
Harriet told him about Baron Billay’s testimony and Bella’s confession. She tried to maintain a dry, clinical tone, but her emotions flared intermittently, causing her voice to catch.
“Bella… she even mocked me, saying there was nothing I could do. Yes, as she said, the salvaged boat might not be usable as legal evidence. But…” She clenched her teeth, fighting the tremor in her breath. “Even so, I can’t give up without even trying. I can’t let the people who took everything from me and my parents live their lives without remorse or fear!”
She couldn't finish. The injustice of it all was too overwhelming, and tears threatened to fall before she could speak another word.
While Harriet composed herself, Cedric, who had been silent until now, spoke up quietly.
“Your Lordship. When you first heard the news that your father had fallen in battle, what was the very first thought that came to your mind?”
Viscount Preston remained silent for a long moment before speaking in a heavy tone.
“…I wanted to rush there, confirm my father’s body myself, and cut down those responsible for his death with my own hands.”
“Precisely. The issue isn't just that he fell; it’s that someone’s malicious intent was involved in his death. That is what enrages us. It is the same for Harriet.”
“So, those who killed her parents then took over the family, drove out the rightful heir, and even mocked her? Ha…” The Viscount let out a cold, dry laugh. “It seems the very kind of people I despise most were involved.”
His gentle demeanor had vanished. His eyes were strikingly similar to Cedric’s—the eyes of a man who still hadn't fully recovered from his own father’s death.
However, as the head of a noble house, he did not dwell long on his sorrow. Instead, the gaze he turned back to Harriet held the compassion of a comrade.
“I can well imagine the grief you’ve endured. The House of Preston feels a degree of responsibility for the accident, and furthermore, to console Lady Harriet in her sorrow, I will permit the salvage operation.”
“Really?” For a moment, Harriet was so overjoyed she nearly sprang to her feet. It was what she had hoped for, but it felt unbelievable. “Of course, I’ll pay for the lawn restoration! And any losses incurred from the park’s closure…!”
“Lady Harriet. That is not how one consoles a friend in pain.”
“Your Lordship…!”
“I sincerely hope you can avenge your parents.”
It wasn't just empty comfort. He immediately drafted a document right there at the table. The document stated that the park would be closed to the public for three days for the salvage operation, and that during this period, all park management personnel would be mobilized to assist.
Harriet, looking at the document, made one final request.
“On the day of the salvage, I’d actually like the park to be open. Spectators will flock there.”
“What do you aim to achieve with that?”
“To create witnesses.”
Her eyes gleamed coldly.
No evidence? No witnesses? Then I’ll just create them now.
The investigation into the truth behind the Albrecht Park Boating Accident had finally, truly begun.
