Chapter 76
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 76
Harriet scanned the room, mentally cataloging everything she needed to accomplish today.
First, I need to give Viviana a chance to take a shot at Adam Hofner. Then, I should keep my ears open to see what’s trending lately. As for the people I need to impress today…
As she weighed the pros and cons of the faces in the crowd, she felt a radiant presence approaching from across the ballroom.
“Lady Harriet! You’ve arrived. Lady Viviana, a pleasure to see you as well.”
It was Daphne. And she was breathtaking.
“Now I understand why they say true beauty is blinding. The moment I saw you, Lady Daphne, I felt as though I might lose my sight.”
“Oh, Lady Harriet, you flatter me. But speaking of beauty, I suspect you’ll be the belle of the ball tonight. That style suits you perfectly, doesn’t it?”
“With you here, Lady Daphne, who would even spare a glance at my dress?”
Daphne wore a pale violet gown that perfectly complemented her mysterious silver hair and amethyst eyes. Her slender neckline and shoulders were exposed, evoking a delicate, protective instinct in those around her, while her diamond hairpiece and necklace made her look like a fairy queen.
She hadn't quite regained her previous weight yet, but she no longer looked as if she were on the verge of collapse. Most importantly, her smile was no longer tinged with sorrow. It was poised and serene, befitting the precious daughter of House Laurel.
“I guarantee it. From this day forward, no one will be able to dispute that you are the most beautiful woman in High Society.”
“Lady Harriet, you’re overestimating me. Though I can’t say I dislike hearing it.”
Harriet felt a wave of relief as Daphne giggled. The girl had clearly shaken off the last of her lingering melancholy. Words like ‘heartbreak’ or ‘wound’ simply didn’t suit this fairy-like creature, who looked as if she might unfurl transparent wings and flutter away at any moment.
A better match will surely appear.
Harriet was certain of it.
She couldn't keep Daphne, who had a sea of guests to greet, for long. She was no longer worried; Daphne would do just fine today.
So, now I just need to look after Viviana?
Harriet waved goodbye to Daphne’s retreating figure and looked around, searching for Melody and the others. However, Melody—whose sharp, decisive aura usually commanded attention—was nowhere to be seen.
“Lady Melody doesn’t seem to have arrived yet. Shall we wait over there with a drink?”
Harriet started to lead Viviana toward the refreshment bar, but Viviana tugged on her arm and whispered urgently.
“Uh, Harriet. That gentleman over there… he seems to have something to say to you.”
“Huh? Who?”
Harriet turned her head carelessly in the direction Viviana pointed, only to stop dead in her tracks. Cedric was looking their way, standing beside another man.
As Harriet pondered how to react, Viviana whispered again.
“He seems to have been watching you for a while. Surely he doesn’t still hold a grudge over that incident from before, does he?”
To Viviana, who had no idea Harriet was running a business with Cedric’s investment, their only connection was ‘that incident’ at the Victory Banquet. If Harriet spoke to him familiarly in front of others, it would only spark more misunderstandings.
I should pretend I don’t know him.
Just as she decided to turn away, Cedric, who had been talking to the man beside him, began to approach. With his long, purposeful strides, the distance between them closed in an instant.
But it wasn't Cedric who spoke first. It was his companion.
“Lady Harriet Listerwell, I presume? It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Edgar Dawson.”
“Pardon? Oh, yes. Hello.”
She shot Cedric a look that clearly asked, What is this about? but received no answer. Instead, Edgar offered a beaming smile.
“It’s an honor to meet the model for <Saint Clarissa Soap & Herb> in person! I found that poster truly impressive. Oh, if this conversation makes you uncomfortable, then—”
“Oh, no, not at all! I’m pleased to meet you as well.”
“To show such consideration for a boor who just barges in and acts familiar—you truly deserve your reputation as an angel! But tell me, what is the name of the beautiful lady beside you?”
As he turned his attention toward her, Viviana quickly curtsied.
“I am Viviana Delus. Master Dawson and I met once before at a banquet hosted by House Sheldon. Though it was merely our fathers discussing tedious business matters.”
“Ah, my apologies! If we had met on a more interesting occasion, I surely wouldn’t have forgotten the name of such a beautiful lady.”
As the compliments continued, Viviana’s cheeks flushed a warm pink. Harriet watched him with wary eyes, wondering if this man was trying to charm her friend. She feared Viviana might get hurt again by a frivolous flirt.
But Viviana didn't seem swayed.
“I’ll take your word for it, Master Dawson. Um… and the gentleman beside you is…?”
“Ah, in the presence of such dazzling ladies, I momentarily forgot about this dull fellow. Hey, what are you doing? Introduce yourself.”
Harriet was surprised to see someone who could actually tell Cedric to ‘introduce himself.’ And Cedric’s willingness to obey the command was equally astonishing.
“Good evening, ladies. I am Cedric Kailas. Lady Harriet, we’ve met before… do you remember?”
“Ah… Yes, of course… I do.”
Whether he failed to notice Harriet’s flustered, wavering eyes or was simply pretending not to, Cedric merely gazed at her. His stare was heavy, so Harriet turned back to Edgar.
“Surely such fine gentlemen didn’t come without partners…”
Her intention was to prompt them to leave, suggesting their partners would be uncomfortable, but Edgar complained as if he had been waiting for the opening.
“Lady Harriet, don’t you agree that I should have brought a beautiful lady as my partner? But this fellow here is like a child who can’t even attend a party alone. He insisted on sticking with me, even when I suggested we go separately!”
“Edgar. You’re being unnecessarily boisterous.”
“Don’t you dare diminish my fury with a word like ‘boisterous.’ Do you have any idea how it feels to attend a party for the first time in ages with another man?”
Harriet regretted speaking to Edgar at all. The man was loud enough to cause a headache.
If only he’d keep his mouth shut, he’d be truly handsome.
Harriet sighed and offered a half-joking suggestion.
“A party can be fun even without a partner of the opposite sex, can’t it? Or perhaps you could ask the belle of the ball for a dance later?”
At her words, Edgar looked as if he’d had a revelation.
“That’s a brilliant idea! All the flies buzzing around Lady Daphne have conveniently dispersed. You see, bees and butterflies suit flowers, but sometimes flies who don’t know their place land on them too. It doesn’t suit them at all, does it?”
“Flies…”
“You are wise, My Lady. Later, I would be honored if both of you ladies would grant me a dance.”
Harriet and Viviana nodded as if under a spell. Just then, Melody entered the banquet hall. Harriet seized the moment to make her escape.
“I’d love to chat more, but an acquaintance has arrived. Please don’t forget to find us when the dancing begins.”
“Of course! Enjoy your evening.”
With Edgar’s cheerful farewell, Harriet pulled Viviana by the arm and hurried away. Left behind, Edgar grinned and turned to Cedric.
“You were right. I’ve never seen a woman so utterly uninterested in you.”
Cedric sighed. “To strike up a conversation just to confirm that… you’re truly insane.”
“But I was curious! The famous Scandal Maker, completely indifferent to Cedric Kailas? If the rumors were true, she should have shown at least a hint of pleasure when I spoke to her earlier…”
Edgar watched Harriet’s retreating figure with an intrigued expression.
“Far from being pleased, she seemed annoyed.”
“Because you were bothering her.”
“Is that so? Anyway, I agree with your assessment. We need to revise our information on Harriet Listerwell. Just as you said, the woman is quite normal. And she’s rather easy on the eyes, too.”
He had changed his mind about her. In truth, whether she was a scandal maker or a saint didn't really matter to him—not even after he learned Cedric had invested in her business.
However, from the moment he realized Cedric couldn't take his eyes off Harriet when she entered the room, it had become a very important matter indeed.
“Even so, out of all the women here, Harriet Listerwell? Your taste is certainly peculiar.”