Chapter 79
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 79
‘It’s a relief that people still hold a high opinion of Viviana. No doubt, that is the result of years of her meticulous reputation management.’
Of course, even with such a well-established reputation, a single word from Bella had been enough to send Viviana’s honor plummeting. The reverse, however, would have been impossible.
The power to cast someone as a villain with a mere flick of the tongue—that was the weapon Bella wielded, and Viviana herself had inadvertently helped sharpen it. Bella had skillfully used that edge to unite her allies and systematically eliminate her enemies.
‘But it won’t go your way anymore, Bella. It will take a massive effort to undo the false rumors you’ve spun, but I am more than prepared to put in the work.’
Harriet chose a direct approach. To escape the infamy Bella had cast upon her, neutralizing Bella’s primary weapon had to be the priority.
Her eagerness to champion Viviana’s cause wasn’t driven solely by a desire to save those suffering at Bella’s hands; there was a cold calculation underlying her actions. The price for this assistance was a standing commitment to attend Annabelle’s tea parties for the foreseeable future, but if that was all it took to stifle the rumors surrounding Viviana, it was a bargain Harriet was willing to strike.
In truth, this was only possible because Annabelle harbored a quiet rivalry with Bella. More valuable than securing Annabelle's help was the confirmation that others secretly detested Bella as well.
‘If only I’d known this before, I wouldn’t have suffered so much.’
Though she regretted the time she’d allowed to slip away, she chose to be grateful that she could still set things right.
* * *
“Cedric!”
Edgar still hadn't returned from the dance floor. Instead, a far less welcome face greeted Cedric.
“Albert.”
Cedric set his champagne glass on a nearby table and stood straight. The man approaching was Albert Kingsley, Benedict’s son and Cedric’s older cousin. He wasn't alone.
“I thought I’d introduce you to some of my friends. Everyone, say hello. As you know, this is Cedric, the Duke of Kailas. My younger cousin.”
Draping an arm over Cedric’s shoulder with feigned intimacy, Albert introduced the Duke as if he were a mere subordinate—a condescending habit clearly inherited from his father. His attitude, suggesting he could manipulate the Ducal House however he pleased, was irritating every time they met, but Cedric merely offered a relaxed smile and a slight nod.
Albert, whether genuinely oblivious to his cousin’s true feelings or simply pretending to be, continued the introductions nonchalantly.
“On this side, we have Duane Morris, Cain Hensler, and Jonathan William. And these lovely ladies are Christine Walter and Leslie Ozer.”
The three young men and two beauties—one blonde and one raven-haired—smiled brightly as they offered their greetings. Soon, a flurry of vapid conversation began.
“You’re remarkably tall up close. Are you really 190 centimeters?”
“Not quite that tall.”
“It’s just that you’re short, so he looks like a giant. Hahaha!”
“Who did you come with today? You don’t seem to have a partner.”
“I came with a friend, but I’ve lost track of him.”
“What about Miss Christine or Miss Leslie? Both are stunning; they certainly wouldn't be lacking by the Duke's side.”
The unwelcome, uninteresting remarks were beginning to grate on Cedric’s nerves. Yet, he couldn't simply brush them off and walk away; even a Duke had to mind the sting of a reputation for rudeness.
Albert had anticipated exactly this.
‘Let’s see how long our magnificent Duke keeps his composure.’
He chuckled, surreptitiously passing a small glass vial to Leslie, who was standing just behind Cedric. She took it, carefully uncorked the vial, and let several drops of a transparent liquid fall into the champagne glass Cedric had been drinking from.
Having confirmed the deed was done, Albert waved his hand at his friends as if only just realizing they were bothering his cousin.
“Oh, come on, everyone, that’s enough! He can’t keep up with all of you! My apologies, Cedric. Everyone just wanted to see the legend in the flesh.”
“I’m nothing special.”
“What do you mean, nothing? You’re a magnificent and capable Duke! But are you truly not interested in Miss Christine or Miss Leslie? If you’re amenable, I’d be happy to play matchmaker.”
“These ladies will find far better matches. Men much more attentive than an indifferent fellow like me.”
It was a self-deprecating answer, but to Albert, it sounded like: How dare you bring such women to me, not knowing their place?
He suppressed the urge to sneer and said, “Still, you never know what fate has in store, so don’t draw such a hard line. Anyway, let’s have one toast before we part. Come on, raise your glasses!”
At the prospect of getting rid of the boisterous group, Cedric willingly raised his glass.
“It was a pleasure meeting you all. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening.”
“Cheers!”
They clinked their glasses and drank simultaneously. Confirming that the level of liquid in Cedric’s glass had noticeably dropped, Albert relaxed his tightly wound nerves and began ushering his friends away.
“Alright, alright, we shouldn’t monopolize a busy man. Let’s go.”
His face showed a hint of feigned regret, but his internal thoughts were entirely different.
‘I used a concentrate ten times more potent than standard Angelic. Even a single sip should be enough for the drug to take hold.’
If Cedric had drained the whole glass, he might have acted like a dog in heat in front of the entire nobility, but Albert decided not to be too greedy. He subtly leaned toward Leslie and whispered, “The rose conservatory in the garden. You know where it is?”
“Of course.”
“I’ll bring a crowd there in about ten minutes. Make sure the scene is set.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll ensure the Duke of Kailas is stripped of his dignity in front of everyone.”
They exchanged a dark, meaningful smile.
* * *
As Albert and his entourage departed, Cedric’s smile vanished instantly. He glared at their retreating backs.
‘I heard he’s been dabbling in the pharmaceutical business lately, but the people he associates with have only gotten worse.’
Bloodshot, unfocused eyes, disheveled attire, coarse speech, and frivolous laughter—every single trait was something Cedric utterly despised. To make remarks treating the women in their own party like common escorts was the height of vulgarity. Then again, considering how the women had been casting him seductive glances and needlessly brushing against him, Albert’s assessment might not have been far off.
Cedric reached for a sip of champagne but paused, deciding to swap his glass for a fresh one. He didn't want to put the glass he’d clinked with Albert back to his lips.
He took a sip from the new glass and scanned the ballroom once more. His gaze eventually landed on a woman with dark chestnut hair wearing a pink dress.
‘The balcony this time? What could she possibly be digging up there with no one around?’
His audacious business partner, Harriet, was moving through the vast ballroom with singular focus. She was trying to appear natural, but to Cedric, who had been watching her the entire evening, her intentions were transparent. Harriet was hunting for information.
‘I wonder if she’s picked up anything useful?’
Cedric let out a soft laugh and took another sip of his drink. He thought it was the same champagne as before, but a strange warmth began to rise, suggesting it was a different, slightly stronger vintage.
“Hmph... Am I actually drunk?”
He tilted his head, then quickly changed his mind. This felt fundamentally different from intoxication. It wasn't nausea, but a strange, rolling heat in his gut. His heart began to hammer against his ribs. His fingertips trembled slightly, and most notably, a burning sensation rose from deep within his body, as if a fire had been lit in his marrow.
Sensing something was terribly wrong, he set down his glass. His head spun, and he was suddenly enveloped by a peculiar sensation he’d never felt before. A heavy lethargy washed over him, tempting him to simply let go and zone out. He felt lightheaded, as if his feet were lifting from the floor, while a sharp tingling spread through his limbs.
‘What is this? Poison? An aphrodisiac? When was I hit? By whom...?’
Questions flooded his mind, but he couldn't find an immediate answer. Cedric calmly surveyed his surroundings. Since people rarely approached him unless he spoke first, it seemed no one had noticed his condition yet. But at this rate, it was only a matter of time before he lost control.
He needed a solution, but his mind was failing him. As his thoughts grew hazy, only one instinct remained clear: he could not allow himself to be seen like this.
‘First... I need to... get out...’
Seeking an escape, he spotted a cluster of pink fabric heading through the open doors toward the garden. Before logic could intervene, his feet were already moving in that direction. He tried to maintain his usual gait, but he couldn't be sure if he was succeeding.
Suddenly, he felt something soft brush against his left arm.