Chapter 84
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 84
"How would they even know it was us? We’d use Albert to do the deed."
"Do you think those Empire bastards are fools? If they investigate Albert, they’ll find the link to Firma. Regardless, that’s not what’s important."
The Baroness took another sip of wine before continuing.
"If that bastard Cedric lives out his days as an Angelic addict before meeting a pathetic end, the Empire will likely bury the incident as quickly as possible to save face."
Even if Firma were implicated as the masterminds, the Empire wouldn't be able to publicly praise Cedric, who would have already disgraced himself. It would create an atmosphere where retaliation against Firma would be difficult to justify.
"What’s more, we can drag not only his name but Rowan Kailas’s honor through the mud. Even if the benefits aren't immediate, they will be far greater in the long run."
The decisive victory of the Kifren War had been determined in the final battle where Rowan Kailas participated, which was why Firma harbored such deep-seated hatred for him.
Leslie gnawed at her fingernails as the Baroness explained, then asked, "So, what’s the plan now? We’re going to push him into ruin rather than kill him?"
"We’ll get him addicted to Angelic. It would be best to assign someone to stay by his side."
"I can’t do it. My face is already too well-known. That idiot Albert really botched things...!"
"Don't be so hasty. There are plenty of pawns we can use. We just need to cast the bait and wait."
If there was one thing the Baroness had learned from her long years as a spy in the Empire, it was that this vast, greedy nation was overflowing with people who would betray their own family or friends for personal gain.
"I already have someone in mind, so just wait a little longer."
The Baroness smiled faintly and finished her drink.
* * *
After the Laurel family's party, a strange rumor began to circulate: Harriet Listerwell had been seen engaging in a passionate display of affection with a man in a secluded corner.
"You said you’d shed the stigma of being a Scandal Maker, so what is this? I want to hear what happened from your own lips, Harriet."
Trisha, sitting up in bed, chastised Harriet with a stern expression.
But Harriet neither blushed nor lowered her head.
"I can’t tell you the details yet, but one thing is certain: I have placed a very important person in my debt."
As wrinkles formed between Trisha’s brows, Harriet’s chest ached. She clenched her teeth. She didn't want to earn Trisha’s suspicion, but without knowing for sure what kind of drug Cedric had been under the influence of, she was hesitant to reveal the full story.
It was also uncertain whether Cedric would even want Trisha to know the circumstances of that night.
"Is it something you can’t even tell me? I am your guardian, am I not?"
"...I apologize."
"What if I sever my guardianship and kick you out of this house? Is it worth risking that?"
Harriet swallowed hard.
"I don't know for sure yet. But if I hadn't incurred this disgrace, the other person wouldn't have gotten off with so little dishonor."
"So, you did this to protect a man’s honor...?"
Harriet mumbled something incoherent, then chose to remain silent.
In truth, she was a little confused herself as to why she felt such a need to protect Cedric. The events that had unfolded beneath that dark shawl swirled in her mind, making her wonder if she was even capable of sound judgment anymore.
Yet, no matter how many times she replayed it, she knew she would have acted the same way in that situation.
"If you wish to punish me, I will accept it willingly. But I do not believe I did anything wrong."
"If you won't explain the details and simply insist it isn't your fault, what kind of judgment do you expect me to make?"
"...I apologize."
Trisha let out a deep sigh.
Harriet was clearly growing up fast. Though she still had her immature moments, Trisha considered her a wise child. But this incident had reinforced the existing perception of her as a 'Scandal Maker.' It meant the struggle ahead would be even harder.
Were my expectations too high?
Trisha was startled by the thought, and the realization made her uncomfortable.
I am not supporting Roxana or Harriet because I expect something in return. I must remember that my role is merely to be a stepping stone for these children.
She slowly nodded and looked at Harriet again.
"Very well. If you say so, I suppose I must trust you. I only hope you won't regret it."
"Yes, Grandmother."
"You cannot easily judge what is in a person's heart. You say you put him in your debt, but he might quickly forget. You could end up being the only one branded as a loose woman."
Harriet gripped the hem of her skirt.
Would Cedric forget that night? He might. He had been under the influence of a drug, so he might not remember a thing once he sobered up.
But she didn't think she would regret it.
"I will steel myself. I will hold my head high even when others point their fingers."
"Hmph! You’ve certainly grown a thicker skin."
Trisha let out a hollow laugh. The sight of Harriet growing stronger, knowing she would one day have to stand on her own, gave Trisha a sense of relief.
"Well, it’s not a bad look."
With a smile and a long sigh, she waved her hand, dismissing Harriet. Harriet rose, bowed her head, and turned to leave.
Just as she took her first step, a single phrase reached her from behind.
"Don't get hurt."
Harriet paused for a moment, then turned back toward Trisha.
Trisha, without waiting for a reply, had already turned away to lie down. Her back seemed unusually small today.
"Good night."
Harriet quietly closed the door, the image of that small back imprinted in her memory.
Though she had tried to keep her composure, her mind became a muddled mess the moment she returned to her room. Cedric’s voice, whispering as he embraced her, seemed to echo against her neck: "Don't go. Stay with me."
Harriet collapsed onto her bed, squeezing her eyes shut.
"I’m crazy. I’ve completely lost my mind!"
Ever since returning from the party, she had replayed the incident with Cedric countless times, reproaching herself. But whenever she was alone, the memories inevitably came rushing back.
Even if Cedric was out of his mind, intoxicated by the drug, what on earth had possessed her to respond to his kiss?
The most terrifying thought was Cedric remembering that night and misunderstanding her.
But alongside the self-reproach, a defensive thought suddenly surfaced: Could she really help it?
He was such a good kisser... how could I not have been swept away?!
She hadn't known kissing was like that. Before, she’d thought, How could anyone possibly enjoy swapping saliva? It’s revolting! But when she actually kissed him, there wasn't the slightest feeling of disgust.
As their tongues intertwined, a sensation she’d never imagined surged through her entire body, and all she had wanted was to revel in that ecstasy.
As Harriet recalled the memory, a sudden question made her bolt upright.
Would I have felt that way with another man?
Would the kiss have been as ecstatic if it had been someone other than Cedric Kailas? If it had been Julian Faith? If it had been Tez Roark?
Ugh. I don't even want to imagine it.
Far from ecstatic, she would have undoubtedly shuddered with shame and rage, feeling as if she had been violated.
If that was the case, it meant she liked it because it was Cedric Kailas. What did that mean?
Harriet buried her head in the pillows again and stayed there for a long time.
Cedric’s red eyes, his skin glowing faintly blue in the moonlight, his lips slick and glistening... and then...
"Why not? You want it too."
That voice, sweetly tempting.
The memories muddled her mind. Just then, the clock by her bedside chimed, signaling the hour.
Harriet gasped, like a child caught in a naughty fantasy, then let out a long sigh and murmured, "...Let's not think about it."
Yes, some things were better left buried.
Harriet sprang up and headed for the bathroom. She needed to splash cold water on her face.
* * *
Genoa had many establishments that operated discreetly, without so much as a sign. They were places for secret purposes.
Among them, the reservation-only rooms, often nicknamed 'Audience Rooms,' were highly popular for their strict secrecy regarding the identities of their patrons. Where else could lovers meet in secret to carry on their affairs?
Today, in an Audience Room called the <Ladies' Salon>, a famous couple from Genoa was meeting.
"I’m disappointed in you, Tez."
Bella, who was reclining on one end of a wide, round bed, sneered in a chilling voice the moment Tez entered the room.