CBH 36

Chapter 36 …

Though it was a statement made up on the spot, to summarize, it was meant to say thank you—thanks to your intervention, something that wouldn’t have worked out before had now gone smoothly.

Countess Bryce, who had suddenly become the stepping stone in this conversation, went pale around the eyes.

Helena smiled brightly and lightly pointed toward where Benjamin was standing.

“And that person seems quite pleased to see the castle so clean as well.”

When Countess Bryce finally noticed Benjamin, her expression was as if her eyes might pop out of her head.

Benjamin, now somewhat relaxed, wore his usual charming, crooked smile and mingled with the Southern aristocrats in conversation.

Among the mediocre nobles, Benjamin, tall with a sculpted, handsome face, stood out like a rare gem.

Seeing Countess Bryce’s expression, Helena couldn’t help but giggle inwardly.

“His mind may be completely insane, but looks-wise, there aren’t many like him. Might as well use it while I can.”

Helena let out a sweet sigh.

“Honey is pleased, so I am pleased as well. I’ll consider this a small gift from Countess Bryce for the sake of our marital harmony.”

Marital harmony.

At those words, the wine in Countess Bryce’s hand sloshed as if it might overflow.

Helena, noticing her expression, smiled brightly.

“Marriage is important. Once it goes off track, it’s difficult to fix, isn’t it? I’ve heard of some men who had two mistresses in their castle even while their wives were fully aware. Can you believe that?”

At Helena’s words, Countess Bryce’s face went completely pale, as if she might faint.

“W-what… how….”

Helena clicked her tongue in thought.

Of course—it seemed that what Meriel Russell had casually mentioned earlier had been about the Bryce couple.

As some gourmets say:
“Tell me what you eat, and I’ll tell you who you are.”

Then, someone well-versed in social circles like Helena would say:
“Tell me what gossip you spread, and I’ll tell you who you are.”

She had seen countless people use their own complexes and inferiority as tools when talking ill of others.

For example, Uncle Plon, who would constantly belittle his young nephews under the guise of contributing to the family’s reputation.

Adrian Winston, Plon’s elder brother and Helena’s father, though not a prodigy, was acknowledged as capable in many fields and of excellent character.

Plon, who had spent his life living under Adrian’s shadow and accumulating inferiority, eventually became a spiteful middle-aged man who bullied others and crushed their self-esteem, just like the people who had once tormented him.

Similarly, the biggest complex of Countess Bryce—the very thing Helena had seized upon at a party—was her relationship with her husband.

“I want to tease her more, but she might cry.”

Helena patted Countess Bryce’s shoulder gently.

“Madam, you don’t look well. Shall I show you to the lounge?”

“I-I, I’m fine.”

Countess Bryce trembled all over, like a leaf caught in a strong wind.

“I-I’ll take my leave now.”

“Of course, you don’t look well. Please do.”

Helena waved her hand lightly at the back of Countess Bryce, who staggered as she turned.

‘Why bother provoking me?’

Helena didn’t hold a grudge against her, but recalling the unnecessary trouble she had caused, it felt almost a shame to let her leave so easily.

‘One more hit.’

Helena spun around and delivered her final blow.

“Honey―!”

At Helena’s cheerful voice, Countess Bryce wobbled and buckled at the knees, while Benjamin’s face looked as if Death himself had called his name.

Helena offered Benjamin the wine she had carefully chosen.

“Honey, this is the wine I picked. Please try it.”

With a reluctant expression, Benjamin took the glass, glanced around at the others, and whispered softly.

“What is it?”

“Wine.”

“Not that.”

Helena beamed.

“Oh, Honey?”

At her words, Benjamin’s face drained of color and turned almost blue.

“What is it?”

“What else? I call you Honey, so I call you Honey.”

Helena’s green eyes sparkled with playful malice, brighter than ever.

“You should call me that too.”

Meanwhile, Benjamin’s complexion was the very picture of panic.

He swallowed the wine in his hand like cold water, unsure of what else to do.

The low chuckles of those around, amused by his flustered expressions and stiff movements, reached his ears.

“Oh my, how cute…”

“A newlywed indeed.”

“This reminds me of when we got married.”

Benjamin wanted to shout at them to shut up, but couldn’t bring himself to do it.

His lips parted with great effort, as if glued together.

“H-huh…”

Helena stared at him, grinning with a face that said she found his trembling absolutely delightful—the very image of a femme fatale leading a man to ruin.

“…ny.”

People watching them with loving eyes applauded lightly, sharing in the happiness.

“Oh ho ho ho!”

Helena heard Benjamin muttering under his breath as she laughed.

“…kom.”

She assumed it was a frustrated groan escaping him.

Yet that faint “kom” followed her throughout the evening.

“Honey, shall we dance?”

“Shall we, Honey… kom.”

Even when dancing.

“Honey, how’s the food?”

“Perfect. Honey… kom.”

During the meal.

“Honey, enjoy chatting with the gentlemen.”

“I shall. Honey… kom.”

Even as the evening drew to a close, when Benjamin stayed behind to mingle with the last remaining men.

Though the faint groan—kom, or hom—was annoying, Helena leaned in and whispered sweetly as if giving a farewell kiss.

“Honey, I think we looked like a proper married couple, right?”

Benjamin whispered back in a caramel-sweet, sticky voice:

“We looked like a proper couple, so I choose death.”

Helena smirked.

“You even know how to say pleasant things.”

Back in the couple’s bedroom alone, Helena sat at her dressing table and removed her makeup.

“But what’s this kom or hom thing?”

She had been too busy to notice earlier, but now it finally caught her attention.

“Honey… hom? kom? Honeykom?”

Then she realized.

“That lunatic… called me a beehive all evening?”

Helena slammed down the oil-soaked cloth she had been using to remove her makeup and glared wide-eyed.

The banquet had been quite a success.

Nobles whose homes were relatively close took carriages back, while couples who had attended together were guided to guest rooms for an overnight stay.

Those who stayed until the very end to smoke and play poker were, unsurprisingly, the young men with plenty of stamina.

Benjamin, as the host, attended to them.

While playing poker, one man said to Benjamin:

“I never had illusions about marriage, but I do now, thanks to tonight.”

Others nodded in agreement.

“Indeed, the Count truly found an exceptional wife.”

“The sight of you two tonight must have inspired many. Truly like a picture of a beautiful couple.”

Someone asked Benjamin:

“Your Excellency, are you happy?”

With his usual crooked smile, Benjamin replied:

“Of course. Very happy.”

“Oh!”

“Everyone, don’t hesitate when it comes to marriage.”

Among the admiring men, he thought to himself:

‘I’m not the only one who has to go through this.’