SMR | Chapter 145

~Chapter 145~

As they reached the balcony, Benedict remained silent, constantly glancing around and sipping his champagne. After a while, he awkwardly opened his mouth.

“I heard the purpose of today’s party is to find your wife. Is that true?”

“Well, I suppose it’s up to interpretation. I didn’t plan this event with that goal in mind, but if, by chance, I end up marrying someone here, then yes, the rumors would be true.”

“Do you have anyone in mind?”

“Is that something you’re curious about?”

“Of course I am! Anyone associated with the Duke’s family would be curious. Is being the Duchess such an unimportant position?”

Cedric smirked and shrugged his shoulders.

“It seems you’re quite concerned about my mother, Uncle.”

“Of course! Especially since your mother was no ordinary woman—she was the Empress. When you think about it, anyone you marry will inevitably be compared to her.”

“They’re two different people, so there’s no reason to compare us using the same standards. Anyway, was your urgent matter really about my marriage?”

“Well, about that…”

Just as Benedict was about to say something, someone approached and greeted them.

“Oh, there you are! John Listerwell. Thank you for the invitation to the party.”

Cedric turned to see John and his daughter Bella standing there.

Before Cedric could ask them to move, Benedict waved his hand.

“No, no, it’s fine. I know you’re busy today, so I don’t want to take up your time. We can talk later.”

John was flustered and grabbed Benedict’s arm.

“Oh, my! Apologies. It seems we’ve interrupted your conversation. Please continue.”

“It’s not a problem. I’m the one who tried to talk to the busiest person today. Cedric, these people came to greet you, so at least talk to them.”

Benedict smiled and left, leaving John and Bella, who gave a polite smile.

Cedric didn’t believe it was a coincidence that John and Bella showed up at that exact moment.

‘Bella Listerwell… She’s using everything at her disposal to achieve her goals.’

He still wasn’t sure of the exact purpose behind their actions. Was Bella the one behind it all, or was Benedict or Marquis Pascal pulling the strings?

Anyway, since they had conveniently presented themselves, Cedric had no reason to turn them down.

He called over a servant and instructed them to bring champagne for John and Bella.

“Thank you, Your Grace!”

John seemed genuinely grateful, and Bella elegantly tasted her champagne.

“This champagne is quite delicious. It’s a bit different from what I’ve had at other parties… It reminds me of Leveret.”

Cedric was a bit surprised. The wine they were serving at this event had been carefully selected to match the occasion. Only someone who enjoyed wine would recognize it, but it was impressive that a young woman could identify it so quickly.

“Yes, it’s Asti, a sibling of Leveret. They’re very similar. You must like wine.”

“I just remembered it because I enjoyed it the last time I had it. But it fits this party really well.”

“Why is that?”

“It’s less sweet than Allen Mac or Beeful, and it has a bit of a heavier feel to it. The bubbles aren’t too harsh, and it has a rich aroma. I thought it suited the Duke’s atmosphere perfectly.”

Cedric nodded slowly, raising his glass and placing it on the table next to her.

Bella’s interpretation was pretty accurate.

This champagne, which wasn’t too sweet and had smaller, longer-lasting bubbles, was intended to set them apart from other families. Of course, that decision was made by Jeremiah.

Just then, someone else came up and greeted John.

“John! Come here for a moment. I have someone to introduce you to… Oh! Duke Kailas is here too!”

Both John and Cedric turned to look at him.

While they were distracted, Bella quickly wiped the rim of Cedric’s glass with her finger, which had a hint of Angelic powder on it. It was done quickly, smoothly, and naturally enough that no one noticed.

As she worked her ‘magic’, the man who had approached started talking loudly about the party and then gave a signal to John.

“Actually, I have a friend I’d like you to meet… Are you two planning to talk for a long time?”

“No, we’ve just been exchanging greetings.”

“Then, if you don’t mind, let me take this young man away. Don’t disturb him with your conversation.”

John glanced between the two, gave a slight bow, and followed the man.

Now, only Bella remained next to Cedric.

She looked at John’s retreating figure, then turned to Cedric and smiled.

“This is quite an amazing party. There were so many people to greet on the way here.”

“Well, you’re a well-known socialite too.”

“Should I just call you ‘Your Grace’?”

“Why not? You’re a noblewoman too. How about we step outside for some fresh air? What do you think?”

Bella gestured toward the balcony, and Cedric smiled faintly and nodded.

He grabbed his champagne glass again and followed her outside, closing the door to block the prying eyes of the others.

The sky was still a deep orange, and the scent of flowers filled the air.

“Spring is wonderful, isn’t it? The whole world smells so sweet.”

Bella walked up to the railing, and Cedric stood behind her. The Duke’s garden below was meticulously maintained, with neatly pruned trees and vibrant flowers, making it seem almost unreal.

For a moment, Bella thought how nice it would be to hold her own tea party in that beautiful garden, before turning to the main topic.

“I heard strange rumors about you and Harriet. Are you aware of them?”

Cedric slowly approached and stood next to Bella, remaining silent. His silence was a confirmation.

“It’s not the kind of rumor that’s helpful to you, is it?”

“Do I have to go around correcting every rumor people spread about me? They’ll disappear if I leave them alone.”

“Well… this time, I don’t think it’s that simple. Everyone knows that Lady Kailas is pushing for your marriage, and whoever sits next to you will automatically be in the spotlight.”

Bella looked up at Cedric and added.

“And if that person is someone like Harriet… Well, I think people will treat you differently. Women who don’t deserve it will flock to you.”

“I don’t have to worry about that.”

“You might feel different when dozens of women start asking you for a dance. Once the waltz starts playing tonight, you’ll understand what I mean.”

Cedric’s fingers tapped against the stone railing, producing a rhythmic sound. After a few taps, he spoke.

“Let’s change the subject. You shouldn’t be concerned with this, should you?”

Bella chuckled softly and pushed her hair behind her ear, revealing ruby earrings and a matching necklace.

Her gaze lingered on her jewelry for a moment before she looked back at Cedric.

“How about we help each other out?”

“Help each other?”

“You don’t want to deal with all the women chasing you, right? Honestly, you don’t seem too interested in marriage either.”

Cedric couldn’t deny that.

He put his glass down and asked, “So, what’s your plan?”

“Use me. The rumors will say that the woman you’re interested in isn’t Harriet, but Bella Listerwell.”

“Why would I do that?”

Before Cedric could ask more, Bella took a step closer to him.

“I want to break off my engagement with James Cheslow.”

Cedric frowned as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“That’s unexpected.”

“I know. James is too good for me. But at the same time, he’s been a burden. You know how famous his relationship with Daphne was.”

Bella’s face twisted with sadness.

“I had to marry for the family’s sake. When James begged me to marry him, I couldn’t refuse my father’s command.”

“Why do you want to defy your father now? Breaking off an engagement is far harder than refusing it.”

“I thought I could endure it… But as the wedding approaches, I realize I’ve never known real love.”

Her eyes trembled, and tears filled her gaze.

“I want to experience real love. Call me naive if you want, but I don’t want to be a pawn in a marriage arranged for the family.”

With a deep breath, Bella spoke again.

“Once the scandal between you and me happens, James Cheslow will make a fuss, and my father will allow the breakup. He’ll think that you and I will end up together.”

“And then?”

“After some time, we’ll find a reasonable excuse to break up. My father will get angry, but it won’t matter.”

After hearing her plan, Cedric chuckled.

“Why would I endure public criticism for a scandal with you? A scandal with Harriet would be far easier for me to control.”

“You’ll gain something from this too.”

Bella’s confidence returned as she met Cedric’s gaze.