SMR | Chapter 164

~Chapter 164~

News that the Emperor had personally interrogated Albert Kingsley and thrown him into prison was printed in the newspapers and spread throughout all of Genoa.

Among the reports, what captured people’s attention the most was the story of the ship where the “Angelique parties” were held.

“…Whether they had spouses or not, no matter how noble their families were or how well-educated they were, everyone on that ship acted like animals obsessed with perverted sexual acts…”

“…Inside the boldly named ship ‘Kingdom,’ a single pill of cost nearly 100 diram, and the money spent on ‘entertainment’ ranged from 1,000 diram to tens of thousands. A family of four survives an entire week on 100 diram, yet nobles wasted enormous sums just for pleasure…”

“…The customer list remains top secret, but thanks to a few brave informants, names are slowly being revealed—including some well-known figures of high society…”

The unimaginable scale of the drug-fueled party became the hottest topic everywhere. People suddenly had a common enemy.

“See? The rich ones are always dirtier.”

“They act so superior, but they’re filthier than us.”

“All that talk about honor and refinement—what a joke!”

Even among the nobles, the Angelique party became something people openly condemned. Everyone tried desperately to prove they had not been on the ship.

If you were exposed as someone who had boarded “Kingdom,” your marriage or engagement could collapse, and you might be cast out of high society entirely.

So those who had actually been customers hid in fear, praying the storm would pass.

But the imperial family didn’t intend to spare anyone.

“Looks like His Majesty is determined. I heard he already summoned several suspected passengers as witnesses.”

Edgar shook the newspaper as he spoke.

Albert had believed he could keep the customers’ identities hidden for two reasons:

1.  The customers were essentially “partners in crime,” so none would dare confess.

2.  Since everyone wore masks, it would be hard to identify anyone with complete certainty.

But the imperial family crushed those naive assumptions.

Anyone suspected of being a customer was summoned under the pretext of a “witness interview.”

“If they confront them with evidence or corner them about their alibis, they’ll end up confessing. It’s only a matter of time before they identify everyone.”

People easily fall into self-pity, and that often turns into, “It’s unfair if I go down alone.”

“You and I predicted this, didn’t we? It was going to be mayhem.”

“True… but it’s still scary. Breakups, divorces, lawsuits—it’ll be endless.”

“That’s nothing compared to matters involving people’s lives.”

Cedric set aside the documents summarizing the rescued victims’ condition and their upcoming treatment plans.

Still, Edgar wasn’t wrong—individual consequences couldn’t be ignored, especially when someone had gone into that mess for his sake.

“I need the duke’s advice about something related to ‘that ship.’

Could you spare a moment?

– Harriet Listerwell”

Around noon, Cedric received Harriet’s letter and immediately sent word granting her request—with a note asking her to come as soon as possible.

Late that afternoon, Harriet arrived looking troubled.

“You said you needed advice?”

“Yes. Nothing has happened yet, but… I think I should prepare in advance.”

She hesitated, clearly embarrassed, before forcing herself to continue.

“Tez Roark knows I was on—that ship, Kingdom. And he’s helping Bella. I think rumors that I was a passenger will start spreading soon.”

Cedric only nodded slowly.

Harriet looked even more awkward as she spoke again.

“Shouldn’t we reconsider our plan? My reputation will hit rock bottom, and if I’m connected to you, it might cause negative public opinion toward you as well.”

Only then did Cedric lift his gaze to her.

“So you’re worried… not about your own reputation, but that I might be harmed because of it?”

“I—I mean, I’m worried about both things.”

Cedric let out a short, incredulous laugh.

“In the entire Astoga Empire, you might be the person who underestimates me the most.”

“What? How? I’ve never—”

“You assume I’m the kind of man who would abandon someone who helped me just to avoid trouble.”

“What? No, I didn’t—!”

Cedric shook his head.

“If that were true, you should’ve been demanding to know how I plan to help you.”

“I just—”

“I know. You didn’t mean anything bad. Still, it stings a little. Makes me wonder if I look that unreliable to you.”

“No, that’s not—”

Cedric enjoyed teasing her, but he stopped himself. A straight-laced girl like Harriet might take his words too seriously.

He put his teacup down loudly enough to shift the atmosphere.

“Don’t worry about anything. If your name gets mentioned, I will immediately release an announcement about the brooch. You will become the patriot who risked her safety to board that ship to help a hero of the Empire.”

The only reason he hadn’t announced it earlier… was because Harriet hadn’t wanted him to. She didn’t know how such news might be twisted.

“Like I’ve said before, I don’t want that kind of attention.”

“You returned Rowan Kailas’ keepsake. Announcing it is the least I can do. And Edgar was on the ship too—he’ll support you.”

Harriet’s eyes widened so much it looked like they’d pop out.

“Edgar Dawson was on that ship? Looking for the brooch…?”

“That’s right. Not that he was very useful.”

“Oh… I really did something ridiculous.”

Embarrassed by her own recklessness, Harriet covered her face with both hands. Even now, she didn’t know what she’d been thinking back then.

Cedric watched her with quiet amusement. The fact she couldn’t even explain her actions meant her impulsive decision had probably been driven by an emotion she wasn’t aware of.

His hand almost reached her cheek before he stopped himself. Harriet was free to be impulsive—but he had to stay absolutely rational until she became his.

“It wasn’t ridiculous. You recovered the brooch without anyone getting hurt. I’d shout your achievement across the empire if I could. Honestly… I almost wish your name would come out.”

Her expression immediately said, Are you picking a fight with me?

It was adorable.

“I doubt your name will be mentioned.”

He said it with about 90% confidence. Harriet, however, looked confused—her expression practically floated with question marks. Cedric laughed softly.

“Since you kept getting involved with Tez Roark, I looked into him. He’s not the type to do anything that disadvantages himself.”

But Harriet was still puzzled.

“If he says I was on the ship, he’d have to admit he was there too. Why would he do that now?”

“Oh! But his mask wasn’t very big. People probably realized he was Roark’s heir, right?”

“He can just deny it. And the Roark Count will cover it up for him.”

Harriet blinked cluelessly, not understanding that Cedric had investigated Tez because of her. Cedric could only sigh internally—his one-sided crush was still a long way from being obvious to her.

“Of course, this is only my guess. I could be wrong. In fact, I hope I’m wrong.”

“I hope you’re right… It’d be better if everything stays quiet.”

Harriet looked a little relieved now, her face brighter than when she arrived. Cedric spoke sincerely.

“Thank you again, for letting me keep memories of my father.”

“You don’t need to thank me… I was just lucky that day. If I’d failed, I would’ve caused major trouble for you.”

“I would’ve been glad even then.”

“That’s a lie. You scolded me so much afterward.”

Cedric burst into laughter. As always, Harriet never behaved in the way he expected—and he loved that about her.