Chapter 17

“… Heouk.”

Cedric grabbed himself by the neck. He incessantly scratched his neck, heavy breaths proliferated.

Rigion asked with an anxious face.

“Your Grace … are you alright? Jasper! Go get the medicine!“

Whoo.

Cedric swept his forehead. The sweat disheveled his jet black hair.

“It’s alright, don’t mind.“

“But …”

Rigion stamped his feet in frustration.

Today, Cedric Evans contained a somewhat menacing atmosphere.

It was indeed, a very rare sight for an expressionless man who was never shook for any reason.

“Your state is a bit … It seems to have worsened.”

“I told you it was nothing, Rigion.”

Cedric spat out, while loosening his sleeve buttons.

Nonetheless, he was also very aware.

That his subordinate’s statement was true.

For the past month, Cedric’s condition turned jagged. There was only one difference that occurred a month ago that may have affected him.

He no longer meets her regularly.

‘… Well, it doesn’t matter.’

Cedric bit his lips as he brushed off those useless thoughts.

His right hand unbuttoned his left sleeve. His heart felt strangely stuffy.

“Ho, it’s like …”

“It feels as if I entered a deep forest.”

The gentlemen’s passion were inflamed as they rubbed their jaws in bewilderment.

I managed to downplay my proud smile.

“My lady, this is an ideal object. Not only is the scent refreshing, it also feels like one’s body is lighter.”

“That’s true. And with this subtle scent, wouldn’t it also be suitable for a man?”

“Certainly, it’s a scent that men won’t feel pressured into using.”

Then, a man who had been gazing at the perfume bottle with greedy eyes, replied.

“My lady, could you bring another perfume just like this one?”

“I will just give it as a sign of gratitude, since you favor the scent to this extent.”

“Oh! Are you sure?”

The man’s eyes widened. Then, the surrounding gentlemen rushed to block him.

“Wait, don’t cut in line! I was here before you!”

“Ah, Count, what does that have to do with anything? The lady herself said she would hand it to me.”

“That’s unfair! Lady Winston, could you give me another chance to see the perfume? I’m going to spray it a few times; his presence bothers me.”

“No, I’m the first one who earned permission!”

When the calm salon turned to a fuss, I quickly intervened in the fight.

“I’m sorry everyone. Today, I had only brought one bottle for my personal use … However, since you like it this much, it would be within my power to send you each a bottle.”

“Yes! Is that true?”

“It’s an honor, my lady!”

I flatly refused their offer to pay for the bottles.

It was because I didn’t come here to do business. I was just here to build a base for my foundation.

Having quickly sorted things out before receiving too much attention, I headed to belatedly, formally greet the manager of the social club.

“Hello, Countess Atalante. I have greeted you quite late. I am Ariel Winston.“

“Ah. You’re Charlotte’s friend, aren’t you? … Well, nice to meet you.“

Atalante nodded her head.

Contrary to her response, she didn’t seem very welcoming. Did she perhaps notice I came here initially to perform my business?

I looked at Countess Atlante in the eyes. Nonetheless, I didn’t feel any hostility directed from her. Although faint, there was a slight sign of disapproval.

… Am I really caught?

While I underwent the notion, someone approached me.

“Haha, don’t worry too much, Lady Ariel.“

Rupert leisurely replied as he handed me a glass of wine. He then naturally led me behind the pillars, far away from Countess Atalante.

“Lady Atalante isn’t usually interested in strangers. Besides, she doesn’t get along very well with Lady Charlotte, the person who introduced you.”

“… She doesn’t get along with Lady Charlotte?”

No way. I thought everyone would favor Charlotte? She possessed a personality no one could possibly detest.

I blinked, unable to understand.

“Yes. I’ve heard the two of them were always the top scholars during their Academy years, and since then, it has been something like … a rival relationship.”

“Aha …”

I nodded slowly. Unfortunately, it would be difficult to sell perfume to Lady Atalante today.

“By the way, Lady Ariel.”

Rupert suddenly called for me, his voice deep. I gained goosebumps as I heard his voice, both elegant and alarming.

“Yes?”

“You may be taken aback since this is still our first meeting …”

Rupert carefully raised his hand. Then, he lifted the back of my hand and brought it to his lips.

“I fell in love with my lady at first sight. I wished to let you know that although you could be flustered by it.”

… So suddenly?

I glanced around.

Fortunately, we were subtly hidden by the pillars, so I didn’t have to worry about other people’s gazes.

Well, how do I answer that?

I thought Rupert wouldn’t be that bad as a fake lover. However, I didn’t wish to become a brand new member, known for snatching a man since the first day. It’s a bit … That would be the impression that I would leave on them, as if I came here to see a man.

“Sir Rupert, thank you, but this is a bit sudden …”

“I don’t wish for an answer right away. I also want to have time to get to know each other slowly and not rush the Lady.”

“Ah …”

“Have you heard that a week later, a masquerade will be held at Marquis Kruger’s?“

“… I’ve heard so.”

“Please attend. I hope you bestow upon me time to dance with the beautiful lady.”

Ugh … This person, every single line of his is cheesy.

If it weren’t for his handsome face, it would’ve been difficult for me to hold it any longer. I asked with a casual smile.

“But it’s a masquerade, isn’t it? How will you recognize me?”

“Please come wearing a mask embroidered with red flowers, my lady. Then, I’ll be a butterfly only for my Lady… I’ll fly to my Lady.”

… Wow, that was really bad.

I blinked, my mind blanked out. The bell inside my head was ringing.

Is this him using his face?

No, I can’t forgive him, even with such a face.

I gulped down the glass of wine at once, as if I had swallowed thirty pieces of butter.

TLN: I don’t much understand the ‘thirty pieces of butter’ part, however this might indicate Ariel gulping down her disgusted feelings.

‘Wait, Ariel. Even if you won’t necessarily be in a romantic relationship, it’ll be helpful to keep your face well-versed.’

I spoke quietly to Rupert.

“I’m sorry if this is a straight-forward statement, but I don’t want a serious relationship.”

I only needed a lover for the outside world. Even if I agreed to date this man, I needed to make sure of this fact.

Rupert smiled broadly.

“Oh, my Lady. Even that would fit perfectly fine with me.”

I sighed.

He’s way too qualified, this man.

“I’ll see you at the ballroom, then.”

“Thank you, Lady Ariel. I look forward to that day.”

Only then did Rupert part with me. I sighed deeply as I observed his distant back.

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

As time passed, the day of the ball arrived.

Ever since coming to this world, I’ve attended all the dance balls; however, this was the first masquerade for me.

I took a sip of my champagne amidst the keen atmosphere filled with many masked guests, before a woman slightly collided with my elbow.

“Oh, excuse me.”

The person apologizing in the other’s stead penetrated a subtle lilac scent. It smelled very familiar. I unconsciously smiled broadly.

“No, it’s all right.”

I beamed lovingly towards the woman in front of me. They were a customer who had bought my perfume. How could I get angry for a slight wallop?

My radiant smile suddenly disappeared as I sighed in dejection. This was because of the difficulty I had forgotten for a while now.

‘Should I use this?’

I fell into deep agony as I glanced towards my pouch.

There was a petal-shaped mask inside. It was a fancy one, different from the ordinary and plain ones which were used in ordinary circumstances.

‘Come wearing a mask embroidered with red flowers, my lady.’

Rupert’s voice from a week ago wandered around my mind.

It was hard to agree to that nice voice that spoke those unforgivable, cheesy words.

‘It’s true I need a fake lover, but … is this person the appropriate partner?’

Both his appearance and conditions were definitely a passing score.

As far as I heard, Rupert changed his lovers in an instant; however he seemed to be a good person with a promising personality.

While I thought of various topics, someone approached me.

“Hello, beautiful lady. If you don’t mind, would you allow me a song?“

A well-dressed gentleman asked for a dance. I politely declined him.

“I’m sorry. I have made a previous engagement.”

“Pardon me. Then, have a good night …”

The man greeted her and left, not bearing to hide his regret. I could see him approaching another woman right away.

I sighed lightly. Most of the nobles who attended a masquerade would aim for a thrilling night with a stranger. Perhaps, because of that, the number of flirtations that poured upon me were vast.

However, I couldn’t stand here refusing forever. Just as I thought so, Rupert could be seen searching far away. He was the only one wearing a mask with a colorful butterfly.

‘Since I’ve come this far … let’s go meet him.’

It was the moment I pulled out the petal mask from inside my pouch and attempted to swap it with the one I was wearing.

A voice called for me.

“Would you like to dance? My lady.”

I opened my mouth reflexively to spit out my refusal.

However, instead of saying anything, my lips hardened.

This voice.

‘… Surely.’

I must have misheard because of the noisy surroundings.

As if to mock my guess, the tall man in front of me smiled.

The mask only showed half his face, yet it was clear. I whispered in a thin tone.

“… Your Grace?”

Instead of answering, the tip of the mouth exposed underneath the black mask drew an oblique angle.

For some reason, such a charming smile stiffened my body, like a prey who had been caught by a hawk.