~Chapter 142~
It had been a long time since an evening party was held at the Kailas estate. During the war, the head of the house had been away, and after the victory, they had refrained from holding any grand parties to honor the late Lord Rowen. But for a family as prominent as the Kailas, it had become an issue to go so long without hosting an event. Their parties weren’t just for eating and drinking; they were where all sorts of political signals were exchanged.
Of course, this time, there was another reason for the party.
“Cedric, make sure you dance with as many young ladies as possible tonight. You need to get married next year.”
Jeremiah came to Cedric while he was getting ready for the party, delivering the message almost like an order.
Cedric, dressed in his evening coat, was checking his bowtie in the mirror when he looked at his mother, who now appeared even more determined than usual, and asked, “Did you really plan this party just to find me a wife?”
“Don’t brush this off as a joke. You’re the Duke of Kailas. You need to have heirs and continue the family line.”
Jeremiah’s nagging made Cedric smile lightly as he adjusted his shirt sleeves.
Jeremiah’s concerns were natural. She was still worried about him.
“I know there’s someone you have your eye on, but marriage isn’t something to decide on a whim. It’s better to talk to women whose circumstances are similar to yours.”
“I’m surprised to hear you say something like that, Mother.”
“Well, I’m the only one who can say it. I threw my life away on a foolish love, and in doing so, I made myself, your father, and even you unhappy. So don’t make the same mistake I did.”
At those words, Cedric’s hand froze.
“Mother.”
His red eyes, full of cold passion, fixed on his mother’s reflection in the mirror.
“Father only talked about you in his final moments. Even though I was right in front of him, all he could do was repeat, ‘Take care of your mother.’”
At that time, Cedric had honestly felt hurt. He had wondered why his father, who had always been distant, suddenly sought his mother in his final moments. He had been confused.
But now, Cedric understood.
“Father loved you. He just wasn’t good at expressing it. His life wasn’t tragic because of you.”
“Cedric…”
“And don’t assume that my life has been unhappy just because you think it should be. In fact, these days, I’m quite content.”
Jeremiah’s face went pale as she gripped the hem of her dress.
Cedric had never spoken this way before. She realized that in the time she had been focused on herself, Cedric had grown into an adult.
While she had been hiding behind her position as the youngest in the royal family, Cedric had taken the world on his shoulders, facing it with quiet strength. He had drawn a line, signaling that he didn’t want her involvement in his life anymore.
Jeremiah smiled bitterly, realizing how much her son had changed.
“Well, if that’s how you feel, I won’t say more. You’ll handle it in your own way.”
Jeremiah was about to turn and leave, but Cedric stopped her.
“Mother.”
“Hmm?”
Cedric turned slightly from the mirror and looked at her with a smile, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
“I heard you know the woman I’m interested in.”
Jeremiah, unsure of how to respond to his sudden question, hesitated for a moment, but Cedric added calmly, “If you know her, please be kind to her. She might become family one day.”
“Are you serious?”
“I don’t joke about things like this.”
Jeremiah knew Cedric wasn’t the type to make such comments lightly.
When he was about six, a guest had jokingly suggested he marry his daughter. Cedric hadn’t even responded. The girl had ended up crying, but looking back, Cedric’s silence had been the right approach.
Jeremiah realized that Cedric was being serious now.
“I’ll watch for now. I’m not sure about her yet,” Cedric said.
“I see. By the way, you look great in that outfit,” she added, trying to divert the conversation.
Cedric, his usual sharp gaze softened, looked at his mother for a moment before turning back to the mirror.
Jeremiah left the room, feeling a strange discomfort at how much her son had changed, now standing before her as a man she didn’t quite recognize.
***
The Party at Kailas Estate:
Later that evening, Cedric stood before a mirror, checking his appearance one last time. His neatly styled hair, flawless skin, and carefully applied lip balm on his lips made him look perfect, but despite his appearance, he felt a strange bitterness in the air.
‘Was it worth all the preparation?’
He laughed softly at his own reflection.
A party like this was a headache. It involved hours of standing, talking to people, keeping track of relationships, managing potential enemies, and keeping an eye on those who might pose a threat to his family. But tonight, the atmosphere felt different.
His heart raced at the thought of Harriet coming. Just knowing she would be there made him care more about his appearance than usual.
‘What will she think of me now?’
Despite all his planning and appearances, he was still uncertain about how Harriet would see him. He had heard the rumors, and now, with the party and their growing public connection, he feared how much attention it would draw to her.
He longed to dance with her, but he knew that doing so would bring even more rumors. He couldn’t risk it. Not yet.
His thoughts were interrupted when Herbert knocked on the door.
“Your Grace, the party is about to begin.”
“I’m coming.”
Cedric took one last look at himself in the mirror before stepping out to join the party.
The glittering evening had begun.
***
Roxana’s Debut at the Party:
“Miss Roxana!”
“It’s been a while, Countess Hastings.”
“Trisha had a child late in life, huh? I had a feeling this would happen,” said Countess Hastings, laughing as she greeted Roxana.
“Thank you for your kind words.”
Roxana, preparing for her debut at the Kailas estate, was met by Trisha’s old friend, who was to be her guide for the evening. Harriet couldn’t help but wonder if there was anything she could help with tonight. Roxana was Trisha’s trusted assistant, and she was far more familiar with the ways of high society than Harriet.
Roxana’s dress from the Rubar Fashion House, the family heirloom jewels from Trisha, and the perfectly styled hair and makeup made her look like a true noblewoman.
‘Trisha probably smiled when I offered to help.’
Harriet stayed close to Roxana, but as she glanced around the party, she realized the evening wasn’t as flashy as she had imagined. Despite the grand chandelier, exquisite drinks, and impeccable food, the real charm lay in the people.
Harriet, now more confident than before, shifted her focus to the guests, who all seemed to carry an air of wealth and power. This party wasn’t just about displays of luxury—it was about the connections and relationships being built and tested.
***
The party at the Kailas estate had begun, and the night was only just starting to unfold.
