SMR | Chapter 76

~Chapter 76~ 

As Harriet looked around the grand ballroom, she began organizing her thoughts. There were many things she needed to achieve tonight.

‘First, I need to help Viviana land a solid blow on Adam Hofner. Then, I’ll listen in on the latest trends and find out who’s making waves in society these days. It’d be nice to make a good impression on the right people tonight…’

Her eyes moved around subtly, assessing the room, assessing the people and their worth like a careful strategist.

That’s when she suddenly felt a bright light approaching from across the room—almost like the sun breaking through the clouds.

“Harriet! You made it. And Viviana, welcome as well!”

It was Daphne. And she looked absolutely breathtaking.

Harriet blinked, genuinely stunned. For a moment, she couldn’t find her words.

“I finally understand the saying about going blind from beauty. My eyes nearly gave out the second I saw you,” Harriet teased.

Daphne giggled softly. “Oh, please, Harriet. You’re the one looking like the belle of the ball tonight. That style suits you so well.”

“Who’s going to notice my dress when you’re standing right here in that gown?”

Daphne wore a soft lavender dress that shimmered under the lights. Her silvery hair and jewel-like violet eyes made her look like a fairy tale. The gown left her delicate shoulders and neckline exposed just enough to make her look both graceful and vulnerable. A diamond headpiece and necklace sparkled on her, giving her the royal glow tonight.

Though she hadn’t quite gained back all the weight she lost, she no longer looked fragile. And most importantly, her smile wasn’t tinged with sadness anymore.

She looked every bit the refined, confident noblewoman she had been raised to be—the golden daughter of the Laurel family.

“I can promise you this,” Harriet said warmly. “From tonight on, no one will dare challenge your place as the most beautiful woman in the social circle.”

“You flatter me,” Daphne replied with a slight blush. “But I must admit—it does feel nice to hear that.”

Watching her so radiant, Harriet felt deeply relieved. The Daphne standing before her now was no longer haunted by heartbreak. She had transformed from a fragile girl to a graceful, self-assured woman. Even if she didn’t realize it yet, Harriet knew that Daphne would find someone far more worthy of her love.

Harriet was certain of it.

Daphne had to return to greeting guests, so Harriet didn’t keep her any longer. She no longer felt the need to worry—Daphne would handle tonight just fine.

‘Now I just need to focus on Viviana.’

Waving at Daphne’s retreating back, Harriet scanned the room for Melody and her group. Melody’s commanding presence usually made her easy to spot, but today, there was no sign of her.

“Looks like Melody hasn’t arrived yet,” Harriet murmured. “Shall we grab a drink while we wait?”

But as she gently tugged Viviana toward the refreshments table, Viviana suddenly stopped and whispered, “Wait, Harriet. That man over there… I think he’s coming this way to talk to you.”

“Hmm? Who?”

Harriet turned to where Viviana was pointing—and froze.

Across the ballroom stood Cedric. And next to him was another man she didn’t recognize.

Cedric’s expression was unreadable, but his gaze was fixed on her. Harriet’s heart skipped.

Harriet hesitated, unsure of what to do. Should she wave? Pretend not to see him?

Viviana leaned in again and whispered, “He’s definitely watching you. You don’t think he still holds a grudge over what happened at the victory banquet, do you?”

Of course, Viviana had no idea about Harriet’s business dealings with Cedric. As far as she knew, the only connection they had was that awkward incident during the victory banquet.

‘I’ll just pretend not to know him,’ Harriet decided quickly.

But just as she was about to turn away, Cedric started walking toward her—with the unknown man at his side.

He moved quickly, each step long and confident, closing the distance between them in seconds.

To Harriet’s surprise, it was the man next to Cedric who spoke first.

“You must be Lady Harriet Listerwell? It’s an honor to meet you. I’m Edgar Dawson.”

“Oh—uh—yes! Hello!” Harriet stammered, caught off guard.

She looked at Cedric for help, hoping for some kind of explanation, but he said nothing. Edgar, however, smiled warmly.

“You were the model for the Saint Clarissa Soap & Herb posters, weren’t you? I found those advertisements quite striking. Forgive me if this is inappropriate—”

“No, no, not at all! It’s nice to meet you,” Harriet replied quickly.

“You’re very kind not to embarrass a stranger who suddenly approaches with such familiarity. Truly deserving of your angelic reputation. Now, if I may ask—who is this lovely lady beside you?”

As he turned to Viviana, she lowered herself politely and introduced herself.

“I’m Viviana Deluce. We actually met once before at the Sheldon family’s gathering—though it was mostly a dull business dinner between our fathers.”

“Ah! Had I met you at a more interesting event, I surely wouldn’t have forgotten such a beautiful name,” Edgar said smoothly.

Viviana blushed at the compliment. Harriet narrowed her eyes slightly. Was he flirting? She hoped he wasn’t the kind of man who played with women’s hearts. She didn’t want Viviana getting hurt again.

But Viviana didn’t seem to be affected at all. Her expression remained calm.

“I’ll take that as a compliment, Lord Dawson. And the gentleman beside you?”

“Oh, my apologies,” Edgar said dramatically. “In the presence of such radiant ladies, I nearly forgot about this dull fellow. Come on now—introduce yourself!”

Harriet blinked in surprise. No one had ever spoken to Cedric like that.

And what was even more shocking—Cedric didn’t argue. He simply stepped forward.

“Good evening, ladies. I’m Cedric Kailas. Lady Harriet and I have met before… I wonder if she remembers?”

“O-of course,” Harriet replied quickly, startled by his serious gaze.

He didn’t look away. He simply kept staring at her, calmly, almost as if he was trying to read her thoughts.

Feeling flustered, Harriet turned back to Edgar.

“You two didn’t come to the party alone, did you? I assume your dance partners are around somewhere?”

It was a polite way of saying, “You should go back to them.”

But Edgar grinned.

“Lady Harriet, do you think a man like me wouldn’t bring a charming partner? And yet, here I am—attending this lovely party with only this stiff companion by my side. I invited a friend, but he refused to let me come with my friend unless he tagged along.”

“Edgar,” Cedric interrupted, like giving a warning, “you’re being too loud.”

“Don’t downplay my frustration! Do you know how it feels to come to a grand party with just another man? A man, Cedric!”

Harriet sighed. She already regretted starting a conversation with Edgar. He was exhausting.

‘He’s handsome, sure. But if only he’d stop talking…’

I gave a half-joking smile. “Well, it doesn’t have to be a date to be fun. Why not ask the hostess for a dance later?”

Edgar suddenly lit up.

“What a brilliant idea! And since the annoying fly has finally left Daphne’s side, it’s the perfect time. You know, sometimes flies land on flowers without permission. But she deserves butterflies and bees, not pests. Don’t you agree?”

“Um… sure.”

“Wonderful! And perhaps later, you two might honor me with a dance as well?”

Both Harriet and Viviana nodded, not sure how else to respond.

Just then, Melody entered the hall.

Harriet seized the opportunity.

“Oh look—someone I know just arrived. I’d love to talk more later. Don’t forget to come ask for a dance.”

“Of course! Enjoy your evening,” Edgar said with a dramatic bow.

Harriet quickly led Viviana away.

Once they were out of earshot, Edgar chuckled and turned to Cedric.

“You were right. That’s the first woman I’ve seen who doesn’t have an interest in you.”

Cedric didn’t reply.

“I mean, usually women fall over themselves for you. But her? She couldn’t wait to get away.”

Cedric sighed. “You really spoke to her just to confirm that?”

“Well, wouldn’t you be curious? Everyone says that this scandal maker used to fall for any nobleman who showed interest. But when I talked to her, she didn’t even seem excited. In fact, I think she was annoyed.”

“That’s because you were annoying.”

“Was I?” Edgar grinned, glancing toward Harriet’s retreating figure. “You were right, though. We should stop believing the gossip. She’s not what I expected. And honestly… she’s kind of impressive.”

He shrugged.

“Whether she’s a scandal maker or not doesn’t matter to me. But the moment I noticed you couldn’t take your eyes off her—that’s when I knew she mattered.”

Cedric didn’t answer. His gaze remained on Harriet, who now laughed softly with Melody and Viviana.

Edgar crossed his arms.

“Of all the women in the empire, Cedric. Harriet Listerwell? Your tastes are… unusual.”