IBACM Chapter 140

Chapter 140

“The social scene really changes with just one rumor.”

“That’s why you have to care about your reputation. Even if you’re the future Duchess, there will always be people who badmouth you. I’ll be with you for your debut and for now, but if I can’t be there, you have to handle things well yourself.”

“Of course. Just trust me.”

“Hehe, I trust you, Marilyn.”

Thanks to earning Helena’s favor, she liked me a lot, almost like I was her granddaughter.

As we walked toward Joanna, I glanced at Ebony. She was alone.

But Ebony’s eyes were fixed on me. Our eyes met in the air, and I missed the chance to look away naturally. Just then, Joanna squeezed in between us.

“Long time no see, Countess Alleai.”

Helena smiled and returned her greeting.

“You look even more beautiful, Joanna. This is my daughter, Marilyn Aleai.”

“Nice to meet you, Marilyn. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

We shook hands, and Joanna smiled kindly, making a light joke.

“Not bad rumors, I hope?”

“Well, I haven’t heard any.”

I answered playfully and followed Helena’s advice by bringing up the things that happened in the estate to keep the conversation going.

“…So, I heard that Marquis Primrose was very pleased.”

“That was a year ago… you know about it?”

Joanna seemed surprised that I mentioned it.

“I like that story very much. It shows a lot of courage.”

Sincerely saying that, Joanna’s cheeks flushed a little shyly.

“Anyone could do it…”

“But not everyone steps up. So you should be proud.”

“…Thank you.”

Some young noble ladies who were waiting to join the conversation quickly praised Joanna.

“I’ve heard the estate people really respect Joanna!”

“Please invite me to a tea party sometime, Joanna. I want to hear the story in detail.”

Helena covered her mouth with her fan and whispered to me.

“The atmosphere is good. Keep it like this.”

Oh, great.

I tried not to babble and just nodded appropriately. When the mood loosened, subtle questions started to check the truth about the rumors.

“Marquis really cares about Marilyn, huh?”

“Did you see that? He can’t take his eyes off Marilyn!”

“I’m really jealous! Since when have you been so close?”

Even if they heard the rumors, they wanted me to confirm the truth with my own mouth.

I turned my head slightly and met the eyes of Dedrick, who was still watching me. He smiled happily at the small eye contact, and I lightly waved back.

But then it got crazier around us. I even heard small gasps.

Usually, this kind of admiration was for the heroine.

Something about it felt…

“I really like it.”

Maybe I’m suited to being in the spotlight.

When I twitched my lips, Helena naturally handed me a cocktail. I sipped it to calm down and slowly answered their questions.

“We first met when I was fourteen. Since then, we’ve been together and naturally grew to like each other.”

“Oh my…!”

“I heard your health wasn’t good. Are you better now?”

“Thanks to the care, I’ve improved a lot.”

“Does the Marquis treat you well?”

“Of course. Even if Didi looks like that, he’s very kind.”

I accidentally used his nickname out of habit and looked at Helena worriedly, but she just nodded slightly, signaling it was okay.

“What do you mean, ‘looks like that’…?”

At that moment, a slightly hurt voice interrupted. Dedrick had quietly come behind me, gently took the cocktail from my hand, and placed it on the tray a servant held.

“You shouldn’t drink too much cocktail.”

“I only took one sip…”

“Good.”

He smiled and kissed my temple. His action was so natural that the people nearby looked more embarrassed than I did.

I tried to laugh it off and slip his arm from my waist, but he hugged me tighter.

‘Helena, is this okay?’

I sent her a desperate look for help, but she only smiled happily.

Isn’t the social scene supposed to be a battlefield without weapons?

Ignoring my flustered heart, the music changed tone. Seizing the moment, Dedrick looked at me and extended his hand.

“May I have the honor of your first dance?”

His voice was polite and kind. I recalled the manners Helena had taught me.

“First place the hand on top…”

I lifted my dress’s hem slightly, bent and straightened my knees, then said,

“Gladly.”

Upon my acceptance, Dedrick kissed the back of my hand and smiled with narrowed eyes.

The awkwardness we once had in the maze garden as kids was gone. We both smiled naturally, and he led me to the dance floor.

Though many eyes were on us, no one dared approach. I relaxed a little and sighed in relief.

“Should we stop if you’re tired?”

“No way. This is just the start.”

When the music began, Dedrick put his arm around my waist. Thanks to learning dance seriously with him, I could keep up easily.

“Haha.”

Suddenly, Dedrick laughed.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Because this feels like a dream. I’m happy to show my love for you openly.”

He smiled with his gentle eyes. His slightly flushed cheeks looked so lovely.

“Me too. Now I don’t have to hide and peek at you secretly. We can talk even in front of others… and the best part is!”

“The best part?”

I looked deeply into Dedrick’s ocean-like eyes and said, overwhelmed.

“I can look into your eyes.”

“……”

“I don’t have to worry about being caught by anyone.”

“……Mary.”

My eyes began to tear up, but I held back and smiled brightly.

“I’m so happy.”

“……”

Suddenly, he stopped on the dance floor, looking choked up. Then he hugged me tightly.

“Didi!”

“Sorry, I couldn’t help it…”

He whispered into my ear with a voice wet with emotion.

“I’m so happy too.”

His big hand covered my cheek as he smiled.

“No one will ever stop me from looking at these beautiful golden eyes.”

We both ended up laughing at each other.

***

As Dedrick and Marilyn’s dance continued, their hearts felt full.

Their love felt so desperate and touching.

It was as if they had overcome all hardships and barely made their love come true.

Well, they really did face many hardships.

No one was unaware of the former Duchess and Somerset’s evil deeds.

“I feel emotional…”

“They really suit each other.”

“Yes, they look so happy that no one dares interrupt.”

Listening to their voices, Helena smiled contentedly. Beside her, Count Aleai approached.

“It turned out just how Marilyn wanted.”

“Yeah, the debut was a success.”

Dedrick and Marilyn’s smiles were bright enough to make everyone happy.

But Ebony was the only one who couldn’t smile freely there.

Sohe softly called her troubled mistress.

“Miss… shall we leave now?”

“……”

But Ebony didn’t answer. Then Emperor Perez, who had been watching them approvingly, ordered his servant.

“When the dance ends, bring those two to the reception room. And tell Marilyn she must come. Eugene, you come with me now.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Eugene and the emperor left the ballroom naturally. After a while, the music ended and the two finished their dance and left the floor.

The servant immediately conveyed the emperor’s message.

“…Please come to the reception room. His Majesty said Marilyn must definitely come.”

That made the people noisier.

“Not only did he arrange the party to Marilyn’s taste, but now a private reception invitation too?”

“We should have met earlier…”

People around expressed regrets and looked at Marilyn longingly. Dedrick stood in front of her, shielding her.

His big body quickly covered the small Marilyn.

“Mother, Father. Can we leave for a while?”

“Oh, sure. It’s been a while, so enjoy your reunion.”

“We’ll stay a bit and then leave.”

“Make sure to have dinner with us tomorrow, okay?”

“Okay, okay.”

Count Aleai and his wife comforted the disappointed Marilyn and sent her off. Then many people gathered eagerly around the Count and Countess.

Watching this for a moment, Ebony moved her steps.