The Villainess Lives Twice: Butterfly's Dream (IF Story) - Chapter 96
Cedric was not the type to attend parties often, so no matter where he went, he would naturally draw attention. Especially right after the rumors of a broken engagement had spread.
“Since he’s here at the birthday party, maybe those rumors were just false?”
“No way. If that were true, why would he come alone? Shouldn’t he be escorting his fiance?”
“Maybe there’s some reason behind it…?”
A low murmur spread among the guests.
Cedric crossed the party hall without paying any mind to the stares around him.
Everyone assumed he would first greet Grand Duke and Duchess Roygar, but instead, he approached Milaira.
Even Milaira was surprised and absentmindedly lowered the fan that had been hiding her displeased face.
“Thank you for coming, Marchioness Rosan.”
“…Do you think I could have stayed away?”
“Tia will be happy.”
Cedric offered a faint smile and bowed.
Milaira knew he was always composed, but today his calm face was marked by an unusual depth, like the weight of youthful worries.
Still, Milaira didn’t care and tapped her arm with her fan, glaring at him with displeasure.
“What do you intend to do with my daughter?”
“Hasn’t Tia explained?”
“There’s no way I can accept such an explanation. Try to convince me properly. I won’t be fooled by nonsense. If the broken engagement is true, then I’m her guardian now. How dare you….”
“This is hardly the place to discuss such matters.”
Milaira lowered her voice enough so others wouldn’t overhear, but hearing Cedric’s remark, she reluctantly covered her mouth again with the fan.
Cedric sighed and spoke softly:
“I believe there’s been a misunderstanding. Tia and I…”
“Don’t utter such ridiculous nonsense about dating after breaking off an engagement. Who in their right mind would believe that? Have you even considered how badly Tia will be treated in society?”
Unable to calm her anger fully, Milaira snapped harshly. Cedric had no choice but to apologize.
“The rumors spreading were unintentional.”
Honestly, he hadn’t expected things to spiral so far. He had his own plans, but the only thing that went as intended was Artizea nodding in agreement.
“Don’t worry too much. Tia won’t be mistreated or ignored.”
“How can you guarantee that…?”
Milaira’s voice showed her anger.
Before she could lose control, Grand Duke and Duchess Roygar approached. Naturally, they had expected Cedric to greet Milaira and come toward them, but seeing the serious conversation, they were concerned.
Neither Cedric nor Milaira ignored them, turning toward the approaching couple. Grand Duke Roygar gave Cedric a concerned look and advised.
“Cedric, don’t show guests a lack of composure. If you have things to discuss, perhaps you should do so in the lounge, Marchioness Rosan?”
“I appreciate the Grand Duke’s concern, but must a mother be mindful of the other party’s dignity when her daughter’s engagement has been broken off like this?”
“Now, now. It’s Tia’s birthday party. Don’t spoil it.”
Garnet interjected, gently placing her hand on Milaira’s arm.
“There must be some misunderstanding. If there had truly been a broken engagement, this party wouldn’t be held at the Grand Duke’s residence, would it?”
She glanced at Cedric for agreement, smiling lightly. Cedric cautiously responded.
“It is true the engagement contract was dissolved. But it’s not what you think. There are no issues between Tia and me, and certainly nothing for Marchioness Rosan to worry about.”
“How can you say such shameless things…!”
Milaira’s sharp cry pierced the party air. Cedric sighed.
“Tia will become the head of Marquisate Rosan. She has excellent teachers, many friends, the favor of the Crown Princess, and all of these she has earned on her own. There is nothing to lose because of me.”
If anything, if they truly drifted apart, it would be Cedric’s loss.
It was Artizea who had insisted on showing up alone. Over the past three days, she had matured further, shedding yet another layer. Thinking of the retainers meeting her for the first time today, she wanted to show she was no longer under Cedric’s protection.
Unavoidably, all eyes at the party turned toward them. This was never his intention.
He had hoped to quietly dissolve the engagement and keep everything just between himself and Artizea. He never imagined a single slip of the tongue would blow things up this much.
As he sighed again, the party doors finally opened and the star of the evening arrived.
“Lady Artizea, Young Marquis Rosan has arrived!”
As Artizea was the guest of honor, the usher announced loudly.
The four turned to the door simultaneously. Artizea was not alone.
Her left arm was linked with Lysia’s, and her right hand rested on Pavel’s. Her bright smile held no trace of shadow.
Rather than being escorted, it looked as if she was confidently leading the two.
“Oh my.”
Garnet smiled as she looked at Cedric. Milaira’s previously harsh expression softened. Although she bore resentment toward the children of the Empress, she keenly understood how Artizea’s appearance alongside Pavel would affect her reputation.
Cedric’s expression darkened. Just as Grand Duke Roygar was about to ask why, Cardriol quietly stepped beside him and asked.
“Has Lady Rosan chosen a partner other than Grand Duke Evron?”
The teasing tone was clear. Cedric tried not to furrow his brow as he replied:
“Today marks the day she starts as Young Marquis Rosan. She was worried that if she entered with me, people would see us as guardian and ward.”
“Is it true you’ve broken the engagement?”
“…”
Cedric had no answer this time. Cardriol chuckled and asked.
“So Lady Rosan is now a free woman?”
“That’s how it is.”
Milaira stepped forward, glaring at Cedric and replying. Her instinct told her it was better to face competition now that things had come to this.
Garnet’s eyes sparkled with interest at the spectacle, and Grand Duke Roygar looked slightly embarrassed.
Artizea stood in the center of the hall. The music paused briefly as Pavel handed her a champagne glass. Being of legal drinking age, this was her first sip of alcohol.
As Artizea raised the glass, everyone followed suit. She spoke in her clear voice.
“Thank you all for attending my eighteenth birthday party today. Please share in my joy and enjoy this happy occasion.”
“A toast to the star of the day!”
Cardriol called out cheerfully. Pavel shot a glare at him but, finding no harm, smiled at Artizea to encourage her to drink.
Glasses emptied in unison, and the band resumed playing.
Cedric quickly placed his emptied glass on a nearby attendant’s tray and hurried to Artizea’s side. Though he had lost his place as partner and the toast to Cardriol, he wasn’t going to give up the first dance.
However, Cardriol moved just as quickly, leading to a brief contest of glances between the two. Both extended their hands to Artizea nearly simultaneously.
Artizea looked at them with a troubled expression.
“I’m sorry… but I have a promise for the first dance.”
“What?”
“The choice is Lady Tia’s, so it’s pointless for you two to compete.”
Lysia stepped in, speaking politely and extending her hand. Artizea gave Cedric an apologetic look before taking Lysia’s hand.
The two girls clasped hands, smiling brightly as they glided to the center of the floor. Garnet’s laughter resonated clearly.
Cedric looked baffled and glanced at Pavel as if silently demanding an explanation. Pavel grumbled.
“Who told you to make trouble?”
Cedric had no answer.