If I was Going to Regret It Anyway

At this moment, all eyes in the ballroom were on Daryl and the Crown Prince. Therefore, their conversation, which made Daryl’s marriage seem like a very ordinary and blessed union, was significant in itself.

 

The announcement had already been delivered to the newspapers. It was scheduled to go out first thing in the morning. As the saying goes, “turn a crisis into an opportunity,” Daryl thought this marriage could be an opportunity to end the rumors that have been plaguing the Duke’s family. The reason being, there was room for another argument that the reason the deceased Duke was so obsessed with Eleanor’s sponsorship was not because she was his daughter, but because he had marked her as his daughter-in-law.

 

Without thinking so, there was no justification for their marriage. It’s hard to think of marrying a half-sister outright. No matter how much the public enjoyed sensational rumors, their imagination ultimately couldn’t exceed the limits of the reality they live in.

 

Of course, there were exceptions for people who live a more exciting daily life than any dirty scandal.

 

“So, how is it? The taste of your half-sister.”

 

The image of Aaron, drunk and with bloodshot eyes, asking in a low voice, suddenly flashed through his mind. It was hard to believe that the man smiling innocently in front of him now was the same person.

 

How promiscuously he reached out to all sorts of women, even by Daryl’s count, was countless. Fortunately, he was a quick thinker and knew how to distinguish between public and private matters, which was a blessing in disguise. At least from Daryl’s point of view, it was a hundred times better than a moral but incompetent monarch.

 

“Anyway, I’ve heard the good news, so I can’t just pass it by. I’ll give you my wedding gift a little early.”

 

“Your words alone are enough. I’m grateful that you’ve allowed me to use this precious place to share my personal news.”

 

“Don’t say such disappointing things. I have a painting that I’ve been cherishing, it’s very bright and fresh, it would be perfect to hang in a newlywed house. It’s a rising artist who’s been getting a lot of attention lately, the name was… what was it?”

 

Aaron stroked his chin and fell into thought.

 

“I’ll find out separately.”

 

“No, wait a minute. It definitely started with an M… Ah, there’s someone I know over there. Benjamin!”

 

At the call of the Crown Prince, a man about ten steps away walked over. Seeing his face, Daryl involuntarily narrowed his eyes.

 

He was a handsome man. Whether he inherited his mother’s face, his delicate and feminine features and transparent emerald eyes were as beautiful as any woman. He looked like he had made quite a few women cry.

 

“Did you call me, Your Highness the Crown Prince?”

 

“What was the name of that painter? The rising artist you’re exclusively sponsoring. He debuted about three years ago, didn’t he?”

 

“Are you referring to Marcus Miller?”

 

“Ah, yes. Marcus Miller. M.M. Right, right. Thank you. I couldn’t remember all of a sudden.”

 

Aaron patted the man’s shoulder a few times and then looked back at Daryl.

 

“By the way, have you two met before? This is Benjamin Gallahad, the Viscount of Brooke. You must know who Daryl is.”

 

“Of course. Nice to meet you, Duke Griffith. My name is Benjamin Gallahad.”

 

Benjamin extended his hand to Daryl for a handshake. However, instead of taking his hand, Daryl just stared at Benjamin.

 

“We met once a few years ago. With your father, Viscount Reuben.”

 

“You remembered.”

 

“I have a good memory.”

 

“I thought you would naturally forget since we just passed by and greeted each other. It’s an honor.”

 

In the end, Daryl did not accept Benjamin’s handshake until the end. Although it was enough to be uncomfortable, Benjamin quietly lowered his hand without showing any discomfort.

 

“We were just talking about Marcus Miller. I bought a piece from you last month, didn’t I? The title was ‘Spring Outside the Window’, wasn’t it?”

 

“Yes. That’s correct, Your Highness.”

 

“I decided to give that to Daryl as a wedding gift.”

 

At Aaron’s words, Benjamin opened his mouth after a very short pause.

 

“…I see. It seems like it will be a very meaningful gift.”

 

“I’m saying it’s quite expensive, even from my mouth. But keep it for a while. The price is skyrocketing because there aren’t many works compared to its popularity these days.”

 

“How dare I think of selling a gift bestowed by Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

 

At Daryl’s words, Aaron let out a casual laugh.

 

“Well, you wouldn’t be short of money.”

 

Just then, the head waiter ran up and whispered something in Aaron’s ear.

 

“It seems I have to go for a moment. Daryl, Benjamin. It was nice meeting you. Enjoy your time.”

 

“Yes, Your Highness. Thank you.”

 

Aaron waved his hand at Daryl and Benjamin, who were bowing, and disappeared to the other side of the hall. Daryl was staring at Benjamin with a blank expression.

 

“Congratulations on your wedding.”

 

Soon, Benjamin broke the awkward silence.

 

“Do you really think so?”

 

“Yes?”

 

“I asked you if you meant it when you said congratulations.”

 

“Of course. Why would you say that…”

 

“Do you know who the bride is? Can you still sincerely congratulate me?”

 

“…I’m not sure what you mean.”

 

Daryl called over a passing waiter and picked up a glass of alcohol from the tray. There was no offer to Benjamin, even as a courtesy.

 

“You really don’t know?”

 

“Yes. I don’t know.”

 

Daryl chuckled at Benjamin, who was speaking with a calm face. He took a sip of his drink, tasted it as if rinsing his mouth, and slowly swallowed it.

 

“It’s strange. Why is it that the Viscount alone doesn’t know what everyone in this ballroom knows.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Is it true that anyone living in the capital cannot help but know about the affairs between the Duke of Griffith and Townsend family? Is it really a congratulatory event for the protagonists of such rumors to unite?”

 

“…”

 

There was almost no change in Benjamin’s expression, but instead, his pupils trembled almost imperceptibly.

 

“…It’s just a baseless and irresponsible rumor. I don’t think it’s something the Duke should worry about.”

 

“Do you not believe it, Viscount?”

 

“Of course.”

 

“Why is that?”

 

“…The late Duke of Griffith was highly reputed for his integrity and nobility. I don’t think he would have done anything that would be contrary to righteousness.”

 

“You speak as if you know my father better than I do.”

 

At Daryl’s sarcasm, Benjamin slightly stiffened his lips.

 

“If you feel that I’m overstepping, I apologize. But…”

 

“But?”

 

“…It’s nothing.”

 

“Why. If you have something to say, say it without hesitation.”

 

Benjamin was silent for a moment, then slowly opened his mouth again.

 

“Then I’ll be rude and ask. Do you believe in that rumor, Duke?”

 

Daryl swirled the glass in his hand. He enjoyed Benjamin’s anxious eyes and leisurely took his time.

 

“Well, what do you think?”

 

“I think you obviously don’t believe it.”

 

“Why is that?”

 

“Because if you believed in that rumor, you wouldn’t have proposed to Miss Townsend.”

 

When Eleanor’s name was mentioned, Daryl’s expression quickly turned cold. But Benjamin continued to speak with an unwavering attitude.

 

“So even if it’s a joke, I wish you wouldn’t say things you don’t mean. For the sake of the future Duchess, at least.”

 

A chilly smile lingered on Daryl’s lips.

 

“You really don’t know your place.”

 

“…”

 

Benjamin quietly looked at Daryl and then bowed his head.

 

“I apologize.”

 

Daryl was glaring at Benjamin, hiding his clenched teeth behind his closed mouth.

 

He seemed to understand why he had been feeling so dirty since a while ago.

 

Benjamin’s tone, attitude, atmosphere. Everything was identical to Eleanor. Especially the way he consistently maintained a thoroughly polite attitude and said everything he wanted to say.

 

“Since I’ve heard some advice, I’ll keep it in mind. In return, I’ll give you some advice as well.”

 

“Please speak.”

 

“Don’t meddle with someone else’s woman. Whatever I say to my wife, whatever I do, whatever I order, it’s my freedom.”

 

“..…”

 

“For example, at night…”

 

Daryl stepped closer to Benjamin, placed his mouth to his ear, and whispered a few words.

 

Then, the color drained from Benjamin’s face. He was wide-eyed, as if doubting his own ears.

 

With a sneer, Daryl walked away and left Benjamin behind.