IBACM Chapter 50

Chapter 50

That was a remark mocking them for being born as illegitimate children, unable to rise above their lowly status.

I frowned deeply.

“Pfft! The stench is so bad it could make my nose go numb!”

A boy beside Somerset chimed in eagerly, trying to please him.

Oh, you.

I’ll remember your face.

At the low-quality joke, Dedrick furrowed his brows. Somerset raised his voice even more.

“Why the frown? Is the light too dazzling after being in the dark for so long?”

He lightly tapped Dedrick’s head and then turned to Eugene.

“Illegitimate brat.”

“…….”

“Ugh, ruining the mood.”

I muttered, stomping my foot.

But everyone else was too busy laughing along with Somerset.

Annoying as it was, I saw this as an opportunity.

‘You’re in trouble now.’

I glanced around, looking for a way to embarrass Somerset.

Just then, I spotted the glass in his hand—wine glass filled with non-alcoholic grape juice.

Beside him stood Axel, just as annoying as ever.

“Alright, let’s do this!”

I strode confidently toward Somerset.

Unaware of what was about to happen, Somerset smirked and sneered.

“Why does this bastard child keep coming here and ruining the atmosphere?”

“Come on, my lord! He’s just desperate to fit in. Probably thinks he’s a noble too! Don’t pity him!”

The nobles around were eager to flatter Somerset.

No matter what, he was still the eldest son of the Blackwood family.

“As if I would. I’m nothing like them!”

Somerset laughed loudly, lifting his glass to take a sip.

That’s when I casually tapped the bottom of the glass.

Splash!

The deep red liquid poured all over his face, soaking his navy-blue suit.

“Ugh! What the—?!”

Then, I tickled the boy who had been mocking Dedrick.

“Pffft—hahaha!”

He burst into laughter.

Somerset’s icy glare immediately shifted to him. The boy’s eyes shook with panic.

“S-Somerset, I-it’s not what it looks like…!”

“Are you laughing at me?”

You’re doomed now.

Dripping with grape juice, Somerset’s face turned red with fury.

“Dammit! Who did this?! Who knocked over my glass?!”

He was blaming others, but it now appeared that he had spilled the drink on himself.

The surrounding nobles began whispering among themselves.

Somerset’s face grew even redder. Frustrated, he turned to the easiest targets—Dedrick and Eugene.

“You brats, it was you, wasn’t it?”

“Brother.”

“I knew it! Bad luck follows you two like a curse!”

“That’s ridiculous!”

I decided to stir the pot further.

I sneakily tickled Axel.

“Ha—haha! Ack—!”

Axel hurriedly clamped his mouth shut, but Somerset’s glare was already on him.

“…Axel. Was it you?”

“H-hey, no! I—!”

Gemma rushed to stop Somerset, but his temper was already out of control.

The nobles around them tried to suppress their laughter, but I could tell—they were storing this moment in their minds.

After the banquet, Somerset was definitely going to be a laughingstock in high society.

‘Serves you right, idiot.’

Somerset glared at Dedrick and sneered.

“Hah, you planned this, didn’t you? Teaming up with Axel to humiliate me?”

“What are you even talking about…?”

“You bastard! Know your place!”

He suddenly snatched a wine glass from someone nearby.

“Uh—wait, what?!”

Just as he was about to throw the drink at Dedrick—

“Enough, Lord Somerset.”

A voice cut through the commotion.

From within the crowd, Ebony stepped forward.

“What?”

She positioned herself in front of Dedrick, blocking Somerset.

“You spilled it on yourself and now you’re blaming others? Honestly, it’s pathetic.”

At her blunt remark, the banquet hall fell silent.

Somerset’s eyes burned like a volcano. He glared at Ebony as if he wanted to kill her.

“…Are you talking to me right now?”

“Yes, I am. Why?”

“How dare you…!”

Gemma quickly stepped in to stop him.

“She is Ebony from the Silius Count family, young master. Please calm down. If you cause more trouble here, Madam will be disappointed.”

She spoke in a hushed voice, but I was close enough to hear everything.

At the mention of “Madam,” Somerset clenched his teeth, forcing himself to calm down.

But he clearly wasn’t ready to let it go, clicking his tongue in annoyance.

“Tsk. Why are they all getting involved…?”

He muttered just loud enough for everyone to hear.

Wow. What a sore loser…

Among the nobles gathered here, some families were powerful enough that even Somerset couldn’t act recklessly.

Basic etiquette was still expected, but Somerset was the kind of guy who thought, Blackwood rules over everyone!

The Silius family was one even Delani wouldn’t dare to offend…

Wow. His parents really failed at raising him properly.

“You should go change your clothes first, young master,” Gemma advised.

Before Somerset could leave, I quickly grabbed a nearby glass and secretly poured wine onto the floor.

“Hehe.”

I grinned at the now-wet marble floor.

Somerset shot one last murderous glare at Dedrick before turning to walk away.

“Ugh!”

And then—he stepped right onto the wine I spilled and slipped, falling flat on his back.

Thud!

Alright, Axel! It’s your turn again!

I sneaked up and tickled his side.

“Pfft—Hahaha! Ack!”

Somerset, lying on the ground in a ridiculous pose, immediately snapped his eyes to Axel. His veins bulged in anger.

“…You! YOU!”

“Hahaha! That’s what happens when you mess with Didi!”

I was having an amazing time, but just in case I quickly stepped back to the wall.

Dedrick glanced at me. When I winked at him, he gave a shy smile.

“Eyes forward, Didi.”

Only then did he look ahead again.

“Axel!”

“B-Brother…! I swear, I—!”

Just before Gemma could intervene, someone suddenly burst into loud laughter.

“Hahaha!”

“Who—?!”

Somerset immediately turned to the source of the laughter—then froze.

The voice belonged to none other than the 2nd Prince, Perez.

Still smiling, Perez walked toward us.

“Young master, why don’t you take a break, clean up, and come back? You look ridiculous.”

Somerset couldn’t do anything against someone ranked higher than him.

Especially not Perez.

Flustered, Somerset scrambled to his feet, fixing his clothes and stuttering.

“Y-Y-Your Highness… when did you arrive…?”

“I had some business, so I was a bit late. But I must say, you provided me with quite the entertainment as soon as I arrived. You certainly have a great sense of humor, young master.”

It was pure sarcasm. Anyone could tell.

But Somerset, being a complete fool, didn’t catch the mockery. Instead, he bent over backward trying to please the prince—when he didn’t even need to.

“H-Haha. I’m glad you were entertained. I’ll just go change my clothes now. Gemma, take care of things here.”

Now that his anger had cooled, Gemma discreetly looked relieved and bowed politely.

“Yes, young master.”

I always knew Somerset was dumb, but I didn’t think he was this clueless…

Before leaving, he ran a hand through his hair, flashing a charming smile at Joanna.

“Joanna, enjoy yourself. I’ll be back soon.”

“…Okay.”

Joanna’s reluctant response didn’t seem to bother him. He was just happy he got to talk to her.

With a light step, he exited the banquet hall.

Axel, who had been nervously standing nearby, tried to follow him, but Gemma grabbed his arm.

“Young master Somerset isn’t here, so you’ll have to take his place in hosting the event.”

“…Fine.”

As Somerset disappeared, I waved at his retreating figure with a smug grin.

Meanwhile, Dedrick leaned against the wall, shaking from suppressed laughter.

Ebony, noticing, gently placed a hand on his back.

“Are you okay—?”

“D-Don’t touch me.”

Dedrick stammered, struggling to keep his laughter in check.

But Ebony didn’t seem to understand—she just looked at him with pity.

“Still….”

“Don’t touch him,” Perez cut in smoothly, stepping between them.

“Dedrick doesn’t like being touched.”

Oh? He doesn’t?

Perez casually glanced in a certain direction.

…Was he telling me to follow him?

But I couldn’t just leave Eugene alone here.

“Didi, can we bring Eugene too? If he stays here, they’ll all gang up on him.”

“…If he’s okay with it, then let’s go.”

“M-Me?”

“If you don’t want to—”

“I’ll go! I’ll go!”

Eugene quickly agreed. He knew exactly what would happen if he stayed behind alone.

Perez didn’t seem too thrilled, but he only glanced at Eugene before whispering to Dedrick.

“I really wanted to see that wardrobe monster. That was our secret, wasn’t it?”

“Seriously? Now is not the time for that. Just tell him you’ll show him later, Didi.”

“…I’ll introduce her to you later.”

“Hmm. Alright. We have plenty of time.”

The three of them headed toward a lounge room.

As they walked, the nobles who had gathered to watch the drama silently moved aside, parting like the Red Sea.