Raise Me, So That I Can Eat You Up - Chapter 18

The same day in the afternoon, in Viscount Hayworth’s office.

“What? An Imperial ball?”

When I explained the situation to Viscount Hayworth, he showed quite a passionate reaction.

“Have you ever seen such a damnable bastard?”

“Ah, Father.”

“Royal or not. I ought to break that brazen neck!”

“Please. C-calm down a bit.”

“Should your father show off some of his youthful skills?”

Even so, this was too fervent to handle. I felt like I shouldn’t have said anything.

But it was impossible to go to the Imperial Palace without Viscount Hayworth knowing. It wasn’t something I could refuse when the system ordered it.

“I’m still confident I can sneak in and dispose of him without anyone knowing!”

Hey. That’s ‘assassination of royalty’, you know.

Viscount Hayworth was from the infamous ‘Shadow Knights’.

And those words were probably true with a very high probability.

“Father, I’m fine now. It’s okay, so please calm down.”

I hurriedly explained, thinking Viscount Hayworth might be misunderstanding something.

“I broke off the engagement. I unilaterally dumped him.”

“Your father knows that. That’s why that bastard is still alive. Understand?”

Viscount Hayworth’s green eyes glinted with madness.

The ‘insult to royalty’ was already going beyond the level of insult. Even though it was our house, I suddenly felt scared that someone might hear.

“I just want to go out for some fresh air. I’ve been feeling cooped up staying at home all the time.”

“Was that bastard threatening you? Just say the word. I’ll tonight!”

“No, no. I want to go because I want to. Sometimes I feel like doing these things too.”

“Is that true?”

“Yes, really. I’ll go quietly with Leon. Please allow me. Okay?”

Viscount Hayworth huffed and puffed for a while, rubbing his face, then called for the butler.

“Hey. William.”

“Yes, Master!”

The butler, William, looked tense at the Viscount’s agitated state.

“Right now, find the most expensive and popular boutique in the empire. Use bribes liberally. Get it no matter what. Ariella’s dress must be the best and beyond. Understand?”

“M-Master.”

“Don’t even think about setting foot in Hayworth until you get it. Go now.”

It was utterly unreasonable.

William, seemingly used to this, left the room in a hurry as soon as the order was given.

I felt somewhat sorry for making such a big deal out of it.

“Father, I can wear something we have at home. There’s no need to go to such lengths…”

“Ariella Hayworth.”

Viscount Hayworth, who usually called me by my nickname, used my full name.

There was a murderous intent in his tone, just like when he called for Leon. I was startled and shut my mouth tightly.

“I’ll handle the expenses, so make sure that half-wit never dares to look at you again. Understood?”

“…Yes.”

And so, I got the most expensive and glamorous dress in the empire.

According to Jenny, it was from a place with over a year-long waiting list, but as expected, money could solve anything.

The maids were just as passionate.

Since I consulted with them, Jenny and Laura moved in perfect unison.

They removed overly stimulating foods from my diet and brewed tea good for reducing swelling.

Not only that. After bathing every day, they applied a special pack and massaged my whole body with aromatic oils good for blood circulation.

Their attention to everything that went into my mouth or touched my body was almost solemn.

‘I’m tired. I crave something sweet.’

Macarons. Especially macarons, I wanted them so badly.

Ones filled to the brim. If I could just have one bite!

If caught, Jenny would surely scold me.

‘Why all this fuss over an ex-fiancé?’

It’s not like I’m going to an ex-boyfriend’s wedding. Is there a need for such a commotion?

I, who was used to just lounging around, felt like I was going crazy with the suddenly tight schedule.

But perhaps thanks to that.

Even without me trying particularly hard, the mission to ‘feel psychological superiority’ seemed already half accomplished.

***

After the busy schedule, the day of the ball finally dawned. From morning, I was being tormented by the maids step by step.

Still, the effort put into the preparation was definitely worth it.

‘I was pretty before, but this is a different dimension of beauty.’

I kept admiring my reflection in the mirror.

‘Henry, you bastard. You’ll be hitting the ground with regret.’

Though I’d never take him back. I chuckled, feeling oddly satisfied.

My appearance after the preparation was as beautiful as a meticulously crafted work of art.

My hair, braided with gold threads, looked as elegant as a goddess.

My skin, almost transparently white, was dusted with a mixture of powder and pearl powder, giving it a subtle shimmer.

And the dress, oh my.

Perhaps because it was from the boutique said to be the hardest to get in the empire. It lived up to its reputation.

It was incredibly sophisticated without being excessively flashy.

Money really was good after all.

“Miss, we need to finish up, so please look up a bit.”

“Like this?”

“Yes. Don’t move.”

With Laura’s touch, my eyes were completed, sparkling as if moistened.

“Oh my. Miss. You look like an angel descended from heaven. How could he not fall for you again?”

“When he sees you, Miss, no other lady will catch his eye. That’s the real revenge on His Highness!”

Jenny and Laura were jumping up and down, admiring their work.

“Well, I am pretty.”

Not wanting to deny it, I nodded readily.

“Keep your expression haughty. As if you’ve never missed him! Look down on him.”

“No. That’s too artificial. It’s better to just smile faintly as if you don’t care at all.”

Even though the preparation was long, there was no time to be bored. I could even listen to lectures and discussions from them on ‘How to remain an unforgettable woman to your ex-fiancé’.

Thanks to Jenny and Laura’s overnight preparation, the ‘Ex-fiancé Domination Look’ was completed.

“Why put in so much effort? Do you still have lingering feelings for that bastard?”

Leon asked sarcastically.

There’s always someone who throws cold water on even the most perfect preparation.

“It’s just for self-satisfaction. It’s better than looking shabby, isn’t it?”

“The fact that you care itself means you’re still thinking about him.”

“How can I not care? He’s my ex-fiancé after all.”

“Ex-fiancé? Are you crazy?”

Seeing him get worked up, it seemed Leon was also holding a grudge against Henry.

Well. With such a fickle fiancé. With his personality, if Henry hadn’t been a prince, Leon would have already half-killed him.

It wasn’t incomprehensible, but isn’t this worry too much?

I let out a laugh at his sharp reaction.

“Why are you worrying so much? It’s already over between us.”

“T-That’s because y-you’re too pretty!”

“What?”

This guy. How cute!

Unlike his usual self, he stammered and turned his head away abruptly, his ears turning red.

“I didn’t hear you, so say it again.”

“Ah~ I don’t know.”

“I said, say it again.”

The more he resisted, the more I wanted to tease Leon mischievously.

“Ah, you’re pretty! I said you’re pretty!”

“Thank you.”

It’s true, but hearing it from Dad’s son makes it feel even more real.

I smiled contentedly.

“You must be sick of hearing you’re pretty. You’re persistently disgusting. Are you a pervert?”

“Yes, because it thrills me every time I hear it.”

“What good is being pretty if you’re crazy? Your declaration of staying single is a social contribution.”

“Want to get hit by a pretty crazy person?”

“Anyway, be careful. What man can resist when his eyes start wandering?”

“You’re right about that.”

“If you’re thinking of getting back together, forget it. Forget about Father, I’ll be watching with my eyes wide open!”

Since he seemed to be genuinely worried, I decided to stop my mischievous teasing as well.

“Alright. Keep a good eye on me.”

Not falling for it was my wish too. I might be able to resist temptation, if only out of fear of my little brother.

I was worried, but it felt like I had gained a reliable ally.

‘Oh right, should I show Oscar too?’

He’s been quiet for a while. I hope he’s not causing trouble or going berserk? I was starting to worry a bit.

“Oscar?”

Surprisingly, Oscar was sitting quietly on the sofa. He couldn’t take his eyes off my fully dressed-up appearance.

“How do I look?”

I twirled around on the spot to show Oscar my completed look.

“Does it look strange?”

Oscar suddenly stood up and toddled towards me. His ruby-red eyes stared up at me intently.

I slowly lowered myself to meet his gaze, careful not to ruin my outfit.

“Whisper it to me.”

And I lent him my ear so he could speak comfortably.

“Pwetty.”

Oscar whispered in my ear.

“The prettiest in the world.”

How sweet. I don’t know who raised him, but they did a lovely job.

A sweet smile spread across my face as well.

“Ari. What’s a ball?”

Oscar asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

“Oh, a ball? It’s where you go dressed up prettily like this and dance together.”

“Dance? How?”

“Shall I show you?”

“Yeah.”

“Leon. Come here.”

I called for my experienced assistant to demonstrate together. Leon approached reluctantly with an annoyed face.

“What now.”

“You’re the only one I’ve got.”

“Always such a bother.”

Despite his grumbling, he displayed skilled dance manners.

“Well then, my lady. May I have this dance?”

“Of course.”

As Leon knelt on one knee and extended his hand, I gladly entrusted mine to him.

“It’s an honor.”

Though he didn’t actually touch the back of my hand, I felt goosebumps all over when he made a kissing sound. Well, Leon’s expression was equally sour.

Then he stood up, placed his hand on my waist, and began to lead skillfully.

“Oh, you’re quite good at this?”

“Didn’t you know? I’m good at everything physical.”

“You must be popular. Go could date someone, too.”

“No thanks. I’m already stressed enough just protecting you, sis.”

His words were crude, but it was disgustingly reassuring.

“Oscar wants to dance too.”

Oscar flapped his maple-leaf-like hands, whining.

“It would be my honor. Come here.”

I quickly switched partners and continued dancing. It was quite fun twirling around while holding both of Oscar’s hands.

“I wanna dance pwettily like the pink jerk too.”

Wasn’t he calling him a jerk earlier? Seems he was talking about Leon.

“You’re plenty handsome as you are now.”

“Tch.”

“When Oscar grows up, you’ll be much more handsome than Leon.”

How cute. I hugged Oscar, who was pouting and pinched his soft cheek.

“So you need to grow up quickly, okay?”

Oscar just stared at me without answering.