Especially the look in the other’s eyes, as if she could see right through his bluster, thoroughly stabbed what little pitiful vanity he had.
The smugness on his face froze instantly, turning a deep purplish red.
“You’re nothing. How dare a mere servant speak to me like that?” Theodore’s voice trembled with rage, his finger nearly jabbing into Bella’s face.
“How dare you disregard the Howard Family’s honor? You must be tired of living! Have your master come out and speak! I want to see what kind of ‘master’ could raise such an unruly thing as you.”
The roar rang especially harsh in the quiet VIP area, finally drawing everyone’s attention.
The conflict was clearly on the verge of escalating.
A gentle voice came from the entrance of the lounge.
“Seems quite lively here? Young man of the Howard Family, why do you lose your composure and make such a scene in this place?”
A middle-aged man with a calm demeanor approached at an unhurried pace, wearing a dark formal suit of excellent cut and fine material.
On his chest was pinned an ancient and elegant brooch, a mark of noble status. Two solemn attendants followed behind him.
At the sound, Theodore Howard turned his head. Upon seeing who it was, a flash of surprise passed through his eyes, quickly replaced by an expression that said “just in time.” The face that had been twisted with anger forced out a familiar smile.
“Lord Herbert!” Theodore called out, as if meeting an elder who could uphold justice.
“You’ve come at the perfect moment! Please, judge for yourself! I was only hoping to make the acquaintance of this Miss, but her maid was outrageously disrespectful and even had the nerve to chase me off! She clearly holds no regard for our Howard Family!”
People like him were best at twisting the truth, deliberately omitting how he was the one pestering incessantly to begin with.
The family across from him certainly had deeper roots and higher standing than the Howards.
But in Theodore’s view, both families belonged to the same noble class. Faced with an “outsider,” Herbert Raymond would naturally take his side—or at the very least, preserve the Howard Family’s dignity and scold that insolent maid.
Herbert Raymond’s face remained composed, his gaze pausing briefly on Theodore Howard, carrying an almost imperceptible trace of helplessness, as if he’d long grown used to this young wastrel’s troublemaking antics.
His eyes then swept the scene, instinctively assessing the situation.
Yet when his gaze passed over the lady who had remained seated in silence, not even lifting her head, and finally fell on the striking and coldly graceful maid beside her, Herbert Raymond’s composed expression paused ever so slightly.
He recognized that face.
He’d seen this personal maid of the candidate Saintess Aphrodite at certain private gatherings. Though they’d had little direct contact, Bella’s appearance and bearing had left a lasting impression.
And for Bella to show such deference and protection, and to call the woman “Master”…
Herbert Raymond’s thoughts turned rapidly—he understood the situation in an instant.
That fool Theodore had actually provoked this lady!
Her status as a candidate Saintess was not something the Howard Family could afford to offend, and even his own Raymond Family would have to treat her with care.
The trace of helplessness on his face vanished swiftly, replaced by a calm composure.
No longer sparing Theodore’s expectant face another look, he subtly adjusted his posture and gave a small, flawless nod in the direction of Aphrodite and Bella.
It was a discreet signal of respect and a clear declaration of his stance.
Only then did he look back to the still-waiting Theodore, his tone gentle as ever but now quietly laced with pressure:
“Young Master Theodore,” he began slowly, not even using a more intimate form of address, “I believe that, no matter the cause, to lose your temper and disturb others in a public place is not the conduct of a gentleman, and brings shame to the Howard Family’s reputation. Don’t you agree?”
His words skillfully avoided directly judging who was right or wrong, but his position was unmistakable—he would not help Theodore accuse the other party, and was instead hinting that Theodore’s behavior had brought disgrace to his own house.
The smile on Theodore’s face froze instantly. He stared at Herbert Raymond in disbelief, completely unprepared for such an outcome.
Not only did the other not support him, he instead shifted the blame for the “impropriety” right back onto him?
“Lord Herbert! You…” He wanted to argue further, even to point out that it was the other side that was rude first.
Herbert did not argue details with him, simply added in a faint tone—quiet, yet clearly heard by everyone now silently observing the scene.
“It seems Young Master Theodore is not in the best mood today. Perhaps you should rest. Someone, please,” he turned his head slightly, signaling to his attendants, “escort Young Master Howard back, and pass along my regards to your father. Please convey my concern regarding today’s events.”
That simple statement turned Theodore’s face deathly pale.
“Escort” him back? “Pass along regards” and “convey concern”?
That was nothing short of a direct complaint—he would have to face the consequences at home!
“N-no need! Lord Herbert! I—I can go back myself! There’s no need to trouble you!” he stammered, abandoning all pretense, fleeing in utter disgrace, not daring to look back.
As Theodore left, he still swore to himself that next time they met, he would make them pay for this.
Idiots like him, who only relied on family status to run wild, would never stop to wonder why Herbert Raymond hadn’t taken his side, but instead chose to support the other.
If he’d only used his head a little, he might have figured it out. But, regrettably, he had no head to use.
With Theodore dealt with, Herbert Raymond finally turned once more toward Bella and Aphrodite.
He took two steps forward, his bearing solemn as he bowed slightly, his tone sincere. Though his words were addressed to Bella, the respect was clearly meant for Aphrodite behind her.
“This Miss, Lady Bella, my deepest apologies. It was my lack of oversight that allowed such an unnecessary disturbance to trouble you, spoiling your pleasant time.”
Herbert Raymond did not directly mention Aphrodite’s identity.
After all, the other had gone to the trouble of wearing a hood—it was clear she wished not to be recognized. To call her out openly would be no better than that fool Theodore.
“Lord Herbert, you overstate it. Thank you for your timely intervention.” Bella gave a small bow to express her thanks.
“Your presence in the Central District is an honor for us all. The recent beast tide at the border was swiftly quelled, and the entire city is deeply grateful for Lady Aphrodite’s timely assistance. Lady Elia herself has mentioned several times that proper thanks must be extended for such a noble deed.”
He paused, his tone becoming even more earnest: “Thus, a celebration banquet has been specially arranged, both to express our gratitude and to give all in the city an opportunity to convey their thanks in person. I believe the invitation has already been delivered to your residence.”