It Seems Like The Infamous Trash Can is Right Here! - Chapter 108
“I apologize for arriving unannounced. I left in a hurry last night and never had a proper chance to speak with Vivian.”
Even someone as aloof and prideful as Halid Calitas was showing Lionel a certain level of deference.
After all, why did those three men suddenly become so interested in Vivian?
Because Luanax had power, influence, and wealth. That was the real reason.
Halid had claimed he never loved Vivian, yet, he eagerly accepted the engagement offer, for the benefit of Calitas, a northern territory that struggled to sustain itself.
Marriage into Luanax was the most practical choice for Calitas’ survival, which meant Halid cared more about Lionel than he did about Vivian.
“I haven’t said anything before, but from now on, I’d appreciate it if all of you exercised some restraint. I ask the same of you, Ardin and Dantère.”
Lionel’s serious tone made Ardin and Dantère exchange looks before responding.
“I understand. My apologies for the commotion this morning.”
“Alright, alright. It’s true that we’ve caused a commotion, but what caused the sudden change? Do you have some good news?”
Dantère asked meaningfully, it seemed he remembered Lionel and I had visited Ortatum’s estate yesterday.
“Luanax will soon have a Lady of the House. Duke Calitas, I believe this is the first time we’ve met formally. Allow me to introduce you to my fiancée, Sasha Dilotte, from the Kingdom of Cloren.”
Lionel turned at an angle to introduce me.
“I heard you left the temple, but I didn’t know that was the reason. Congratulations, Sasha. I guess we’ll be seeing each other more often.”
Dantère grinned, winking playfully. In contrast, Ardin merely offered a stiff nod, his expression unreadable. Halid… he stared at me with sheer astonishment.
“So the fairy… was the priestess from the rumors?”
…I decided to pretend I didn’t hear that.
Feeling awkward, I continued down the staircase, only to have Vivian suddenly seize my hands.
“This is wonderful news, Sasha! I had a feeling we were meant to be connected somehow.”
“That’s very kind of you to say, Lady Vivian. I look forward to getting along well with you.”
“Just call me Vivian. And you don’t need to be so formal, we’re about to become family, after all.”
She smiled brightly, and I forced a faint smile in return.
We really were deeply connected, weren’t we?
In my past life, I had been an avid reader of the novel where Vivian was the protagonist.
I was taking great pleasure in messing with her world.
“Duke Calitas, are you free this afternoon?”
“I don’t have any pressing engagements.”
“Then I’d like to discuss the engagement with you.”
At Lionel’s words, Halid nodded.
“Of course. Since you seem to have somewhere to be, shall I expect you at our estate later?”
“That would be best. Aside from meeting His Majesty, we don’t have any other pressing business. It shouldn’t take long.”
“Understood.”
With that, Lionel and I left Vivian and the three men behind, descending to the first floor.
I felt Halid’s gaze burning into my back the entire way, but I didn’t turn around.
There was nothing I could do at this rate. My only option was to deny everything to the bitter end.
Lionel, who had apparently heard all of Halid’s strange behavior and mutterings, turned to me as he climbed into the carriage.
“Have you had any encounters with the Duke of Calitas in the past?”
Ah… How am I supposed to explain this?
I never imagined the reckless things I did as a child would come back to haunt me like this.
“…Well, actually….”
With no choice, I confessed. I told Lionel about how, as a child, I had tricked Halid into believing I was the fairy of the birch forest.
“…And now he remembers. What do I do?”
Did Lionel know about Halid’s ability?
“…This is a little inconvenient.”
Lionel let out a quiet sigh, watching me closely.“I didn’t expect Duke Calitas’ first love to be you.”
“…What?”
First love?
What kind of nonsense is that?
