It Seems Like The Infamous Trash Can is Right Here! - Chapter 112
Lionel skillfully fabricated a narrative of our dramatic first encounter at the Kingdom of Cloren, one we’d previously rehearsed.
He’d already agreed with me once, when we had gone over the contract.
Perhaps he was brought here for Vivian’s sake, but the girl’s well-being was enough to raise suspicions. And Lionel didn’t seem like much of a brother to her.
“What a waste of talent. Not many priests can heal such a grievous wound.“
“She mentioned wishing to continue her priestly duties even after marriage, though I naturally object.”
“Oho, what good is it to block God’s will? Let her do as she pleases.”
Their exchange flowed smoothly, and the atmosphere wasn’t bad.
No doubt the Emperor had intentionally chosen this tranquil greenhouse setting, aware it would soften the tension.
“I have a favor to ask of you, Duke.”
“Please speak freely.”
“Could you allow your fiancée to serve as the Youngest Princess’s handmaiden until your wedding?”
I nearly lost the carefully maintained smile on my face at his unexpected request.
“What do you mean? Keeping my fiancée, who is to be the Duchess of Luanax, as a mere handmaiden?”
“Why? Is there a reason why you can’t?”
Lionel protested, but it wasn’t the Emperor who answered him.
Two figures had just entered the greenhouse.
The one who had just interjected was a teenage girl, perhaps in her mid to late teens, her platinum-blonde hair characteristic of the Lubarque Imperial Family braided neatly down her back—likely the youngest princess, the only unmarried princess remaining.
And standing beside her was….
“My goodness, Dana. How rude to interrupt before proper introductions. Mind your manners.”
He was a young man around Lionel’s age, also bearing the distinct platinum hair and golden eyes of the Imperial bloodline.
Strangely, although I’d never met him before, I recognized him immediately.
Axion Varnas Lubarque.
The Crown Prince who had driven Serenia Solen to her death.
“My brother has offended you, Lord Luanax, and Lady Dilottete.”
Exchanging formal greetings with Axion and the Princess alongside Lionel felt distant, as if it were unfolding within a hazy dream or fantasy.
Of all the seats, Axion chose the empty chair directly across from me, making eye contact unavoidable if I lifted my gaze.
Therefore, I kept my head lowered, gaze fixed stubbornly on the edge of my teacup.
‘Am I breathing properly? Do I look presentable, not out of sorts?’
My pulse quickened, my heartbeat drowning out the voices around me, making their conversation almost incomprehensible.
“That’s exactly why this is necessary. The young lady from Cloren must have opportunities to learn the culture and etiquette of Lubarque.”
“I agree. It’s far better for her to mingle with peers before marriage, and I’m certain Dana will be of great help in that regard.”
Their words entered my ears but floated endlessly inside my head as if my brain had stopped processing entirely.
Then, suddenly, a warm touch gently settled atop my clenched hands.
“I appreciate your goodwill, but there’s a reason we must decline.”
I glanced down to see Lionel’s large hand enveloping mine.
“My fiancée must be extremely cautious. She carries the heir of Luanax—how could we allow her to leave the family estate?”
…What?
What had Lionel just said?
My mind, frozen since Axion’s arrival, began to creak slowly back into motion.
“Isn’t that right, Sasha?”
Prompted by his voice, I reflexively looked up at Lionel.
And in that moment.
Captivated by the seductive curve of his scarlet lips and his enchanting smile, I had no choice but to nod in response.
“Yes, of course… I must be careful.”
Erica
Just from the ONE sentence the Princess made, you can already tell she’s a spoiled brat. It’s ridiculous that they even have to make an excuse as to why she can’t serve the Princess. Like Lionel said, she’s the next duchess. There’s absolutely no reason why she should have to serve anyone else, princess or not. It’s true that Princess’s tend to have lady in waiting who have noble statuses. But it’s usually baron, viscounts, or counts. I’ve never read in ANY of my stories a future duchess being a Princess’s lady in waiting. Even Vivian, would likely be chosen over Sasha, it just makes no sense, and it’s as if they are already trying to put her in her place. My guess, is that this is the emperors way of controlling Luenox, and the Princess probably wants it because maybe she had been wanting to marry Lionel and she’s pissed. So she probably wants to take it out on Sasha, his new wife to be. On top of it, it would mean she would have to constantly be exposed to that bastard Axion. And he would probably try to force her to be his mistress, even while she’s with Lionel, because that’s just how POS crown princes are. It’s ridiculous and annoying that they should have to pretend she’s pregnant just to turn the emperor down. Besides, as the soon to be duchess, and being in a new country, she already has too much to learn and too much on her plate. So if you ask me it’s beyond rude for them to try and make her the Princess’s lady in waiting on top of that. Ugh, I can already tell them the imperial family is going to be a real issue. Hopefully, there’s an illegitimate prince out there that they can put into the position of emperor after they get rid of axion. That’s usually how it goes
niki1da1
dantere is illegitimate royal family i heard