It Seems Like The Infamous Trash Can is Right Here! - Chapter 115
On our way back, Axion personally escorted us along the path we had come.
Earlier, my nerves had been too frayed to appreciate the scenery, but now I could properly observe the Imperial Palace.
While it was undoubtedly unmatched across the continent in luxury and splendor, this place still made my skin crawl.
Even setting aside the unseen surveillance from the unknown shadows Lionel had mentioned, something here kept incessantly disturbing the divine power within me.
An ominous feeling overwhelmed me, and I desperately wanted to return immediately to my room at the Luanax mansion.
“Lady Dilottete, did you originally not intend to marry? Seeing as you had entered the monastery…”
Axion suddenly addressed me.
“Yes. If I hadn’t met Lionel, I likely would have spent my entire life as a priestess.”
“May I ask why?”
Though uncomfortable with Axion’s sudden interest in me, I answered honestly.
“Because I wanted freedom.”
“Freedom…?”
“I wanted to escape from a life where I couldn’t live as I wished, always having to obey my family’s or husband’s wishes.”
Serenia Solen’s life in the novel had felt miserable enough for me to think that spending a solitary lifetime in service at the monastery was far preferable.
Considering how Serenia had become shackled to her family from the moment she fell into Axion’s grasp, it was understandable why she chose to end her own life.
“But you’ve changed your mind.”
“Yes.”
I gently leaned against Lionel’s sturdy arm and smiled brightly.
“Love surpasses all desires. Even if the entire world were placed on a scale, it wouldn’t match the happiness Lionel has given me.”
As I said this, Axion stopped walking and stared at me. Just when his persistent gaze started to make me uneasy, Lionel spoke up.
“Your Highness will also marry soon.”
“…Indeed.”
Of course, Axion had a fiancée as well.
Princess Isabella of Boneta, a close ally of Lubarque, had come of age this year. Barring any extraordinary incidents, their royal marriage would soon be held.
“Once you welcome Her Highness, I believe you’ll understand.”
“Perhaps.”
Axion chuckled lightly at Lionel’s words, nodding slowly.
“I must admit I’m curious. About that emotion called love, which changed the Duke so completely.”
After that, Axion fell silent and did not speak another word as we continued our way. He seemed lost in thought.
I silently prayed he’d spare others and fall passionately in love with Princess Isabella instead.
Just as the servant had mentioned, Halid’s figure appeared in the distance, pacing impatiently outside the Imperial Palace.
As Halid, clearly annoyed, turned his head and spotted us, he approached with rapid, purposeful strides.
“It’s been a while, Duke Calitas.”
“Yes. Have you been well, Your Highness?”
Halid greeted the Crown Prince respectfully, then immediately scolded Lionel.
“I thought the palace must be on fire or something.”
“My audience ran longer than anticipated. Sorry to keep you waiting.”
Halid’s gaze shifted past Lionel to linger briefly on me, but it was withdrawn so quickly it could’ve been mistaken for a mere glance.
“Would you both accompany me in my carriage? There’s much to discuss about Vivian.”
Lionel readily agreed to Halid’s proposal.
“Certainly.”
Halid hurried us along without allowing Axion a chance to intervene.
Pushed by his momentum, Lionel and I quickly gave Axion brief yet polite farewells, then boarded the Calitas carriage.
After Halid himself climbed in, the carriage doors shut, and we immediately departed.
“Thanks for coming for us.”
ReadingRainbow9266
I don’t understand Axions interest in her already. In the past life he had a reason to pay attention to her, her family. However, now he seems interested in her even though her background isn’t the same in his eyes. Is he obsessed with her looks or something? It’s not as if he had THAT much time with her to like her personality, so I wonder why he’s already paying attention to her? I’m so glad she has Lionel.