It Seems Like The Infamous Trash Can is Right Here! - Chapter 138
Though the wound had been fully healed, Lionel’s clothes still bore traces of blood. Just imagining how much pain he must have been in made my heart ache.
“You didn’t let him get away… right?”
For some reason, Father didn’t answer. He looked… flustered? No, it must be my imagination.
“…You really let him escape? What if he comes back and attacks again?”
Nervously, I asked again. Father glanced between Vaikal and Lionel. Vaikal lowered his eyes, while Lionel answered in his place.
“That won’t happen. I’ve already dealt with him. You don’t need to worry.”
“Yes, just as the Duke said.”
Father quickly nodded in agreement.
“The Duke’s combat skills are far beyond expectation. As long as he doesn’t let his guard down or reveal any weaknesses, he’s nearly untouchable.”
“Really?”
I blinked wide-eyed at Lionel, who gave me a gentle smile.
“You’re safest when you’re with me.”
“For someone who’s always getting hurt, that’s a bold claim…”
I mumbled, and Lionel flinched, offering an excuse.
“I was just… careless.”
“Right… if you say so…”
“It’s true.”
Skill was one thing, but not letting your guard down was just as important… It made me worry.
I couldn’t help but sigh deeply. Lionel’s expression turned glum.
“Ahem.”
Father cleared his throat awkwardly to change the mood.
“Since we’ve agreed to cooperate, we should discuss our next steps.”
“Indeed.”
“I’ve had quite a lot to say, too.”
Vaikal and Lionel responded as if they’d been waiting for this moment.
Surprisingly, the three of them seemed to get along well when it came to matters like this.
‘Thank goodness. I’m glad the conversation’s going smoothly.’
I’d quietly worried they might remain at odds and never come to recognize each other, but only now did I truly feel at ease.
For quite a while after, those gathered in the reception room discussed the power dynamics between the Empire and the surrounding kingdoms.
They spread out a large map across the table, marking the families completely loyal to the Imperial Family, those who had been forced into submission by blackmail or weakness, and those secretly antagonistic to the throne. They also charted each family’s military strength and valuable assets, such as magic ore mines.
Knowing absolutely nothing myself, I perked up my ears and did my best to memorize what they said.
One day, this information might prove useful.
“You mean to tell me they’ve secured that many magic ore mines?”
Father looked at Lionel, clearly astonished.
“I judged it the most vital resource. Warfare today has changed significantly from the past.”
“You’re right. But the problem is, there aren’t many who can refine it properly…”
“What if we recruit Ardin Silias?”
Ardin Silias…?
Now that I think of it, he was said to be a once-in-several-centuries talent, even within the renowned magical family of Silias.
Born as the second son, he received no support and was instead subjected to constant abuse, yet his individual skill far outstripped that of his elder brother.
Considering Halid was Duke of the great Calitas family, and Dantère was an Imperial bastard with immense wealth from Ortatum, I supposed someone of Ardin’s caliber was needed to balance out the male leads.
“…Is that even possible?”
“I do have something in mind… I’ll explain more once it’s certain.”
No way… Lionel’s plan doesn’t involve Vivian, does it…?
I glanced toward Halid.
He simply stared down at the map, expression unreadable.
Had this part been discussed with Lionel too?
Or was it unrelated to Vivian, and was some completely different method?
Since Halid had been my favorite male lead in A Night of Entwined Serpents, I sincerely hoped he’d end up with Vivian.
