It Seems Like The Infamous Trash Can is Right Here! - Chapter 177

‘A wedding, huh…’

The thought made me feel strange.

Though Lionel and I were already living almost like husband and wife, just thinking about becoming his wife in a formal ceremony tickled something soft inside me.

“Come to think of it, I should fit in some horseback training along with stamina conditioning.”

“I know how to ride.”

“Do you?

He looked skeptical, clearly unconvinced.

“That time I rode Duke Calitas’ horse was only because I wasn’t thinking straight, I was panicking that something might happen to you.”

It had to be because of that day. I rushed to explain.

“Do you know how scared I was?”

“…I see.”

Lionel’s eyes softened.

“Even now, just remembering that day makes my chest tighten. It’s a relief the one who harmed you was dealt with safely, but… If it hadn’t been for your father and Vaikal, I don’t know what would’ve happened.”

I hugged his waist tightly and rested my face against his chest.

“The culprit… right. Count Solen is truly exceptional.”

His voice, murmuring low, was strangely lacking in energy.

I patted his back in comfort.

“You’re good at so many other things. You don’t need to be perfect at everything.”

A person being too flawless lacked humanity. A flaw here and there made them feel more real.

“But I’ll still practice horseback riding when I can. Just to make sure you don’t have to worry.”

Last time, Halid’s horseback riding skills were impressive. It wouldn’t hurt to learn a bit from him when Lionel wasn’t around…

“Don’t. Not when I’m not there.”

“Uh…”

“Only with me.”

But Lionel’s schedule was so full. If I only practiced when he had time, I’d barely regain my old skills.

Still, the look in his eyes made it clear he wouldn’t budge on this, and I had no choice but to nod.

* * *

The next morning, Lionel was up early preparing for a council meeting at the palace.

My muscles, abused from yesterday’s workout, creaked and ached in protest, but I dragged myself out of bed and trailed after him.

As the head of a ducal house, Lionel was always impeccably dressed, but when entering the palace, he took special care with his appearance.

Watching the process was a delight, and no matter how sleepy I was, I couldn’t give it up.

I helped scrub his back while he bathed, and buttoned his shirt cuffs when he dressed.

‘Didn’t he say he’d wear this cravat?’

I reached for the one he’d picked out, when he suddenly wrapped his arms around my waist from behind.

“I don’t know why I’m so reluctant to go today…”

So even someone like him hates going to work.

Smiling softly, I gently stroked the back of his hand to encourage him.

“Should I not go?”

“Is that really okay? You said you had to handle everything this week before we leave the capital next week.”

He buried his face in the crook of my neck, groaning miserably.

Now that I thought about it, I could feel something heavy pressing near my backside. Maybe it wasn’t just emotional. Had I made things harder by following him around all morning?

“If you don’t mind… could we spend just a little time together before I leave?”

I was worried he might be late, but he did say just a little… so it should be fine, right?

I nodded, and he slipped his hand inside my chemise.

He had dressed me last night after washing me while I slept, so I had nothing underneath.

His lips grazed my neck, his hands cupping my b*****s, kneading them.

He was the one touching me, but it was his breath that came out languid and heavy.