It Seems Like The Infamous Trash Can is Right Here! - Chapter 216
Even when he looked at Vivian with eyes devoid of the slightest affection, his attitude was one of willing service with his body if she wished it. And now, he even brought flowers and gifts to her each day.
So Ardin had never expected Halid to ask a question seeking sincerity.
“Love…”
Did he love Vivian?
He had never thought about it.
And he wasn’t supposed to think about it. Until only a few minutes ago, that had been the natural order of things.
“I do not know yet.”
Whatever Ardin wanted, whatever he cherished or loved, none of it mattered. Because it was certain his life would flow according to Felix’s will.
He had resigned himself to it and accepted it.
No, he thought he had accepted it.
He realized this the moment he caught a glimpse of hope, that it wasn’t true.
The woman who would, barring some catastrophe, become the Duchess of Luanax, Sasha Dilottete. When she melted and erased part of his leash with divine power, Ardin felt as if the world had turned upside down.
So it had been possible?
Breaking free of this leash.
Living according to his will. Saying he wanted what he wanted, reaching out with all his strength toward the things he wished to have.
Standing at that great turning point in his life, Ardin understood that he had to begin everything anew.
Even the things that had once been easy when he was a child, he now had to relearn from the beginning.
“If you are willing to wait, I will give you an answer soon. I can finally think about it now.”
He could not yet walk, for he had forgotten how to walk. But soon, he would be able to stand firmly upon the ground on his own two feet.
He who had been forced to control even his laughter and tears would now be able to laugh freely when he wished and cry when his chest ached.
How many days would it take?
Until he completely escaped this shackle.
A week? A month?
It didn’t matter how long.
He could wait as long as needed.
He would wait joyfully, gladly, thinking again and again.
About the life he desired and dreamed of.
‘For now, I must begin with what I can do.’
There was no turning back.
Not only because he had glimpsed hope, but because the mark left upon his body had completely severed the line between himself and Felix. Either he would die, or Felix would die. Only one of them could survive.
‘First, protect Sasha Dilottete.’
A leash of a different nature now belonged to that woman. Therefore, no matter what happened, Ardin could not lose Sasha Dilottete.
‘Second, deceive Felix’s eyes.’
Ardin knew Crown Prince Axion maintained a close alliance with Felix.
If they were bold enough to send mercenaries into the Luanax estate to kidnap Sasha Dilottete, then surely they would seek Felix’s cooperation.
And it would not take long for them to obtain information that Ardin, Felix’s tool, was traveling with the Duke of Luanax.
He needed to play his cards right and act so they would be misled into believing things were progressing smoothly and lower their guard.
‘For that part, I will need the Duke of Luanax’s cooperation.’
As Ardin sank into deep thought, Halid spoke to him.
“Do you need support?”
“No, I am fine.”
“I see. Then let us return.”
Relieved, Halid turned and began to walk with long, sure strides.
Ardin followed silently behind him, continuing his thoughts.
‘And what else do I need…’
Unlike Halid, who simply pushed through the brush like a brute, Ardin used a mana-formed shield and walked forward without a hint of obstruction.
Thus they arrived at the building where preparations for departure were in full swing.
Ardin spotted Vivian standing beside the carriage with a weary face.
‘You don’t need to feel guilty, Ardin. I used you too.’
On the night of the masquerade, when she spoke nonsense and managed to draw him into a physical relationship, she had said that.
‘The wounds you’ll receive from now on will be much worse. I’ll apologize in advance.’
Her uniquely gentle voice, her face pale to the point of translucence.
The memory of that night remained painfully vivid.
He had decided to begin by doing what he could, one thing at a time.
Then the very first thing he had to do was this.
“Vivian.”
Ardin was unaware of anything around him. He walked straight toward her, seeing only Vivian, and stood before her.
“I am sorry. I was wrong.”
And he asked for forgiveness.
If he were ever granted freedom, that was what he had wanted more than anything.
