It Seems Like The Infamous Trash Can is Right Here! - Chapter 58
… She was inviting me to a tea party with Dantère and Ardin?
Now that I thought about it, Ilina was nowhere to be seen. Was I meant to take her place?
“They’re quite delicious. I had to compete fiercely to get my hands on them.”
Ardin added, supporting Vivian’s invitation.
Just as I was eyeing Vivian, wondering about the unexpected offer and Vivna’s unexpected behavior with a puzzled expression…
“Let’s join them.”
Lionel answered in my stead.
I snapped my head up to look at him. His cool eyes met mine, his lips curving into a slow, knowing smile.
He had already read my thoughts. He knew I was hesitating out of curiosity. That was why he answered for me.
Honestly, if I were alone, I would have made any excuse to avoid it.
But with Lionel there?
It was a front-row seat to witness the male leads’ power struggle, and I’d be securely strapped in.
What a rare opportunity—I couldn’t possibly pass it up!
“Hmm… Then I’ll have them set a place for my brother as well.”
At her instruction, the waiting maids swiftly moved to set up additional seats.
Soon, the five of us were seated around a round table in the garden.
The air was rich with the scent of various sweet confections, all arranged in an enticing display.
Among them, Lionel placed a slice of chocolate cake with a cherry on my plate. I hadn’t even voiced my interest, yet he noticed right away.
As expected, the taste made my mouth melt.
‘No wonder the competition was fierce.’
While I focused on the cake, the others carried on their conversation.
“I told you, I was the first to propose as His Highness the Crown Prince’s birthday banquet partner.”
“The fact that you proposed first and whether Vivian accepts it are two entirely separate matters. Surely, you’re not so ignorant as to not understand that.”
Ah. So that’s why they were fighting to the point of grabbing each other by the collar. It was over who would be Vivian’s partner.
“And? You really think Vivian would accept your proposal?”
“Watch your words. I will respect Vivian’s decision, whatever it may be.”
Listening in silence, Lionel finally spoke up.
“I don’t see the point of this pointless debate. That girl already has a fiancé.”
Right. I shouldn’t forget about Halid Calitas.
I nodded slightly to myself.
Regardless of their personal relationship, for an official event like the Crown Prince’s birthday banquet, she would have to attend with her fiancé.
Otherwise, rumors would inevitably spread.
Even in a world where people could be as frivolous as they pleased behind closed doors, a romance-fantasy setting like this one still had some rules.
“Brother, I already… Halid and I…”
“Calitas returned the annulment papers.”
“Oh… So that’s how it turned out.”
“Wasn’t this already settled?”
Vivian let out a small sigh.
“I was caught off guard by his reaction. I expected him to be relieved, but instead, he was… difficult.”
“So, what do you plan to do?”
Lionel asked with his usual unreadable expression.
“I’m still thinking. He didn’t ask me to be his partner this time either…”
“Vivian, you sent Duke Calitas a formal annulment? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Ardin, looking genuinely shocked, spoke up.
Wait—he didn’t know? He proposed to be Vivian’s partner without even realizing she had broken off her engagement?
Wow. No strategy whatsoever—this is getting even better.
“It wasn’t exactly pleasant news. I planned to tell you once it was all sorted out.”
“If you had told me sooner, I could have helped you figure it out…”
Ardin’s expression softened, his golden lashes dipping as his gaze turned forlorn. With his shining blond hair and gentle demeanor, he looked almost heartbreakingly wistful—like a large dog sulking after being ignored by its owner.
‘There it is—the ‘kind yet scheming male lead’ type.’
Even knowing it was all an act, it was entertaining since it didn’t concern me directly.
“What about you, Sasha?”
Suddenly, the conversation turned toward me.
I turned my head to see Dantère, resting his chin on his hand, watching me with an interested gaze.
“Are you interested in the imperial ball?”
“No.”
I wished people wouldn’t talk to the audience while they were in the middle of enjoying the show.
“You’ve never been to one, have you? Want to come with me?”
“No, thank you.”
“There’s no need to refuse so quickly, Sasha. No one cares who I bring along.”
This reckless, pleasure-seeking libertine—where exactly had he left his sense of self-preservation?
Could he really not see the look on Lionel’s face?
I was getting chills just imagining it.
