It Seems Like The Infamous Trash Can is Right Here! - Chapter 80
Even when we were young, Vaikal had always been like this. He stroked my back soothingly, waiting patiently for my tears to subside.
Once I had finally stopped crying, I buried my face against his chest and hastily wiped my face with a handkerchief.
It was probably too late, my eyelids already felt heavy and swollen. Still, I didn’t want Lionel to see me like this, all teary-eyed and sniffling.
“See? You cried too much. Let me see your face.”
Vaikal cupped my face in his hands, studying me carefully.
“My poor baby sister—look at you, you look so ugly.”
His violet-colored eyes, slightly deeper in shade than mine, were filled with affection.
To him, I was still his foolishly naïve baby sister.
“You’ve had a hard time, haven’t you? I’m sorry I couldn’t come for you sooner.”
He apologized again, even though he didn’t need to.
If anything, I was the one who should apologize. I had been ignorant, selfishly relying on my family without knowing anything.
“No, I understand now.”
“…Did he tell you?”
His gaze turned toward Lionel, and in an instant, his eyes went cold. He had already decided Lionel was his enemy.
“Brother, why are you treating Lionel like that? He’s not a bad person.”
“…You’re asking why?”
Vaikal spoke in a voice even lower than before—a habit of his when he was truly angry.
“Father and I knew you were in the Kingdom of Cloren’s monastery. We couldn’t reveal ourselves, but we watched over you from afar, preparing to bring you back.”
Vaikal’s statement stunned me.
Even when I had thought I was completely alone, Father and my brother had never abandoned me.
“Yes, Luanax would, of course, be well aware of the bad blood between the Imperial Family and Solen. And yet, Lionel forcibly dragged you to the capital—knowing full well how dangerous it is for you here!”
Hmm…
From their perspective, Lionel had indeed disrupted their plans and kidnapped their youngest sibling.
“Come with me now, Serenia. We have to leave the capital—leave Lubarque.”
“And where would we go once we leave the Empire?”
“I’ll tell you on the way.”
Vaikal shot a wary glance at Lionel before taking my hand, his expression filled with certainty—as if he didn’t doubt for a second that I would follow him.
But…
“Brother, if we run away, will we really be safe?”
I couldn’t help but ask Vaikal.
“Lubarque rules this continent. There isn’t a single nation that hasn’t sworn diplomatic ties with them. How long do you think our family can live in safety?”
“…Serenia, that’s… I won’t say it’ll be easy. But trust in Father and me—”
If I followed Vaikal now, I would never be anything more than the youngest sibling they needed to protect.
Just like in my childhood, I would once again become a burden to them.
“…Brother, I’ve decided to marry Lionel.”
“…What?”
Vaikal stared at me as if he hadn’t heard correctly.
“We are already engaged. I’ve assumed a new identity and changed my name to avoid suspicion from the Imperial Family.”
His eyes, swirling with shock, flickered toward Lionel for confirmation.
“She’s telling the truth.”
Until now, Lionel had been silently listening, accepting Vaikal’s accusations without a word of protest.
But at last, he spoke.
“I proposed to her, and she accepted. Serenia will be the Duchess of Luanax.”
“Lionel, have you completely lost your mind?”
Vaikal’s voice wavered in disbelief as he glared at Lionel with wide, incredulous eyes.
“You, of all people, should know I’ve always been insane. Though, I’d like to think I’ve improved a little recently.”
Lionel tilted his head slightly, turning to me with a soft smile.
“…Thanks to my precious fiancée.”
