It Seems Like The Infamous Trash Can is Right Here! - Chapter 81
Lionel’s gaze held mine captive, and his words made my heart pound.
Even with my family beside me—no, perhaps it only intensified because of that.
Vaikal hadn’t said anything wrong. But for Lionel, it must not have been pleasant to hear.
It wasn’t as if Lionel had known about my father’s and brother’s situation when he brought me to the capital.
He had taken me into Luanax’s estate and given me everything I could need, without any reservations.
Compared to my life at the monastery, my current life was one of unimaginable comfort. He had protected and cared for me with unwavering dedication.
Despite his undoubtedly busy schedule, he made an effort to share at least one meal with me each day. He never dismissed my complaints, no matter how trivial they were.
From our engagement to our impending marriage, and even beyond, into our married life, he had promised me so much.
It was an undeniably unfair contract, to the point where if anyone else read it, they would assume I held some fatal leverage over Lionel.
He had done so much for me, almost excessively so, and yet Vaikal had barged in, sword drawn, radiating murderous intent, blaming Lionel for something that wasn’t even his fault.
Lionel is the head of Luanax, one of the most influential houses on the continent. Vaikal was merely the heir of a fallen house. The difference in status was overwhelming.
Of course, from their conversation, it was clear they had known each other for some time.
Vaikal was three years older than Lionel, so their time at the academy must have overlapped.
Even so, Vaikal had no right to speak to him that way. He was my brother, but I couldn’t take his side on this.
It wouldn’t have been surprising if Lionel had grown furious, called off the engagement, and left me to my own devices.
Yet, throughout the entire conversation, Lionel never showed the slightest offense.
If anything, he gazed at me more tenderly than ever, smiling reassuringly, as if to tell me there was nothing to worry about.
His calmness eased my nerves, the tension melting away.
‘Lionel… must really love me.’
Otherwise, how could he endure all of this?
I felt a pang of guilt for my brother, who had gone from furious to utterly shocked, but… I couldn’t help but be happy at Lionel’s unwavering devotion.
‘And I… I love Lionel.’
I whispered the thought to myself.
‘I love him so much that I could no longer let go of his hand, not even if my father and brother wanted me to.’
That was why…
I had to convince Vaikal. I wanted to.
Not just because I wanted him to understand, but because I couldn’t bear to hurt him after finally reuniting.
“Brother, nothing has changed in the past three years. The most important problem still hasn’t been solved. So rather than running, I’d rather stay by Lionel’s side. I don’t want to be a burden to our family.”
“Why would you say that? Father and I have never once thought of you as a burden.”
“But it is true that I am someone you have to protect.”
Vaikal’s expression hardened, as if I were stating the obvious.
“Protecting you is our duty. It’s our right. You’re the reason we decided to break free from this endless cycle.”
“But you’re not ready yet, are you?”
At my question, he hesitated.
“You were forced to move earlier than planned because you saw me visit the information guild with Lionel, weren’t you?”
“……”
Vaikal couldn’t answer immediately, and I knew my guess wasn’t wrong.
“That’s why… until you and Father are safe, I’ll stay here with Lionel. Even the Imperial Family wouldn’t dare touch the Duchess of Luanax.”
“…Serenia.”
Vaikal, who had been staring at me with a conflicted expression, ran a hand over his face and shook his head.
“You should marry someone you love. Not make a choice because you’ve been backed into a corner.”
“That’s why I chose Lionel.”
