It Seems Like The Infamous Trash Can is Right Here! - Chapter 14
I couldn’t risk another day like today—being summoned on a whim, the object of Dantère Ortatum’s fleeting curiosity.
Before the main plot of the original story unfolds, I needed to secure allies in this mansion—those who could provide genuine, useful information.
“Child, what do you think is the most important thing for living life your own way?”
“Snacks?”
“…Information. Information, my dear.”
Such is the importance of early education.
Never mind the fact that the father who said those words ruined our family—it’s just a minor detail.
After all, I was the kind of child who begrudgingly completed my homework, only to get my hands on the promised candy and chocolates as rewards.
“I don’t have enough information right now.”
Aside from Illina, Vivian’s personal maid, I couldn’t name a single servant in the main house.
Part of the reason was that I hadn’t interacted with them much. But it was also my own reluctance to grow closer to anyone in this mansion.
“Someone who knows Lionel’s schedule. Someone who has Vivian’s movements memorized.”
At least one person for each, and preferably a secondary contact in case the first was unavailable.
It was unreasonable to target someone specific from the start.
Lionel had assigned me to the annex, making it difficult to even cross paths with the main house’s staff.
So, my strategy was clear: start with the annex maids and gradually expand my circle of acquaintances.
It felt a little daunting, but what choice did I have?
“If it must be done, it must be done.”
Standing at the central staircase, I glanced toward Vivian’s bedroom door but stepped upward instead of heading back to the annex.
“This is separate from that.”
Fostering relationships for future plans was one thing, but exacting a bit of petty revenge for now? That was entirely different.
Did they think priests were overflowing with compassion?
If so, they were sorely mistaken.
God is merciful but also just. For those who commit wrongs without repentance, judgment awaits.
“It’s time to snitch.”
Determined to report their misconduct before evidence could be erased, I ascended the stairs briskly.
But on reaching the third floor, I encountered not Lionel’s attendant but Lionel himself.
“Ah…”
He stood there in a white uniform adorned with exquisite gold embroidery, looking every bit as immaculate as someone attending an imperial meeting.
Even his usual attire always seemed ready for a formal outing, but now, dressed like this, Lionel appeared otherworldly.
If rank were determined by looks, he’d take the throne in a heartbeat…
‘S-snap out of it!’
I was not, under any circumstances, the kind of person to be swayed by a man’s appearance.
It was just that Lionel’s polished look had momentarily triggered the reflexes of a seasoned reader of romantic novels from my past life.
“…Good day, Your Grace.”
No scent of blood lingered today. Perhaps my senses had simply been heightened before.
“Priestess.”
Surprised to find me here, Lionel’s eyes briefly widened before softening into an easy curve.
His expression, so cold and severe when neutral, melted into something warm and gentle.
“I heard you were looking for me. I was on my way to the annex, but here we are.”
I hadn’t expected my inquiry to reach him so quickly, let alone that he’d come to see me right after returning from court without even changing clothes.
“No wonder Dantère misunderstood…”
Was it just my imagination, or did Lionel seem particularly attentive toward me?
“If you don’t mind, shall we talk in my drawing room?”
He suggested this, extending his hand naturally toward me.
“We can also have the dinner I promised yesterday.”
…Dinner is still 3 or 4 hours away, but that wasn’t the point right now.
Instead of placing my hand in his, I grabbed his forearm and gently pulled him closer.
Startled, his eyes widened, but he didn’t resist. He even bent down slightly, as if understanding my intent.
“I do have something to ask.”
I whispered into his ear, standing on my tiptoes.
“But first, there’s a matter that requires your immediate attention.”
He leaned in attentively as I continued.
“The gentleman from yesterday is currently in the young lady’s room.”
Take that, you promiscuous a*s.
