I Picked Up the Trash Others Threw Away - Chapter 13.1

Chapter 13.1

I thought the sudden request would require some preparation time, but the Count and Countess came to the parlor faster than expected.

They looked worried, seemingly afraid of what their son had done this time.

The two took turns looking between me and Trish. I poked Trish’s arm with my elbow, urging him to open his mouth.

“I apologize for the sudden encounter. I have someone to introduce you to.”

“Good afternoon. I am Audrey Delphonie, the only daughter of Baron Delphonie. Count Malekiah, Countess, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

I stood up and greeted them politely.

The counts were a middle-aged couple with outstanding beauty. They both had gorgeous blonde hair, and they looked like a young man and woman, so much so that it was embarrassing to say that they were middle-aged.

It’s amazing how genes are passed down from generation to generation. I was impressed.

As if they had not yet grasped the situation, the two nodded dazedly and sat down.

“Baron Delphonie… it’s the first time I’ve heard of him.”

“My family has a small territory on the outskirts of the capital. Though it can’t be compared to the Malekiah family, I hope you’ll take a look.”

“Of course. But what kind of… business do you have with our son…”

Countess Malekiah’s face began to turn pale gradually.

I smiled shyly and lied as if to add conviction to her worries.

“It may be sudden, but I would like you to allow me to marry your son, Sir Trish.”

“M-marry?”

“Yes. Actually, I have his child…”

The countess grabbed the back of her neck and stumbled, unable to listen to the rest of the story.

Count Malekiah wrapped one arm around his wife’s shoulder and began to shout at Trish in a furious voice.

“Trish Malekiah! You, what kind of atrocity have you done!”

“W-what do you mean, atrocity? It’s true that we made a mistake, but we were seriously considering getting married.”

‘Oh, that’s good.’

Maybe it was because he was used to lying, but Trish’s appearance of making an excuse without even batting an eye was plausible.

I nodded, adding weight to his words, and stroked my stomach, which hadn’t even popped out of my tight corset.

“Yes, that’s right. I’m sorry we didn’t say anything earlier. My family is insignificant, so I was worried it would be a burden to you.”

“Lady, how could you do s-such a thing with our son without even being married?”

“Sir Trish promised that he would take responsibility.”

Count Malekiah’s fierce eyes turned to Trish again.

Trish could not deny that he had never done so in this situation, so he just gave up and nodded.

“I want to marry this woman. Father, Mother. I’m serious.”

No one could easily open their mouths.

Everyone stopped breathing in an atmosphere that was frozen in an instant.

Some servants didn’t know what to do and wondered if the sound of their eyes moving around could be heard.

At that moment, Count Malekiah slapped Trish on the cheek with all his might. The countess shrieked at the violent sound, and I grabbed Trish’s arm, which was shaking reflexively.

He was his son, how could he openly hit him in front of everyone?

“Trish Malekiah, you keep disgracing this family!”

“…”

“Don’t be mistaken that our attitude of not saying anything about your atrocities was for you. You are a disgrace to our family. I’ve been quietly waiting for the way you’ll finally stop behaving like this, but instead, you’re hammering a nail into your parents’ hearts!”

“I apologize.”

Trish quietly uttered in a low voice. His attitude showed that he was used to being treated like this by his family.

Even so, it would be right for me to take his side here since we were going to be on the same boat now. I hugged Trish’s arm and eagerly shouted to Count Malekiah.

“I’m sorry, Father. It’s all because of me. I dared to love Sir Trish… I was greedy even though my status wasn’t worthy of that.”

“Audrey, don’t step up.”

“But! I truly love Sir Trish. It was the first time anyone liked me like this… Could you please allow us to marry? I’ll try to be a good fit for your family.”

Were they moved by my earnest confession?

The Countess’ eyes were moist. It looked like she would start crying if I pushed it just a little more.

To change her mind, I wiped the area around my eyes with the back of my hand and continued my confession.