I Picked Up the Trash Others Threw Away - Chapter 38.1

Chapter 38.1

“Since the game ended earlier than I thought, why don’t we have a cup of tea and talk? You’re welcome to ask any questions you may have.”

Seraph made the suggestion first, but I shook my head slightly and rejected it.

He said he could ask anything, but it was obvious that he was trying to sneakily get information about me while we talked.

“I also went out today, so I’m tired. I’d rather head back now.”

“Oh my. Since you asked for information in exchange for the contract, I wanted to let you know about the important figures of the banquet that Lady will be attending soon. But if you’re too tired, then perhaps another time.”

“No. You should accept payment promptly. I’ll have chamomile tea, please.”

If he had something to offer, he should have started with that. I sat down on the sofa where the guests had sat, as if I hadn’t declined his offer just moments ago.

Seraph gave a low chuckle, then called the staff and asked them to bring chamomile tea and a glass of whiskey, along with instructions to clear the refreshments that the guests had shared and bring new ones.

He sat down on the sofa across from me and tapped on the Hwatu deck I had neatly arranged on the table.

“Before officially launching Hwatu, I would like to demonstrate it with only a few high-end guests. We’ll try to promote it as a special game from the East that’s difficult to obtain.”

“Then, I’ll be in charge of running the games during the trial period, right? But please don’t summon me so suddenly like today, I’d prefer it if we arranged a schedule in advance.”

“Yes, of course.”

“And no matter what your purpose is, I’d appreciate it if you stopped with the suspicious surveillance or anything like that.”

It felt downright offensive from the point of view of the person being watched. I didn’t say those words out loud, but it was true that he made me feel uneasy. Although I was now protected as a member of the Malekiah family, the underworld was not a place that spared the weak and powerless.

He may be acting friendly now, but he could very well plan to get rid of me the moment I stop being useful or start getting in his way.

I was the one holding exclusive business ideas that no one else did, so he was just sweet-talking to me because he thought I was worth using right now.

‘Honestly, I’m afraid of this man.’

Should I have taken Trish’s warning when we first stepped into the casino seriously?

Seeing how nervous I was, Seraph pushed a plate of sugar cookies in front of me as if to reassure me.

“I have no intention of harming you, Lady. So why don’t you treat me with a little more warmth?”

“If you let me bring in my escorts, who are waiting outside.”

“I guess you still don’t trust me. Very well. I’ll do that.”

Surprisingly, Seraph accepted and opened the door to the room.

It wasn’t long before Allen and Simon came inside with worried faces. They were suppressing their murderous intent, but they were still obviously wary of Seraph.

I didn’t think there would be bloodshed here, but I had to feel reassured one way or another.

“Then, Mr. Seraph, can you give me the information now? And while you’re at it, please tell me how you knew about the banquet I’m attending.”

“There’s a list with the major banquets and parties that are going to be held in the social world. The Lady is currently a hot topic in high society, so I assumed you would be invited to Duchess Alish’s banquet.”

So, information about what’s happening in the social world was also shared among these circles.

I nodded at his logical reasoning. It was information that prominent figures could know if they paid just a little attention.

“As expected, you were invited. You may want to bring a small gift to the banquet. The Duchess loves small decorative items that can be displayed by the window.”

“While we’re at it, would you be so kind to tell me who is worth befriending and who I should be vigilant of, from the Malekiah family’s perspective?”

“The Malekiah family is so well-established that no one tries to make enemies of them. However, the attitude of the margraves who oppose the royal family will not be favorable. But they’re not the type of people who would attend the Duchess’ banquet, so you don’t have to worry about them right now.”

As expected, making the Malekiah family my allies was the best choice of my life.

The daughter of an insignificant baron family rising through marriage… It really was a Cinderella story.

“If there are other parties or events coming up, I’ll look into them for you.”

“Oh! Do you perhaps know anything about Viscountess Geneford?”

Seraph paused at the unexpected name, but thought about it quietly.