Too Lazy to be a Villainess novel Chapter 342

Chapter 342: The Captain No One Knew

[Lavinia’s Chamber—Later—Lavinia’s Pov]

Strange.

Very strange.

I tapped my finger against the armrest again, the sound echoing in the quiet room like a ticking clock.

How did General Luke know Haldor’s birthday is tomorrow?

Haldor—who never speaks about himself. Never celebrates. Never acknowledges dates. Never even mentions personal details unless forced.

So how...?

My eyes narrowed.

No one from Eloria knows his birthday. I don’t even know his age. He brushes questions away like dust.

Then how did Luke—a man from a conquered kingdom—know? Something is wrong. Something doesn’t add up.

Before the thought could deepen, a sharp knock rattled the door.

KNOCK. KNOCK.

"Your Highness," Luke’s voice came through the wood—steady, respectful, and perfectly controlled. "General Arwin has arrived."

"Send him inside," I said.

The door opened, and Arwin strode in, bowing deeply. "Greetings, Your Highness."

I nodded once. "Arwin."

He glanced sideways—subtle irritation flickering in his eyes. "Your Highness, may I ask... why is Luke guarding your chamber?"

I crossed my arms. "Because he has taken Haldor’s place for the time being."

Arwin blinked. "He has?"

"That stubborn idiot was awake for two days," I muttered. "He wouldn’t sleep unless I ordered him to."

Arwin’s lips twitched. "Ah. That explains why he looked one second away from collapsing."

Exactly.

Arwin straightened. "On to the report, Your Highness. The nobles have begun gathering. We can begin the council meeting in half an hour."

"Good," I said. "Inform me the moment everyone arrives."

He bowed. "Yes, Your Highness."

He turned to leave—but I spoke before his hand touched the door.

"Arwin."

He paused mid-step, glancing back. "Yes, Your Highness?"

I hesitated for only a moment. "Did you know tomorrow is Captain Haldor’s birthday?"

Arwin’s eyes widened in genuine shock. "Really? How did you know, Your Highness?"

I shrugged slightly. "Just... learned it."

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "This is the first time we’ve ever heard of Captain Haldor having a birthday."

I blinked. "... What do you mean the first time?"

Arwin nodded earnestly. "For years, we’ve asked him. Again and again. Every soldier in the Imperial ranks tried at least once."

"And?"

"He never answered," Arwin said. "Not once. He either left the room or changed the topic."

My brows furrowed.

"So," I murmured, "no one knew? Not even you?"

"No one," Arwin confirmed. "Not even Zerith, and he was closest to Captain Haldor during the starting years. Haldor simply never shares his past."

My mind sharpened instantly.

Then how did Luke—who met Haldor yesterday—know?

Arwin continued, "But since we know now, we should prepare something. It’s rare to celebrate for the Imperial Captain."

I waved my hand. "You’re free to do whatever you wish."

Arwin grinned. "Understood, Your Highness."

He bowed again and left the chamber. The moment the door clicked shut, I leaned back against my couch, exhaling slowly.

The puzzle pieces weren’t fitting.

"Very strange," I whispered.

My eyes drifted toward the door—toward the hallway where Luke is, silent and unreadable.

What exactly is your relationship with my captain, Luke? Why do you keep watching him like he’s... yours?

I sighed and massaged my temples.

Anyway.

Haldor’s birthday.

Should I do something? A small celebration? A gift? A sea trip? Throw him in the ocean?

Before my thoughts spiraled further—Knock knock.

Sera entered gracefully, holding a tray. "Your Highness, I brought tea."

"Thank you, Sera."

She poured the steaming tea with perfect precision and set a plate beside me.

"Your favorite macarons," she said proudly.

My eyes sparkled. I gave her a big thumbs up. "You’re the best."

Her lips curved smugly. "I know, Your Highness."

I sipped my tea—sweet, fragrant, perfect—and asked casually, "Sera, can you prepare some cakes for tonight?"

Instant glare.

A terrifying one.

"You’re not eating sugar at night," she snapped. "You will gain weight."

I choked on air. "Sera—why are you so strict!?"

"Because you don’t know what moderation is, Your Highness."

...She’s right.

I huffed dramatically. "It’s not for me!"

She raised a brow skeptically. "It’s Haldor’s birthday," I said, softer this time. "I should at least prepare something, right?"

Sera blinked.

Then her entire face brightened.

"Oh! Should I bake him a cake? What flavor does Captain Haldor prefer?"

I opened my mouth.

Closed it.

Opened again.

"...I have no idea."

Sera’s shoulders slumped. "Of course you don’t."

Then I added innocently, "Why don’t you just bake my favorite strawberry cake?"

She stared at me.

Hard.

"...I thought we were celebrating his birthday, not yours, Your Highness."

I coughed into my hand, avoiding her deadpan glare. "Strawberry is... festive."

She sighed as if carrying the weight of the world. "Fine. I shall bake it."

I grinned. "Excellent."

Sera collected the tray and left, shaking her head like a disappointed mother. When the door shut again, I leaned back into the cushions, sipping my tea thoughtfully.

"I need to dig into Haldor’s past once I reach Eloria," I murmured.

Because tomorrow was his birthday—and yet, somehow, General Luke knew that before any of us.

***

[Later—Council Hall of Fallen Meren]

"You are now Grand Duke of Southern Meren under Elorian rule."

Let them learn: Loyalty is rewarded. Cowardice is crushed.

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