You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 381 — A Little Sister.

It was pure instinct that made us turn on our feet. My hand naturally lowered, folding in the way the mister had taught me to ask for help if needed.

Nothing had happened to make us this alarmed. And yet... it felt correct. It made sense to me... just like walking with my apartment’s keys in my hand while walking at night in the streets of my neighbourhood did back in the day.

It was a controlled nervousness that was also aided by my hand that held onto my pretty tear.

Somehow, as if it was the obvious, I had adopted this stance as I walked where I held my wrist; sure that what the Spirit in the forest had told me was true... That the pretty tear would protect me if I found myself in danger.

’Why the hell is no one around? I’m sure I saw a few people before.’

I was starting to feel lost now. The tents were familiar and yet I couldn’t really tell where I was at the moment.

Maybe the panic was starting to confuse my senses without me noticing. But I took a deep breath... Lifting my hands to my chest to embrace the treasure from Calla decorating my wrist as a way to find some kind of reassurance.

’Pretty tear... if this is as bad a situation as I feel it is... I’m counting on you.’ — I told to it, keeping it as close as I could while my eyes looked around, certain that something was following me.

’I hope it’s not the creepy festival kid... could it be Paul?... Then again I think I prefer the murderous kid though.’

The funny thought didn’t help either me or Marianne to calm down.

I wasn’t sure of where to go since the place didn’t seem like one I’d been before... Hence, I stayed there. Standing and observing my surroundings at a place where a few steps to the right had the small forest ahead.

’I know I shouldn’t go that way at the very least...’ — I thought as I looked with distrust at the path in between the trees.

"Marianne."

"!!?"

"Why are you here? The lady’s tent is on the other side."

’... How can I know that’s true though?’ — Inwardly, I answered coldly to that one supposed to be my sister in this life.

It was suspicious for her to suddenly appear. And...

’If it’s on the other side why is she here in the first place?’ — This last question was the most suspicious. Because even if she was feigning interest in us the last few times we met, I doubt she would fake it to the point of leaving the pamper of the frivolous ladies to search me out of "concern".

"Did you get lost, perhaps? Let us go back together, I can tell you where the tent is." 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

’... This gives me weird old don’t go with stranger vibes... should I run?’ — Worried the more she closed into us, I looked her up and down trying to see if my paranoia was unfounded.

"Marianne?"

*Rustle*

’ah...’

Instinctively, I gave a step back as I felt she was getting too close to my liking and I had yet to decide if I should buy this or not.

And gosh... Instincts are really...

"... So you’re not actually that stupid..." — Grinning horrifyingly wide, I felt my blood and energy being sucked out at the realisation. — "You were slow last time... Congratulations Marianne."

... Instincts are really a good thing.

*******

While having a conversation with some of the ladies in the tent, the attention of the youngest of the Sylfinnier was attracted by the voice of the Princess as she excused her sister’s brief leave.

"Hm? Where is the Ninth going?"

"... It is alright. Lady Marianne will come back in a moment. Some matters ought to be taken care of by her person."

"Oh, may it be solved quickly, Fair Ninth."

’... She doesn’t look alright...’ — Theressa concluded as a glimpse was given to Marianne who bowed politely yet dimly.

Pondering on the events she had encountered since the day before, the young Theressa revived the rage humiliation and disgrace brought along. Contemplating on it again... as the sight of a downward Marianne left the tent with only the company of severe guards.

’She truly doesn’t look alright... sigh... She won’t faint, will she?’ — The girl worried to quickly feel annoyed by the concern.

Recalling the way the sister she had thought would continue to be kind to her had cleverly turned at the lie she told the women, Theressa’s teeth gritted in displeasure. Making the jaw bite stronger while also remembering the way the man she was in love with had talked to her on behalf of her sister.

’What does it matter? She should faint and get lost...’ — The girl thought with dishonest spout. Quickly feeling guilt at her malicious thoughts.

It was at their household’s tent that the words of a resentful mother commenced to convince again the girl of the ill ways her sister supposedly owned.

"Ruin you? Me, Theressa? Ha! It is amazing how a few hours shared with that woman can turn my child against me!"

"Mother. Today it was you who went against the prince’s wishes! Had you lowered your head and apologised–"

"Do not say stupidities! For me to lower my head when no fault is on me is nonsense!! Are you to stubbornly oppose me? More so as you saw how that woman allowed the man you love to humiliate you?!"

"Allow? Mother! How is she to talk on our behalf if she has no voice?! She is the Ninth no less! Your way of talking was obviously out of place!!"

*SLAP!*

".?....???"

"Do not raise your voice to me ever again. This isn’t like the child I raised..." — Watching with disgust the stunned daughter, Elenaide shook her hand as if dirty. Indifferent to her daughter’s shock. Continuing to talk. — "... She has that stack on herself, doesn’t she? That one she used to embarrass us in front of everyone."

"..."

"... Oh goodness Theressa, I didn’t slap you as hard for such dramatism! It is time you wake up from those ideas you have. Suddenly, you have sided with that woman even though you are aware she is the source of our family’s disgrace." — Further displeased at the still reaction her violence provoked in the never-touched Theressa, Elenaide continued to spout the venomous ideas about the Ninth. Taking advantage of the manipulable mind of her youngest child to shake her current beliefs that wished to care for and trust her older sister was not as once she thought.