You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 382

"She cannot talk? She has no voice? Nonsense... when she was younger I could listen to her repulsive sound every day as she bothered Orland in his bureau. Do you truly believe she cannot utter a word? Please don’t make me laugh, child."

Looking back at the girl whose hand had only lowered now from her irritated cheek, Elenaide condescendingly demanded an answer from the reluctant girl.

Theressa’s back had straightened while her frown came to exist and taking a moment to ponder, silence was heard in the tent only the two women... supposedly were at.

"... I can remember Ma–... Her, talking to me when we were children... however, ever since I–..." — The voice of the young Sylfinnier had started to gain force as she wanted to contradict her mother. Yet... a memory of a scene that had not happened long ago was recalled.

The cold hands and the warmth of her sister’s embrace were still vividly engraved in her memory... just as clearly as the whisper of a protective sister going against an evil older brother.

"..."

"What is it? Have you realised what your mother says is true?" — Noticing the confusion in Theressa’s expression Elenaide said with coldness to her child. — "I am sure not only she can hiss with that innocent face she portrays but is even sweetening the ears of the people around her with that witchcraft she possesses... Even yourself Theressa."

"... I... Mother I do not think she is doing such-"

"What do you know? Theressa, do you believe such strong allegiance to a woman like her is common?? A seemingly mute and sick woman being liked by a man such as the Crown Prince and his majesty... it is difficult to believe. As she implied we did in the tea session, they would truly have treated her like a pest and even sacrificed her out of fear of her mysterious illness."

"Yet... Marianne-"

"Don’t say her name! It makes my head and stomach ache from nausea!" — Exasperated with the child’s persistence, Elenaide yelled, sighing to regain composure before continuing to open the eyes of her lost daughter. — "... Theressa... darling... You only have to see for yourself... Your father, your brother, the Emperor and even the man you love... the Crown Prince... all of them side with her as if she is the most innocent creature... but how? Do you believe it is possible by staying silent and still?... Think properly dear... She is poisoning their minds making them think she is pure, gentle and kind... Just like she did with you."

"... I-is she?" — Pondering on the stretched beliefs of her mother, Theressa’s confusion only deepened. Trying to think of something bad or suspicious Marianne had done to trust her mother.

"She is, my child... Think. She is not perfect, I know at some moment you noticed there was something that did not make sense in her attitude. Just think."

"..."

Concerned by the convincing ways her mother had, she crafted reason for her ideas. Thinking of the time the claw to remain unhurt in the Ninth’s chamber was demanded and the unfounded gentleness Marianne demonstrated even after harm was dealt for years from her side.

"... Her attitude doesn’t make sense..."

"! See?! I told you! That witch is trying to play with people’s minds!" — Exhilarated by being found reason Elenaide released the child’s visage with victorious energy, pacing glad to convince her close daughter... and turning to face her again as there was more she had to remind her youngest child. — "Theressa, the man you love has been haunted by that woman."

"W-what?"

"Such sudden manners are not ones a prince would so hastily demonstrate at a simple comment!! The time she has stayed at the palace has served her to delude those royals."

"... B-but the Crown Prince is known for his unpredictable violence, Mother... If anything, us being unharmed is the rarity..."

"... Perhaps you are correct... However, we cannot be certain... Do you know what will happen if she continues to stay near the Crown Prince and the royal family?" — Ominous, the duchess’s attitude sent a shiver down Theressa’s spine, already aware of the meanings her insinuating question entailed. — "Not only will she continue using those powers she probably stole from the true Ninth to turn the royal family in her favour... but will also steal the man you love and the position destined for you to have, Theressa."

The convictions of the duchess were forced once more on the youngest of the Sylfinnier. Nonetheless, the doubts in the child did not fade even if in the eyes of the woman appeared otherwise. And so, aware that contradicting her unstable mother would not be favourable, she listened to the ideas the woman had... inclined to follow them as they provided her to become closer to the man she dedicated her feelings as well as the sister she wanted to learn more about to find acceptance again to the utterings of her resentful mother.

Therefore, after pondering on the schemes and doubts inhabiting her head, Theressa sighed once her older sister had disappeared from her sight along with the guards attached to her. Proceeding to feel the discreet push from her mother’s side.

"Aren’t you going after her?"

"... I am. A moment for it to not be as hast I took." — Answering politely to the sharp glance her mother gave as she remained seated, Theressa also susurrated to her. Aware of the scheme she had told yet being reminded of it briefly.

"Remember to get on her good side... that will make your stay happen more easily."

"I am aware, mother. There is no need to remind me." — Standing from her seat, frustrated at her mother’s distasteful intensity, Theressa changed her glare to a soft and conservative smile. Coming to also excuse herself from the ladies’ company just as her sister had done. — "Pardon my leave for a moment, I seem to need a moment to refresh myself."

"Oh, would you like for us to join you, lady Theressa?"

"My, please do not leave your comfort. I shall return briefly. It is simply a visit to the ladies’ boudoir, fufufu~"

Between proper chuckles, the girl vacated the tent, already late to know the path her sister had taken.