You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 403 — Ball after Ball... Meeting after Meeting...

We leaned on him, wanting to be pampered by the father whom we so much cared for. Listening to his next words in simple tranquillity.

"... this treasure... don’t stop wearing it, sweetie. If it is aiding you, for more reasons you should keep it always on you."

’Yes... I will, mister. Don’t worry...’

"I will stay for a few more days here to take care of investigations... yet principally so I can be at ease that you are doing better." — The duke’s voice told us as his hand stroked our hair lovingly. Finally saying what I already wanted to request but did not need to tell in the end. — "What you have told me today will get solely to the ears of those involved in investigating these incidents... so do not feel concerned... and focus on having peaceful days, small and sweet bird."

Until this day... I am sure the Duke kept his word, to the extent I even regret he is so trustworthy... because he spent more than a week here, in which my nights were deprived of a certain visit while my days were accompanied not solely by him but as well as the other princes... keeping us with people... that made it almost impossible for Zeleskiaz and I to talk on our own if not for the few times Dioclecià would suddenly leave us on by ourselves... But even so...

’It’s been a while since that... uh... interaction... how can I bring it up without it feeling weird??’

... I just can’t, can I...?

*******

I really can’t.

"Tonight is the first session we are able to hold after his grace, your father departed... My lady, I am relieved we can resume these exercises."

’Uh... sure, relieved... although... I don’t like the word exercises right now kinky... we kind of got into dangerous ones the day the duke arrived, remember?’ — Giving a step to the side so he could enter my room, I said inwardly... Closing my eyes tightly since I felt weird welcoming him again in my chambers... and how not to be?

’... We’re alone... and right here where...!! Agh! Elizabeth, get yourself together!’ — Frustrated by my awkwardness after peeking at the commode we had been at, I shook my head wanting to actually hit it against the wall that was, unfortunately, too far to do it. And because of my little self-awareness... I didn’t notice that he saw my chaos.

"... Is there... was it that this visit is unwanted?"

"!?!" — ’Nononono! That’s certainly not it!’

Shaking my head even stronger, my hands shook wide open to enhance how this was a misinterpretation on his behalf, feeling faint because of how troubled his expression appeared.

"... Ah... I understand if that is not the case... then, perhaps is there something in the lady’s mind?"

’Yes!’ — I said, although my head said no. Cause my stupidity has gotten me used to shaking it. — ’Uh? Wait-’

"If so it is a relief... These days have been deprived of many liberties as caution is required... meeting you tonight was awaited by myself, my lady."

’! But- Ugh! Why did you say that...?... Now I feel I shouldn’t even think of trying to talk about it!!’

It was obvious to me as he looked the most adorable while acting like this. Was I to bring it up... I know...

’We... we’ll end up in...’

"The same."

"!?"

"I hope such wait was the same for the lady."

"....."

I’m breathless...

"For there is something I wish to ask before your sound’s development is started tonight..."

Every step he takes closer to us... now feels overwhelmingly stealthy as it robs us of any air I thought we had... and what he’s saying...

’What... do you want to ask...?’ — Hypnotised my eyes couldn’t keep away from his violet ones, and I stared up, becoming more overwhelmed as everything... his scent, tall and handsome appearance couldn’t be ignored at a step of distance.

"Lady Marianne... as you are aware..."

’Yes... I’m maddeningly aware...’ — Swallowing nervously as his hand took mine, I agreed instantly.

"We..."

’Mhm... we...’ 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"..."

"..... Umh... excuse me, I... suddenly I feel out of words... being with the lady like this again has me slightly unsettled, haha..."

’... It’s fine..... I’m... I’m the same...’ — The warmth reached my cheeks easily thanks to his sweetness... and my hand stroked his as it took a better hold of his rough fingers... Impatient and expectant of every little word he was to say after...

"... This hand..."

*Tha-thump*

"Umh... May I..."

*THA-THUMP!*

"May I request for it to allow me the dances at the Duke’s Ball?"

"....."

"Is it possible?"

’..... Sigh...’

How I felt disappointment fall to my feet... to quickly feel joy tickle my limbs... I can’t begin to even explain it. All I know is how I felt my blood fall the coldest in a long time, so fast and sudden... And yet... how the timid glimpse he gave me as he waited for a reply ignited again the warmth without much effort, was the most terribly troubling and nice thing I’ve ever felt.

The nod I gave didn’t even have the choice to get it wrong.

"... Later on... at the Autumn Ball... may I also request them?"

’... Ah... Please do... I’m aching for that Ball especially...’

*******

Common... oh so common days~ busy and even monotonous to some point that at times would make my heart go crazy whenever little things happened.

There was a letter that arrived from the second male lead.

In it, he explained his concern as he obviously knew of the hunting competition’s incident. And in it...

[ It is later than I would have wished to send this letter. Nevertheless, considering the rest Lady Marianne must have desired after the incident, it is now that I wish to learn of your well-being as well as my desire to convey that if not possible your asisstance to this coming Ball my Surname will hold will not be misinterpreted.

For I am fond of His Grace and the Lady, this liege’s concern lays in your better health, Lady Pristina. ]