You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 404

I didn’t expect to receive a letter from him. Although... considering that many of the Empire’s noble people also sent letters even though the incident was supposed to remain a secret... it wasn’t that impossible a possibility.

’I’m not really interested in what these people say... most said almost the same. Only the second male lead’s an exception...’ — While taking my time to read the letters they had brought to me, I thought. Opening another one only to be able to say later that I finished my pile of homework.

There were still a few more to check... but then I had to take a pause from it because between them, unexpectedly... or maybe as expected since I already knew she was about to appear in front of me... a letter from the original’s Female Lead got to my hands...

[ For Lady Marianne Elise Sylfinnier, Pristina Pars

... Karina Valzerie. ]

The name in the envelope was conflictingly difficult to read and hold... This was simply her name and her handwriting and yet I could feel how unsettling the fact this small letter had in its essence "Female Lead" shouting in every stroke and words used.

The fact that less than three weeks were left until the Autumn Ball was felt as if it would happen tomorrow... Yet I know now... whatever may happen, I’ll try so that very same day... we can change it all from its beginning.

Just like any other, her letter had nothing much different... However...

[ In Autumn, I am to debut in the Royal Ball... Hopefully, I am to meet Lady Pristina there.

I wish yourself good health, Precious Ninth.

Karina Valzerie. ]

’... We’ll surely meet... I’m going to survive these last few weeks so we can...’ — Determined I folded the letter, saving it in its envelope to read the next one. Unsettled yet not in the slightest willing to let it dominate my psyche. — ’I’m certain I am going to change it... if we want to be happy... we have to.’

There was still doubt about the Female Lead’s real character in me... so even though I knew it was a story of heated love between her and the two male leads... I was sure I didn’t want it to happen...

My... our heart doesn’t and can’t let it happen. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

’As a woman... I wonder if I’m being unfair...’ — I got to think for a moment.

But even then... there is nothing I owe her personally.

With such a mentality, another night session of practice for our voice came. The fourth after the duke left. And he arrived late... but even so, he did arrive... Gasping in a rush.

"Huff... mn... I- my lady, pardon my delay." — The crown prince whom I was meeting less than I would like it said. Supporting himself on the balcony’s door I opened as soon I heard his call, surprisingly out of breath and sweaty. — "A-as you are aware, many duties have been given to myself with urgency... huff... my delay is for such..."

’... I know but...’ — It was obvious he had rushed here, and I wondered how much he ran for someone like him to be this dishevelled.

We were concerned as the prince was so clearly tired, and we were about to ask in our notes as we gave him space to come inside. But it was as I was searching for it in my pockets that he stammered... although he gained equilibrium quickly, even careful not to collide with us.

"?!"

"! Oh... pardon me, I almost lost balance... th-the rush hindered my steps..." — He straightened as he said it while a whiff of his scent drifted to our nose strongly... that somehow, even if sweaty, it didn’t bother my senses.

The crown prince then stepped propperly inside, making myself break from the daze the sudden closeness instilled, so I closed the balcony’s door and curtain. Walking the path he also walked, although I went for the glass of water I deemed he needed, offering it to him who had yet to sit since he saw me drift somewhere else.

"ah... my appreciation..." — Too careful, his fingers took the glass... And I say too careful because it was apparent he was avoiding any unnecessary touch.

’... No worries....’

But even if the action was a tad unpleasant, I couldn’t really focus on such a sensation since the water disappeared quickly in a few gulps. — "hff... I... I am sorry for these manners I am showing... huff yet this water, I was truly needing it, my lady. Thank you."

’ah......! G-gosh! What were you doing you’re this thirsty?’ — His appearance had me in a blank for a moment. Forcing myself to eventually wake myself up from it since his shirt and hair... well, he was a natural seducer in normal circumstances so when he looked like this... it was more impactful for us that already had him for a weakness.

Therefore, I turned away, taking the glass from his hand to run away and serve more water.

"Oh... My lady one glass is alright..."

’W-who said it’s for you!’ — Flustered since his sexiness was still making my vessels go chaotic, I then drank from the very same glass without knowing. Failing in the attempt to calm myself down.

"!... I...I suppose I was wrong in my assumption." — I heard him mumble, making me freeze in place.

"....." — ’... Did I just do that??’

Even so, I built myself up again with shamelessness and went back to where he stood, unfolding my hand to gesture it was okay for him to sit down. Going immediately for my post-it notes to convey the thoughts I had yet to tell about tonight’s visit. Calling his attention with the sound of my handwriting.

[ Your Highness, there must have been busy matters that kept you until this late... seeing how you must have rushed, a notice would have sufficed. ]

"Oh, yes, it was a busy day yet... a notice?"

"..." — Meeting his eyes, there was ignorance at what I was referring to, which was surprising coming from him.