You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 414

"... May it be clear that even if it weren’t your son the one involved, my displeasure would be the same."

"Oh, we do know."

"..... If I am further sincere... Perhaps it is because it is your son that my displeasure is less than it would usually be this time."

"........ You don’t say..."

The amiable couple looked at each other with surprise at Orland’s words. Coming back to stare at the youth owning their attention, serving to their amusement along with the overprotective father.

The three watched simply in quiet, witnessing a wider smile in his son the more an innocent Marianne interacted with him, who in her impulsiveness, was still careful of the new Duke’s boundaries.

"... could you imagine?" — Dolton then softly said, entranced by the peace the scene gifted. — "Their friendship was what we wished for... yet I cannot deny... were we to become family... how great would it be?"

"..... I don’t know about that." — Even if also expectant of such a dream, Orland dryly muttered, being pushed by the hand of no other than Norma, who glared annoyed at his lack of sense.

"Of course, it is a mere dream! You are so cold, Orland..... We know... even if we would like it..."

"Sigh... we cannot decide for them. Do we?"

"... That’s right..." — Orland whispered as if trying to preserve the silence. Glancing at the crown prince whose gaze had never left Clemente and his daughter’s interaction, feeling a hint of a growing chuckle as the scene was slightly comical to witness from a shameless man like Zeleskiaz... Yet, even so, Orland also felt glad of the restraint and innocence those young still had.

Finally, his eyes went back to watch the precious child naturally enchant those who met her, confident of his beliefs and wishes. Saying this time louder his beliefs. — "We better trust their good judgement..."

"Surely."

Time for the guests’ arrival had long ended and those who once were heads of the household celebrating their son’s ascension, after coming to peace, suddenly recalled an official start to the event should be given soon.

"...!? Dolton, love, a little more and I forget why I approached you. Do you not think it is time? I cannot... cough! Stay for much remember?"

"!? Oh, Norma, you’re correct! Yet... it is Clemente who is to give the start... the time to officially greet the guests, he knows it better than anyone..." — Concerned, Dolton expressed, too mindful for he did not wish to interrupt his son’s enjoyment yet getting some other father alarmed for if a meticulous noble like Clemente was losing track of time at this kind of occasion, there was only an answer to the reasons he could find in his company.

"Tsk. Maybe he forgot. Let myself remind him while I go greet my daughter."

"!? Oh goodness..."

"Yes... Goodness..."

"? Why are you still here!? Dolton, aid our son!"

"Oh, don’t worry. He won’t do anything~"

"..."

"I am going right away, my love."

Warned by the glare of a knowledgable Norma, Dolton followed behind a protective Orland, who as his friend had told would not do anything unpolite. The previous duchess watched also aware of this fact, however, her health was a delicate one even if recovered and she knew it would be briefly after an official start that she would need to retire back to her chambers.

A small giggle left her as Norma noticed the lovely husband become solemn and too polished in decency when before those who were to see his nobility, taking a seat quickly after to observe a friend warmly greet a joyful Marianne while her son gently nodded to his father’s reminder... which to the mother his concealed surprise was apparent in the widening of his honeyed hues.

’... My innocent caramel... you had not noticed at all how time moved...’ — Norma contemplated with delight while some certain Noblewoman approached her.

"Duchess Noverrne, or shall I say, former Duchess of Noverrne, I am glad I got to see you tonight. Your son and husband, I did greet. Yet, I did not have the luck to find you sooner. My congratulations on your son’s excellence."

"Duchess of Sylfinnier... how wonderful we got to meet each other. Duke Sylfinnier was here with myself and my husband a moment ago, they left suddenly, however, I was about to inquire where you were."

"I was with my youngest over here. We were greeting the other ladies. Her name is Theressa, she values the bonds one ought to craft as we noblewomen should."

"Respectable Former Duchess, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"... The pleasure is mine, young lady Theressa." — Taking a discreet look at Theressa’s attitude, Norma’s elegance was showcased even as fatigue was corrupting her senses.

An amiable smile was granted, and even though the pose of the child appeared pretentious at first glance, some innocence was noticed in the young one’s cheeks after being nicely greeted unlike some of the other noblewomen did, as doubt was still within them.

"It is our first time meeting each other. Although it is delayed, do accept my congratulations on your debut as a noblewoman."

"Too kind you are, Great Duchess. Congratulations should come from us as it is your admirable son who is celebrated today. Marvellous honour shall decor your household."

"Sweet child, fufu~ how polite your daughter is, Elenaide."

"It is the fruit of our household’s efforts, just as your son’s achievements."

"..... Where is your son, however? I have greeted you all but young Paul and the precious Ninth. Although this last one, I did see from afar. Time has not allowed me to approach and have the pleasure to greet Lady Marianne, Pristina Pars."

".... Ah... Paul, he met some acquaintances and is conversing with them."

"I see..."

Tension was revived immediately at the mention of the Ninth. Regardless, displeasure was solely enlarged by it in Elenaide, for at this time, her son was one she could not oppose as easily as she once thought.

The mood in the women of the Sylfinnier’s household was visibly conveyed even if unintentionally, and Norma’s acute sense of ambience could discern in both some reticence to the topic.

Nonetheless, fortunately, those who have drifted away in wish to honour a schedule soon were announced by the solemn voice of a guard. Giving the assistants the cue to halt their conversations, so the hosts of this Ball could talk to their guests.