You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 484

I paused for a moment, processing well his words as I could see some hope in his sentence. Asking confirmation to which he quickly answered strictly, not looking at me in his stance for the cup of tea was again being sipped gracefully and confidently.

"Good reasons?"

"Yes, good reasons."

"Alright. I understand." — I nodded, thinking about many good reasons my mind could find, although, was I to be honest, within myself there were no true desires to let them out as easily as before. However, it was a condition I could shape to my current needs quite well. Cleverly so, as he had acknowledged myself to be many times.

"Now... that confident agreement seems dangerous, Marianne." — He said dubious of my quick acceptance. — "Are you truly interpreting my words correctly?"

I tilted my head, faking ignorance, concealing my surprise since he was almost hitting the nail... yet he asked if I interpreted correctly, not that I interpreted as it was convenient to me.

"Hm? Why?? I simply understood your meanings, Father."

"..."

"..."

We held each other’s stare for a little while, narrowing our eyes to the silence for a moment to laugh about the unspoken mischief I was crafting and Father could notice. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

"Hahaha~ goodness child~ Listening to your words makes those eyes of yours a new wonder to discover. I have known of this mischievous playfulness of yours yet it is delightful to hear what I once could guess."

"Dad always read myself quite well."

"That delights me, my beautiful bird..." — He said, this time giving a squeeze to the cheek I actually offered with singsonged sayings. Provoking his sigh as the day was a busy one for himself, leaving aside this matter since he appeared all right with the interpretation I was giving to his warning. — "Haaa... The daylight keeps moving and I have to tend to some pending matters... I hate that I have to leave your side after this, my child..."

"... Are there many matters you have to deal with? Is it because I was asleep?"

"Too many... I left Thomas to take care of the duchy since I refused to leave your side... I didn’t want you to be alone, so... some other details have to be discussed about your siblings’ situation too, and since you want to visit Theressa, I have to submit the request so it is approved."

"... I see..."

"... Once I am able to, I will come see you. You know I always can find a way." — Dad said as we stood and walked to the door. — "Prince Dioclecià and Princess Jasmine might also come to visit you today. They have been very worried and have restrained themselves a lot so you may earn rest. Since it was advised to not have many people around you, they came to visit briefly while you were asleep. The little prince was truly a good child... I could see he was affected, yet he remained composed at all times."

"Oh... the Third Prince and the Princess... how thoughtful of them to come. I hope I can meet them today as you say. I should also show my appreciation to them and the Emperor."

"Yes... Nonetheless, do not feel pressured to do so immediately, there is enough time for you to do it. Also, do let myself know if you need anything. Remember that my ear will be alert to everything."

"Haha~ I understand... Do have a good day. Oh, and... dad...?"

"? Yes?"

"... You also be sure to gain some rest... These days have not been easy for you as well. As much as you worry for my health I worry for yours..."

"..."

"... Do take it in mind at the very least."

"I will, sweetie... How can I not when you sincerely convey it?" — The kiss on my forehead meaning his goodbye was given with moved gaze, and I smiled with sorry feeling for I could tell his energy had been drained by all these events. — "I will do what is needed and get the rest you suggest."

"... It has to be soon, however. Not next month..."

"?! My, how demanding, haha~"

"... it may sound like a jest, yet it is not, father..."

"Hahaha... yes, I understand... Do not frown, my child, I will do as you say."

"... alright... ah, wait Father. Talking about months, what date is it today? I almost forgot to ask."

"... we are in Ovh."

"Oh, truly?! What day??"

"... I will not tell."

"Huh??? Why would you not tell me???"

"Goodness dear, how come that you asked this now? It will ruin my surprise..."

"Oh... hahaha~! Does this mean it is close to my birthday? Therefore my father’s surprise?"

"Ouf, this child..."

"It is~" — Teasing him, I giggled, deciding to not ask further as he had already conveyed his preparations. — "I will not ask anymore since Father says there is a surprise. Please do not sigh~"

"... Good. Alright... it has taken me quite some time to prepare it."

"I am simply happy that I did not miss it. This morning I was wondering if that was the case, so these are good news."

"... I also am happy, my lovely bird..."

"..."

"I am so glad we did not miss it..." — With complex emotion, Dad’s hand stroked my visage sharing, in a silence that we were too used to, the same feelings as we knew it could have been different. Nonetheless, as I was, Father would not let the tension of a "could have" dismiss the good of the present. Thus, he dismissed the sensible glint in the anthracite I also inherited, turning towards the door to take his leave. — "Alright, I better get going or the rest you demand I take will be used as an excuse to not fulfil my duties."

"Oh... Father should actually use such an excuse from time to time."

"No, no, no, I cannot."

"Haha~ I am aware~" — I said to his strict denial as I opened the door for him, giggling at his severe profile that glanced at me already dubious of his own convictions.

"... Uh...Maybe I could... it wouldn’t hurt much would it-?! Goodness, brat, what are you doing standing at the entrance!!?" — Father said surprised after almost colliding with the one outside. Making my eyes widen to the address he chose once seeing who he talked to.