You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 519

Keeping to himself the chuckle the sight provided, for just as the two men, Orland had become nervous until it was her tiny smile of hidden mischief that let him know the thoughts of a clever daughter.

’Goodness... she almost fools me as well, Haha!’ — Amused he covered a grin, recalling composture as he should continue to stand prominent before the younger ones, who would now listen more of the child’s words.

"If so my heart may be at ease... all the incidents I have been involved in, I am certain you were not simply standing by doing nothing. Father has told me and truthfully, even without him telling myself, I trusted that was the truth."

"..."

"It is I who apologises... for you have gone through many misfortunes because of the danger surrounding my being..." — Marianne said with humble reverence to the men, who proud and moved by her simplicity stood tall and ready to respond to her goodwill.

"It is part of our duty." — Sir Vitor said promptly and balanced.

"Having misfortune fall on us is welcomed if it does not reach you, my lady Marianne." — Lastly the convinced scholar declared, to which the knight agreed with the nod of his head. Provoking an uncomfortable stare to fall on them, cast by the lady.

"... That’s... I do not like that." — Marianne ultimately said, unconvinced. Making her father step to the front so the conversation would not continue any further in the ways he knew it could while knowing his kind daughter’s nature.

"Alright. What they wanted to tell has been already conveyed. Therefore, if there is anything else you would like to discuss, you may talk more later about these matters." — Orland said, also stopping the most curious of those present from asking about the lady’s meanings. — "As you have seen, Marianne has decided to let the two of you learn about her voice. This is a secret you must keep to yourselves... unless... sweetie, have you done it with the intention to let everyone know?"

"Huh? Um... No... I still wish to keep it in secrecy." — She said, stiffening slightly as the truth was told in her thoughts for it was embarrassing to confess to those intently looking at her. — ’I did it without much thought... I cannot say the belief pissed me off so I blurted the question out of annoyance...’

"I see. Then a secret it must continue to be."

’Ngh~ Sorry dad... yet I still can make the mistake look nice!’ — She apologised closing her eyes regretful, joining her father in the request of silence from the present. — "Yes, Sir Vitor and Sir Theodore, I trust you may keep this a secret. It is only a handful of people who know about this and I believe it is not time yet to let it be known by everyone."

"Not a word will come out from our mouths about it, my lady Marianne." — Theodore said, solemn and charmed. Proud to be trusted by that one he appreciated from their very first encounter.

"Thank you, good Theodore."

"It is no problem. As a member of the Umbra Quadrigis, secrets are my speciality."

"That is indeed a fact" — The Duke said adding to the small talk. Nonetheless, there was a silent knight that remained quiet... who had picked their curiosity while waiting for his agreement; asking soon after what had turned him pensive.

"... Is Paige part of the handful... master?"

"... Oh... no, she... she has yet to know." — Ashamed Marianne said. Understanding as well, the concern of the knight. — "She has been emotionally affected by the events... She has yet to know... however, I want to tell her soon..."

"... I understand."

A sigh of relief left the knight and Marianne softly smiled... happy to know how even when seemingly cold, Vitor cared for the one she knew was the most loyal of all those who served her.

"Now that this was settled, let me tell you what I truly called Theodore and Vitor here for, Marianne." — Taking back the attention and the reigns of the meeting Orland went to his daughter’s side. — "As a matter of fact, the courting between you and the crown prince will be handled with utmost delicacy as you are already well aware."

’Courting?!’ — The men within asked, surprised to learn as well the reasons for their summon.

"It will take some time before we make it fully public yet that will not make it unofficial in the slightest. This courting is a fact for the Emperors and I have already consented to it. Therefore... considering that you two are allowed to meet under compromise even while the rest of the Empire ignores it, I have decided to make Theodore come out from the shadows and make Vitor follow you from closer."

"... Is this so they can protect me much more closely from now on?"

"Not only that. They will make sure nothing improper occurs. They will be now your guards and also your chaperons, Marianne." — Orland, with a smile that instilled threat said to the wide eyes of his daughter. — "Both of you. No matter the order this young lady or that brat- ahem. The crown prince gives you. Leave their side for even a moment and I’ll send you to the realm of the dead while losing any hint of honour you may have amassed."

"... father..."

"I know you used to give Marianne some share of space before this, yet that will halt this moment onwards, Vitor. Understood."

"Yes, your Grace."

"Theodore you will also follow from closer, just like Vitor will. If you lose sight of them for any reason use your Umbra skills with freedom. Not a single moment will you let them be alone."

"!? Father! This is s sudden, why are you giving such an order??"

"This is only your father making sure a man doesn’t trick you into odd practices before marriage. Do not be mistaken. I trust you, my child, yet he is a completely different issue. I’m a man myself and my daughter is too beautiful and pure to be completely left alone with a suitor."