You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 531

"..." — With as silent an audience as I was supposed to be mute, I strolled and came to stand before the mirror, looking at myself... who looked fresh yet mature... in a dress of burgundy, white and golden details just like the colours of my chambers I have come to appreciate so much.

"My lady..." — I heard Paige sigh, awestruck at the sight of my reflex while I also admired the fabric covering my neck that was decorated luxuriously hiding what was underneath for it had not healed completely, aware that such part of the dress was not originally in the design but was recently requested by my detail-oriented, and thoughtful father... 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

’Lovely...’ — I thought, moved by the elegance the cape and lace added without hindering the piece’s finesse... feeling a different kind of awe at my figure that I wanted to replace soon for the playful one I used to have. Pondering about it while I took a better look at my attire. — ’It feels odd to say I am hot... but should I say I look stunning now? The energy is amiss, nonetheless...’

"Is there some touch-up the lady would like us to repair?" — At some point, Paige asked, worried at how much I stared at myself. Making me finally stand one last time in front of the mirror to shake my head as it was not necessary.

’A touch-up would be dangerous. As I am, I am a stunning weapon.’ — I smirked as I thought, embarrassed even to have such confidence.

Where was I going? Certainly, I had no clue. And evidently, I was not going to ask after learning Dad has been preparing this surprise for months. What I did know was my beauty had heightened in such a wonderful dress and that if I needed to guess, was I to consider any possible answer as to where I would be taken, it would probably be to our household’s manor.

’Did he prepare a birthday party at home?’ — I wondered after Paige told me I had to board a carriage to leave the palace’s grounds. — ’I do not have many friends so it would rather be a little empty for a party... although if I use the Ninth’s title as bait for the nobles, surely many would gladly assist...’

Sir Vitor and Theodore, as well as Paige were my companions as I crossed the Main Palace. I initially thought Dad would come to get me, or maybe... the crown prince... but instead I left my chambers alone, followed by my chaperons and Paige to ultimately meet someone I did not expect at the main Hall.

"My Lady Marianne, congratulations on this day. His Grace has given me the honour of escorting you today to myself... hopefully, you will not find it uncomfortable."

’... Duke Clemente...’ — After watching how stoic his reverence was and how his eyes respectfully looked at me in wait for a response, I nodded slightly ashamed... for I did find it uncomfortable, yet not because of the man himself but for the words I had spilt the last time we crossed paths before Paul took me away.

The hand he was offering was taken with a hint of a regretful sensation, and I followed his guide, saying goodbye to Paige who was to stay... boarding the carriage to which he gentlemanly helped me step in and seated across me to then signal our departure.

"..."

Being left in complete silence for a while.

’Sigh... I was harsh on him without valid reasons back then and now it is awkward to be around him...’ — I thought after peeking at Clemente a few times who maintained a clean stance that avoided my eye. Keeping silent and serious as the circumstances provided.

The carriage was already moving wherever it was headed, and although the silence was uncomfortable, it suited me just fine as I had remained quiet for the most of my life.

Nonetheless, being alone with him was not as easy as I would have thought. We barely ever met, yet we had exchanged words every time, even if written... and the last time they were spoken word I regret today...

’We do not meet as often...’ — I thought while peeking at him for a last time. Knowing that this opportunity was the perfect and maybe the sole one to properly offer an apology. Therefore, I matched his stoic stance, breathing in decided to do this well.

"... Your Grace?" — I said, actually a tad frightened since he carried a severe demeanour and I was using my voice deliberately.

"... Yes, lady Marianne?"

"..."

"..."

It was an exchange of stares I sensed tense for a moment in which we acknowledged the sound coming from my lips was not a mistake. Letting my chest lose some stuffiness to tell my intentions.

"I wish to take this opportunity... and express my utmost apologies for how I talked to you the last time we met."

"... It is alright. I do not mind." — He said after a pause. Certain in his tone, that instead of calming my distress only seemed as a polite acceptance that was not truly welcomed.

"... What I said was nonsense." — I said, deciding to address my regret. — "You were concerned and yet I treated you harshly without a reason. Truly do believe me as I say I regret it... I heard about how you helped in my search afterwards as well... I... truly, your Grace. I apologise for how roughly I reacted to your amiable worry back then. It was undue and completely undeserved given the kindness you offered."

"The fact that the lady reacted with spoken words was a surprise itself... just as it is now... The words used were not truly what shocked me at the time."

"... I am sorry... Not only did I surprise you, but the words were not respectful in the least as well..."

"Lady Marianne as far as I am concerned, having the opportunity to talk like this with you is appreciated enough. Let us forget that incident, for you suffered far more from it to now be worried about that little exchange."