You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 533

"My Lady, did my ways with words upset your comfort?"

"?? Uh? Pardon?" — To the sudden interruption of my thoughts from Duke Clemente, I straightened in my seat, a tad confused since I had started to forget the recent exchange while filling my thoughts with anticipation to meet my suitor. — "I-I do not seem to understand your question, your Grace."

"... I have been told my tone tends to be unattached... And the lady grew quiet, which although it was only natural before, even then your spirit showed a disposition to converse further unlike now."

"..."

"It might be that my answers were not to your liking is what I am saying."

With straightforwardness, not leaving behind said tone that I was already aware was not used with any sense of grudge or dislike... I ultimately puffed an entertained chuckle, dismissing the surprise it invoked to release some of the tension the mere question summoned.

"Well, the duke is someone who has always seemed severe while expressing himself, this ever since I met you. Nonetheless, I am certain that what is seen on the surface is not always what is inside... this I know very well from my own experience." — I told him, meeting the calm demeanour he was known for owning, listening attentively to what I wanted to convey. — "Many did not approach me for being mute after all."

"... Indeed. What you say is true... the lady’s lack of voice did seem what was not at first. I would have doubted any would or could mix with others with said condition. Much more when ignorant of the source."

"Yes... No one has said so as clearly as you have. Without ill intention, but logically saying so, that is how it is for any who does not know or is not willing to look more into it. Therefore, it is the very same reason why I have not mixed much with people. Solely with those that did approach me, overcoming what they ignored... In a different way this also applies to his grace." — I finally added wanting to make the point about why his attitude was not one I would find fault in and instead... I pretty much liked in its honesty.

His eyes seemed to dislike for a second what I could be implying, yet his lips did not let out a word, knowing that I was not about to make a statement without telling its motive.

"I had seen and known yourself as someone who carries a pose of seeming detachment and severity, your name is also one that no one is to look down upon. All of this could have been something I could consider as a reason to keep a distance, just as many did with me because I am difficult to talk to, and yet, you are one of the few I was able to mix with comfortably while being mute, your Grace."

"And what made it different?" — He then asked, interested to learn more of what made me comfortable... which I found gratifying as it was a subject I also wondered when it came to those who established a conversation with a speechless lady like me here. Thus, I took a moment, thinking of how to word it so my opinion could be sympathised with.

"... It might be the same reason you had to let yourself converse with a silent me. For what is of you is different from what it seemed or I at first could have believed."

"Hm... Fair enough." — As if finding some acknowledgement of my idea, Clemente nodded. Continuing with more honesty about what his motives were. — "When it comes to me, I once was told... after we first met, that is. That if I was to converse further with you I would find someone interesting to get along with."

"..."

"I did wonder how that could be, for no way to exchange words was available... and yet, the second time I met the lady, she took out from a hidden pocket in her dress a stack of small sheets of paper where words were written for me to understand."

"... haha... I remember that. I was a little concerned about how sudden it could have appeared in your eyes." — I laughed, actually recalling how I had almost placed the post-it notes on his nose in a bit of a quick response. Thinking how spontaneous my every action came out back then in a mute and stiff body.

"It was sudden yet fascinating. Lose concern."

"Haha~ then I will." — I laughed this time more energetically, finding more and more comfort in the way the conversation was flowing compared to before.

Although he did not laugh as it was not in his character, I was able to notice his being fine with it. Waiting politely before letting me know what he was concerned about.

"... My lady. There is something I would like to ask if you do not mind me doing so."

"Oh, please do. What is it?"

"It is about your speech."

"Oh..."

"I have not told anyone about my knowledge of your voice. It did not appear like something I was in the place to say after all. For a moment I did consider telling your father since the search was taking longer than any would have wanted... Yet ultimately, I kept it to myself. Hence, I would like to know from the lady herself how should I manage this information from here on."

"... As expected, you behave like I believed you would your grace." — I answered, moved for even as he expressed it as if it was a simple business, I could tell he asked this hoping to show kindness and aid my wishes with it.

His brow twitched slightly, probably wondering why was it that it pleased me and that I knew he would act like this... which moved me, as I felt he was easy to read even against the strictness he was wearing.

’He’s thoughtful in the weirdest ways.’ — I thought swallowing my giggle, thinking back on the time he recalled the promised toast over my Title. — "Please keep this knowledge to yourself. The ones who know are my father, his Highness the Crown Prince, my two knights and my close maid. I will remain as mute for others until I consider it wise to let it be known."