You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 535

"It is interesting, isn’t it?" — I gulped down, relieved yet feeling unsafe with myself. Adding some more to it so the conversation wouldn’t end rashly. — "Uh, I believe it gives a different spice to conversations when analogies are used."

"They probably do."

"Hm... Well, I could give you a funny one for example... like: ’You are like a cow looking at a piano’."

"... Pardon? A cow?"

"It means they have no clue of what to do about something."

"..."

"... because... a cow does not know how to play the piano..."

"Yes, that makes sense."

"Your grace, may you please forget I ever said that? I am now regretting that example since you did not laugh about it."

"It is funny, nonetheless?... It does change the spice, that you mentioned." — As if considering seriously the little things I said in this small talk... he laughed softly. And I laughed back feeling a hint of a good ambience although I inwardly reproached myself about the supposedly "funny" example I gave. Acknowledging that something had changed for the better with this silly interaction of ours even while embarrassing myself carelessly. — "It is a rare example to use, haha."

"Yes, haha... rare..." — Sorry, I continued to laugh along. Appreciative that he did not say what it really was. — ’He must have wanted to say it’s weird... but bless you for the mercy, your Grace...’

A little knock came from the window that led to the driver interrupting the thoughts in my head, and the duke’s little smile vanished quickly, solely to answer.

"Yes. What is it?"

"Your Grace, we are near the place." — The second coach said, being replied with a nod so the duke could now face my way.

"We are about to arrive." — He announced. Severe and clean as he usually is. — "However, before I ask you to do what I was tasked with... may I ask you one last thing, my lady Marianne?"

"?? Yes... If it is something I can answer then I see no problem... what is it that you wish to ask, your Grace?"

"... I would like to have more opportunities to talk with you like this... is it alright if I send you letters from time to time?"

"Letters?"

"Yes. Is that alright? I will not mind if you are not inclined, it is why I decided to ask."

"O-oh, please. Of course, it is alright! I would be glad to! I did not think you would ask me that, so it took me off guard but... surely I would be delighted to exchange letters with you from time to time."

"... Alright. Thank you for your kindness." — Neatly, he lowered his head in appreciation while I experienced a sense of achievement overcoming the surprise.

As I am in this moment, exchanging letters was something friends would do in this world I am part of, and him being who offered it made me excited. Although I have my share of friends near, what a part of my soul lived in another realm felt revived with this invitation... keeping contact with a friend one does not see often... and the chance to do so through letters felt new even while obvious and natural.

I felt blushing out of excitement... differently of course to the one I felt when the prince said he would send me a letter... but still nice and warm, because things went much better than I would have expected with Duke Clemente.

Nevertheless, while I had many thoughts running through my head thinking this ride had been full of surprises, he had moved to take something from the inner pocket of his vest I would only notice after he explained it to me.

’I did not think we could get along so nicely... I even worded some things weirdly and yet he accepted it all... hehe, after this, we can say we are pen pals right? Or is it only once we start exchanging letters that we can call each other such??’ — I thought. Not truly understanding what it was that we could talk about so much but also eager to go ahead and learn about it. Happy that in the end we solved the issue of my disrespect and earned a sense of friendship.

"This might make you doubt, yet his grace’s instruction was to place this blindfold on you before getting off the carriage, my lady." — Clemente said... freezing me up, with thoughts and movement going blank at the sight of the delicate piece of fabric laying on his hand.

"... a-... a blindfold...?"

"Yes. It is so the surprise will not be spoiled ahead of time."

"..."

"If you are not comfortable with wearing it there is no need for you to do so. His words were solely to do it if you are willing."

What I was had changed... for I was no longer two souls... yet nothing had been lost from either of them... which was why I froze to the blindfold he showed openly and honestly.

Wearing a blindfold had a bad taste, a bad vibe that traversed until my bones shivered... all because of the past and experiences behind what that piece of cloth represented in myself...

Therefore, I was not in the least willing to wear it.

"... Was I to wear it... for how long would that be?" — I asked, against my wish to not wear it yet still wanting to consider making the effort.

"... You would wear it while I guide you out of the carriage and then a few steps until we reach the entrance... a minute or two at most."

"... I will not wear it into any building?"

"?... no."

"Are Sir Vitor and Sir Theodore aware of these arrangements? I saw them follow in their mounts when we departed from the palace yet... are they still nearby?"

"They are escorting this carriage and were informed of every detail... Although, as I said, if the lady is doubtful you do not have to wear it."

"N-No, it is alright... I... I might have asked an unnecessary question. If I am not to enter any building with the blindfold on then it is alright." — For a moment I regretted making the question itself. However, it was not as if I was not in danger anymore solely because Paul was in jail... and the gods had made that clear before.