You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 549

"!? N-nothing... I felt faint and... i-it was probably because of the fall that my dress became misplaced..." — Quickly fixing a dress that certainly was never touched by another’s hand, Karina took Clemente’s. Aware that he was difficult to convince and difficult to become close to, for this not to be a good signal.

"... You should be more careful. Have someone take a look at your health. You seem to have some kind of disease as this appears to happen often." — Once on her feet, Clemente said, retrieving his hand so no mistake could be conceived.

"Goodness, no... It has always been like this... it is not a problem, truly."

"My advice was given. What you do is to yourself to decide. Yet it is a problem as this sight should not be granted by a lady to anyone." 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

"... yes... hic... Everyone is advice this and that... goodness, sniff..."

"..."

Uncomfortable by the sudden tears the woman started to shed, Clemente maintained his distance, sceptical at the scene the woman was playing. The days she had spent at his household’s care had lengthened after the Autumn ball without him having much of a say in the decision; one decision he considered uncommon, yet now, as it had been a request from his father, the young duke felt burdened and unsettled... for the woman was different and behaved oddly whenever an opportunity came into her hands.

— Her father believes her stay in the Capital will make the lessons she went through and her outstanding growth meet what Karina needs as his heir in the near future. He is an old and loyal man who has made the lands we trusted to him fruitful and peaceful... We should do this much as he lost a family too early, son. —

’... The aid we can give... yet she is not behaving how he expects father...’ — Clemente had conceived after noticing her little care for what a proper lady should have while under another’s roof and should already have been taught to her if able to debut. Hence, doubt for the young man was pertinent. Furthermore as in many occasions her visits and closeness when there was no reason for it had inconvenienced his comfort.

— Do have patience and teach her, son. You are near her age, therefore, she sees you as a figure to find support. —

— A grown woman she is. Why does Clemente have to take this burden, husband? He is now the duke. Taking care of a young woman will only distract him. —

— Even so, it is a way to repay loyalty. —

— That should have been done by yourself, not our son. —

’Sigh... I agree with mother. However, I cannot turn a blind eye when our household’s duty is involved.’ — As he recalled a small discussion with his parents, Clemente reaffirmed himself the motives to endure. Opening his eyes as he found calmness to face the crying woman.

"The lady seems to be slightly irritated. I suggest for you to breathe in and think calmly. I meant no harm when giving such advice."

"... your grace... sniff..."

"What is it?" — Stepping back as she wanted to come closer, Clemente reinforced the distance he liked from others. Looking at her, dubious and severe... hoping her scene would end soon as he saw no meaning to it.

"... hic, y-your grace...! I... What you say is true. H-However... I feel humiliated!"

"... I do not know what other advice you received. But when it comes to me, I meant no offence."

"No, of course, I know his grace would never... Yet... the crown prince, hic...!"

"..."

"He..."

*******

After a while, once the time appeared proper, the Duke of Sylfinnier invited the guests to come together and take a look at all of the stances in the building, letting the crown prince do as he wished for once as he did try to cooperate with Orland’s ways after a small talk; walking to stand beside the daughter while followed by the two assigned chaperons who received the gaze of comprehension from their master as the suitor to his daughter made an approach.

"My Lady." — He said as he walked to her. Giving a light reverence to the men in an apparent show of manners. — "Sir Vitor, Sir Theodore."

"... Your Highness." — Both responded, solemn as they remained close to the chosen whose pure grey was attentively looking at the prince’s behaviour.

"Has the lady enjoyed her father’s surprise?"

’Yes, I...’

Getting distracted after Zeleskiaz asked, Marianne could not gesture her answer for the man’s slight lean to earn a brief whiff of her delicate scent was promptly stepped back; quickly taking distance as Vitor came forward to make it so.

’... It’s been alright.’

A bit of a sorry look met the prince’s and a little nod accompanied by a smile was the sole answer Marianne could grant at the time. Concerned about those around them and worried by the awkwardness of having her guards keeping them apart. Nevertheless, Zeleskiaz, who had behaved properly even as displeasure invaded him at the limitations, also nodded to his love. Understanding that it was up to himself to let this small opportunity be worthy. Much more after she had crafted on her own such a lovely letter in secrecy and in her spirit was clear that the circumstances also troubled her.

"I was also surprised. Yesterday, I was informed and invited. I could not tell you as it was meant to surprise you... I would have liked to be the one to escort you here, yet the preparations were thoroughly made already. A pity it is I learned about this late."

’Oh... Yes, it would have been nice...’ — Marianne’s head lowered in response as she thought with shyness about the conversation the crown prince attempted to achieve. Pleased by its natural feel.

"This shop suits my lady’s person, surely it will be successful once the people learn about it."

’Yeah, I think so too.’ — Following his stare that looked around, Marianne smiled glad of the opinion he shared. Keeping hidden the wonder she had been accumulating as she knew he had followed her hints, wondering if he did find what the clues hid... but also curious about who he met once there. For she had noticed and had decided not to intervene as she also had no choice but to remain at the table. — ’... it does suit my personality...’