You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 552

Zeleskiaz’s roughness was evident to everyone, even those who were far from the group. Yet it was only a glance that he received... before Clemente answered his unnecessary inquiry.

"... It is nothing." — Nonchalant, Noverrne said. — "It was also good to see you, your highness. Now if you may excuse."

"Go, have a safe return, son."

Solemn, Clemente left after bowing to the men and the woman, supported by Orland who knew the young duke was wise in his response. Nevertheless, even as he retreated peacefully, the curiosity had already been instilled in those who remained at the shop because of Karina’s behaviour.

Conversations were not as lively afterwards as the confusion only made them question the reasons behind it. Theories had quickly taken place in those who had seen how the woman turned of deeper blue once addressing the crown prince before rushing out and it was not only the guests’ imagination that feared what the motives behind Karina’s tears could be.

’... Don’t. Don’t overthink...’ — She told herself. — ’Something happened, yes... but it’s not her nor the book who I should trust but him instead... Keep it together, don’t jump to conclusions like last time.’

Desperately, Marianne repeated and repeated in her head. Needy of the reassurance only he could give... and so becoming unsettled as it could not be given as soon as she wished.

A nervous turmoil did not allow her to properly enjoy of the last bits of the celebration. Much more after her father denied the crown prince’s request to join her in the carriage back to the Palace. Staying separated as her father decided it was enough freedom to grant their secret courtship; furthermore as he also grew aporetic at what the woman’s behaviour had insinuated.

*******

"..."

"... Sweetie."

"..."

"Marianne."

"..."

"... Marianne!"

"?! Huh?? Wh-why are you raising your voice, Dad???"

"... You were not responding when I called you before. You are too lost in thought. Not a word has come out of your mouth even though we can placidly talk here in the carriage." — Stating the obvious Dad looked at me, calmly, even letting a little of an amused grin appear by how I had reacted.

I had been indeed lost in thought. Deeply. Regardless, even as I tried or wanted to help it, I could not achieve it... for the uncertainty was haunting me and I this anxiety wanted to clarify it all soon... Thus, I kept thinking about it, convincing myself that it was not something to worry about... Losing focus of what happened in my surroundings.

"And so? What are your thoughts?"

"Huh?"

"About today’s surprise, honey. Did you have fun? Did you like it after seeing how it is inside? The building is in a very nice place in the city."

"Ah... Yes, of course I liked it. It was truly a delightful evening... The building is so vast, that I fear there is too much space to fill... Yet I like it... I truly love it. Thank you dad, I will take care of it with fondness. I cannot imagine how much time this robbed you, I feel a tad guilty about it, haha..."

"Oh, please, don’t be. It was very pleasurable while thinking about how you would react." — Dad with his gentle voice said, so calm that it calmed myself... — "Given that you liked it, I only can wholeheartedly feel that it was worth every second and detail. You will need to think of a name. Do not forget. I would like to request I am the first one to learn."

"Haha~ I promise I will tell you before anyone else, Dad. It is the least I can do."

"No, no. You are mistaken." — He said, a little too strict in his gentle ways. — "The least you can do, sweetie, is to leave aside concerns and simply focus on what makes you happy."

"... But I did enjoy this evening..."

"I am not stupid, Marianne. Do you think I would ignore how your spirit whithered after Clemente left? I was able to read you when there was little to read in you, do you believe I would not notice now that there is everything to read in my sincere child’s visage?"

"... I... I would never think of you as stupid..."

"Then, I am also not one to act ignorant for long." — Not letting me get away with it, he added. Finally making my head lower since it was useless against him. Because it was obvious to him that I was about to say he was thoughtful enough to feign ignorance, and yet he gave me the same tenderness I grew used to, inviting me as always not to keep these worries from him.

"Yes... I know..." — I said softly, deciding to talk honestly about what I felt but not telling some details he could find odd for their source. — "Dad... Truthfully, I am not even sure why I dislike it. It was obvious because of her behaviour that her discomfort had to do with his highness and I cannot help but wonder what could have happened."

"She made it quite obvious, yes. And the brat’s clear animosity also did its part in it."

"...What do you mean?"

"He controls himself very well usually. At assemblies, whenever there is tension he manages his irritation enough not to demonstrate it so... bluntly. Even before me, he keeps a proper stance. However, he glared at her without any care for discretion, so openly, even though he knew how to fake some manners. I was also surprised, to be honest."

"..."

Remaining in silence I contemplated a bit on what Dad said. Trying to recall the moment he described but aware that nothing would come from the attempt, for I knew that I avoided the view as I instinctively feared what I could find.

"So? Shall you tell me now why are you concerned?" — Not giving me the chance to lose myself in the thoughts, he asked. Shaking me slightly for I had no clarity on what to reply.