You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 553

"Um... well... as far as to be concerned... it is difficult to say..."

"... Is it because you don’t trust him or is it because of what will come out of this?" — Dad this time asked, making it so I could find a proper answer. Even asking in a manner that would test my confidence. — "Is it because you are worried about her or is it that you already have a gist of what happened?"

"..."

"You should have a notion to these answers, sweetie. Tell me."

As if giving in to my wide-eyed reaction, Dad softened his sound. Reminding me that it was not hoping to reproach me but to help my thoughts find a reasonable track unlike that one the heart could lead.

Yet even as I knew, it was not as easy to grasp the correct words to express myself.

"... I trust him... and I am not worried about her either." — I eventually managed to say, convinced even if doubts were swirling around in my head trying to test my confidence.

"And why are you not worried about her if I am allowed to know? Usually, tears from a woman make anyone believe what they convey. Much more when it is plausible... if you know what I want to say."

"Exactly."

"..."

"That is the very reason, I know it is wiser not to believe in her."

"Hm... Then stop overthinking and spacing out when you could be enjoying of a little chat with your lonely father." — Reciprocating the smile I naturally came to show, Dad said playful. Not letting the silliness forbid the seriousness of the matter. — "Talk with the brat later with a clearer mind and learn from him, who you trust, what truly happened instead of crafting ideas in thin air. This is unlike the clever daughter I have. Now it is I who is concerned..."

"Ah... D-don’t say that. I was only stuck with the confusion... I have not become a fool, Dad."

"Hm. Truly? Does that mean you are no longer confused?"

"... No. Thank you Dad." — Entertained at how easy it actually was, I laughed. This was something I knew and yet was needed to be reminded of. Drowning myself in an empty glass was not something I often do... but things did change after all. — "If not for you my energies would have been wasted further because of useless thoughts."

"I am happy to serve my lovely and beautiful feathered princess."

"Hahaha~"

His satisfied reply, elaborate as a compliment made me laugh louder. And the ambience settled for the better while we looked the outside change its colours. Allowing the silence to become one comfy and warm... in which as I listened to the steps of the horses I felt the necessity to address this sensation I have been experiencing these days.

"..."

"Dad?" — I asked only to call for his attention and bring up the subject.

"Hm?"

"Um, it is only... Well, I have been experiencing many changes after waking up. My soul itself is... different."

"... Indeed. You did convey your struggles."

"Yes... It all has happened so abruptly. I feel odd at times. Slightly out of place even..." — With a bit of a nervous chuckle, I said, failing to conceal how this actually concerned me. Even when I was aware it was only natural.

A pause he took to look at me, but then looked away, probably reminiscing given what he wanted to say...

"It does seem like everything goes quickly. This is from a while ago, however. Not only from these days."

"? Do you think so? I had the impression it was all too slow before... even now, it still does in a way..."

"That may be from your point of view, dear, yet from my perspective... Goodness... A year ago, I would only see you once a day at dinner. Barely moving, never meeting my eye, emitting no sound and having a spirIt So... Ahem... so lacklustre it even pains my heart to recall such days."

"..."

"But today... Ah... Today, Marianne, you sat at the table with ladies of your age. You conversed with them through your stack, showing gorgeous liberty of motion and essence that appeared to change the vastness this realm is able to contain... Your smile was enough to lighten anyone’s mood... And what is more... I can listen to your dulcet voice... all grown and so delicate that I can tell it is others who are left speechless when they see you nowadays... I know I do every now and then, haha..."

"... mhm..."

"Oh, goodness... My child is not a child anymore so why are tears falling?"

"... I dOn’t know..."

"You don’t know?"

"No..." — I said while biting my lip to contain the tears. Stiffening as he came to sit beside me since he would wipe my tears lovingly whenever he saw them. Thoroughly aware of why they fell... for my heart ached while seeing his eyes glint sorrowful while he remembered and told me about the past we shared... only to smile gently when thinking of what I’ve come to be today. — "I don’t know... sniff..."

"Hm... even so, these changes you say are slow have been actually quick, my crying bird." — Pinching my nose as I rested my head on him, he said. Comforting me while I tried to reign in the emotions again. — "Many more will come, that is what life is about... Only welcome the changes and embrace them as they shape who you are to become, Marianne."

"Okay..." — I said without a thought. Only wanting Dad to cuddle me since this moment had saddened me.

"??... What? Don’t you mean alright, sweetie?"

"... it means the same in my head..."

"... Is that so?"

"Yeah."

"... Hm. Interesting. These must be sayings that Eli must have brought, huh."

"Yep..."

"... Now I understand a little more why you mentioned the changes, haha~ It puzzles me as well. No need to even imagine how it does to you, dear~"

"Oh, do not laugh... I have trouble choosing my words, Dad ~"

"I am not laughing... it is simply interesting to see, dear. You were always a surprise to discover yet it feels as if now you surprise yourself as well, hahaha~"

"... I do surprise myself often."