You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 555

Once hearing him say this a little nonchalantly, I looked at him surprised. Immediately asking about the real motives behind such beliefs. — "? If it was not because of that... then what was the reason?"

"Well... Weren’t you concerned a moment ago about what happened with that lady at your birthday celebration? You have to talk with the brat and clear things up before you can tell him to escort you on this visit. Otherwise, you cannot go since you do not want myself to go with you and I only agreed if he’s with you."

"..."

"It cannot be that you forgot about this matter. May it? You have frowned all this journey so it cannot be..."

"Uh... I-I did kind of forget it for a moment... Y-yet it will be alright! I can tell it was nothing! I have now cleared my thoughts about it, he only needs to confirm it, Dad."

"Pff, haha~ So carefree you are~ Even so, give him a little scare, yes? Don’t let him have your trust for granted this early. The brat should learn to thread wisely when it comes to my child."

"You keep calling him a brat..."

"Let me have that much, I’m letting him court you, for crying out loud..."

"Hahaha~"

Our conversation went back to the easiness we are used to sharing. The city slowly changed its shades so sunset would conquer and faded as we entered the grounds of the Royal Palace, not letting me see anything of what I would later learn had been left at its doors.

Therefore, during this little time, only the things I hoped to enhance and liked from the shop’s design Dad had arranged were discussed. Him happy to hear how soon I had already come up with ideas, making plans to fully enjoy the gift he prepared.

There were a few times I wondered if I should have asked about the duchess. It had not been of my interest, and neither had I thought about asking for her until today when she was mentioned at the table by the ladies. However, while we talked, Dad would converse about anything else and would never mention her himself... neither would he mention our home unlike he once used to, even if it was only to say how everyone was doing... but then again things were different from back then. The situation was probably not good to even mention it and also, I ignored if something else had been going on at our house while I was gone. Hence...

’It is better if I don’t ask...maybe later but not now...’

Eventually, while I pondered if I should or not, I decided not to ask about her today.

I would do as he had advised a moment ago... I would not match my worries to his... yet it did not mean I would not worry about him.

’It could only ruin his spirits when they are finally finding a breather... Oh, Dad... no matter what, I also want you to forget the worries even for a moment...’ — While finally seeing how my father could carefreely smile in this small carriage I prayed for him to not lose the tenderness under the adversity. Knowing well there were still some things I could do to guard his heart even if for a little bit. — "Hmm... I have been thinking and I would like to go with Father to the Empress’ Garden. I plan on resuming the unfinished sketches I left, therefore, since you are staying at the palace for some time, perhaps we could bring some snacks with us one afternoon like we did at the forest house and enjoy the scenery together again."

"Oh... Those were lovely days, weren’t they? It will not be the same without the apples you like... But of course, I would love to if we could share some more time my dear~ Oh! That reminds me, Thomas is still taking those days against myself. He is going on about how lazy I became after that trip..."

"Hahaha~ Grandpa Thomas is a strict hand to have, dad."

"? Goodness, let us leave aside his difficult character... what is this about you calling him Grandpa? He would tell you off, sweetie. He served my father before I came to know better. Do you not remember how much he corrected you when young?"

"I-it was a slip of the tongue... I kept calling him Grandpa while mute..."

"Hmph... I wonder how he would react now, truthfully. He’s become soft-hearted with age."

"He has always been nice to me."

"Right... he’s only strict with me. That old man. Cannot leave me alone..."

"Haha... well, it is part of his job, Dad."

"... Sigh~ Yes, sweetie, I guess it is~"

Little after, we made it to the Main Palace. Most of the day had been gone at this time and it was soon to become night. My energies although better than they have ever been after a busy day, still begged for some rest to be allowed. Dinner was served at my chambers quickly because of this, accompanied by Dad and Paige, who would later ask me about how it all went today. Ultimately reaching the bit about Karina’s scene.

"Um... Little do I know about this lady Karina you mention, my lady. Yet I have heard the maids mention her at times." — After I had shared what happened, Paige said. Confused yet not very surprised by the story. — "She comes from a lower status than any. An orphan apparently... she is known by the people and very much liked truthfully. It is said that she was loved in the lands of the Baron because of her closeness to the people. Right now, she is the living dream of many after gaining a better life in a lucky encounter."

"Yes... I thought that would be the case. She is also more or less welcomed by the nobility. I can tell there is a tad of reluctance to accept her presence yet the name of the Noverrne’s protects her even if slightly because of the bond between the Baron and their name... If you ask me, Paige, I believe she is not having as much trouble as she could have while mixing with higher statuses... It is surprising."