You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 567

"Um... once we come back, we should all share a cup of tea." — I said, telling this to the three of them, counting Paige. — "We are always together but we barely sit to converse. Before it was a given... yet I would like it if we could do it from here on."

I saw from my spot how Paige raised to smile at me, probably happy to hear me say such. We had grown closer quickly and naturally now that we could communicate more easily and so, she knew there was sincerity in my invitation.

Nonetheless, my two knights were a different matter, for both remained silent for a moment. One in which they shared a glance before one stepped up to speak.

"... However, My Lady Marianne, w-we are solely your guards and servants. Siting with you w-would not be proper... W-Why do you wish to do this so suddenly?" — Theodore said in the end as Vitor was as usual a quiet man, maintaining such characteristic while Theodore did not hide the curiosity I became aware of from our very first meeting and had been missing lately. — "W-What is there for us to converse about s-since simply your knights w-we are??"

"... Well... I would like to get to know you further. Even though it is because of your duty, I appreciate your company and consider you as my friend therefore you are not simple knights."

"... G-get to know us? H-how-"

"We are not friends, Lady Marianne." — Suddenly, Sir Vitor said. Shutting Theodore down while also leaving all of us speechless at the roughness his voice appeared to have. — "Our master you are. That is all."

It surprised me deeply to hear this from him even as I remained seemingly calm. The words he would let out would always be those he believed were enough to convey his position in matters. Being short and concise... respectful, precise and seemingly cold... just like he did right now.

But even though it surprised me, we had shared enough time for me to know it was not because he disliked myself. For many times, even if they were small interactions and little jokes I wrote him in my post-it notes, he would reply gently even if he did not understand it and although he probably doesn’t know, I’ve already learned how much he cares from Paige’s and Dad’s mouth.

"Is that so?" — I asked peeking at Theodore and Paige who lowered their gaze, gaining a bit of a pale hue since the nature of Vítor was merciless without wish for it. Making me a tad entertained since he was not going to convince myself this time. For there was no way his words would be accepted when born from his sense of duty alone. — "If that is how it is, then there is no need to ask."

Then I added, cold as he had replied.

"Once we come back we WILL have tea together."

"... Master, we cannot-"

"I said I am not asking. Since I am your so-called Master, I order you to have tea with me. If you are going to play the master and duty’s card I may as well use it to my liking. Hmph, if I did not know your serious ways I would have been hurt by this tone you used Vitor." — I told him, a little too honest that I even surprised myself the more I said. Becoming aware that I was being a little too harsh with my ways as well... Hence, I turned back to look at him who seemed conflicted by my sayings. Repeating his name once more so he could see I was not truly upset and what I meant with such words. — "... Sir Vitor."

"... Yes, my lady."

"I understand you."

"..."

"Ever since we were introduced, I have appreciated who and how you are. Therefore... I can be your master and a friend as well... do think it over while we have a silent stroll. Just how we like it."

"..... Will do, my Lady."

Such was his sole answer before Theodore opened the doors for us to leave my chambers’s privacy. Emitting a vibe I could tell was positive and comprehended there was no need to be so strict with every little thing when it was me he served.

I was certain he would come around sooner than later.

Regardless of this little exchange, now we headed to the Empress’s garden.

Calling it a stroll was simply a disguise, for truthfully, there was only one motive today that brought myself to visit it without my Pockachin...

’Those fairies. They should be there. Or maybe I can find different ones... But either way, I need to talk with them and see what else I can learn from their knowledge.’

I am certain something could be gained even if they have little information to give. They being creatures solely I can see in itself is good enough a fact to have in mind... of some use they will be somehow... Hence, once I made it to the Empress’ Garden I looked over the vast green becoming of brown and orange shades, hoping that once I walked into its branches I would meet the pair of fairies at some point.

’Perhaps if I go where we met them that day I will find them faster.’ — I thought, giving the first step to go in their search wondering how I should approach them and the matters I am interested in. Nonetheless, it was not necessary to walk that much, and neither did I have enough time for contemplation.

"Do you feel that?" — I started to gradually hear their whispers as I moved through the paths in the garden.

"I feel it, I feel it! She must be here Erna!"

"She must be, she must be, Estella!! Hehehe~ Should we call the others?"

"Should we~?"

"Hehehe~ Or should we not~?"

"Hihihi~ We should not, we should not~ Flying takes much energy~ They should also feel it however, shouldn’t they, Erna??" 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"They should, they should, Estella~" — They giggled mischievously, ignoring I could hear them.