Chapter 314: Chapter 314 — Hold my every Finger.
*******
’... Bloody hell.’ — For the billionth time I said in my head.
It all went well until the mister and I separated our paths.
His mere presence is a breather so to say, but besides that...
’It-... it sounded so forced to me... Asking the duke to stay near Theressa with kind of roundabout motives.’
I mean, he’s not stupid. He must have thought it was weird. Suddenly we, who barely engage in conversation and share time with the willful little sister say something as if we knew her so well.
’... It was practically out of nowhere. But I couldn’t come up with another way to say it... You know I tried coming up with some other excuse throughout the trip...’ — I told mortified to Marianne, aware that if not because of these annoying nerves making me impatient and brainless, a better and more natural request of the same to the Duke could have been thought of.
Nonetheless, I can’t seem to think straight lately.
All I know is that I need the Duke to stay close to Theressa. So she can (maybe) soften to her father, hopefully turning to reason... But most importantly...
’Mister, please... Stay so near that Paul won’t get an opportunity to harm her.’ — I repeated now as I look outside as if it became a prayer.
Sigh... I’m worried... Truly.
I won’t be going back for a while. And I don’t know what that psycho could be thinking right now... However... I’m certain that he’s crazy and those disturbing eyes that could have killed her right then and there are simply too much for me to just forget about Theressa’s matters.
’Gosh... I get all anxious just thinking about it. That crazy b*stard...’
The last few dinners we had together flashed through my eyes and more worry raised since she was so quiet.
’Being at the Forest House helped me distract myself but... Sigh...’
It always comes back. This darn concern and helplessness since I have no other way to protect her than with this probably useless attempt with the Duke.
"....."
’We need money.’ — Suddenly, I told Anne. Again. Since I’m in broken record mode from worrisome leisure. — ’Or people that will serve us. With loyalty.’
Before leaving for the Forest House, I had already thought of this. And acted upon it.
Besides requesting from the Duke to order the materials to make the accessory I had thought of to keep Dioclecià’s friendly Zinnia flower unharmed, I not only requested a little amount... But a lot. Since I think we could make a humble business out of it.
The idea is to press it between pieces of glass. And I know from history in my original world that many times in the past, either glass was discarded for breaking or sold cheap because it was badly shaped or defective... Or something like that in old times... Either way, Hehehe~ my generation was all about the recycling process and medioambiental stuff. So I’ll use that idea to get the glass at least at a cheaper price to help the Duke’s budget.
... Not like he needs the help but, it’s my way to be considerate since he’s the one paying right now.
The Duke was truly interested in the idea and said he had already arranged that with Gustav.
The old man turned out to have connections and when the Mister showed me the letter he had sent... Even now I can’t help but laugh.
— [ Aren’t you too rich to ask for leftovers, ashy youngster? Not even for the pretty kid you loosen your pouch. Either way, it’s done. Ross is happy to get rid of the glass his apprentice fuc**d up. ] —
Even his letters have character, hahaha!
With that, the glass is checked. But...
’Making it an accessory is the problem.’
I don’t want it to look like a kid’s craft. Which is why in the end I will need a jeweller to help me make it luxurious. My skill might not be good and I understood I need an expert so my precious gift won’t get ruined.
And that’s why...
’I’m not sure if asking Madame Fannie Moody was that good an idea, but... sigh... She has a boutique. She must know her stuff.’
Soon after receiving the letter from Gustav the Duke said he received an answer from the moody madame.
— I didn’t tell you until now since you said it was difficult when she dressed you for the Summer Ball but... Be prepared for her visit the moment you step foot in the Capital. That is all I can tell you, sweetie... —
’God dam* it all. I do look like the sexiest doll but I don’t like playing dresses because of it... Not that extremely...’ — I closed my eyes already tired by the many hours of nonstop babbling she would give me while helping me out... But I know there will always be a price I should pay if I want to move on with any plan I have.
During our travel, the Mister told me about this and that, on our way to the Palace, we would also make a stop at Gustav’s to get the glass.
Since I had planned the flower accessory business, the Forest house visit also got me to pile some pretty flowers that were rescued since I noticed they would whither soon. Which, right now, we also carry in the carriage, so the materials are steadily being obtained.
... Whatever! In short, making these arrangements will have me busy and it already feels troublesome. But oh well. Sacrifices must be made to make money... My days of leisurely laziness are coming to an end... Probably.
At the very least, being the Ninth should serve as publicity, heh.
*Rattle*
But thinking of the people that I need to be loyal to me so I can sort some other things out...
’The Emperor said I would get knights for myself... we’ll have to investigate how that’s going, sweetheart. We need to start doing something since it’s not only us in danger now.’ — Taking my caged pretty tear in my fingers... That now I wear on my wrist following Fathia’s message, I thought deeply, exhaling while fiddling with it slightly anxious since things have changed very fast.
*Rattle RATTLE*
"...."
It’s been three days since we separated from the Duke’s carriage since we are taking another path to get faster to Dahlka. So I don’t really know how much longer will it be before we arrive.
However...
*RATTLE RATTLE RATTLE!!*
’Bloody HELL!! MY BUTT, d*mn it!!!’ — I cursed once again. This time truly frustrated since the carriage was moving as if it was a freaking blender.
’This path is eff*ng painful of a massage!! Too many rocks! I want to travel by plane!!’
Annoyed at how ruthless the way was, I even had to hold onto the seat and wall to maintain my balance while I saw Paige also lose a bit of it from the corner of my eye.
"A~w~aah Lady, h~old on!"
’I a..m(?!)... Hah! This path really feels like a mixer.’ — Right after almost flying out off the roof, the rowdy road disappeared, probably preparing another nice massage further ahead.
"Sigh... This is not a path that is used often... I apologise for the discomfort this causes, my Lady."
’It’s fine... What can we even do about it...’ — Falling back on my seat, I told Paige mentally. Truly exhausted after three days on this difficult road.
The sight of the sky outside came into view again after the crazy shake stopped, and beginning to have a headache...
’Bloody hell...’
I repeated once more. Because not even when I’m having a heck of a time thinking of all the things I have to do and worry about in this crazy ride... I still feel excited. Knowing that there is this someone at the Palace we are going to.
’ngh... W-will he truly be there?... To be the first one to hold my hand...?’
*Rattle... Rattle...*
Bloody hell... I want to get there already.