Chapter 312: Chapter 312
"Oh, I-I see..." — Theressa responded, lowering her head as the surprise faded. — "Umh... Then... Is she not ailing?"
"... She is not."
"..... Umh, Father?"
"Yes?"
"I am aware it has no relation with my Sister’s whereabouts yet... uh... C–can sister do embroidery?"
"Hm. I doubt it." — Seriously answering his child, Orland made her resume her steps that with concern had halted once more.
"... I see..."
"... Marianne doesn’t embroider that I know of. She enjoys her noons more while making her wonderful sketches after all."
"Right. Sister draws in that tool... Although it is not meant for a Lady..."
"I wonder about such convictions. We all have hands and can use them for the same... Nonetheless, Theressa... I see you had a wish to meet your sister today."
"....."
The silence from his youngest was kept for the leftover steps of the stairs and as they came to pause as both were going different ways, Orland’s eyes softened as he could see in his child’s reluctant regret within her hush.
’I wonder if it is honest... I cannot simply fall for it because my heart wishes it... Nonetheless...’ — The man rationally thought, freeing his limb softly from the hand of his youngest daughter to take the youthful girl’s hands in his. Solely to convey the wishes of his eldest daughter that were told in beautiful handwriting when they separated.
— Have a safe trip to the Palace, sweetie. We must separate here, sadly... —
[ Please send word to me at the Palace once you arrive home, Father. ]
—... Yes... Please do the same, my lovely child... I shall tell your siblings and Mother of your departure once I am with them. —
—... —
— What is it dear? —
—[ About my siblings... May I ask Father to spend his time with Theressa? ]—
—... There is no need to ask. I will, my child. Nevertheless, why do you request this, Marianne? —
The characteristic silence of his mute daughter also remained for a long moment just as his youngest at this moment the recollection surfaced did.
Hesitation was noticed on her hand that was to write a sentence... That even though was truthful, it did not keep her wholesome honesty.
—[ Father’s company will bring peace to my little sister. I am aware her behaviour was reprimanded many times, therefore...]—
"Dear, are you hesitating to talk to me?" —He said to the child currently before his eyes as the words of his eldest daughters continued to resound in his mind.
—[... If Father stays near, it will reassure Theressa that Father is not reprimanding her as an enemy. ]—
"... I have acted unproper too often... that I..." — Theressa answered holding her breath as she felt overwhelmed by the question.
—[ Theressa is young and may confuse our approaches with what it isn’t. She can learn many things if Father can aid my little sister understand them. ]—
"... Indeed... Yet as a parent, I will guide you, dear... Perhaps it was this conflict that brought tears when you greeted your Father?"
"... mhm!" — Nodding in tears again, Theressa’s words could not be told.
"It is alright... It is alright, tiny goose."
"! Father...!" — Upset yet also happy, Theressa met the tender gaze of her Father after receiving a kiss on the forehead along a firm hug to comfort her depressed tears.
"Your sister also wanted to see you."
"!... D–did she say so? I... I caused her trouble..." — ’And yet... She hugged me warmly... Even when her hands are cold like ice...’
"Yes. Therefore dismiss your hesitation once you meet her too, alright?"
"... I-I understand... thank you, Father... I am... Elated that you have come home safely."
"I am also happy to see my child... You can hide in the gooseberry but..."
"Father will find the goose... I remember. Haha... Such foolish jest you like to play, Father..."
"Yet you laugh. It is worthy since you always frown, child."
"!! I do not!"
"You do~" — Almost forcefully kissing her forehead once again, Orland playfully teased his youngest daughter. Deciding to part from her as her mood had lifted. — "Go your way now. I am to meet your Mother. Make time for us to share some tea later. I wish to know about your days."
"Yes, go ahead, Father..."
"... I love you, dear goose."
"..... Mhm..." — Teary-eyed again, Theressa’s tightened lips smiled as she nodded.
"Say you do too. Or I will tease you further, capricious girl."
"Sigh! Quickly go to mother!" — Blushing from emotion, the young girl released herself from her father, careful not to be brusque in her motion.
"Haha."
She watched Orland, her kind parent step up the stairs with a wicked smile, feeling pleasant to the warm sight her honey eyes were granted by her Father.
"I will see you at dinner, dear. Go hide, gooseberries are beautiful this summer~"
No word was told besides her emotional stares and fond smile. And as she was still unconfident... it was only after his frame disappeared from her view... That her heart permitted a truthful answer to resound in her now peaceful mind.
’I love you too, Father... Truly...’
*******
The nice exchange had also lifted his spirits. His walk was more energetic and even when aware he should be careful when dealing with his youngest... Orland smiled. Glad that he had been able to follow Marianne’s request this speedy.
’Marianne... I wonder if you foresaw this... I wonder if you have no resentment when you ask me to care for your sister this wisely... Maybe it is truly her youth needing good guidance...’
"Good guide. Fair guide... That is what every child deserves." — Hopeful. For such was the greatest aid his character had, Orland smiled yearnful to think he could still save and amend the ways his youngest could take. — "Even Paul... Yet..."
’Although my heart demands of my mind to also feel hopeful for him...’
"It’s... It might be too late for reason to reach my dear son..." — Saddened to recall every finding he’s been learning about his firstborn, the Duke deeply sighed, resigned to the battle his heart would entail while dealing with his mentally disturbed son.
’Yet I... Will keep it in a corner that won’t hinder my senses. Such difficult hope... For he is still my blood... The offspring that hurts me as much as I love him...’
His eyelids shut together to calm the turmoil these many thoughts provoked deeply in his soul.
However, looking ahead, the door with a guarding servant could be seen. That one he had given his wife to also keep her secure... Yet could not do his job properly while in his absence for his Duchess was of difficult character.
"Good afternoon, Herald."
"Gulp... My Lord..."
"I was informed. Don’t be nervous. After all, my wife is difficult to go against... I am glad at least you witnessed from the shadows."
"... I am ashamed I only served for that, my Lord."
"Announce me." — Seeing the man’s sorry expression, Orland laid his hand on the man’s shoulder, also confirming the information he had been told. Yet, becoming prominent as he stood straight before the gates leading to his wife’s whereabouts.
"Yes." — The knocks on the entrance resounded thrilling in the silence. — "Madame. His Grace’s presence is before this door, waiting for permission–"
Clank... The doors unlocked in the middle of his announcement. And the sight of the Duchess came out gracefully clear to stand before her husband.
"... Within his manor... Husband does not need permission."