Chapter 305: Chapter 305
"Siiiiigh~ We went off topic but this is so nice~" — He said. Basically saying what we were thinking too after staying like that for a while, and consequently making us giggle. — "That Thomas... He never came back with your biscuits... That elder is sly, sweetie. Do you think he ate them?"
’Hehe, mister you’re running more out of topic–’
"I would not eat the Little Miss’s snacks."
"!" — In unison, the Duke and I jumped out of surprise at his sudden appearance.
"... Also, I am not sly but considerate, my Lord."
We watched him approach and leave the snacks at the near centre table and as he straightened to stand properly, the Duke glanced at us to whisper another joke.
"He’s sly, see? I know he ate some."
’Pff!’ — We shrank and covered our mouth that would still barely react to our laughter. And I knew Grampa Thomas had listened since his brow flinched displeased when I peeked at him. But even so, the nice smile of the Duke conveyed it was fine.
Knowing that Grampa was there, I decided to stand from the Father-daughter session. And I laughed again because of how Mister’s arms followed saddened as we moved, clicking his tongue to mumble a pout.
"Tsk. Should have stayed away..."
"... Come again?"
"... I also want some tea."
The Duke and the Bluter’s exchange was funny and in the end, I still sat back where I initially was and took a bite of the biscuits to stare at the Duke. Only to see if we were finally going to speak of what we should.
He looked at me and smiled, leaning forward to ask. — "May I have one?"
’Hmph... Okay. But only one, Mister.’
I gave him one biscuit in the hand, trying to show him with my eyes the strict condition. And I know he understood, because his smile tightened, probably trying to not laugh at my greediness.
He gave it a bite and, immediately after, he started to talk about the Palace’s matter.
"Dear about our departure... First, I will have to send you on your own."
’?!? Ukh- Wait, what?! You’re not coming with me???’ — Swallowing by force the biscuit I was eating I opened our eyes shocked.
This is NOT a good way to start the conversation, Mister!
"I know. I also wish to go with you. Yet there is a duchy I own and as you are aware I am needed there to... Survey it’s well management."
’Sigh... But... But what will I do if you’re not there? It will be lonely...’
"... I have to take care of things before I can join you, dear. On the Grand Day of the Festival, I will make sure to go and witness that glorious event, for your appearance will be showcased to the people. I swear upon our ancestors."
’Okay... You better go. Or we might get stage fright.’
"Paige and Vitor will always be with you, your secret guard too. So feel reassured, my dear. That if not for that, I would leave the duchy to stay beside you personally."
’~ okay~’
"After that, the Hunting competition should start shortly, so... We will meet there at the tent of the Sylfinniers. Is that alright with you?"
’Yes. It seems fine, besides–’
"Besides, Francois and the Princes will receive you. As the Ninth, you are a valuable guest so I know your stay won’t be lonely. Your friends already told you, did they not? That they are waiting for you to share their days with you."
’Hehe... That’s true. I was about to say that.’
"... So... What do you think about leaving the day after tomorrow?"
’?? So soon?’
"Today is already the 6th of Adet. This new year began while we traveled here but the 10th is already near... The grand summer day of the Festival should be celebrated six days later, therefore... If you leave on the 8th, you should have a pair of days to rest before the Grand Summer Day."
Hmm... From this he’s saying, I guess the 10th is when the Summer Festival starts... And the 16th should be... My debut as the Ninth??
"..."
’Yeah, taking the dates into account we should leave soon.’ — Nodding to his plan, I commented to Marianne.
"Alright... Dear, if you are not fine with it you can always tell me. I will do whatever I can so you feel comfortable."
’... It’s fine. I–...We already know that, Mister... Thank you again.’
"Seeing that you agree to it... We shall do that... But... I wish to ask one tiny but maybe bothersome thing of you..."
’hm? What would that be?’
Becoming shy once he saw the tilt of our head, I saw how the Duke swallowed, preparing to say it.
It was clear he was nervous since I could easily deny his petition, but who would have thought... That in the corner of our minds such an idea had already been decided before he even asked.
"May I ask of you to send letters about your days to me? I don’t wish for us to lose touch during these days... This Father will still be worried about his child being away."
The moment he lifted his eyes to meet mine, it was an automatic nod that I gave him. And immediately after, I leaned forward to write on Pockachin again to tell him honestly what we thought.
[ I was already planning on doing that, Father. Rest assured, that I also wish to receive your letters. ]
"!! Haha. Ah~ Alright. That makes me relieved. For I will miss our meals and conversations. Do excuse me, dear."
’It’s fine~ We will miss you too... This girl might cry– ak! It’s the truth! Crybaby!... Ahem... Do not worry president, I’ll take care of our idol.’
I flinched a tiny bit, enough that nobody noticed the electricity Anne sent at my joke.
We sipped our tea and ate our snack leisurely along with the Duke, to then retire to our chambers and rest before dinner.
Our bedroom was on the third floor of the Forest House which was basically a huge tree shaped like an antique house. And as soon as I came near the third floor, the song of welcome our pretty tear always played at the Palace resounded here too.
My steps took me to the common door this house had for its bedrooms.
However, as I entered it... A window that shouldn’t be open... Was found with its curtains moving to the breeze.