Chapter 304: Chapter 304
The way his eyes looked as he told us... Sent a shiver down our spine.
It was obvious he was calmly recalling many things and truly aware of what those things were.
"Men move instinctively most times. I do too... But... I knew very well what I was doing. Each step and each person... There were many battles the Empire had to take action in when I was younger and as the heir, I was to fulfil my duty. Your Grandfather sent me away at my petition before I even met and married your mother since there were many disputes from inside and with other bordering countries."
’... How young was he though?... How old is he?’
"This was around... When I was seventeen... A bit more than thirty years ago."
’...?!?! WHUT?!?’
He’s in his fifty’s?!? No way! He looks younger!!!
"Hm? What is it? I would say I was on the right age to go..."
’Are you crazy mister!?!?’ — To his nonchalant way of seeing this matter, I became more shocked. Not even had I failed to deduce his real age but he thinks seventeen is a good age to go to war?!?
"The nickname was born because... Sigh... I was... Umh, ’Skilful’ to say it better, and so, I was placed as Admiral to lead a few tropes... Yet at one point, while exchanging orders and discussing a recent battle..."
"...?"
"I was still very focused. And when they asked how I had finished four of the leaders along their guard troop of the opposing party..."
’F-Four???... On your own?!’
L-Leaders are supposed to b-be strong... Right?
"I went into a bit too much detail. Let’s say that is why the name came up."
’... Anne... We are seating on his lap right now. Can we actually do that?’
I half-joked with Marianne since I could also feel she was shocked to learn this. Imagination is enough for us to know why the word Lucid is crucial here... If he says he went into detail...
"Therefore, sweetie." — Interrupting our ponder, he asked for our attention. — "Whatever worry you may have had about me... I hope you will leave it behind by knowing this."
"..."
"Your Father isn’t a weakling. Difficulties are there to surpass them... And although I dislike the name... I am indeed very Lucid when dealing with things."
This way he’s looking at us... I had to lower our lids because of how I felt. Not only about his words but by what his eyes make me think he’s saying.
’... Anne... I feel as if... He knows too well what we are doing...’
These words and the clarity in his gaze... All I can say is that I feel as if he already knows we hide things from him because we worry about hurting him.
And what I most hate about this hunch... Is that I’m usually right with them.
Maybe we share this gift. The Duke and I.
But...
’Does he truly know? Or is it that he knows we hide something and not what that something is..?’
But... The fact that many things changed. Having a bodyguard full time and leaving home so soon after going back... Even how he hasn’t mentioned his other children at all these days...
’Sigh... I can’t help but feel it’s suspicious...’
"... Do you not believe me, sweetie?"
’... I– We do believe you, mister... That’s the problem.’
Because if you do know it all... I am sorry. Because I won’t say it clearly yet... But... It won’t be for long.
Our voice is steadily coming back and I’m positive... We will be able to say it all soon.
So for now...
[ I believe you, Father. My worries, I will work on leaving them aside. Father is so nice to me, my perceptions became limited. ]
"My sweet child... Of course I will be nice to my beautiful daughter. There is fault in me for wishing my past wouldn’t reach your ears... And change your perceptions of me."
"..."
[ How did you plan on hiding it, Father? You have a great Title so everyone must know your fame. ]
"... I have my ways."
’... Scary.’ — The way he didn’t even take away his eyes from the notes to say it so convinced was really... Unsettling. Somehow.
But...
[ There is something I wish to convey to you, Father. ]
"... What is it?"
[ First of all ] — "..."
I hesitated for a moment since I’m nervous when saying important stuff but writing it is more... Nerve-wracking.
However, I shouldn’t let that stop me from saying what is necessary.
[ My perspective about Father has not changed. My parent is nice and tender, and I feel proud that you are also admired for your strength. ]
"..."
[ I felt safe beside you and now even more. ]
"... Marianne..."
[ I am sorry I brought concern. Nonetheless, I thank you greatly, Father. For your effort and care. ]
"MhmM... NoThing is theRe to thank..."
The broken voice of the Duke... Felt as if it was our sound that came out.
The words we were saying through letters... I truly wish we could say them with our own voice so it could break too... Because although I am who is leading our hand, most of the feelings in these handwritings are from Marianne.
I held our tears to remain in our lids. We had cried enough in front of her gentle dad... But there was one more thing I wanted us to tell him. One Marianne wasn’t going to say probably because we’ve been keeping it secret... But this man deserves to at least know... That we are getting better so his hope isn’t a mere illusion.
[ Soon I will tell you this without a stack of sheets, Father. ]
"... Wh–... What do you mean, dear?"
[ My voice, I promise it will come back so I don’t need to write my thoughts again. ]
"Dear... It’s alright if it’s not soon."
[ It will be soon. ]
"..."
[ I would not tell you this if I did not know. Therefore, don’t shed tears either. Father’s eyes don’t look as pretty when they cry. ]
It may be hast. But I want him to know. To have a greater hope... He deserves that much with how strongly Marianne loves him.
The last sentence, although playful, it was truthful. And I stared into his eyes which had a hint of red already from the emotion. At this time, I know we are smiling at him, but within, we also are keeping the feelings in control so we can reassure him it’s alright. That we are sure. And it will happen.
His grey eyes were slightly disturbed, more so as our hand came to clean that one tear that escaped his eye. But then, thanks to the touch, he blinked. Causing the change of a shocked expression into the adorable one that watched us with fondness.
"It’s good they are pretty since you inherited their shade, my lovely child... My daughter is so sure that I have no choice but to believe it... Take your time my sweet little bird, I am to wait happily from now on to hear your lovely melody once more."
His hand took our head to cuddle us and rocked us in a way he transmitted how peace was filling his chest.
A nice and deep inhalation he gave, in which we felt that scent we have come to feel comfortably protected in after he’s shown us so much affection. That one I’ve come to envy since he was who taught me... What I never met in my past life.