Chapter 358: Chapter 358
The hand of the Prince took hers offering his limb to walk the lady. And even though Theressa’s demeanour became downcast, keeping her composure barely in line before the man... made Marianne hesitate. Yet, her hand eventually allowed itself to accept his offer, glancing at the younger sibling to slide her hand and take her limb so she would walk alongside her.
’Don’t stay depressed. Keep acting shamelessly... at least to hide it.’ — The child secretly told her sibling, displeased with having to aid her even while aware her intentions were underhanded.
"!... Ah, Sister Marianne are we going together?"
’Urgh... Don’t try acting cute, though. It doesn’t have the effect it miraculously had one time.’ — Already uncomfortable by the easy change in Theressa after linking arms with her, Marianne felt immediate regret; for the sibling was adamant on taking advantage, even if appreciative of the child’s care...
’Sister is gentle, although mother says otherwise...’ — Receiving a graceful blink from Marianne, Theressa contemplated, smiling wider to catch sight of the Prince on the other side. — "It is truly kind of his highness to escort us. Furthermore, you are able to make conversation with Sister Marianne, who sadly cannot speak."
’...’
"Make conversation?"
"! Yes! As you know she has no voice. It is admirable the prince can talk to her even under these difficulties."
"..."
"Anyone can make conversation with the lady if they desire so. This comment... it could make one think no words are exchanged between you and my lady, for it sounds as if it is an odd achievement to start a conversation with her... of course, if one did not know you two are siblings, that is."
"Uh? O-of course that is not the case. Sister is indeed... huh... easy to talk to."
"She is."
’... Thank you, kinky...’ — Meeting the fond ultra marine, Marianne smiled weakly to the gentle Prince. For the sibling’s comment had demoralized her further and his answer had countered Theressa’s ill-mannered remark.
"... S-sister, how have your days away from home been? I have been worried as I do not know often of you."
’... Do I actually have to answer?... You... You’re not even looking at me when asking this...’
"? That is rare, his majesty informs every day of my lady’s wellbeing. Perhaps... uh... pardon, the sibling name was...?"
"... Theressa."
"That. Perhaps Lady Theressa does not ask as often as she should to learn about her sister."
"....."
’...’
Deafening silence traversed between the three as if halting the pace and time of their walk. And yet, the Crown Prince, holding great hostility against the capricious and two-faced younger sibling, still had more to tell.
"Letters can be sent to the palace also if you had no knowledge. If you wish to personally learn of her you can go ahead–"
’Please stop...’
"... and send one, every now and then..."
Marianne’s hand had squeezed the man’s limb, requesting his halt, pained not only by the way Zeleskiaz had of correcting her sister but more so as she knew that everything Theressa was saying was without honest interest... without true care to talk with her sibling, but in sights to look good in the eyes of the man she was capriciously in love with.
"I-I did want to send letters, of course! Yet I believe my sister has busy days every day, I do not wish to exhaust her further. Sister knows that, right?"
’..... haa... Please just stop.’
The air surrounding his beloved lady, caused a painful throb to stab through his chest. Losing sense of his whereabouts as it was the woman’s depressed demeanour that took all of his attention.
Unable to thread the words, Zeleskiaz’s eyes fell captive on her and as Marianne also did not answer the difficult sibling with any gesture, she who could search for a path to escape the relentless judgment of the Prince, found sight of the Duchess. Calling her attention so her presence could aid the situation.
"! Mother! Look at the marvellous company I have brought along."
"Hm? My... it is no less but his highness, the crown prince. An honour it is to salute you on this day. How kind it is of you to escort my daughter."
"... Greetings. It is lady Marianne who is kind enough to let my limb guide her steps."
"Oh... not only kind but charitable towards the lousy ones. How wonderful a character for a prince to have."
"!? Mother!"
’.....’
"Duchess... Words. You should know how to use them to express yourself." — Controlling his fury from acting violently, the flaming glare made the adequate fear stiffen the women. Growling his sentences, letting them know, something like this would not be forgiven. — "Your mistake and your youngest’s... reflect on it so you won’t regret it."
"Excuse me? Reflect–?"
"?! Your Highness, I apologize on behalf of–"
"Do not... The apology should come from the duchess’s mouth..."
"... I do not find fault in the truth."
Receiving such a shameless response from Elenaide his glare now also showed disgust. Spouting more retorts as he held onto his sanity to not show gruesome events to the lady.
"Hah... Reckless woman. How distasteful a scene you have shown me once more. It is clear animosity abounds in you, women of Sylfinnier." — Ignoring the continuous squeeze of Marianne’s hand begging him to stop, Zeleskiaz continued to speak, clasping her hand at the end to take her away from the inimical pair. — "I am taking Lady Marianne where I initially promised. Hopefully, you two will remember next time she is no longer only your family member but the precious Ninth protected by Fenrir... the Crown’s deity."
’! W-wait... It’s–... Agh. D*mn it... Why...’
Pulled by Zeleskiaz, only a glance from Marianne who avoided looking at the present family while the prince put them in their rightful place managed to peek at an uninterested Elenaide and a grieving Theressa... This last one met her eye as she turned away, pained in conflict, to now listen to the strangled voice of a sorry Crown Prince, whose indignation had caused the outlash she had conveyed not to like.
"... I am sorry, my lady." — Gritting his teeth, hurting greatly as his rage could not manifest as wildly as his inward beast craved, Zeleskiaz’s expression distorted to tell his beliefs to the loved woman. — "Yet the words I heard from those your blood is linked to... I cannot ignore it."
’Even so... This is–...!’
Halting his stomps, it was then that his hurtful expression was able to be seen by the lady who in return, also deepened his conflict as her demeanour did not stay indifferent as it would have some time ago.
"It infuriates my spirit... Moreover as I can now not only sense but see it... how this behaviour harms your unfairly gentle heart, my lady."