Chapter 353: Chapter 353
Listening to the Duke and Paul’s conversation, I glanced at his hand, cautious of the vibe going on.
’... It’s clean.’ — I recognized immediately, making me curious again as to why the duke was saying this even if convenient.
"... Of course, I would not want to stain Marianne’s dress... my hands are clean, see?"
"... Aah~ indeed, I was mistaken." — Smiling innocently, the Duke said, turning to look at me. — "Am I too protective of my daughter? I am seeing things now out of care."
"... Perhaps you are... Father."
"Haha! That must be the case. My children are everything I wish to protect after all... my son too, even if men easily protect themselves. Do be careful as we go into the hunt. I would not like it if you get injured, Paul."
’... What’s... what’s going on?’
"... I will pay attention to our surroundings. Lose concern."
"Alright." — Somehow leading the conversation in a weird way, the duke’s hand laid on Paul’s shoulder, caring and joyful. And I couldn’t help but feel... — "Marianne, would you like me to walk you back? Since Paul is here I can leave for a moment."
’I’m certain... He’s making sure Paul stays away from us...’
"... Marianne? Sweetie, are you listening?"
"....."
"My sister, are you alright?"
His hand finally made it to take mine, this time because I allowed it. Only to see if my paranoia wasn’t mistaken.
But I couldn’t really make it clear, because from the split moment the duke’s eyes were on our hands, the sweet worried eyes he tends to look at us met my gaze acting casual without giving any hint to my beliefs.
"Sweetie, you have been busy from early morning have you not? Paul, I will walk your sister back. In the meantime, receive the lords that may come greet us."
"... If you want, Father, I can do it in your stead. Walking Marianne back."
"No."
"... Why–"
"I am aware you would like to converse further, but these instances are important as our household’s heir. There will be more chances to share time with your sister."
"... I understand."
"Let us go, Marianne. I appreciate your effort yet on days like these do let me be the one to come to your side." — Taking my hand so it would hold onto his arm, the duke took me away, and I resisted the glimpse I wanted to give Paul while we left... since even though we didn’t confirm it... I still sense it.
"The hunt of this season! Are as follows!"
’He must be onto something...’ — Now, as the opening of this event reaches its end, at the recollection of that brief visit I gave the family’s tent, I look at the Duke seating away from me as I have a special place because of my Title. Concerned... since if he has found out stuff... I wonder what kind.
The unsettling thoughts were infected to Marianne, who now feels more of my inner self than before as we have gotten closer and better in our condition. So, there was nothing much to say besides what was obvious.
’... If he is... sweetheart, we have to hurry.’
"....."
Staring at our hands, I fiddled with them sharing her nervousness, hoping she would feel my support as this also was a difficult thing to do even if correct.
’Because if he discovers everything, or something mistaken... we... Anne, you need to tell your Father the truth behind your condition.’
For some time, she had become conscious she was to say it someday... although she was against it at the beginning.
I want to think it’s because she has changed while having me with her... but I can’t help but think it is us meshing together as one that is making it this way.
After all, if I look back... my personality has changed in a way. I’m kind of less impulsive... More passive... there are many little changes. But certainly, there is a difference to how I was before.
’... I’m cursing less these days too...’ — Letting out my thoughts for a focused Marianne to listen, I felt us both chuckle since it came out randomly.
"As you have been now informed of the beasts to be freed in these hunting grounds our majestic palace possesses, on this year number 279 of the Ama Dhemnih from the Sanguine Cinder Realm’s Calendar, we officially seal the start of this noble competition the Empire has as tradition... Raise your cups!... And pour the wine for this ground to eat."
’Huh?!? Wait! What’s with pouring- GASP!! NOOOOOOO!!!!!!’ — The long hunting introduction had finally come to an end, and I had stood from my seat following every noble assisting without knowing they were actually going to commit an atrocity at the cue of the Emperor.
’WHAT ARE YOU DOIIIIIING!!?!?’
Watching how the wine was purposely spilt... made me cry tears of blood.
’Monsters!! Ridiculous b*stards!!! How could they do this!!! My wine!! I could have drank that, you freaking idiots!!!’
"Marianne, are you alright?" — While my hand trembled not in the least happy to have to pour my glass of wine, Dioclecià that stood next to me asked... looking up innocently at me... shaking his grail so even the last drop would fall.
’Not you tooooooooo!!!!’
The last stab was given by my close friend... life couldn’t be less cruel for a wine lover... to think they would teach my little Dioclecià such sacrileges...
"Brother... Marianne looks a tad pale..." — Since getting myself to answer never happened, the little prince tugged on the Crown Prince’s cape standing next to him. Calling for his attention... and mine.
"Does she? I believe the lady looks further elegant on this day."
Meeting my eyes, he said nonchalantly, placing his hand on Dioclecià’s head while drinking the wine he was supposed to spill.
As easy as his compliment sounded, my back straightened forgetting the trouble this tradition made me feel since I had no reason to follow it with his example.
"Nonetheless, my lady, perhaps I am missing something that concerns you?"
’No... Not anymore...’ — Smiling pleasant, I brought the wine to my lips, tasting it the sweetest I ever had. Answering both with light now of my head.
I then watched the brothers, Dioclecià laughing while saying his brother’s hand was heavy, while the Prince that was colder in others’ company smirked, looking down at the little prince to jest with him while including me in the conversation.
"Is it heavy? You cannot become shorter."
"I have grown in height!... I share brother Zelesliaz’s blood so I could... I could grow as tall, right Marianne?"
’I wonder... he’s really tall...’
"... As tall as I am?"
"Yes!"
"... I don’t think so."
"Eh~? Why, brother?"
"Simply don’t think so."
In a mocking way, the crown prince’s hand patted on Dioclecià’s head twice, quietly, to finish the issue, sharing a complicit stare with me that told me with the sip from his cup that he was only being playful.