Chapter 125: Chapter 125
[Father, I understand your vision about how I may think of your continuous reminders. However, I believe it is not a matter I have a reason to get upset at.
This daughter of yours understands that all of this is said out of a well-founded concern for I have not been in good health for a long time now.
Yet, do know, Father, that the only thing I feel with these thoughtful reminders is happiness as they confirm your care.]
It’s a bit bothersome to be so eloquent when writing because of the times we are living in this world, using all that formal language.
If it weren’t for that, I would be writing like I did when sending text messages in my past life.
Just like any lazy millennial, replacing the "you" with a "u", adding emojis at the end of a text... Leaving on "seen" because I’m too much of a sloth or hate some people enough to not answer...
In this case, I would probably add a hashtag. Something like... #OverthinkingFather #GoodDaughter #Hello!ICan’tTalk #KindnessIsMySecondName #ImpersonatingTheRealOne ... Hmm... That’s about how I ironically would go with it.
Oh! And I wouldn’t forget the heart emoji! Because I’m a lovely girl with pure love in my heart~
"... Thank you, sweet bird."
The Duke suddenly said a bit after reading my note, taking my right hand and locking arms with me to continue our way while I thought random stuff.
After that, he turned to Theressa, who had stayed silent after the piercing glare the Duke gave her.
"A senseless child you are at times, Theressa."
"....." — lowering her head Theressa kept silent.
’... Darn... That’s... That’s harsh...’
For the nice Duke to tell you that...
"However, my young goose, don’t walk behind us. This Father thankfully has both arms in their rightful place to escort his two gorgeous daughters... Growing to be outstanding is the result of redeeming our shortcomings... So come walk by my side for I can guide you, sweetie." — Unfolding his other hand towards her he declared.
Theressa hesitated to take his hand but with the time she was taking to do so, he grabbed and locked arms with hers just like he did with me.
"Sweetie, don’t look down. Not with how beautiful you are today. Let me walk with you now."
"Thank you... I am sorry Father..."
"Indeed... You grow beautifully if you see the wrong you did... I can already see the colourful petals adorning your blossomed figure, my dear child."
"..."
’... Sigh... Such a nice father you two have...’ — Witnessing the scene I thought to myself.
His voice was as warm as he always did when talking to Marianne. It was extremely pleasing to see him affectionately teach the dwarf her mistakes and encourage her to do better with his poetry.
Theressa smiled shyly and cuddled his arm as we started to walk again.
The servant followed our lead and continued to show us the way a few steps ahead of us.
It was only a matter of time that the silence between us continued since the Duke broke our reigning hush with a blissful tone.
"Although it has been a busy day... To think I would get the opportunity to walk with my two delicate flowers finding their zenith on these rough hands... How wonderful this season shall be for they become prettier even in these drought terrains~"
"Oh, Father! You always start reciting weird things!"
’Weird!!?? You dumb dwarf!! When in your life will you find someone who can see good in you and tell you these nice things?!??!?’ — Aghast at her ignorance I felt like whacking her dumb head as my inner self’s jaw dropped.
"Do you not like it? I think poetry is the only way I can express the bliss my children grant me and even still feel in debt to fully grasp my strong feelings with the words."
"But Father is so lengthy in his prose... I cannot understand much of it."
"...!" — I opened my eyes as far as I could after hearing her say that.
’So you really are Dumb!!!’
"Hmm... Marianne seems to like it when I recite them to her..."
"!!" — Nodding profusely I answered as he glanced at me. — ’Yes! You’re awesome, Sir!! Don’t listen to that stoopid dwarf! She knows nothing!!!’
"Sister and I have different tastes! You cannot compare Father."
"... That is true... Then... ’I am happy to stroll like this with you, my two pretty daughters.’... Do you like that more, sweetie?"
"Mhmm... Much better."
’Huuuuuuh????? Whut tha feck??? That’s as dull as you, Theressa!!’
"... Hmm..... How complicated... So the goose becomes picky when not receiving gooseberries~?"
’What’s that now?? Suddenly A code–!?’
"Father!!! Please, do not mention gooseberries!!! How embarrassing!"
"Hohoho~"
"Father is mean!"
"...~~..."
’..... Did I miss something? Why are you laughing too Marianne? Is this some kind of inside joke????’
The three were somehow aware of what the Duke had meant with the goose eating gooseberries or whatever... Marianne started enjoying the conversation the moment that line was said...
Maybe it’s something about Theressa’s younger days? Like... Something from her dark past that parents always like to bring up??...
If so...
’Pfff... What’s with calling her "goose" anyways? Don’t tell me it’s because she runs like one because I might plan something only to see that happening, hwahahaha!’
Although I felt a bit sad for not being in on the joke the three shared, I shoved it away and joined their laughter with my creative little deductions.
There are lots of things I might never get to know about these people’s shared past after all...
I don’t know if I will get her memories once I fuse with Anne... Not to mention if I’ll even be able to fuse with her in the first place.
Things are just that uncertain right now and have actually always been since the beginning...
But, leaving that aside...
As an outsider, this is the first time I feel like... All of them are really a family.
Theressa doesn’t seem to be feigning her cute act for once and the Duke is being his playful self with his two daughters, which never has happened this spontaneously in our dinners.
And my baby red panda...
For once her presence is not diminishing when Theressa is near.
This is how things should have been.
An energetic Marianne having fun with her cute little sister and a father who loves both of them...
And I...
I shouldn’t be here in the first place.
Ah... Yeah... Now that I think about it, when I died I was...
"We have arrived at Honourable Lady Marianne’s chambers."
Well, that’s great timing you have there, mister servant...
"It is my pleasure to announce that it has been decided for the Honourable guest to find residence in the comfortable and applauded ’Burgundy Calla’s Chambers’. Do please find rest within the walls that keep grandiose history." — The man said with respectful reverence.
"....."
Although I had no choice but to remain silent, the other two also stayed mute after hearing the servant.
"... Excuse my intrusion... However, has this been approved by his Majesty?" — The Duke asked.
"Yes, my Lord. Such decisions cannot be taken without his Majesty’s approval. The Great Emperor was adamant to let the Gracious Guest stay in the best room available at the Main Palace... Is there a problem, Your Grace?"
’Best room?’
"... Sigh... I understand. It only took me aback given its importance. Thank you for kindly answering."
’Importance???’
"!... It is a must to serve well to Your Grace. Thanks are not necessary, my Lord." —The servant was surprised after receiving the Duke’s appreciation, making the guy talk flustered.
"... Alright." — Gently nodding to him the Duke turned to me who was still wondering about the assigned room I got. — "Marianne."
Looking at me with soft eyes he stood admirably in front of me and took both of my hands to tell me what I was curious about without intending to since what I believe he meant with his comment was only to encourage us.
"For someone to be permitted into the First Empress Calla’s adored room... Is a sign that your existence is valuable in the eyes of the Royals. Sign of their respect and support... And a sign of unending protection from Fenrir, the Royal Family’s deity and partner."
’Wow... Really??’ — I thought as I glanced towards the room with open Doors.
"... It has never rejected their guests after The First Empress’ demise... With only one exception."
’... Huh??... Rejected???’
"Indeed. We have arranged another bedroom in case the Lady is denied by the Chamber... It most likely will not be the case... Yet, be at ease for we are prepared for any outcome." — Added the servant as six guards made their presence noticeable with the strike of their spears against the ground.
’Wh– what the?? You guys are scaring me...’
"... Dear." — The Duke turned my head towards him, carefully by the chin. — "If you are not comfortable with entering, you do not have to force yourself to do so... But if you do want to go inside... I can assure you that nothing bad will happen for I will certainly not let anything harm my child."
"....." — In my characteristic silence, we started at him, impressed at his words.
He was completely serious.
Unwavering and decided eyes, glowing with sparks trying to lighten his charcoal pupils... were looking at me confident of his power.
The Duke even seemed unfamiliar for a moment, yet, the affection mixing with the fierce gaze made me realise this was only a new side I was learning he had.
I inwardly grinned at how reassuring his statement was and thought aloud so Marianne could agree with my opinion.
’Well, with such cool assurance... We could dash in there without worry, Sir.’
Anne was eager as she agreed, just like I was. However, there was another thing making me interested to go inside.
If that Room is able to "reject" people... That means it has some kind of mysterious power.
We are two souls in one, so...
’Let’s see how this goes~’