Chapter 650: What’s the Matter?
“May I have this dance with you? Hehe.” Lillian asked, her hand stretched out for the low-spirited Assassin to take—unaware of the misunderstandings brewed about her.
Marionette stared at the hand with trembling eyes, her hand slowly dropping from her mouth.
She knew this voice; there was no way she wouldn’t be able to recognise it! On top of that, the person standing before her looked pletely human and alive—an exception to her horrible Flaw!
Marionette knew the person in front of her was, without a doubt, Lillian. But there was one thing she didn’t and desperately wanted to know…
‘Why is she here…?’
Damien, who had ceased his approach, stood behind Marionette with a dark glint in his eyes. He glanced between Marionette and Lillian before settling his gaze on the Rabbit’s mask.
His eyes then flashed with recognition, ‘That’s the blondie’s mask, what’s her name… Viremont! Why is it with this man?!’
Due to the angle he was standing at, and how tight Lillian’s shirt was around her chest, she appeared more masculine than she or Aurelia would’ve expected.
‘White suit, blue tie, white hair… Was such a person here last night?’
Why was this oddly feminine-looking man wearing a mask that didn’t belong to him? And why was it that no matter how much Damien racked his brain, he couldn’t recall anyone with these features from yesterday?!
Despite having a strong memory for good-looking individuals, he failed to link the servant he had cornered last night to this mysterious “man”.
While Damien still failed to identify Lillian’s true identity, Marionette continued to remain silent. Her once-trembling eyes were now stable, but the emotions in her heart were still turbulent.
She stared down at the hand that was seemingly calling out for her to take, and yet, she couldn’t help but wonder if there was anything ulterior in its calling.
Marionette’s mind was still reeling from her earlier thoughts, which writhed in her brain like snakes.
“One minute to go!” A Darkhound servant shouted.
With time for the dance nearing, and yet to answer, Marionette shakingly opened her mouth to give a response.
But before she could—
“You’re taking quite a while, that’s unlike you.”
—Lillian had already made the decision for her.
With an assertive grab of her hand, the Rabbit pulled her in, swiftly interlocking their fingers.
Lillian then placed one hand on Marionette’s waist, clutching it with the grip of a possessive lover.
The Assassin, not having expected such an assertive move, stiffened as she felt the Rabbit’s warm breath against her ear.
With a playful smile, Lillian whispered:
“I’ll take your silence as a yes. Not like, I was going to accept anything else~”
Marionette’s trembling heart froze when she heard that. With a gulp, she placed a hand on Lillian’s waist as well, her arm brushing against the girl.
Damien, seeing that Marionette wasn’t going to push away, snorted and walked back to his previous partner—disregarding how they felt about him afterwards.
“With everyone now hopefully having a partner, the dance will now begin!” The servant from earlier called out. And following his resounding words came along calm and slow music.
With the lights now perfectly dim and the sound of music filling the ballroom, everyone began to turn and dance with their chosen partner.
Along with everyone, Lillian and Marionette danced to the music, their bodies swaying and turning elegantly.
Lillian’s eyes were soft as she danced with Marionette, her movements flowing with the Assassin with the rhythm of the music. She wasn’t sure if it was because of the atmosphere, but she felt like Marionette was even more beautiful under the dim light.
“Mari, did you know…” Lillian whispered, “Out of all the lessons that Head Butler gave, he was the most strict with teaching me to dance? Isn’t that quite funny?”
“Mmm…”
“He was already strict with the cooking and cleaning, but you wouldn’t expect the butler to be the most strict with dancing of all things.” Lillian giggled quietly, only receiving a nod and hum in response from Marionette.
Lillian frowned a bit, noticing something amiss in Marionette’s behaviour. She scrutinised the Assassin’s face and noticed her eyes were directed towards somewhere else.
Was she avoiding eye contact with her?
‘Her movements also feel very stiff…’
Discovering something was definitely off with her girlfriend, Lillian asked:
“What’s wrong…? You’re acting strange…” Lillian paused, her eyes widening for a brief moment, “Is the Corruption acting up?”
Marionette shook her head.
“It… It isn’t, no…”
“Oh, that’s good… Is it something on your mind, then?” Lillian raised an eyebrow, “Why are you avoiding eye contact with me?”
“I’m…” Marionette’s eyes trembled for a split moment, her lips growing shaky. She then stiffened when she felt Lillian lean into her ear again.
“What’s the matter, Marionette?” Lillian asked in a worried tone, “Since yesterday, you’ve been acting all strange. It’s scaring me a little…”
“Scared?” The Assassin repeated, her heart shaking a bit, “I’m… Scare you?”
Hearing Marionette speak in such a small voice, Lillian became even more confused. What happened while she wasn’t here? Why did her girlfriend sound so timid and meek?
Pulling her face back, Lillian stared at Marionette’s face; her eyes filled with concern. Eventually, under her focused gaze, Marionette turned to face her—revealing a look of insecurity rivalling that of yesterday.
With such a look, Lillian grew even more concerned.
Gripping Marionette’s hand even tighter, Lillian demanded:
“What’s on your mind? Tell me, Marionette. I know something’s the matter, but I can’t help you if you won’t tell me about—”
“Lillian, are you scared of me?”
“W-what?”
Lillian’s eyes shot wide open, shocked by what she had just heard. She had expected to hear something like ‘where did you get this suit’ or ‘how’d she get Aurelia’s mask’, but not something as silly as this!
“W-what are you talking about?” Lillian stammered, “Of course, I’m not scared of you!”
“… Do you genuinely love me?”
“Huh!? What are these questions?!” Lillian hissed, even more dumbfounded by the questions asked.
Marionette’s mouth opened for a split moment before closing. Later, she said before going quiet:
“Ah… I suppose they were foolish questions, my apologies…”
Seeing as the Assassin was able to look away again, Lillian growled.
“Stop that!”
With a step forward, Lillian quickly moved her arm around Marionette’s waist—locking her in place and pulling her in tightly. This resulted in a pause in their dance.
Not having expected such a move, Marionette froze with slightly widened eyes. She then immediately calmed herself and moved to adapt. But as she was about to do so, Lillian abruptly interrupted her.
The Rabbit slowly leaned in, her gaze soft as she pressed her forehead against the Assassin’s—leaving little room between their faces.
With the edges of their masks touching, Lillian stared into Marionette’s beautiful red eyes; her gaze intense and filled with worry.
“Now, then… What’s been happening in that beautiful head of yours, Mari?” Lillian hummed, “Can’t last even a few hours without me around anymore?”
“I—…”
“Stop looking away from me. I don’t like it…”
At Lillian’s mand, Marionette immediately returned her eyes to look at her, failing to realise the rapid beating of her heart and the subconscious leaning of her forehead.
With her face now resting against Lillian’s, she could now sense the speed at which her heart was beating; it was a familiar sensation.
…
A familiar sensation she always weled.
*Gasp!* Don’t run, Lillian! If you leave, how can we enjoy True Darkness’s Mukbang of Marionette’s emotions!?
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