You Think I Won't Talk? Chapter 311

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"Mada." — Along with the knock on her lounge’s door, the call of a servant arrived.

"Co in." — The woman told the servant, maintaining composure as she was aware of the news they might announce.

"His Grace has arrived. I was told he wishes to et you and will co to the place you are at."

"... Tell him I will be here."

"Yes, Mada."

Brief was the interaction, yet strong was the effect it took on the awaiting Duchess. The embroidery she had been working on to distract her lonely days when distress was continuously drowning her, as the son she could no longer recognise and the now quiet youngest daughter stayed under the sa roof, was not able to be resud as blush comnced to erge in her cheeks. Those that had left youth behind yet looked innocent at the thought of her husband’s arrival.

"Orland is here..." — Elenaide whispered gently as one of her hands gingerly grazed the rosy skin. Expectant to et the gentleman her husband is.

’My sweet husband... Who is also admirably strong... I need no fear anymore for he will aid his wife in front of an insolent son.’

"... Theressa, are you not going to go welco your Father?"

"... I am still ashad to do so, Mother... Father was kind when reprimanding yet I know he–"

"Tsk. I have told you it was not your fault. The evil child’s misleading actions keep confusing you but believe your Mother, she is using you. If anything, she deserved to be beaten instead of receiving a asly slap from your hand."

Summoning displeasure to her countenance, Elenaide rebuked her pampered daughter, whose deanour has been down ever since she arrived at the Duchy.

"If mother says so..."

"Of course, I do. You should listen again. If not, the Crown Prince will not look at you with loveso eyes, my dear. Look happier too, even your Mother has trouble making you company when you appear like this. You already lost many opportunities during the Palece’s visit."

"..."

"Dear. You need to wake up. It is all a sche by that devilish woman... Lighten up. Your Father will understand. And Mother will always be on your side, trust ."

"... Yes, thank you, Mother. I reckon I have not been myself. I shall continue to work on my mood."

"That’s the spirit dear. New dresses will be brought soon so you can add them to your wardrobe. Fufufu~ The designs! Maybe we could ask for new designs from Latrishk. What do you think?"

"... It sounds wonderful mother, that would help my spirits to rise." — Trying to follow the Duchess’s energy, Theressa responded feigning more excitent as politeness continued to be portrayed in her speech. Nonetheless, she raised from her seat, leaving behind the cloth she was to embroider yet little did she do to it as her mind has been experiencing trouble with focus as a deep ponder occurred from within.

"I shall et you at a later ti, Mother."

"Hm? Where are you going dear?"

"I am going to welco Father, so my presence once he arrives at this lounge will not hinder your reunion." — Smiling sincerely to her Mother, Theressa inford. Taking advantage of the chance so her ti could be spent once more on her own.

"My~... How considerate a daughter I have..." — Ashad to be glimpsed bashful, Elenaide answered thankful.

"I am aware mother wants to see Father... Even though you go against him often."

"Child!"

"Haha~ I am going, Mother~ Demonstrate to Father how strongly you have missed him~"

"Theressa Sylfinnier!"

A playful smile was left to the embarrassed mother as she exited the room along with her bodyguard. And as she had told the Duchess, she truly had left to find the sight of her Father. To welco him... Wishing to receive the gentleness he usually portrayed when pampering his children... And ask about that one sibling she felt conflicted to continue hating.

"Fuuh..." — Exhaling a deep breath as she walked the corridor, Theressa clenched her hand as it rested on her chest.

’Alright... Let’s practice once more...’

"... Sister, has your hand healed? How was your vacation..." — She mumbled to herself, halting her steps at the odd sensation.

"..."

"nnnngh~~ Royce! It still sounds odd!"

"Miss it does not–"

"It does!" — Looking ahead once again her head lowered as she continued to talk as she walked. — "... I... Father is also back but I want to say it properly to her..."

Concerned, she gripped her dress’s skirt, recalling those dinners before her sister left; at a table where she could not dare to look her in the eye although she knew Marianne was trying to et her gaze. For her older sister’s hand would barely move as it was kindly covered every al with thoughtful intention towards herself.

’Sister is already weak... S-she fainted so many tis at the Palace and yet...’

"I–I hope her hand has healed... S–She won’t be able to embroider in a while....."

"....."

"Does she even practice embroidery...?" — Theressa suddenly mumbled as her own hands were held together, nervous about the idea of her forceful hit causing irreparable harm to her older sister’s abilities. — "... I am ignorant..."

"You are indeed, my child."

"!... F-Father..."

eting a Duke who prominently climbed the stairs she was going down, his soothing voice reached her. Causing the lift of her head to et the gentle gaze of his charcoal hues.

"Good afternoon, Theressa. How great it is that I found my daughter this quick."

"!... Welco back, Father... I–It also... Hn! Sniff! I– P–Please excuse ... I seem to be sentient these days." — Hiding the truth of the emotion his kind treatnt brought to her troubled soul.

"... Is that truly what it is, dear?"

"Mhm. It is nothing." — Feeling the caress of the tear that fell as he wiped it with the back of his finger, Theressa took the arm her Father offered. Who ca to escort her down the stairs.

Shyly she smiled at the warmth of Orland and careful as she spoke, the youngest inquired about her other family mber. — "..... W–where is Sister? Has she gone to her chambers already?"

"... She is not here, Theressa."

"?! Wh– Why? D–did sothing happen to her while away?? Where is she, Father?"

"I was to tell you all at dinner yet... She is on her way to the Palace. The Sumr Festival will be the event the Emperor will use to announce her existence as the Ninth."