You Think I Won't Talk? 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 imdiately, making 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 . — "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 n 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." — Sohow 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 to walk you back? Since Paul is here I can leave for a mont."

’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 ti 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 mont the duke’s eyes were on our hands, the sweet worried eyes he tends to look at us t 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 anti, receive the lords that may co 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 ti with your sister."

"... I understand."

"Let us go, Marianne. I appreciate your effort yet on days like these do let be the one to co to your side." — Taking my hand so it would hold onto his arm, the duke took 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 sothing...’ — 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 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 sothing mistaken... we... Anne, you need to tell your Father the truth behind your condition.’

For so ti, she had beco conscious she was to say it soday... although she was against it at the beginning.

I want to think it’s because she has changed while having with her... but I can’t help but think it is us shing 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 ca out randomly.

"As you have been now inford 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 co 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 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 asked... looking up innocently at ... 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."

eting 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 complint sounded, my back straightened forgetting the trouble this tradition made feel since I had no reason to follow it with his example.

"Nonetheless, my lady, perhaps I am missing sothing 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 in the conversation.

"Is it heavy? You cannot beco 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 that told with the sip from his cup that he was only being playful.