*******
It was an odd experience... going back ho when tension was invading my soul.
The place was filled with mories that for a period of ti when I was two within one, such mories were there yet non-existent as well... as if hidden while dormant... although not forgotten but simply placed aside unable to reach them as easily as I do now.
’Even the scent and the air... it all feels familiar yet with a taste different from the one I felt while being two... how conflicting... how interestingly curious...’
"... It has been a while, has it not?" — Dad said, standing by my side doing just as I did just now while recognising our mannor. Sohow... saying sothing very different to what his eyes conveyed in their deepness. — "A sha it is that the days are becoming colder. We might not be able to have als outside until spring arrives, sweetie."
"..."
"The breeze is strong today, we’d better go inside quickly." — Turning to signal the servants, Dad ordered to unload the baggage. eting Theressa’s eye as well who has been quiet and obedient all day, yet had concealed her delight at being ho once dad turned to look at her. — "... Follow your sister inside."
"... Yes, father..."
The scene was painful for anyone’s eyes. Dad’s sadness was apparent whenever exchanging words with Theressa, and although the servants were respectful and euphoric while welcoming us. There was coldness as well, as if demonstrating their loyalty to the duke they served showing respect yet also distancing themselves from the daughter the master was hurt by.
’She did bring us information about the reply from last night... yet even so it is hard to trust Theressa just like that...’ — I considered while stepping inside, rembering the story she had inford.
A person covered, mimicking a shadow was what she t the night before when replying to the letter she received. One that told her...
— You shall not learn who I am until you win your sister’s trust. Act as if you regret and have her forgiveness... I am to co to you again, do not forget. —
—... She appeared as soon as you finished writing a reply? —
— Yes... out of nothingness... her sound was sohow grotesque. I am not sure who this person is to pull such a stunt yet... they must be the one aiding Paul... otherwise how else would he have escaped prison? This person appears to have the skill to help him do so. —
... For so motive, I believe most of what she told us is true. I had interacted with soone as mysterious as that before as well... Yet it also makes ponder... what is their goal with this?... For now, what is clear is that I also am to cooperate in this plan so they co et her faster.
"Marianne, do go inside. Or is there sothing you forgot?" — Dad, seeing I spaced out without entering the mansion, asked. Receiving a shake of my head as a reply.
I looked back one last ti. At the path we had crossed in the sturdy carriage, and perhaps it was my wishful thinking playing gas with my eyesight... for I think I saw who I missed at the palace far in the distance where the trees could hide him.
’... It cannot be... right?’ — I thought while I walked into the mansion. Feeling hopeful that Zeleskiaz might be near. — ’Perhaps the lack of sleep is affecting my sight... or is it... that even after the rejection I still miss him this mu—’
"Theressa! Dear, you are finally ho!"
’Ugh...’
"! M-mother...nh..!"
Interrupting my pondering the duchess rushed ignoring my being to go straight to her daughter’s side. Her embrace almost strangled Theressa and peeking at from the side she stuttered, uncomfortable by the obvious indifference the duchess kept for my presence.
"How much grief have I felt... You being away, unjustly condemned... I have missed you, my sweet daughter."
"... Mother I also missed you but... sister... won’t you say a greeting to—?! S-sister? Ah, wait! I am going with you!"
’I am not in the mood for these useless scenes.’ — Disgusted by the way this woman behaved, I decided to continue my path, ignoring her as well while Theressa panicked as I did as I wished.
"... Wait a mont. Stay put Theressa.." — I heard the duchess say. Restraining her to her side. — "Aren’t you going to greet , ungrateful girl? You dare ignore your mother this blatantly when you finally deign to co back?"
"..."
"... mother, um... please do not talk to sister like that. She would not ignore you..."
"She wouldn’t? Then why am I seeing her back instead of a bow? I’m well aware she learned proper manners, yet she behaves like this. Not only do you disgrace our family but you also ruin it. Making Theressa and Paul go to prison only for her evil satisfaction!"
"?! Mother! Paul and I deserve such a—"
*SLAP!*
"!..."
"Has she brainwashed you now that you have to serve her, huh?! Nothing is your fault, if anything you did well!! Even if what she says you did is true! This w*nch is who deserves it!!!"
... Although I was adamant about continuing my path, the slap echoed so hard that even the gasps of the servants beca overwheld by the sound. I had to turn around to see what such a hand would look like... but Theressa’s red face took most of my attention. Staying still while the hand was quickly imprinted on her cheek.
"How do you even have the nerve to set foot in this mannor!!?"
"..."
"It is sickening...! Not only do you try to bewitch the empire with dark sorcery but also those you are family with!! You disgust myself! To think I gave birth to filth like yourself!!!"
"S-stop, mother... what you say is not true—"
"Shut up! Was a slap not enough!? What do you know!! Haven’t I told you endlessly??! Don’t trust this woman!!!"
"Mother!!"
"Theressa." — Already fed up with this unnecessary drama, I called her who was holding onto her mother who was eager to co for in a catfight. — "Your mother is correct."
"... what...? Sister..."
"Hah... shaless w*nch... You even admit—"
"I am indeed ignoring her." — I nonchalantly said, not even wanting to spare a glance for her hystery. — "The Duchess is a tad noisy for my taste... You should handle your mother properly so she will not make a fool of herself in public later."
"You!!? Such a disgrace!! To even acknowledge your insolence!!"
"Take care of your mother before coming to myself. Her presence is a nuisance... I pity you for having her as a parent but... I am certain you can keep her quiet if you put your mind to it, right?"
"... uh.... Alright...? Uh yes..."
"Tsk!! You insist on saying I am not your mother!? If anything you should feel honoured I bore you—!"
"If I could change that I would."
"?!"
"Since you have difficulty understanding the first ti, I’ll repeat it so it’s made clear. Do not call yourself my mother. I have no shaful mother like you. I only have a—..... father..."
"Little w*ore—!"
"ENOUGH!!" — Dad yelled... suppressing the hurt I had seen a mont earlier at the scene we made. — "... Marianne, go to your chambers... Theressa, follow her as I told you."
"... yes..."
"You yell at ?! Haven’t you heard what that girl said!?"
"I heard." — Even though he had told us to leave, I could not move because of dad’s deanour... his voice was ruthless as it had never reached my ears and I could sense within him... that this void that suddenly opened when I t his gaze was bottomless in his heart. — "What else did you expect, Elenaide? Your wish... it finally ca true."
"Sister Marianne... let’s go..."
’But... but dad... he’s crying inside...’
"Everyone, keep what you heard a secret... with that I an Marianne’s sound. I trust you will follow my command." — He had decided to instruct the servants who learned a secret I should have protected better. It was odd for they were aghast and could not show the happiness they naturally would otherwise. I followed Theressa who pulled up and with such a complex scene of dad and his wife glaring at each other, the day I went back to the mannor sealed a growing grief in my stay.
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