Chapter 210

Chapter 210: Chapter 210

We ate comfortably and, although I know Marianne’s father saw that we were "speaking" between each other, he made a blind eye and inquired about my day and night to make us stop.

He made sure I ate well and checked my temperature before leaving to meet the Emperor since they apparently had a big meeting scheduled for today.

The Crown Prince did not speak much after I gave him the note. He would comment a little thing sometimes since the duke also inquired on how it’s been a while since he saw him accompanying me like the Host he is.

"Unfortunately I had some troublesome matters to resolve. Hence, I could not visit my Guest as much as I desired... Thankfully, it’s been settled for I am sharing time with her now."

That’s almost everything he said during breakfast. And now...

"Is the Prince going to join this session? I reckon you are to assist sporadically."

"... No. I..." — As I was witnessing their dialogue my eyes noticed him glance at me. — "If I am to be honest, I believe showing the hospitality I lacked these days to my Guest is more important. I am to join on another occasion, Duke."

’..... He seems a bit mad though.’

"... If it is so, alright... Do guide her safely to her chambers as I am hast in time. I would appreciate it if you sincerely demonstrate the correct etiquette of the Frotschter Empire to my Daughter. Prince."

"Rest assured, Duke. My Lady deserves such etiquette."

"..... As long as you are aware..."

’..... Why do I feel like they are talking in menacing code??’ — I thought as they talked oddly elaborately. But I couldn’t continue to think about the reasons behind that hunch.

"Marianne, sweetie... I truly hope this Assembly won’t take long... But frankly... I doubt it will." — He gave a step forward to take my hands in his, with a sorry expression as well as exhausted, and squeezed them dearly as if to express how disheartened he was at what he continued to say. — "I might not be able to share lunch with you... Yet I will try my best so I can go see you at or after dinner.

Tomorrow will be a busy day as the Summer Ball is to take place... Be sure not to over-exert yourself today... May I be bothersome and ask you to take great care of yourself? I truly don’t want you to ail again, my child..."

He said as one hand freed itself to caress my cheek, seemingly pained to let go since he might not see us until late at night.

I chuckled a bit at his over protection that can’t be more justified if he found me today, trembling next to a mad Prince, at such an early hour.

... The Duke is lovely and he’s awfully right. We need to be careful.

"..."

But I guess Marianne does not want to simply nod to reassure him, haha...

Swiftly, I did as she wanted.

Moving his hand away to slip my arms through his sides and hug him softly... As I secretly wished along with Marianne for his expression to change to the happy smile we enjoy seeing in him.

"Oh, Dear... Thank you....." — Returning our hug, he said. — "... Maybe I should miss this meeting? A hug from my child doesn’t happen often~"

’Haha! You should~ what kind of meeting do you have that we can’t even have lunch together?? That Emperor! He’s been working you like a slave! So pissed... Are there no work laws here Anne? Jokes aside, he’s truly been working too much, he hasn’t stopped since we went back from the other Ball and here is the same as in the Duchy.’

Sigh... Poor Duke...

"..."

"... I should skip."

’Okay. That’s it. No more hugs. He’s actually considering it.’

I moved our body away since his tone was one empty of teasing and actually serious.

We do want him to not work so much. But if he says it will be a long meeting, then it must be something important they have to discuss... I mean, he even mentioned the Emperor would be there, so...

Big Royal fish + Big Duke fish + Fancy Word "Assembly"... = Huge Catch (?)...

"... oh..." — He pouted, sad that we wouldn’t let him do as he was planning. — "Sigh... I guess my child knows better... I will see you later today, dear... I am off."

Another peck on my forehead, and reluctant to leave, he looked back various times kind of hoping I would change my mind.

’Leave it, Marianne! We need to be strict. He’s not any average joe! Your "daddy" has a d*mn duchy and is a "big fish". Also... I feel like we shouldn’t spoil him too much. He gives me all the feels of going to extremes if it’s for you.’

"...."

’I’m not lying, have you not noticed? That day we went to old man Gustav’s place He kept asking opinion to the girl serving us deserts in the town! About other famous Pastry shops she recommended... ON OTHER CITIES.’

I’m sure he’s doing something crazy. Why even ask about other cities’ pastry shops if we don’t even travel that often to the near capital??

Suspicious. Too suspicious.

This is the greatest example of what dangerous behaviour for a wealthy man is.....

I don’t even want to spell out what it is I think he is thinking, but I know it’s expensive as f***.

So much that I might feel enough pressure to sell our liver to feel less in debt if he does what I think he’s planning..... Which I won’t say ’cause if I don’t say it, then it’s kind of not set in stone.

"..."

"He’s quite affectionate. Your Father."

’Ah. That’s right... We are not alone.’ — His words made me aware again and glancing at him, I pondered on his sayings.

Hmm... He says "affectionate"...

Is it weird to act like this in the times this novel is set?? I do think it’s not a common thing to do in front of a Royal... Or for a Duke to do...

For a Lady, I can grant it. Because if the lady is as cute as Marianne it has to be fine to hug a pair of people.

Actually, wouldn’t it be illegal if she couldn’t do this much? The girl is mute, for the love of red pandas.

"... Is it reassuring for the Lady?" — The guy added.

’What?’

Suddenly, I couldn’t understand what he was talking about. He was serious, looking distantly at the entrance where the Duke had left from.

Tilting our head, I pondered on what it is that this complicated Male Lead is asking about.

"Reassuring"... His affection? His presence??... Having a father like the Duke??? Oh! Maybe that thing about him being a Lucid Warrior??

Marianne’s Father has done a great job distracting me from asking about it these days... I never get the chance to ask since he knows I will forget once he talks about food.

"..... Is it that..."

My mind was starting to wander again. I was about to start thinking about how to tackle the question about the nickname’s origin on the Duke tonight. But he did not let my head leave the issue at hand.

I lifted my head to see him in the eyes as he spoke... Since that’s the best we can do to show sincere interest when mute.

"Is that the result of gaining your trust, my Lady?"

"..."

’Uh... Anne? Translation please...’

I don’t understand what he wants to say!!

I blinked profusely trying to find a lead to get what it was. But even learning Spanish was easier...

Sigh... If I don’t understand... There is no other choice but to say it.

His sad expression seemed fixed on his face. Almost as if it would never leave him, that troubling scowl of his thick eyebrows was disrupting the harmony of his nice features... And I hate it.

It doesn’t suit him...

No... It suits the "him" I thought he was... But now it doesn’t.

My hand went to grab a tiny piece of the vest I had seen before that blue night of the Masquerade and gesturing, I showed him my confusion, naturally bringing my other hand in a nervous fist to contain the unrest invading my chest at what I couldn’t understand.

’Could you be more clear? What is it that–...’ — The Crown Prince’s hand came forward to reach my cheek, cautiously, caressing it with the back of his strong fingers... while I tried to tell. — ’... That bothers you now?’

I froze for a second since I didn’t expect such actions... But I didn’t move away since... His expression could get worse... And I don’t want that.

"..."

"..... Like this... A mere graze..... It was enough to dismiss any trembling remaining on you, My Lady."

"..."

"Even though... I was here with you... Your fright did not hesitate to surface... Even though I was here to guard you....."

’..... Oh goodness... I think... I know what it is now...’

"My Lady... Have the rumours about me reached you enough to make you doubt you are safe near me?..."

"....."

I felt my eyes widen at his words... Causing me to lower my gaze since...

’... Yeah... They did.’ — I answered secretly... Honestly... And sorry because I couldn’t deny that was a reality I cannot forget until the original story begins with Marianne still alive.

However... It’s not as much as in the beginning.

’You’ve gotten so many stars just today... You’re nice to me too, so...’

"... Is it crazy of me to... Also desire that?"

"....."

"I want you to feel safe in my presence, Lady Marianne..."