Chapter 254: Chapter 254
"..."
Her eyes were too intensely watching us... Fascinated, at that.
The beam of those eyes was somehow frightening, more so while covering her mouth.
"... My Lady..."
’... S–She won’t cry... will she?’ — I asked Anne, sure that she would since her eyes were already teary.
"W–wh–"
’Oh gosh... Please... no snot, Paige... I’ll put up with the tears but if there is snot, I won’t be able to take it...’ — Closing our eyes at the prelude her low stutter signified, I begged my maid friend for a bit of mercy.
"What dance is that, my lady!?"
’uh?’
"My lady! Those steps, where did you learn those from?? You appear to be enjoying yourself!" — With energy, Paige asked making her eyes shine wider with curiosity. — "Has the garments I have chosen today satisfied your tastes, my lady? Is that–... Is that why my Ladyship’s essence seems vibrant today?"
Looking at me with hope, Paige continued, impulsively stepping backwards as her voice lowered its volume. Restraining her hands from taking mine at the realisation that it wasn’t proper... Probably.
"~..." — ’Ah... Paige is so cute~’
Her actions and lively voice made my cheeks tickle to smile. She was simply too pure. And I felt sad she didn’t take our hands since it was obvious she was happy to witness our foolishness.
’I should be more aware~ but I guess we are too comfortable around Paige at this point~’ — Convinced that it was my fault for being too carefree, I shoved the matter as unimportant since it was Paige who saw it.
Walking the step she had taken back, we went for her hands and nodded.
I didn’t want her to feel unconfident. So I did it taking advantage of Marianne’s original grace.
’That’s right. I like these clothes, Paige. Thank you. And as today’s "vibrant essence"... That song had a bit that said... Uh... How was it(?)...oh! I woke up feeling this way and I can’t help loving myself~ hehe.’
There’s also a bit that flexes about being ourselves... But I don’t think it would be nice to do that right now. Heh.
Although it’s true.
We are too cool~
"I see... I chose one that pleased you... hehe... Miss Marianne... My lady is so gentle..." — I heard her say while looking at our hands.
’Hmm... Well, since I want to be friends with you, that’s a given, Paige.’ — In the secret of our head, I told her who seemed nervous.
"My Lady... I... This servant of yours wishes to tell you... that I am to excerpt these hands and youth I have so My Lady is to continue to feel this vibrant as I serve you." — She said this still looking downward.
Practically out of nowhere, she was making a pledge to us. An unnecessary one at that.
But then, Paige lifted her gaze to meet mine...
’... You are a crybaby but... Wow... You look very determined to honour this pledge.’
I am surprised. But what’s more surprising is that Marianne isn’t.
Maybe it’s something she foresaw as she has known Paige for longer... That’s... Hehe, that’s very sweet~
Nonetheless, I think I still should tell her not to take it so seriously.
"...ah..." — I heard her say, dejected as I took my hands away.
’Hehe, wait a moment, Paige. Don’t feel sad so soon~’ — I thought as I walked to retrieve the post-it notes.
"I– excuse my rudeness, My Lady..." — She said once I came back, apparently ashamed to have taken my hands and stroked them before.
’Oh... Don’t be like that...’
Giving her a sorry glance, I proceeded to write on my notes so she would know my thoughts.
And. So she knew I wasn’t rejecting her actions, I especially reached out to her hand so she would receive the message.
[ As you have done is enough. Just keep being as lovely a company, Paige. That is what I most appreciate about your service. ]
I observed her read the note. Happy, since I really feel she should know this and more so by having the opportunity to convey it.
’You should care more for your hands and youth~ I became an eighteen-year-old but that doesn’t happen to everyone~’
Jokingly, I added as she seemed to take a moment. But then, she lifted her head from the notes and once more looked directly into my eyes.
"...."
I... Simply watched speechless. Because now it was more of a complicated expression she portrayed.
Surely, I could sense she wasn’t depressed anymore... But... There was a hint of sadness in the happy eyes and humble smile Paige showed me.
I didn’t know what to think of it, truthfully. Much less once she spoke again with as strong a determination in her gaze.
"Even so... I will protect My Lady."
"..."
’Why is she saying she will protect us?’
It made me feel faint to hear her say that... Because it scares me whatever it is that made her utter such intention with such deep sentiment in her eyes.
Marianne felt the same... And probably it was her growing panic that was making me a bit paranoid too.
... The possibility of Paige knowing something... Something about what Marianne and I have been hiding...
’She might not know... Calm down, Anne.’
"This servant will protect you with all my being, Miss Marianne..."
’It could be just because we are sickly.’ — I excused it right after Paige added with fondness. — ’Don’t start getting paranoid...’
Paige caressed our hands dearly and even though I was a bit conflicted at the uncertainty... I just felt calm while in the fright of Marianne.
"Hum! Alright, my admirable Master. I believe I should arrange your stances for your comfort. Would you like me to prepare some tea for you to enjoy while reading?"
Paige then changed the topic with a cheerful mood, standing straight in front of me wanting to give me the best she could immediately. Acting as if the serious ambience had not happened.
And, agreeing while still in a daze... I decided to tell Marianne what it was that had me more at ease as I watched Paige turn on her feet.
’Anne... Even if she knows... It’s fine.’
"__..."
’We know we can trust her... So let’s not panic. We shouldn’t panic when someone that loves us wants to protect us.’
That’s just rude.
"..."
I looked at our joined hands and I felt Marianne consider what I had told her with seriousness.
Paige and the Duke... They are the first ones I would tell everything if I get the chance.
Even if Marianne is still reluctant to say anything after regaining our voice... I would definitely tell the President and The number two fan first.
I walked us to seat in the lounge of our chamber since it was obvious we were prohibited from going around so carefreely after last night.
Once seating, I wrote one little thing in our post-it notes. And once Paige came to serve us the tea she boiled right there, I stopped her from leaving by laying my hand on her arm.
[ Thank you, Paige. My friend. ]
I gave her the sheet so she could keep it. With a heart drawn in it to make it cuter and more affectionate... Since I knew her intentions were pure and born completely from the high care she has for us... For Marianne especially.
"... My Lady... has nothing to thank this servant for..." — The lower lip of Paige threatened to break into sobs.
’Haha... So cute...’
I couldn’t help but chuckle inside because of how adorable Paige appeared.
And mostly out of Marianne’s side, the next note was written for Paige to read.
[ Even so, let me convey my appreciation, Paige. ]
To the message, she nodded quickly. Shutting her eyes wanting to cry, pressing the note against her stomach... probably wanting to keep a bit of a composed attitude.
"I shall do my duties now, My Lady...! Please enjoy your time!"
She went away with a trembling voice. And I saw her wipe her face with her arm in a rush from my spot.
’So cute... We have a good friend, Anne.’
Feeling glad, even though she was overwhelmed, I unfolded our hand to take our tea and inhaled its fragrance with elation.
’Just as we like it...’ — We smiled, moved and delighted at the blueberry tea Marianne and I like.
’Whatever happens let’s just be grateful, sweetheart. Let’s enjoy whatever comes so we can still look alive in the mirror, alright?’
Resonating within us, Marianne accepted my suggestion.
Perhaps, she’s also finally opening her eyes to what we should prioritize.
Hopefully, the time will come when we can speak freely. And with that, Mariamme’s resolution to come out clean to her Father will also arrive.
I believe... That it is her who should say it.
If I end up in a situation I have no other choice, I will do it in her stead. Even if it’s against her wishes... But as long as that doesn’t happen... I will give her the time to make up her mind...
I’ll just make time... And knowing we have the Duke and Paige... And the Crown Prince, willing to help and protect us... I’ll give her some more leisure than I had intended.
... But not as much for her to get accustomed to our situation.
I won’t allow that.
Because if she does... That’s when we die.