Chapter 311: Chapter 311
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"Madame." — Along with the knock on her lounge’s door, the call of a servant arrived.
"Come 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 meet you and will come to the place you are at."
"... Tell him I will be here."
"Yes, Madame."
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 same roof, was not able to be resumed as blush commenced to emerge 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 meet 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 welcome your Father?"
"... I am still ashamed to do so, Mother... Father was kind when reprimanding me 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 measly slap from your hand."
Summoning displeasure to her countenance, Elenaide rebuked her pampered daughter, whose demeanour 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 lovesome 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 scheme by that devilish woman... Lighten up. Your Father will understand. And Mother will always be on your side, trust me."
"... 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 excitement 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 meet you at a later time, Mother."
"Hm? Where are you going dear?"
"I am going to welcome Father, so my presence once he arrives at this lounge will not hinder your reunion." — Smiling sincerely to her Mother, Theressa informed. Taking advantage of the chance so her time could be spent once more on her own.
"My~... How considerate a daughter I have..." — Ashamed 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 welcome 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 meet her gaze. For her older sister’s hand would barely move as it was kindly covered every meal with thoughtful intention towards herself.
’Sister is already weak... S-she fainted so many times 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..."
Meeting a Duke who prominently climbed the stairs she was going down, his soothing voice reached her. Causing the lift of her head to meet the gentle gaze of his charcoal hues.
"Good afternoon, Theressa. How great it is that I found my daughter this quick."
"!... Welcome back, Father... I–It also... Hn! Sniff! I– P–Please excuse me... I seem to be sentient these days." — Hiding the truth of the emotion his kind treatment 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 came 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 member. — "..... W–where is Sister? Has she gone to her chambers already?"
"... She is not here, Theressa."
"?! Wh– Why? D–did something 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 Summer Festival will be the event the Emperor will use to announce her existence as the Ninth."