Chapter 297: Chapter 297
"What are you thinking, Marianne? You seem lost in thought." — The duke asked me as I did lower my head to consider about the Forest’s creatures.
[ I was thinking about the marching feathers. ]
"Hmm... Have they not appeared again? They should come to visit you soon. It even surprises me you’ve seen it twice in this short time, sweetie."
The duke had told me that what I had seen was called "Marching feathers" and he said it was an unusual sight this place gave to very few.
"My father only saw it once... And I have never seen it. Yet, my lovely child easily saw it twice on her first visit... Mmm~ This father is jealous."
’... Really?’
"... Maybe it is also because you are the Ninth." — He then told me as I blankly pondered about it. — "The pact Calla made... It was allowed by Fenrir and her guardian spirit. Being Calla’s Confidant already links you with a spirit’s existence."
Kindly with his hand, Marianne’s Father moved my long hair so it would stay behind my shoulder as I attentively listened.
"The spirits have a strong essence of nature. So perhaps those little feathered creatures can see your link with that guardian spirit that aided in choosing you."
What he said made sense. And I had also thought that such could be the case.
Right now he was telling me this since it made me depressed that I haven’t seen it in these last three days. Because...
’I want to draw it, mister... But they come and go so fast that it’s difficult to just focus.’
I’m not thinking of drawing them while they are with me... But I want to see it as much as I can so I can absorb any detail I can with my eyes and I can later portray it in my drawings.
"... Hm. Come here, dear." — The Duke then said, drawing nearer to me to bring his hand to lay on my shoulder and cuddle us, wanting to comfort us as we still felt lost in thought. — "It’s alright, they might be preparing even more marvellous dances for you. See over there? There’s a pair of feathered ones already looking at you."
’Hehe. That’s true~... Sigh, they’re pretty.’ — Looking where he indicated, I saw a lovely pair of birds, hopping on a branch really attentive at us who were below them.
"Ah, look. There’s more."
’? Where- oh!? That’s true! They are coming out now~ so cute~’
Feeling complacent by the sight the Duke was showing us, we leaned comfortably on his shoulder, feeling silly for being so childish because we haven’t seen something many would never be able to witness as much as we already have.
"Hmm~... Feeling better now? Or should I jest a little more so I can get a laugh out of my child?"
’Hey~ I wasn’t sad~ I was just acting pampered, mister~’ — Pouting as my cheek was pinched by his hand, I closed my eyes truly feeling more energetic. Since being in so deep peace had me indeed a bit lethargic.
"My Lord."
"Ugh." — Suddenly, grampa Thomas’s voice interrupted our "daddy’s little girl" session. Making the mister groan displeased at it, probably knowing he was about to get in trouble. — "What is it."
"... Do not fret, I am not here to take you back to your duties."
"Phew~" — Lightly making the sound, the Duke raised his brows while looking at me. Making a funny face of "I’m saved" at Thomas’s answer.
’pff!’
"... Little Miss, it is delightful to see you. Has your day been peaceful?"
’Yes, grampa~’ — Glancing back, he met my eyes and smiled at me with those adorable wrinkled ones he owns. Making me genuinely happy with his affectionate yet proper greeting, since I had missed seeing him while we stayed at the Palace.
We decided to stand from the ground with the Duke. And with the help of his hand, he then continued conversations with our cute Butler.
"What brought you here, Thomas? Did something happen?"
"Yes. A letter has arrived."
"!!" — ’A letter!? Is it–’
"The Emperor summons our Little Miss with an invitation to the Summer Festival and Hunting competition."
’... It’s not...’ — Dejected that... even though it wasn’t very probable... that it wasn’t the letter I was to wait at the duchy, I lowered my head. Feeling stupid to even think it could be his.
"Ah... It’s already that time... Hmm... Sweetie, going back to the duchy and then leaving for the Palace seems impractical. What do you think of going there directly and making them send your luggage directly?"
"....."
"Marianne?"
’Ah... Yeah, sure. It’s fine.’ — I answered with a nod, not really knowing what I was saying yes to.
"Hm? There is also a little letter attached..."
"!?!?"
"It’s from Her Highness, the Princess. Here, sweetie."
’Ugh. Come on... Now I feel more stupid.’ — I took a second to look at it before taking it from the Duke’s hand. And turning on my feet in a pout, I sat back on the ground to read it, grumbling about it because I should just forget about receiving the d*rn letters he never sent. — ’Why do I even keep waiting? He’s such an as*hole... I hate him for promising it and not keeping his word... Stupid kinky. Stupid idiot... Dumb male lead.’
Fiddling with the small letter, I insulted him in spite before opening the envelope from the Princess. Quickly changing my mood at the words found inside.
[ Lady Marianne:
We have to decide on a dress. The Noverrne’s Title celebration should also be near. Let’s do so once you are here.
P. S. Marianne! We have to eat the desserts. Don’t joke about crawling this time.
Jasmine Fannie Di Frotschter and Dioclecià Leodogari Di Frotschter. ]
’Pfft!... These two. Why can I picture them saying this? Hahahaha! Oh~ gosh~’
It’s annoying how easily this letter changed my mood. But it’s truly nice that they don’t even try to sound noble in it since it’s to me that they are sending it.
’We have royal friends that are really funny... But... Dayum~... an event again...’
A red flag has been raised too quickly to my liking. It’s not even a Ball this time.
The Summer Festival that should last a month... the Hunting competition that happens in the middle... And the second Male Lead’s party.
’Oh~ my drama sensor tells me either our actual death or battery’s death is going to happen.’ — Lowering the letter as I joked about something actually possible, I exhaled a long breath. Somehow not worried, even though I should be. Ultimately, scoffing a laugh to finish my thought. — ’We’ll end up burnt out from this, I can already feel it.’