Chapter 350: Chapter 350 — Hunt.
*******
Summer became a season I like.
Somehow, the many things that happened ever since it started, I don’t really know if I should say they are completely bad but I feel most have been good.
Days have passed since that night at the Summer Festival, and yet, I feel as nice a shyness every time I cross gazes with the Crown Prince these days.
That night, after we fled the parade of dancers, I felt how some kind of complicity was decided between the prince and me. One that continues untold and somehow on edge...
It was a quiet return to the palace... and yet... it felt warm and natural... comfortable even in the nervousness his sole presence meant for our maiden souls.
— I hope tonight is remembered by the lady as a pleasant memory... For it is to remain as such for me... —
’Oh lord...’
His farewell was so gallant I still feel thrilled whenever I recall the gaze he looked at me with... Carrying those turquoise eyes that I knew had a violet unique colour in reality appearing so crystalline... looking at me as if telling me a world of truths... even though nothing else left his mouth...
Since then, common days, so calm and simple have passed. Every now and then a tad busy... but as a whole, quite peaceful and uneventful.
His visits continued, during day and night... yet his behaviour grew extremely polite and frustratingly gentle. So thoughtful and well-mannered that at times it made me lose my calm.
’Why is he not trying anything?? I can tell he’s trying to flirt but... why isn’t he doing anything!!?’
Dispirited by his gentlemanly care and the distance he now needlessly respected, I would even insult this ignorant crown prince... feeling guilty for doing so quite quickly since deep inside, I know that... he’s doing this to show he has true respect for our person.
— I want to demonstrate my respect for the lady who I have not cared for correctly because of unfit impulses. —
The time I asked why he appeared distant, this prince said that... even though it was an enormous hazard to bring myself to even ask about his late demeanour.
— Now that the lady inquires about this... I can tell my change has been noticed... however, may I ask, my lady... Is this change welcomed? Or, perhaps... does it bother you? —
At the time, I had to bite my tongue. Wishing to yell at him because of impatience, with the voice I don’t have that I want the impulsive kinky back... but even so... I couldn’t.
[ Your efforts are appreciated, my prince. ]
"....."
’I don’t know what to even do... he’s making the effort for us since we told him to behave before... now... how can I tell him it’s not necessary any more??... I just can’t be that shameless...’
Deep sighs keep leaving from our nose every time I think of this.
Thankfully, there have been other things to focus on besides the handsome male lead after my public ceremony occurred.
The family outing to stroll around the festival did happen.
Vitor came along, as well as six other knights from my Robus Pars troops, hehe. Therefore, hanging with my two siblings and father was not something to feel that nervous or stressed about that day.
The Duchess didn’t join. But then again, it was kind of obvious she wouldn’t.
She clearly doesn’t like Marianne. I haven’t had the opportunity to share much time with her, but I bet it would be an awful time if we did.
If I look back on it, in her expression there always was a hint of disgust whenever she looked at us. It makes me not want to be around her... but also makes me wonder what’s up with her dislike.
... Well, I have enough problems now to also start worrying about an envious old woman...
The outing with the duke and my two "wonderful" siblings went kind of peaceful. Theressa kept acting as if she was interested in me, asking about the palace and what she could about the crown prince... glancing at her father every once in a while as if to make sure she was doing alright with her acting.
That annoyed me. Yet even so, I preferred it over the intense stare of Paul, who would ask simple matters to follow the conversation... never forgetting to give me an unsettling psychotic glance once in a while.
It was the mister who saved the day. He would lock arms with me to walk us around, caring and loving as always, protective of his daughters and son. Trying to have a good evening in our company.
Peaceful, we walked and ate at a restaurant he had reserved especially for us, sharing tea at a fabulous square where the festival could be observed.
We felt happy for the most of it. Marianne and I had missed her father a lot ever since we separated on the road, besides, we didn’t get to talk much when he came to congratulate us on the Great Day of the Festival. Therefore, having him around for a day was a great boost to our mood, and I must say, mostly for mine.
The feeling of helplessness has enhanced after having a little encounter with the enemy Fenrir and the gods have. I try to cope with it as I know feeling fear won’t get us anywhere... and yet I’m still human... that’s why, having a father figure in this life... I appreciate it even with the boundaries it comes with.
’Your dad truly trusts you, Anne... it makes me feel proud too~ He’s so nice...’ — I’ve told this to Marianne many times lately, even though she already knows this.
His letters also help me even when they aren’t directed to me... and I wake up just as expectant as Marianne every day, since the moment Paige crosses our door, her usual greeting and his letter will come...
The only sadness I’ve felt... the day we went to the festival as a family... it was at the time of goodbyes... and...
— Children... do you remember that place? —
’The mister looked so happy when asking that... it was the pastry shop that used to be a toy shop...’
— Not in the least. —
— Me neither, Father. —
— I see... you were too young to remember... —
Crestfallen the Duke met my concerned glance at the time, and I knew he felt great sadness even while giving me a nice smile to dismiss my concern.
Our hearts ached nonetheless... because his eyes had a glint of pain. One we shared because, slowly, the more we practice our voice and the more time passes of me in this world... fragments of Marianne’s life pop up from time to time in our head, mostly when we feel deeply for someone. Just like at that time.