Chapter 177

Chapter 177: Chapter 177

It wasn’t a hungry growl we "graciously" let out. This d*mn... Aaack!!! This girl!!

Marianne just got nervous! Maybe because I infected my own nervousness at the fright of getting discovered about our existing voice when is yet to be the right time.

Regardless, I guess it made her nervous enough to make our entrails react.

It saved us, yes.

But at what cost!!

’Yes... It’s late... I, a slim Lady, after eating the whole Banquet, needs a refill of her stomach. No big deal. We just made it obvious we are mere pigs dressed in nice dresses...’

Not a big deal... It’s true in a way... But...

’There was no need to make it public!!’

We even have guards escorting us from behind!!

’I don’t have eyes in my back. But I’m sure their eyes popped out just now.’

"... P– huhu!..."

"!!" — ’That dwarf!!’

"Theressa..." — The Duke, between us, turned to call the snickering wig intending to stop her sneer; apparently troubled since he’s been in my situation before.

"Fuhu! I apologise... It is solely –huhu... I had never heard a sound like that from Sister!"

The way she covered her mouth to restrain her laughter was bothering me. However, I couldn’t even hate her after she crossed eyes with me saying this was a new sight for her.

’If you have such a nice laughing face, how can I feel embarrassed now!!’

This stupid girl always has such an apathetic face when looking at me, that right now, I feel happy she can actually look this innocently entertained by a blunder of mine.

I’ve always liked to make people laugh and she truly hit the spot with that reaction she’s showing.

I kept looking at her since it was satisfying how she tried to hide it.

When looking at Theressa now, I know she’s a bad child but I also know she has lovely sides as the Duke said.

... A love and hate relationship... This is what I think we have...

"... huhu...!!" — She met my eyes again as I thought this. — "Ahem... However, Sister should learn to behave!"

... Maybe that’s just on my side. She just hates us.

’D*mn~ She sure has a gift. One that charms you to then make you want to punch her.’

Behave my a**. Want me to remember you how you’ve been "behaving" when in front of your crush? I’m sure the Duke won’t let that go without the spank you’re needing, dear Little Sister.

"... Sweetie... Do not mind Theressa."

Suddenly, the Duke leaned to tell me. Certainly, he sensed how annoyed I was at her arrogance.

"Your days have been hectic, so it is no wonder your body demands more energy."

’Ugh... You’re not making me feel better, Mister.’

"... It honestly delights me, sweetie."

"??"

"This means you’re healthy. Only needing to refill energy by eating... That was not the case before, was it?"

"....." — ’Right... I’m even able to walk to get my food now..... We don’t need it to be brought to bed like we did not long ago.’

But that growl... It wasn’t honest...

I think.

Well, I do think it’s time I eat something but I’m not hungry to make my stomach demand food this rudely... Or pitifully.

"..."

Okay, whatever. Let’s accept the Duke’s idea.

We should just blame it on ourselves for getting healthy.

I mean, even he can see it’s a miracle we are walking on our own after these hellish two days. That without him knowing the great stress The Crown Prince, the Title and Theressa’s ambiguous attitude have put on me.

’That’s right. We’re brimming with health. See this rosy colour in our cheeks? It’s not from embarrassment at all, Mister. It’s Marianne’s beauty getting more powerful because we are as healthy as a sweet potato.’

Our bum will surely become more squishy. I’ll make it happen, hehe.

"That’s right, sweetie..." — He said. Giving me the feeling as if he understood what I inwardly said.

Looking up at him, he looked cool. His pleased expression conveyed how my change of mood had been made clear to his eyes. A father like him... He reads his children well at times.

At times.

I will hold onto that fact.

"... Ah, now that I recall. I do not know if we are to have company at dinner. Therefore, Marianne."

I had averted my eyes from him, turning to look up front. So this time I glanced at him from the side.

"The day after tomorrow, let me take you to the city."

"??" — ’The city?’

I did not expect that.

"I want you to come with me somewhere."

’Sure, I guess... It does seem better than staying here where sneak attacks seem to abound.’

"Theresa, would you–"

"No thank you, Father." — The idiot bluntly interrupted.

"Theressa. Watch your attitude."

"Ah. I– I apologise."

She messed up for sure. Why be rude when nothing has happened? He’s her Father, not her friend.

Why even treat him like that when he’s so sweet?

’Sigh... Teenagers.’

She deserves that glare.

"... Am I to always scold you like this Theressa? You apologise... Yet you don’t seem to learn."

"I..."

’D*mn... This does seem like a pattern... Three times we’ve walked together. And in all three she gets scolded.’

"No more. This is not the place. We are to discuss this matter later, in private." — He dryly told her, lifting his chin to look ahead and smoothly imply that we had arrived at our destination. — "... As expected, we have company."

Following his gaze, I looked further ahead. The entrance had no doors. A high-arched opening with a pointy apex awaited us. And if I were to describe its shape... I would say it’s similar to the intersection of two "S" curves. Very ostentatious for its height and certainly expensive decorations at the top.

However, it was not the cool entrance that took my attention entirely.

’... I only hope he’s not the only one to make us company... I’m already feeling uncomfortable if it’s going to be the four of us...’

"Gasp!" — Theressa let out in surprised delight.

’... Oh, d*mn... I’m now getting a new headache... We are getting a new headache.’

My body was also reacting to the stress.

At my comment, Marianne also understood. She also witnessed Theressa’s self-sabotage. I wasn’t the only one feeling restless as it happened.

And the problem is not only the in-love Little Sister... The Duke... It is now clear that he doesn’t like the Crown Prince.

If stares could kill...

His expression gives me the vibes of Marianne’s Father restraining the urge to spit in displeasure.

"... Good Evening, Your Highness. I did not expect you to be here." — The Duke spout, seemingly polite... But I got the feeling he was thinking of other things to say as he said this.

"... Good Evening, Your Grace....."

’Ah~ ah~... Don’t look at me~ I don’t want things to get troublesome so fast!’

"I saw proper to wait for my Guest. It is a deep desire of mine to convey how valuable her presence is by demonstrating a Host’s geniality."

"... I see... How thoughtful..."

’... Marianne... Your Father is not smiling...’

The both of us felt restless.

We’ve shared enough time with the Duke to know he’s putting on a facade only for others.

It wasn’t this deep of a hatred he held for the Crown Prince this Morning... Did something happen while I didn’t see him?

"..."

It’s totally one-sided though. The Prince doesn’t even seem to care.

"Good Evening, Your Highness. It is a wonderful thought. I know my Sister appreciates your intention... As well as I do to be in your presence." — Theressa brazenly greeted him, taking a step ahead to do a reverence.

’Appreciate?... Not really. I would appreciate it if he wasn’t here. I need some peace of heart... And, yuck. This crush seems more like a disease! Does she has no shame to say such cringe lines?!?’

"..."

Ah, never mind. I can see her neck blushing now at his lack of response and cold stare.

"... It would be nice if Lady Marianne does think so." — He said turning to talk to us.

"..." — ’... It’s a shame... But I don’t, kinky.’

Averting my eyes from him, I answered on the inside.

I truly want to play dumb.

I want a peaceful meal. Please. No weird stares, no humiliating scenes... No scary Duke... Just me. In silence. With delicious food.

... And wine.

Lots of wine.

Thinking about it... Yeah, just f*ck it. Go at each other’s neck if you want. I’m too tired to care. Just give me my wine and we have a deal.

That juice is not only heavenly tasty but effective to let my mind not even hear my surroundings as I enjoy it.

Bring the barrels! I had to restrain myself at lunch because the Third Prince was right next to me.

Children shouldn’t be near heavy drinkers... Which I’m not since Marianne doesn’t have much resistance. But the thing is, kids will try to imitate and that’s not good.

Either way... I want to heighten our tolerance...

"... May I rob His Grace? I would like to escort My Precious Guest inside."

’Woah?! Say no!’ — The sudden comment took me back from my wine daydream, turning in a flash to look at Marianne’s Father.

"... You ought to ask permission from MY PRECIOUS Daughter, Crown Prince."

’Dude?! What the f***?! Act like the President of our club, Mister!!! What permission??! Just say no, d*mn it!’

The betrayal... I cannot believe he sold me this way at a time like this... Shame on you! Ignorant President!! If only you knew I can’t refuse on my own!!!