Chapter 174: Chapter 174
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’She... My lovely child, Marianne... She kicked me out(?)’
Shocked by how quick the events had changed their path, Orland was stunned at the unexpected attitude his eldest daughter had shown towards him moments ago.
Even though no force was felt on his back as she intended to push him, he followed the track she wanted him to walk into.
Considerate, Orland would do so in sights to not cause more strain in her body, which he presumed was thus far, exerting each and every ounce of energy she stored within her.
Nevertheless, her intention in doing so was appalling.
The man stayed in a confused and engrossed state over the scene lived for the length his route to the bureau took. Likewise, once inside the four walls, he began to think about what could have upset her so to push him away.
’Was it something I said?... Did my poetry lack when congratulating her..? S–She likes elaborate compliments so...’
The innocent man thought, assuming that — when also trying to please his youngest tastes in praises — he had forgotten how delighted Marianne’s eyes glimmered with his complex verses, which he also loved to craft in his sensitive soul.
Yet, Orland did not take such a possibility accountable for long.
’No... My bird’s eyes also beamed beautifully this time... Tremendously captivating...’ — Recalling the wonderous esthetics she enchantingly portrayed, Orland’s expression softened from concern to temporal fondness, drawing in his eyes longing to see more of what has been shown; joined with his corners lift. — ’More than ever... her eyes even appeared to carry further emotion along her lovely and frisky soul..... Ah... My blessed child... Those eyes are a marvellous world to behold, oh... so tiny... and precious bird...’
"..."
’Then again... It seemed as if I am to be scolded later...’
A resigned smile came over his expression.
"Haha... To think I am expectant of such an event... This child is truly one of my dearest joys. Her existence is a rapture for the heart."
He declared. Convinced by how even the rough heart of Fenrir had incurred to her grace, turning her into a beloved protege.
Proud of the outstanding person she is and continues to become, Orland walked to his desk in repaired mood. And without forgetting his other treasured daughter, he continued to smile.
’That child... Such a useless concern she holds... My poor child... I ought to pay more attention to her.’
Taking into his hand the near quill, The Duke considered.
Aware of how frail she truly was, even when seeming capricious and willful, Theressa had become like that as a means to attain others’ attention.
He knew what a child carrying a heart like hers would do to get the affection of who she was attached to.
Many times in her young days, Theressa would do minor pranks through the manor. Calling the servants’ attention and eventually leading to reports on her mischief as the Head of the house.
So small yet ingenious... Lovely little games she would leave behind in the lengthy halls.
’She used to leave her toys near my office... If she knew I adored every time I found them since it was the sign she wanted to play with me...’
"If a man cannot see such things... He doesn’t deserve my child’s love."
It was unknown to him how these adorable schemes had slowly changed into grievous ones behind his back.
Yet, the core of the child was still intact, which is why he continued to be in ignorance.
The taint could be covered with beautiful colours, just as the original soul emanated when sharing the great affection she had stored to give.
And the first drop of colourful ink had been already laid on it.
Foreign is to us to know if it shall keep its warm colour, for fate is not one we can interfere with.
"... Why compare herself with Marianne..."
The remembrance of her shame and sadness when confessing her thoughts pained him.
"I ought to share time with her more. She may whine about it, haha... But I know she also likes it, just like I do."
He assumed the fault on the child’s mistaken beliefs, however...
’Elenaide must have also said things to mislead her beliefs...’
"Sigh... Bloody woman... Do you mean to turn our children against each other?!" — Bringing his hand to his temple in frustration, Orland hissed at the high possibility of that being the case.
’... Wife of mine... Just what is it that causes this resentment against our precious child? As much as I consider it... I cannot see what your soul loathes in Marianne...’
The great grief this issue had taken in his psyche ever since Marianne’s birth continued to torture him. The woman he had taken as a wife; the prominence she portrayed in her walk... It could easily lose its charm now when the hate in her gaze towards a weak infant was learned by him.
Thinking about the innocent hands she had pushed away over the secret for her hatred hurt his heart.
Orland pitied his wife...
’Oh, woman...’
"Now that so many years have slipped through your hands... I only hope for you to not realise your mistake. Because surely... The great pain you could feel over it; then it may as well resemble a wound that is unable to heal."
Regret.
A tortuous pain that could plague any soul.
An exhausted exhalation left him as the pessimistic impression was told aloud. Yet, the attitude he shared in character with the foreign child came up little after a pause of blank ponder, when he was about to resume his work.
The sheet in front of him was the culprit in the lit of hope. And so, before picking up where he left off, Orland whispered to himself in pleasant sensation.
"... Then again... She could heal her heartache if she so desires..... My little bird could bring clouds to our lowly height only to let us lean in comfort beside her nest."
Signing the document in his hand, the Duke left such concerns behind. Working hard so his time could be freed from duties soon and finally acquire the time he desired to accompany his two daughters, who to his delight... Were keeping each other company at that time.
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"Bloody hell..." — The mumble of a curse was heard in the dark ambience of the bedroom.
His frustration came out between his teeth for time kept moving and no sign of her was to be seen yet.
’She’s there... I can sense her presence... Her delightful scent dyeing the chamber’s initial smell...’
Seating by the open window that fortunately was near her balcony, Zeleskiaz waited to get a peek at her lovely figure. Begging for the divines in charge of luck to grant him the blessing.
’... My Lady... Please... Lead your eyes to the sunset and come out to appreciate it again...’
"This time... I solely want to admire the light gaining beauty by reaching you."
Zeleskiaz had been deprived of escorting her to the famous chambers by the Sharp Duke. The excitement he had built by the furtive meeting of their eyes during the prodigious Banquet was asking for a simple peek of her presence to calm down his heart’s longing.
"... Haaaaahhhh... Lady Marianne... Cease this cruelty... Let me see you." — His raspy voice felt intense as it left him.
As if his passion had vacated his chest for a second, leaving a rocky space, the slow breath that followed warmed him up again replenishing his desire to keep guard for a sight that could not come.
The complexity of their current relationship, the high risk his emotions signified when the next meetings were to arrive... The unknown condition she suffered that had initially led to his interest... The pain of restraining himself from ravishing her softness...
Yet... Also...
Over everything... The curious delight the totality of all kindled in his tough body and heart...
’... My Fair Lady... I will honour this compromise properly... Be at ease in my presence...’
Lifting his eyes momentarily from the guarded balcony, his pupils flashed in harmony with the rays of orange the sun was to become.
With the impact of the light against his hues, his lips corners curved slightly to then swallow the moisture meant for his edges as the quick flicker of a lovely image caused his naughty grin to appear.
"... However... The red of your skin... If it’s born from other emotions aside from comfort... Ah..... Let that join your ease and enhance your alluring shade."
’Although the torment from not being able to taste it will be maddening... Oh, My Lady... With such sight, great turmoil of my thirst is to be alleviated.’
... Rustle...
Suddenly, the flapping sound of the caged birds reached him.
The threatening roll of his eyes towards the cage was dryly hushed, however, returning his eyes to the balcony holding his hopes, he continued.
"..... It is... The illusion from that sight might be enough for now..."
’Yet... The illusion from gaining permission...’
Shiver.....
’Haahh... It impulses me to resist the dreadful craving for your lips and skin, My Lady.....’
"My Lady..... Revel yourself..... Fuuuh..."
His hot breath, heated from the excitement of the thought becoming a reality lifted; Trembled along his lower body.
And his hands commenced to fidget in restraint. Long... for too many seconds to count.