You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 70

Arching his eyebrows, the Duke invited us on an outing to the city in a tone that even sounded a bit mischievous by how his eyes glinted as he said it.

My eyes continued to look surprised as I made them open further to his sudden suggestion. For a few seconds, my head was blank, not knowing what to think. However, it woke up again, after hearing what he had to say next.

"... I promised we would go buy some pastries once you are feeling better, and yesterday, Doctor Deslys said you have recovered enough to be able to go around more freely... Also, since the Ball is approaching..."

The Duke seemed to hesitate a little before finishing what he had to say as he lowered his gaze. Regardless, his pause didn’t last long and resumed his words promptly, displaying a shy demeanour now that he had come to say it.

"... I want you to choose your dress this time..."

Giggling inwardly, the thought of him worrying about such little things made me smile as I wondered how is it that this kind of attitude gave me the same vibe Anne has most of the time in his presence.

’... It’s so clear from where you got your lovely side, Anne... How interesting~’

Moving my hand to write a response, I translated Marianne’s fidgeting into words, blending them with my own opinion.

[That sounds wonderful. I had forgotten to thank you for the beautiful dresses I received for my debutante ceremony. Both were truly gorgeous, Father.

Although I do not know much about the latest trends, I would love to see a few dresses...

However, I am far more excited about the pastries.]

I couldn’t help but to add that last line. I was honestly more eager to go because of the promise we made to buy new sweets. That promise was truly a great motivation, not only for me but for Anne too, to get better. And after two long months... we are finally able to fulfil it.

Feeling embarrassed at my foolish honesty, I struggled as I drew the notes closer to him. Aware that he was already reading my message, I gave him little glances in nervousness as he went through my handwriting.

An almost unheard chuckle came from him, and soon, his voice reached my ears, along with a stroke to the back of my head.

"Hahaha... I know, sweetie. I haven’t forgotten our promise. We will buy the confectionaries you like and have a nice afternoon there... Since today you already have plans, let’s decide later on when we should go. Is that alright with you?"

Nodding to his suggestion, I closed my eyes glad that he was always so easy to talk to.

"... I also thought of inviting your sister..."

’Ah... Sir... You have a knack for ruining the moment too...’

On the inside, a deadpan expression appeared instantly to his last words. The reality that nothing can go so smoothly was reaffirmed once again in my head. But, I must say, I was being hasty in my conclusions because there was more left for him to say.

"... However, I just recalled your mother saying that they had already begun searching for their dresses a few days ago..."

Sending a compassionate stare, his voice lowered its volume. I could tell why he might have felt apologetic for what he has just blurted out.

’He must feel bad that they didn’t consider me in their arrangements... Heh, Should I tell him that I actually feel thankful they didn’t? No, more like... I don’t even care.’

"... They... They seem to like a foreign designer... Uh... Umm, Marianne...?!"

Shoving the notes to him, I showed him a short but concise message I had written while he averted his eyes from me, flustered to explain his slip of the tongue.

[I do not mind.]

Casting a firm stare on him, after the words were read, his eyes wavered a bit when they met mine. I could understand the strangeness he found in my obviously cold attitude, and, after a moment, he let that be known, as our name rolled out from his mouth in a very low voice.

"... Marianne...?"

I sighed on the inside, frustrated that such an attitude from me could be misunderstood if I were to leave the issue as it is. Therefore, I put further effort to write more about what I meant by such harsh reactions I was showing to Marianne’s Father. Although I wasn’t really willing to do so, I forced myself to elaborate... only because... I hate the idea of making the Duke... anxious... concerned... or sad again... for something that is not worth it...

[Father, I do not mind such things.

Mother and Theressa have similar tastes, while I differ.

I prefer simple clothes and I am not interested in going so far to get a single dress. The mere opportunity of having an entertaining evening with Father is enough for me to be satisfied.

I know Mother and sister also knew this when they decided to look on their own. Please do not fret on such little matters.]

I softened my gaze to hand him the notes this time. Even though I did beautify the reasons for my indifference, they were valid arguments as to why it did not affect me. Also, I truly was more comfortable with this plan. It would be a million times better to go shopping with the Sir than with those two nasty women.

’Hah... I’ll be d*mned... If I must say it... I truly don’t want to see Theressa. That brat... Only recalling the two times she made me a visit..... Fuuu..... I wish I had had a bit of strength back then to give that dumb kid a slap across her irritating churlish face...’

Hmm... The vocabulary I’ve learned from that novel... Sounds nice. Churlish, heh.

...

Alright... Let’s not lose track of the matter at hand, Eli.

The Duke had kept silent for more time than I had expected. Maybe my words made him have some kind of realisation, because, after showing the erratic movement of his eyes, wide open in bewilderment, and returning his slightly open mouth to his usual place... The always composed and prominent grace came back to inhabit his demeanour. The Duke displayed a glad expression and the confidence or certainty mixed in his new attitude as he eloquently continued our conversation... made me aware of the kind of admiration Anne had for him while I just thought of him as cute.

"As you say, Marianne... Those must have been the meaning behind their actions. I also am rejoiced to spend time with you, sweetie. However... asking for your opinion... and not assume merely because they know your preferences... I think... that would have been nice of them. Only by receiving their invitation... wouldn’t that be thoughtful too?..."

’... Wh... Uh... I... guess...?’

"I am aware that... There isn’t much communication between you, your Mother and your sister. Yet... I let out their plans without you and made you learn about them... Although you say it does not affect you... I know that my sweet bird is sensible and kind... but... I get the feeling that my lovely child... Puts her kindness over her sadness... only to protect others from getting disappointed too..."

’....h–... How...He... This man...’

I was surprised.

Although, in this case, we weren’t feeling sad... The way he had described us... was on point.

From the time I’ve known Marianne... I’ve noticed that we shared this same part in our personality.

I know very well that the reason for her silence... wasn’t only an outcome from the abuse she’s been dealing with from an early age... but also because she didn’t want the truth that could come out from her lips... make the people she loves suffer. Maybe not even suffer... but let them know of her own pain and making them share her burden... was what she wanted to avoid thanks to the kindness overflowing in her heart.

To the point of neglecting herself for others.

Just like me.

In my past life... I used to endure everything only so that the people surrounding me wouldn’t feel troubled or sad. If they had to feel that way... I would make sure it wasn’t caused by me. Others well being prevailed before mine.

Even now, I still do it to some degree. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

The way he was ignorant of the details behind Marianne’s condition... But at the same time could read her as if he knew it all... Almost as if he had a vague idea as to what had driven her to this point...

’... It’s amazing...’

He wasn’t dumb. He knew well how his daughter’s personality worked.

And like a work of magic... he hits the nail right on the head when it comes to Anne’s and... surprisingly, my own thoughts.

I’ve realized that he knows it all. Even before this, he has read both of us so well countless times.

Her admiration... Now I know... It comes from how reliable he is, that even if we don’t say it... He knows. He is aware that something pains Marianne’s heart.