You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 609

At first as dubious as I am, they were of Theressa. However, as days went by, their opinions changed, making it difficult for myself to feel as strict with my decisions.

’Even so... it is not as easy for me to believe in her as fairies do.’ — I thought, trying to ignore them while taking a closer look at the handkerchief she gave me.

It was lovely, yes... quite refined even though she said it was not that well done.

"The ninth is not replying today again to the younger one, Erna..."

"Pitiful it is, Estelle... much more after she cried so much these last few days when alone..."

’?? What? How come I haven’t heard about that? Have I been betrayed by those I told to keep an eye on her already?’ — Fearing the worst, I immediately suspected that what I’ve learned of her good behaviour was all a lie. Hence, this time I demanded an explanation from the little creatures that conversed so carelessly about it just now.

"The Ninth’s friend, ever since she brought that book in, the little red-haired cries... pitiful she is... she keeps looking at it even when it makes her cry!"

"Why did the ninth’s friend bring that book?? If not for us being here, the small girl would have harmed herself many times!"

’... a book? Do they mean...’ — I suddenly felt blue... for there was only one book I had Paige bring back from our household... and it should not be read by anyone else but myself.

My journal... where I described all my pain and sorrow... as well as a death wish Theressa helped to push me into.

’It cannot be... she would not dare to go through my things even though I gave her freedom, would she?’ — While I thought the question I already felt distressed by knowing what I would answer... annoyed that I even tried to think otherwise. — ’She would... this... this traitorous dwarf definitely would!’

"S-sister? Is it not to your liking? If you wish I can make another one."

"Uh... my lady?" — Paige, not knowing what to answer in my place came to find the reply. Yet this time I would say it instead. — "Stop calling me that. I accept your gift but it was not necessary. Don’t waste time with things like these."

"..... I wanted to give it to you... I apologise if it offended you."

’Tsk... I don’t get it. This is not how I expected her to act. And what is it that the fairies meant about self-harm?? This unscrupulous girl must be up to no good, I cannot let my mind fudge so hastily... once on my own I will ask the fairies for a thorough explanation!’

*Knock knock* — "Dear Ninth, his grace duke Sylfinnier summons Sir Vitor, Sir Theodore and Maid Paige to his presence."

Too soon after arriving this call came to my door. We all stared at each other, wondering if it truly had been a summons from Dad since the sole fact of summoning all of them at once was dubious... for he had previously instructed, very strictly, that never was I to be left alone and without watch. However, regardless of the doubts, we needed to make sure it was true, and so, Sir Vitor opened the door, demanding the letter Dad should have sent with his seal as confirmation.

"... it is his grace’s seal and handwriting indeed..." — He lastly said after a moment. Imposing a deafening silence as it was an unprecedented event.

I nodded giving them the signal to assist the call immediately since it must have been an urgent matter given the unconventional manner. I saw them off quietly, although they left with concerned expressions since I was to be left on my own with Theressa... however! Little did they know that was not necessarily going to be the case.

’I am not staying here alone with her.’ — I decided the moment I discerned it was a good time to leave as well. Determined to lie to her as long as she would not follow me. — "I will try to see what is going on. You stay here with Khibi."

"!... alright, be careful... hopefully it is nothing serious."

I stared at her, suspicious of her docility. Yet even if she attempted anything, at my chambers there would be a fairy to watch her. Hence, I continued my path, not answering, for I had said this much already and she did not deserve it.

It was once outside my chambers that I met the knights who always surveilled, I bowed and was asked where I was going when I tried to walk away. This was probably under the orders of my father while aware that my chaperons were not with me.

Sigh... Honestly speaking... I lied to them in a roundabout manner. I said everything but nothing at all while making a question in my Post-it notes. This way they would not follow me where I wanted to truly go.

[ Where is it that my knights and maid have been summoned? ] — I asked, receiving the answer I already knew.

"They were summoned to his grace’s bureau at the palace, dear Ninth... would you like us to guide you there?"

[ No need, I am aware of the place. Thank you, keep watch over Theressa who is inside. If necessary you may enter my Chambers. ]

"... understood."

I said goodbye with an appreciative smile... walking away through the path that would not make them suspect... and once I knew they could not see me anymore...

’It’s the first time they leave me completely alone. Whatever happened I will eventually learn about it so... let’s see if this good luck continues to grow~ If I turn left here the stairs that lead up should be near! His bureau and his chambers should be there as far as I recall...’

I hurried through the corridors, feeling the adrenaline as I knew I could be caught at any moment and scolded if too brazen. However, little did I care after so long. Much more at my age.

’Gasp! How come there are more guards around today??’ — I thought, hiding from them. — ’Sigh... his bureau should be just around the corner... I wonder if he is there... if he isn’t I will try his chambers but...’

If I did not find him there, I had little knowledge of where else to search. And so, I was betting it all on the slight chances.

I was careful not to be seen, but I saw Sir Biel go out of his bureau which truly gave me some hope. I recall there are no guards depending on whether he is in there or not... and sadly for me this time he was not in there.

’He did say he would have a busy day... ugh! If I don’t find him it will be such a disappointment! This is a risk I am taking since dad and the others can easily find me if they want to!’ — A little anxious this would fail, I hurried towards his chambers. It may be the case that they already knew I had left on my own and were already on their way to get me, but even so... now that I had taken the risk there was no point in thinking I was about to get caught. I won’t take a step back! — ’I will get scolded no matter the outcome, so at the very least it should be worthy! I should earn something! Kinky where are you~~!??’

Perhaps it was that my anxiety grew into paranoia because of all of the scenarios I played in my head, yet even so, I hurried, truly praying that I would be scolded after meeting him alone for at least a second. However, once I arrived near his chambers’ doors...

’... is this truly how it will end...?’ — Disheartened, I thought... seeing how a few maids left the place after cleaning up. — ’He’s not in there... they usually clean when we are not there..... Was my luck always this bad? I cannot believe I cannot find him when I got this great chance...’

Suddenly, at the realisation, the rush diminished and only dejection inundated my spirit. There was no certainty I would meet him from the beginning, instead, the possibility was very low... Yet I had faith that somehow... for whatever reason...

’I thought I would meet him... this is so... I was naive to believe I could yet... I had hoped for it to succeed...’ — Leaning suddenly tired on the wall, I sighed, looking down at my hands that were anticipating to be held by his if met. — ’... I must have become a fool doing this just because I miss him... the palace is so vast and he has so many duties... it was stupid to think I could meet him in this little amount of time...’

There was a part of me, the one mostly moved by my in-love heart that wanted to try more places in his search... yet my mind could tell... if I did not know what his schedule is, going around here and there blindly would be pointless and more disappointing in the end.

’... I should go back... being on my own is bad in itself. Father might cry if I do not return soon.’ — Realising it was a failed attempt, I started my way back. Walking slowly but cautiously for I wanted to avoid trouble as much as possible.

Thankfully no one noticed me, and now I was close to the stairs, meaning I was halfway back.

’... I even checked in case I missed him the first time but he truly was not in his bureau...’ — I thought, pouting while also accepting the facts. For a moment, I considered checking the doors I have never entered in case he would be inside... but I abstained from it for if he was there dealing with duties the one in trouble could be him instead.

"... goodness, I’d better hurry back." — Now, more annoyed once my hopes were shattered, I mumbled. Knowing that the adventure needed to end as I reached the stairs. However... I had to halt in place.

"....."

"...? My lady?...!? My lady, how come you are here?! Where are Vitor and the others??" — He who appeared at the end of the stairs asked, probably as shocked as I was to meet there of all places at a time we did not agree to. Hurrying to my side to make sure everything was alright. — "... are you alright, my lady? I never expected to find you here..."

"... I was hoping to find you but...! Uhm wait, come with me, let us hide somewhere first."

"? A place to hide? Er... alright... this way, my lady."

Showing me into one of the rooms without a hint of hesitation, one of those I had restrained myself from checking, I giggled at the wonderful thing this moment came to be now that we are together... even if it was wrong in the eyes of others.

I had thought my efforts had been for nothing... yet I found him... or perhaps he found me, for I had already decided to end this little adventure.

"Father summoned everyone to his presence just now." — I said right after he closed the doors.

"Truly, my lady? Did something happen?"

"I do not know... but... I thought I could escape for a tad and see if I could meet you..." — Fiddling with his hands, I softly told him in this empty room, meeting his gaze that after looking into them invited my arms to surround his waist in a dainty hug. — "I am so glad I did it, my prince... this... I have missed it so deeply..."