You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 625

It was a wide smile I was granting while we silently saw her off. I had seen how the duchess did so as well... yet as soon as I turned to look at her, no sign of such smile remained in her.

"Carol, what kind of flower is it that she brought today?"

"... Peony it is, your Grace."

"Hmph... one that symbolises protection... yet is it truly what this girl wishes I wonder... if she comes again say I am asleep."

"Yes, your Grace."

’? Is the duchess also suspicious of Karina?’

"... You must be wondering what kind of exchange that was, are you not, Lady Marianne?" — Clemente’s mother, already knowledgeable of what I could be thinking said while watching how Carol inspected the vase. — "Lady Karina has been a guest at our house for a while now... we have been taking care of her after Dolton agreed to help with her education as we are closer to the Capital than she would be back at the Baron’s..... a good girl she is..."

"..."

"And yet... her intentions are not clear even with how honest she appears."

’So she also... feels something is off about Karina...’

"It may be my older self getting picky with who wanders at home... yet, even so, Clemente is also a tad uncomfortable lately with her presence... We have been conversing for a while now, Lady Marianne, however the girl arrived quite at the right time as I have another request." — The duchess said as if preparing for the end of my visit. Showing herself ominous with how confident a gentle expression she granted while telling her last petition. — "You are Clemente’s friend... do please keep an eye on this lady when around him... He is prudent, yet I am not so certain when it comes to her... she is not... Uhm... well... am I... making myself clear, darling?"

*Nod* — Without delay, I nodded as a reply. For she could not be clearer. Much less with myself having he knowledge of a story this world was not currently following... or at least that is what I wish was the case.

’I will pay utmost attention... I came here having that in mind as well after all, duchess...’

*******

Once I joined Clemente and my Father, Karina was also there. Engaging in entertaining conversations with Theressa, who looked a tad too happy to my taste after getting such a warning from the duchess.

’She’s laughing so nonchalantly with her... is she not aware that Karina could be the one who played with her mind for so many years???’ — Of course... Theressa had no way of being aware of such. Nevertheless, the displeasure remained even as I acknowledged I was being hotheaded.

"! Lady Marianne, has your visit to Mother finished? My apologies... even though I said I would go back to escort you around, you ended up coming down on your own. Do forgive my manners, my lady."

’Ugh... why would that trouble you so much... Clemente is too formal when it comes to these matters...’

"Haha~ Relax, Clemente. It is not something to worry so much about. Sweetie, good morning. Were you able to talk fully with the former duchess?"

’Hehe... Yes, Dad ~ we talked plenty~’

"Sister, good morning! I have been waiting to meet you today!"

’Hmph... now you deign look at me...’ — Feeling somehow pouty, I was colder towards Theressa than I would have liked to. Although, repenting quickly about it... for her enthusiasm flattened immediately. Remaining quiet even though Karina continued to treat her with friendliness and even as I tried to meet her eye later.

[ Her Grace and I conversed a lot. She needed some rest, therefore, I am to meet her again tomorrow. ]

"Good to know, sweetie."

"... My Lady Marianne, would you like me to show you around the duchy?"

"Oh, that is a splendid idea, son. Orland and I have been talking business all along. You should go distract yourselves. A stroll through the square. I am sure it would please the lady." 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

’Hm~ That sounds nice-’

"May I join you as well? Lady Theressa too. The day seems fond of those that wish to step outside." — Karina, interrupting my thoughts, said. Standing already as she followed Clemente’s motion, who offered his hand to me along with the invitation.

"... If the ladies wish to join us, I do not oppose."

"Magnificent! Let us join them, Lady Theressa. The square of the duchy is lovely. The breeze is truly relaxing at this time of the day."

While Karina told this to a downcast Theressa, I stood as well to hold onto Clemente’s support. Not wanting to humiliate my friend by making him wait... and yet, differing to the answer he politely gave... — ’I do oppose... Although I should keep an eye on who Karina truly is... The task is not too much to my liking when she’s so noisy.’

"After you, My Lady." — Clemente, ignorant of the thoughts crossing my mind gently guided me. As suggested, he took us around for a stroll, showing me the square at the back of the manor, or more like its centre, for the building surrounded the wide square.

We kept quiet. Karina was the one filling the silence with a now nervous Theressa, whom I would peek at sometimes out of concern... but she would flinch, probably scared of me.

’... was my coldness too strong...? She does not need to be so on guard...’ — I sighed at some point. Catching Clemente’s attention unintentionally.

"Is the Lady tired? If you wish I can take you back so you may rest. Travel’s tiredness is not fast to dismiss."

’Ah... no, it’s fine...’ — I shook my head sorry to make him misunderstand. After all, Theressa’s matter was simply my fault.

"Then, if the lady changes her mind, do tell me."

He did not persist, which I appreciated a lot. Taking the sights in, there was a sense of understanding about Clemente’s character the more we paced through the square.

It was a clean but welcoming place. Fresh and even warm although Autumn was at its fullest welcoming soon the new season. Truly quiet... balanced in its existence... as if made to remain unchanged.

’I wonder if he spent a lot of time here when younger... the place is kind of like himself...’ — I thought, interested in what kind of childhood the friend walking next to me had. Which truthfully... was something I also wondered while reading the original story I came to.

"Sigh... I did not think they would want to join us." — Suddenly, Clemente confessed. Making sure we were at a distance Theressa and Karina would not know of this thought. — "I wanted to converse with you comfortably yet this happened... Mother’s request also. I was not aware she wanted privacy with you. It must have startled you."