You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 627

I had the thought that it was a cleansing reaction it had. I was still suspicious and its behaviour somehow indicated an indisposition to her presence... which would be adequate if she was indeed related to the gods’ enemy, the broken bones witch... but...

’It also reacts sometimes to Theressa, even to Father and Clemente... Paige nor Theo or Vitor have not been safe from it... It is difficult to only blame Karina for its behaviour...’ — I considered while looking at my wrists, caressing its delicate design, concerned by the effect this may cause to its unknown nature. Only being able to acknowledge one thing for certain. — ’Even so... the darkest and roily it has become is whenever Karina is near... as well as Clemente... although it turns back into clear shade with him after a few minutes...’

I had a gist of a reason as to why this behaviour continued, yet I had no one to ask... or more like... those I thought I could ask would not answer to my will.

’Asking Izeneya in prayers has not worked as much as I try it... and asking Fenrir itself feels a tad risky. My intuition tells me it is not a thing to do so recklessly...’

The time was limited and all I could notice throughout my stay was that Karina had a knack for winning people’s favour even if temporarily. She appeared busy but adamant in joining Theressa, Clemente and me whenever there was an opportunity. I knew she kept in touch with her adoptive father as well... she was a loyal daughter... but when I got this information it was not very nice to know. After all, I learned something I was not aware of... and became conscious of many matters I had been fighting while I tried to distract myself from them as much as possible.

"Another letter from father today~" — She happily said one day when the servant gave her the letter right in front of us. Making Theressa ask what I was also curious to inquire while one was given to Father and another to Clemente.

"? Another you say, Lady Karina? Do you receive them often?"

"Yes! Almost every other day. Here in the Noverrne’s duchy they immediately hand me the letters which make me truly happy!"

"I see... well of course they would hand them immediately, why would they keep them, haha..." — Theressa replied, wondering why that was so impressive.

"Oh, young Clemente, it appears ours is a similar one. From the Palace, right?" — Father, who was not invested in the conversation the ladies were engaging in told to the also indifferent Clemente, who had become more expressive and could gently smile as he replied to some of us now, as if he had become accustomed to having us around to allow such.

"Yes, it is indeed... I had almost forgotten, yet the time has come already..."

"I have to say, time flies... There are only ten days left for the Winter Ball. I should say, Latrishk’s Prince’s arrival is just in time for us to welcome him on the 19th of Qrokmm... Epz feels as if it happened yesterday yet Autumn is already ending and we did not notice how the colours faded."

"Indeed..."

"I agree with the Graces." — Karina suddenly joined them, making me also turn as it was a tad unexpected. — "It was on the 3rd of Epz that I made my debut... and yet Autumn has reached its end in the blink of an eye... The cold of winter here near the capital is said to be harsh..."

"Ah... yes. At times snow may fall selfishly." — Dad contemplated, slightly thrilled to think about it. — "Nevertheless it is a beautiful season."

"It is said the cold may make our bones shiver."

"? That is an exaggeration I believe... it does not get as cold as that point, isn’t that correct young Clemente? What are your thoughts on this?"

"Yes, it is not an unbearable cold."

"Is that so?... that is good... if it transgresses the bones it would trouble me." — At Karina’s words... For a moment I felt as if our gazes met with a different significance behind them, smiling at me gently to then play a little with her hair innocently. — "I am not fond of such a strong cold."

This little exchange had me thinking for a while... was it a coincidence that she mentioned the bones? Or was it on purpose? I was not going to be able to know anytime soon... yet that was not the sole matter that unsettled my heart at the time.

"Nevertheless, now that we all received letters, I wonder how many Lady Pristina must have received ever since she left the Palace, fufufu~"

"? What do you mean Lady Karina?" — Theressa asked, actually showing in her expression how she disliked the question itself.

"Well, the ninth is officially courting his highness the crown prince. I am certain she must have received many letters!"

I simply smiled at the time... not giving an answer for it was not something I needed to reply... nevertheless, I wish I could at least have been able to have a reply as she made it seem was the case.

The truth was... None... not even back at my household... not even a secret visit he once was used to make... none of that happened. No letters. No sight of him... nothing... I have known nothing about Zeleskiaz... even though I...

’I sent him three letters... none was replied... Is it that he did not receive them? Is he so busy that he could make time to reply? Is it because he is unwell?... or is it...’

No. I refuse to even say it in the secrecy of my mind.

Tomorrow... there will be no choice but to face him again after many weeks for the Winter Ball will take place. We are already making our way back to the Palace along with Clemente and Karina this time.

’You... you will not be able to avoid an explanation, Zeleskiaz... my heart has been in turmoil because of this... and I hope your answer does not try to make a fool out of me...’ — I prayed while I felt nauseous by the nervousness while still clear in my determination once the time came. — ’I will not permit myself to let anything that hurts me go. If you will be this indifferent when I say how concerned I am in my letters to you... this courtship..... These feelings I grew for you..... May as well find their end.’

******* 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

The ultramarine hues opened unable to gain rest in the depth of the night. In a few more hours a carriage bringing his most yearned one would cross the gates of the Palace, bringing her back to his surroundings when his spirit had been drowning relentlessly in void days while she was absent from his sight.

’... my lady... she must be entering the neighbouring town by now... once noon comes... she should be casting her brilliance in every corner of the Palace by then...’ — He thought, exhausted in spirit yet delighted to know it was not long before his heart could find relief.