You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 694

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There was no sight of the father yet.

Marianne and Noverrne went towards the direction the young duke had sensed her father, cautious not to call any enemies’ attention, yet sooner than later his skill found a dead end, losing track of any clue available.

"He must be close, I saw him being stabbed so he shouldn’t be able to move much." — Marianne said as soon as Clemente informed her of the situation.

"Stabbed?... Even so, the fire is starting to consume the mansion... It’s a matter of time before we need to abandon this place for good Marianne."

"I know... let’s go upstairs. He might have gone in search of the duchess."

"Do you mean your mother?"

"... I guess so." — Still reluctant to call Elenaide her mother even as she felt concerned about what could become of the woman in these circumstances, Marianne muttered. Unwilling to explain for it felt exhausting at the time. — ’It is complicated so... I prefer to be judged instead.’

Clemente led the path without intention to ask, protective of the lady behind him as it could be dangerous if found by an enemy for, certainly, Marianne’s life would be at risk immediately.

"The men attacking... I noticed they are not very conscious of their actions. They seem to be attacking mindlessly. It is easy for one to defeat them but... common people will be at their mercy when unarmed. It was good since it let me get here almost unhurt but... if you say the whole empire is under this army’s attack... our army’s troops will not suffice to counter the losses."

"I saw them having signs of Ruinam... I think that disease wasn’t a natural one."

"... it would make sense since it appeared so suddenly."

There was little information available for the two young friends. Nonetheless, with as little as it was, both could tell that a great disaster awaited the Empire’s future. Katrina’s schemes, the broken bones witch true name, had overcome the expectations of the chosen... yet also had ours, the gods, surprised the child.

’There must be something I can do to put an end to this... surely that is the reason I was called here to begin with.’ — Marianne acknowledged. Giving more hope for us waiting for the end of the evil fallen.

"Stay here for a moment." — Noverrne told her once close, entering the third floor.

"What is it?"

"I sense something ahead. I don’t recognise this aura... I don’t want you in danger so wait here for a second, my lady."

"... alright... but if you take too long I will follow right away."

"Sounds reliable." — Clemente turned to smile at the friend he actually loved, oddly comforting her with such a gesture who was also concerned about his loss. His hand caressed the shoulder he wished could be solely his to touch now that no family was there to return to, yet the wishes that would not come true crossed his mind as fast as he dismissed them. Going determinedly further into the barely lit hall to make sure her way would be safe.

Sneaky and careful, Clemente opened the door slightly from which he sensed the presence. Listening to the murmurs behind it.

"My lord, you need to escape. Her grace was not in the main chambers, young master Paul must have taken her with him or maybe she managed to escape."

"No... he said... Paul said he would kill Elenaide... and... even if... She might have run away... if found, Paul will not doubt... just as he did with me."

"Sir... let myself remain here. I will look for her grace. Get yourself to a safe place"

"No, Thomas... you lead the servants that made it away... keep them safe..."

"... Your grace?" — Knowing it was the man he came for, Clemente stepped in to find the wounded Orland sitting exhausted while the butler finished bandaging his torso.

"...? Clemente?... what are you doing here?" — Orland asked, standing with a sword in his hand as if no wound interfered with his walk or lessened his force.

"Just as yours, my home was attacked and... father’s— the late duke’s last orders were to come aid you as it was too late on our side."

"Late dukes..... Dolton and Norma... Fh... I see." — Seeing the eyes of the young man following his parents’ wishes with unwavering resolve, Orland fought the pain in his sound, lamenting the death of his friends and Clemente’s parents. — "I’m... I’m sorry to hear that."

"... Do follow me. Marianne is at the end of the hall waiting for us."

"What? She’s here?!" — Not losing a second, Orland rushed without doubts. Making the men follow as fast behind even when pain could disable him.

"She came here because you were in danger! She said she saw you from the palace!"

"She shouldn’t have come! If she’s found, Paul will have what he wants—!! MARIANNE!!" — Orland couldn’t even finish his sentence and as he continued to run, he called his daughter’s name who stood right next to the mentioned son.

Her graceful crown turning to meet him granted her father a pleased smile for a second and seeing his wife not too far, resting helplessly on the floor, Orland called for her again unable to return the kind gesture.

"Marianne! Don’t do as he wants!!"

"Do not give another step close Orland. Your wife is still alive so, will you place her at risk by disobeying me?" — Paul eventually said, offering his hand to the sister he lusted for.

The men stopped, troubled for Elenaide could be seen suffering on the hard ground, still alive as the son said... yet not unharmed.

"Paul... that is your mother you’re talking about!"

"Little do I care for such an unimportant matter, such a superficial bond. She could be a god and it still would be a worthless being in my eyes."

"Dad." — Marianne interrupted taking her father’s attention so the rage would not endanger them further. — "I am glad you are safe."

"... s-sweetie, release his hand. Whatever it is do not do as he says. I am fine, see? We all are."

"It is alright." — Confident her anthracite met her father’s. Dissipating for a second the fear in the man. — "Treat mom’s wounds and find a safe place."

"..."

"You heard my beloved, Orland." — Paul then said, uninterested in the emotions inundating those around him. — "I must have failed reaching your vitals but... it all works out since my Marianne asked me to let both you and your wife leave this place alive—"

"Thomas and Clemente too."

"... they were not included in your request a moment ago."

"I am including them now." — Marianne said, threatening in her tone. Cleverly as she knew Paul’s words could twist their agreement. — "You will not go against it, right?"