You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 481

"Has... Paige.... yet?"

"?... That voice..." — As little as my hearing could listen, I knew instantly who the one outside was. And yet I kept listening hoping to make sure as I walked to the entrance to listen to it better.

"..... last night.... everything alright?"

"... yes..."

And once I was certain, I let emotion fill my being for one I once was had come back to become who I am... knowing what happened while That part of me was gone and had yet to meet him.

Hence, even as I was aware he was conversing with Sir Vitor outside, I left aside the dress I had picked to open the door before his voice announced his presence. Desireful to let him know... that his daughter was complete again.

"Thank you Vitor-?! Oh... Sweetie, good morning. Was I being too loud? I hope I didn’t interrupt your sleep..."

"..."

"...? What is it?"

"..."

"... Marianne?" — At the joy of seeing him, he said to my silent stare that observed him as fondly, as tender as these complicated feelings I own managed to express. Feeling overwhelmed by the emotion... for he was one... that would be able to tell with a proper glance. — "..... oh..."

"..."

"... I see..." — With as soft smile he is used to looking at me, his hand held my cheek, invoking my tears, and the kiss on my forehead came along an embrace that meant protection to my heart... Infecting myself with his smile while I simply waited for his words to aid my emotions. — "... Should we go inside, dear?"

He said, and I nodded as if my sound had not come back... touched by the warmth of the father I lacked and feared to grow this attached to when I was only Elizabeth, who he once ignored existed.

"Since last night until now... it appears something has changed has it not, my lovely feather?" — He said while I only nodded again, biting myself as I wished to restrain the tears born from my depths to keep falling... as he walked me inside, nice and loving as he has always been — "... is it that your agreement was honoured?... has Elizabeth arrived?"

"... Dad..."

"? Yes?"

"... I love you..."

"....."

"... I am delighted to have you as a father..." — I said, hoping that with this answer he would understand... or at least could guess that this much was the most I could tell in appreciation to his acceptance of my wishes... of our wishes...

"Hmm~... I also love you... a little too much, my sweet bird. I take it that it is complicated for you to tell... yet time is there for us to talk about it... Although it is obvious to my eye as I am your father... my child is now complete, am I correct?"

"... mhm..."

"... Marvellous... your air and lovely gaze give it away sweetie. You have peace within..." — He said once our eyes met, so certain that maybe there was nothing left to say for myself. — "I am glad."

"I also am..."

"That is what matters... Truly, Marianne... Elizabeth...? Hm? Haha, ~ Marianne Elise has similarity to Marianne Elizabeth~ Perhaps it was fate itself that you came to meet?"

"haha~ I have always thought the same~"

"My, is that so? Or is this my daughter letting me save some pride after that boring jest?"

"It is true~ you are not boring~"

"Hahaha~ Oh, precious bird... Truthfully I had come solely to see if luck was on our side today and that appears to be the case. Yesterday I remained away hoping to keep my word to your petition, and it seems like it was worth it." — Becoming more stoic, he said. Starting to tell how matters went after I requested his aid last night. — "Nonetheless... siiiigh... Paige must already be on her way here and I cannot fathom the scene it will be, sweetie... Would you believe how much trouble that child has become? Even the crown prince was easier to convince of letting you rest on your own."

"?! Was she against it?? It does sound like something Paige would do, however..."

"Yes... She was quite the opponent, dear..." — He said as if the recall wore him out. Separating only slightly from the hug both of us leaned comfortably in to tell with a little more energy in his eyes. — "Even so, how about we eat breakfast together once she arrives? You do not know how much I want to share my meals with you again, dear..."

"I thought you had come with such in mind already." — I said, hugging him tighter, for I loved to see his demeanour find peace in what I had superficially conveyed. — "I am to get dressed and eat with you, Dad. Was I to be honest, this morning I woke up with a wish to eat sweets for breakfast."

"... Is that so?" — He said, with a flinch of his brow. — "What kind would you like? We could ask for the kitchen to prepare it."

"Is it alright to do that? We are not at our home father."

"Why can’t we? The Emperor ate my ear yesterday saying that I better not deny anything to you... hmph... as if I would deny something to my child... who does he think I am..."

"... does Father get along or not with the Emperor? I have always wondered about it..."

"..... I also wonder about it..."

"? Haha, it appears as if you do not like the question. It looks like a complicated matter to you, father."

"Uff, sweetie... if I told you-"

*Knock knock!* — "M-My Lady, it is I Paige!"

Interrupting a conversation that became weightless as we talked further the nervous announcement from Paige interrupted Dad’s trouble... solely to heighten, for the excitement in the voice of Paige was apparent.

"Good lord, she’s already here..."

"Is his Grace there?!"

"Ugh, I shall tell you more about it while we eat. Yet do prepare for-"

"I am coming in!" — Without letting him finish, Paige said. Opening the door in mid-sentence to find us standing... baffled at how explosive her entrance was. Instilling our silence... which she would chaotically break.