You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 551

"White is a colour that the lady makes more brilliant." — He said almost impulsively, not sure of what such a comment could lead to and even regretting its boring continuation. Only gaining confidence as she appeared to smile at what he said. Amazed that such an uninteresting comment could make her visage light beautifully. — "... Is it a shade the lady is fond of? You seem pleased at what I said..."

’Hm... not really... It is nice when the weather is hot but...’

"What about burgundy? Is it more to the lady’s liking?"

’... I like it yet it is not my favourite.’ — Moving her head to demonstrate she was not convinced, Marianne simply followed the little elaborate conversation, finding it adorable as she understood his efforts.

"Not much to the lady’s liking I take it, haha." — Glad, he chuckled as her gesture looked endearing. Sincerely becoming interested in discovering more in a seemingly silly conversation. — "If so, what is the shade the lady mostly prefers? I am now curious to learn it. That way in the future I can choose a gift to your liking my lady."

Her pace took a pause at the mention of a gift. Turning to look at him for a moment as the colours seemed to be recognized because none truly came to mind until his gentle demeanour was gladly waiting for her reply.

’As I thought... it is-’

"Oh goodness, did something happen to Lady Karina?"

"?"

"What? Why are you saying that? Did you see something?"

"Look over there. She does not look alright, does she? His grace, Duke Noverrne, is even aiding her walk... something must have happened when she left on her own... She looks so pale..."

Murmurs amongst the guests made it to the ears of the lady and of course of the prince. The father of the ninth as the host of the event was fast in his action; going to the young Duke Clemente’s side as soon as he learned something was wrong. Hoping to continue being hospitable while also reticent at the problems this could cause after he knew the woman that swallowed her cries had come from the place where everyone had sensed the rage of the crown prince.

"Is something wrong, Clemente? Did something happen to your accompanist?" — Orland asked, taking a look at the lady with a concerned eye. — "She seems troubled..."

"... She is sensible yet everything is alright. Please do not feel concerned, your grace." — Clemente with a bit of reluctance said, bothered by the situation he found himself in. — "We are going to take our leave earlier than we wished, however. My apologies."

"Ah... I am sorry to hear that..."

"I- sniff... I am sorry to make a scene your grace..." — Karina then said as she met the gaze of the duke. — "It was not my intention, I-... I do not know wh-what happened..."

"It is alright, you might need some rest that is all... Marianne, sweetie, his grace and the lady are taking their leave." — Turning around to look for his daughter, Orland called so she could dismiss the guests as proper. And quickly meeting his eye she followed his call... escorted by the dicey crown prince that expelled open despise at the scene Karina had put together.

"Oh, p-please there is no need..."

"It is what is proper, young lady." — Orland replied to the girl, smiling without much sentiment as it was indeed a senseless polite ceremony. Briefly sharing a glance with Clemente and unfolding his hand to his daughter as she came closer.

’Something definitely happened.’ — The Duke of Sylfinnier, annoyed already by the thought, conceived. Solely acting solemn to make sure this wouldn’t hinder his daughter’s mood. — "Marianne, the lady does not feel well so Clemente decided to end their participation today here."

’She doesn’t feel well?... Why?’

An impulse was restricted by herself as she pondered about the answers. Knowledgeable of where she came from and who had been there. Forcing herself to not openly show her suspicions looking at that one who stood by her side, deciding to make a reverence while also taking her stack for a short message.

[ Thank you for your assistance. I hope you will feel better soon, lady Karina. ]

"I-I will... th-thank you dear ninth... have a good evening." — She said, finally looking at the crown prince to start some breathless tremble as she avoided his judgeful gaze. — "H-his Highness a-as well... please excuse me!"

Rushing away, those that remained watched the scene confused by her attitude, being Clemente who would speak before following the lady he was in charge of.

"... I will be going as well. I will later explain this all to you, Sir. Sincerely, I apologise for the bad image this may cause-"

"She is not of your household. Hence, there is no image to be damaged... Yet it is concerning for her to behave like this, son." — Warm, Orland comforted the young man who hid the trouble from his demeanour impeccably, giving only a pat to his shoulder brief enough to respect the known boundaries of the Noverrne’s new duke. — "I would have liked you to stay for longer. We didn’t get to talk much and most of this wouldn’t have been possible without your assistance. We should arrange another meeting soon, what do you say? Meeting your father would make it a good chance."

"His grace is always too humble, little did I do. Nevertheless, I share the regret. We may arrange a meeting later. Father would be glad as well."

"Good enough. Now go, you should not leave her alone while unwell."

"Yes, Sir... My lady." — After agreeing, Clemente’s attention called for Marianne’s who was still lost at what could have happened, softening lightly enough his demeanour so the warmth he kept for the chosen could be noticed. — "I will be expectant to hear news from you."

"Haha, how rare for you to say that, son." — Orland said pleased at the sight... unlike the other who had remained quiet.

"Expectant of what. Could you tell, Noverrne?"