Volume 5 Chapter 210, Boasting 3

Translator: Nonon

Proofreader: Silavin

 

From what I heard, Mrs. Vert came to the mansion to investigate the incident and see Ms. Kriemhild.

They had asked everybody besides me about what happened at the moment of the incident, and were now planning to summarize the situation of the victims.

It just so happened that was the exact time when we were all making a lot of noise, so they approached the room to see what was going on. As it turned out, the first words they heard clearly were the ones I declared loudly.

In other words, they couldn’t hear anything about desires or whatnot prior to that. Thank god. If Lady Violet had accidentally heard the word ‘pregnancy’ and started to think about it, things might have become very awkward, but since she only heard my true feelings, there shouldn’t be any problems.

 

“…”

“…”

“What’s wrong, Lord Clo, Lady Violet?”

“… It’s nothing. Your coffee is as delicious as always.”

“… That’s true. The tea Gray makes is very delicious.”

“Neither of you have even taken a sip yet though.”

 

But what’s this? What’s with this atmosphere?

It’s really awkward.

Should I call it fortunate or unfortunate that Gray, the only one who didn’t hear the declaration, was the one left utterly bewildered?

 

“(Ms. Mary, this is so awkward! Shouldn’t we, the outsiders, leave the room?!)”

“(Please don’t say that, Silva. If we don’t keep changing the subject, Violet or Mr. Clo might bury themselves in snow from shame…)”

“(I get that! But isn’t this, um, a problem for the couple, a problem for the Heartfield Family?!)”

 

Ms. Mary and Silva were whispering to each other, but I could somehow guess what they were saying. I would definitely feel awkward if I were in their position.

Mrs. Vert had a business with Ms. Kreimhild, so she wasn’t here. To be honest, that fearless smile she wore as she left, like she was lovingly watching a child, kind of pissed me off. Dammit, in terms of years we’ve lived, I should be older than Mrs. Vert…!

 

“(That might be true, but Silva, you still distrust Violet, don’t you?)”

“(Huh, well, that’s true, but… it’s more about whether they really get along, or if she’s really in love with that Clo guy…)”

“(If that’s the case, shouldn’t the answer be obvious looking at her right now?)”

“(That’s true, but…)

“(Besides, a book I read said that you should tease the other person in a situation like this. I think it said to do so while grinning.)”

“(Ms. Mary, you say some strange things sometimes.)”

 

It feels like Ms. Mary and Silva are going in the wrong direction, but I can’t think properly so I don’t know how to deal with them.

Anyway, right now I have to deal with the other thing. I can explain myself to clear up this misunderstanding that isn’t really misunderstanding and wipe away my shame, but denying it feels weird, and it’s not even a lie worth denying—damn, I can’t get my thoughts together.

First, I’ll calm down and have a cup of coffee like the others.

 

“Hmm—fuu, the coffee you make sure is delicious, Gray.”

“Did you just gulp it down, Lord Clo!?”

“Hmm—you’re right, Gray’s tea is always delicious.”

“You too, Lady Violet!? It’s freshly brewed!”

 

Yeah, it’s the best to warm up with coffee when it’s cold. My stomach, and even my lungs, feel a little hot. I had no idea caffeine was so effective.

 

“(… Are they so embarrassed they can’t even tell?)”

“(Most likely. I think this is one of those ‘just be honest and get together already’ moments.)”

“(No, but they’re already married though… oh, this tea is delicious.)”

 

My lungs are hot, so I can’t speak well, but I have to break through this atmosphere at all costs.

Gen and the rest looked unsure of how to react to my previous declaration, while Ms. Mary and Silva were whispering to each other. Gray was flustered, as if unable to grasp the situation, and Mr. John-Brian and Ms. Cork were simply standing back. For now, I should-

 

“… Eh, me?”

 

I turned towards Apricot and looked at her, hoping for her to bring up a new topic.

Somehow, it looked like she was thinking, ‘I can’t believe you’re dumping this on me right now…’, but please, just liven up the place like you always do. I’ll thank you later.

 

“I have a question, Ms. Violet.”

“W-what’s wrong, Apricot? You have something to ask me? I will answer as many questions as you want.”

 

Alright, looks like my feelings got through Apricot and she brought up a new topic.

I want her to liven things up and leave the previous topic unresolved. A part of me doesn’t want her to do that, but I need her to do it.

 

“You’re usually not one to hide your affection for Mr. Clo, but you’re embarrassed when he does the same?”

 

Alright, remember this for later, Apricot.

I could see everybody brace themselves after hearing Apricot’s question. Gray didn’t seem to understand its meaning,  but his expression suggested that he understood that it carried a significance since it came from his master.

 

“That’s… um…”

 

Although the atmosphere was awkward until now, she wasn’t blushing, but Apricot’s question made her face redden again.

 

“I’m happy that he loves me. I’m definitely happy about it, but there’s also a sense of embarrassment in that happiness. Perhaps I’m feeling emotions that I can’t process on my own, or…”

“Or?”

 

Lady Violet, who’s flustered and blushing is so cute that I want to keep looking at her but I can’t. For some reason, I can’t keep my eyes fixed on her. I wonder why.

 

“…”

“Ms. Violet? What’s wro-“

“You know what? I’m both happy and embarrassed that Lord Clo is showing me affection. Is that so wrong?!”

““She fought back?!!””

 

Wow, Lady Violet shot back.

Not only Apricot, who asked the question, but Gen and the others, along with Ms. Mary was also shocked.

Normally, Lady Violet tries to remain (relatively) calm, so it’s rare for her to lose her cool so quickly without facing anything related perverse behaviors or her trauma. Oh, but, she’s still beautiful even in this state, yeah.

 

“So you are saying that you were perplexed by the unfamiliar emotions and did not know what to do!”

“You were confused because you couldn’t predict the straightforward words of affection from Mr. Clo!”

“Because in the past, the people you lived never returned the affection.”

“You couldn’t help but be happy about Clo’s affection.”

“You were so happy that your feelings were mutual, you couldn’t stop grinning.”

“You were overjoyed that he thought all your actions until now were cute.”

“In truth, you want to hug and kiss him just like how he said and answer his desires.”

“Yeah, that’s right!… Hm?”

 

The ones talking were Apricot, Ms. Mary, Silva, Gen, Mr. John-Brian, Ms. Cork and Sumi in this order. They better remember this matter for the later. I can’t do it right now, but I’ll definitely make them pay for it later, darn it!

Anyway, I have to tell Lady Violet what I want to say now. I can somehow understand that I can’t just keep quiet about this.

 

“Um, well, thank you, Lady Violet.”

“W-why are you suddenly thanking me, Lord Clo?”

“Thank you for responding to my feelings without backing down. If my words stirred your mind, that means…”

“It makes me happy to know that the person I love also loves me, so of course I would be shaken.”

 

A critical counterattack.

Damn, she’s as straightforward as ever when it comes to expressing her affection. I’m happy about it though.

 

“In that case, please let me say this!”

“H-huh?”

 

But I must not be intimidated now.

If I feel intimidated now, my earlier words would become suspicious and my siblings will misunderstand something again. I can’t let that happen.

 

“The words I just said were all true, and I hope to have a long lasting and happy life together, moving forward in our own way!”

“I-I should be the one saying that. Please take…care of me…”

 

… Huh, wasn’t I trying to move on from this subject until a while ago?

Don’t tell me I got spurned by Apricot or something like that… I’ll just assume it’s my imagination. I can look directly at Lady Violet, who’s turning red from my words, so I’ll be content with that. Yup.

I feel like I’ll suddenly want to go outside for a run later, but I’ll just hope I’m overthinking it.

 

“(… What are we being shown here?)”

“(The book I’ve read described this as ‘Oh, this is so frustrating! I’m going to get a little closer!’ kind of situation.)”

“(No, but those two are already married, right?… But I’d love to be like that with Ms. Mary.)”

“(Did you say anything?)

“(Nope, nothing… You do have that kind of a side to you, Ms. Mary)”

“(?)”