"Since we are the only Duchy with Debutante children... Both of you need to go in first. I shall accompany you. As the Head of our house, I ought to go with you and do my duty." — The Duke said, glancing between Theressa and me. — "Theressa please... Do remember your manners, you tend to forget them at times... However, today, We are facing the Emperor. I hope you understand what that means".
As he spoke to us, the Duke had a very serious expression, one that was shown in public, which portrayed the honour and glory of the Head of a Duchy. Nonetheless... I could tell he was anxious when I looked into his eyes.
"Father! How could I embarrass myself like that?! You should not even mention it!" — Theressa said, pouting and trying to act cute. Yet, lastly, she didn't forget to add some poison to her words. — "You should worry about Marianne."
'Such harsh truths shouldn't be said~ you dumb dwarf.' — I thought while I gritted my teeth with an annoyed expression in my head. But... I also noticed I wasn't the only one who didn't take that remark well.
I could see veins popping out from the Duke's jaw as he was gritting his teeth in anger at the rude words thrown by Theressa.
I felt uneasy. The Duke's worry was expected, but, somehow, he seemed to be more scared by those worries when I first looked into his eyes... Hmm, I wonder what scares him so much...
Now, anger was added on top of it, and The Duke, who is always gentle with me, seemed like the type one should never anger.
Theressa sensed the mood. Thankfully, at the very least, she wasn't that stupid.
"Father, please do not worry. Let me present myself first. That way, Marianne won't feel pressured to greet His Majesty first." — She said smiling.
'Tsk! Such a bad liar! She just wants to be the first one to make her debut today... pitiful dwarf...'
A servant came to the Duke and whispered in his ear. His expression hardened and then, he nodded in reluctance, accepting the message the servant delivered.
"Very well... Let's go, the Emperor has called for us." — The Duke said this as he watched Theressa.
Then, he turned to me and stared for a second.
"Let's go, Marianne." — He said after a pause.
Was he worried because of the Emperor...? The novel wasn't detailed enough with political relations, or maybe... Did I really only retain the spicy scenes in my memory...?
*******
"Duke Sylfinnier and his two daughters, Lady Marianne and Lady Theressa. Have come to His Majesty's presence."
As we walked into the room, our presence was announced. We made a reverence to the rulers of the Empire, holding our posture until the Emperor gave his permission.
"Raise your heads."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Silence.
"..."
'... Is this when they cut our heads?...'
"I see you brought both of your daughters... Such a happy occasion. However, as a Father, I understand the sadness of our children's growth. I congratulate you on raising such beautiful flowers, Duke Sylfinnier."
"... His Majesty is too kind..."
"... Then, let us proceed."
The Duke moved to the side. Giving Theressa the cue to step forward.
In front of us were the Emperor and his wife. Next to the Emperor, the Crown Prince was standing, showing no intention of looking towards us. Clearly, he wasn't interested at all in courtesies.
Theressa walked closer and stopped at a nice place. And then, making a gracious reverence, Theressa spoke to The Emperor.
"It is an honour to be in your presence, Your Majesty. I am Theressa Sylfinnier, the youngest from house Sylfinnier. Let Fenrir walk beside you."
"... I see... you may raise your head. You say you are the youngest...?" — The Emperor said while rubbing his chin.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"...You have grown well. From now on you are officially an adult. As a subject, live honouring the greatness of the Empire and your house."
"...Yes, Your Majesty."
The Emperor quickly turned his eyes to the Duke while Theressa stepped back. I caught a glance at her, clenching her dress as she came back to my side. The lack of energy on the words from the Emperor as he ended it quickly, the Empress enjoying her wine and the indifference from the Crown Prince... must have made her feel insignificant.
'Aww... are you disappointed..?.... Sigh. I guess it's my turn now.'
Nobody spoke and, for obvious reasons, I won't be the one to do so. But the faster I do this, the faster I can get out of here.
'Haa... whatever.'
I stepped forward and made the reverence slowly. This gave my actions elegance, so the Emperor couldn't help but watch me pay my respects.
Without moving, I stayed in place for a long while. No words came out of my mouth. My intuition told me that all eyes were on me.
'...come On! I might get stage fright~'
"...Please raise your head."
'...." please"...?'
I did as told and met the eyes of the Emperor. No emotion could be found on my face, Marianne's body was so stiff that it gave me the feeling like our face would never show a smile ever again.
'Don't be like this, Marianne... you're not the only one in this body.'
The Emperor had a softer expression to the one given to Theressa, The Empress was judging me with her eyes, and lastly, the Crown Prince, who hadn't looked at us this whole time, was glancing at me intrigued with the current situation.
"...Your Father, Duke Sylfinnier, has previously informed me of the Lady's condition... Duke, what is the name of your daughter?"
"Your Majesty, this is my eldest daughter, the second born of the Sylfinnier household, Marianne Elise Sylfinnier."
"... Lady Marianne... such a beautiful daughter... it is such a shame not to be able to hear your voice, my Lady..."
"..." — I lightly bowed, expressing my thanks. The Emperor is being very nice... Which is weird... not that I mind it, though.
"... However, a few days ago the Duke was telling me that you have a great intellect. I hope to see you grow stronger and overcome your condition with said intellect, Lady Marianne..."
Are the Duke and the Emperor close? Or is the Emperor the type to feel pity for people like me??
'Still, I'm grateful. He directly said that he wants me to get better.' — With this thought in mind, I lifted a little my skirt with my right hand and brought my other hand to my chest while bowing slightly.
The Emperor smiled.
"Even with such condition, I can see your daughter expresses herself very well Duke. It is a nice view to behold... such simple moves convey her thoughts perfectly. Lady Marianne, keep growing beautifully, I wish to see your growth." — Said the Emperor, with a satisfied smile, while the rest stared at him with eyes wide open. More than being surprised, they seemed to be shocked.
'Sir... I don't know what you are so looking forward to... but... these expectations are... Really burdensome.'
A lazy person like me... won't mix well with all of this.