Maybe because it was already mid-spring, the wind blowing didn't feel cold anymore. The evening sun was warm at that time. Mariette didn't mind talking for a while in the corner of the Palace garden.
"How should I start, huh? I'm a little confused," muttered Ferdinand.
"You want to talk about me, Sir Elroy, or Sir Anatole?" she asked.
"You three," Ferdinand answered thoughtfully. "Forgive me if I interfere, My Lady. But I am very curious about your relationship with them."
"And your purpose in asking this is…?"
"Because Elroy is my friend." Ferdinand turned serious. "He's a good person but a little plain. If you've known him for a long time, you'll understand why people are so eager to protect him from pain."
Because Elroy is worth that much.
Elroy is kind, bright, and fun. Too bad he's a bit naive. Maybe because of the influence of parental upbringing and the treatment of this close friend. So Elroy doesn't know pain.
"I wonder how a man like Sir Elroy became a knight," said Mariette.
"Well, actually I was surprised too. Elroy is the type of person who's afraid of hurting me and I'm afraid of hurting him too. When I see him… I only want good things to happen to him." Ferdinand cleared his throat. "Sorry to sound ridiculous, My Lady. But that's what Elroy is to me."
Mariette glanced at Ferdinand briefly. "And you don't want Sir Elroy to get hurt again because of me," he said.
"Yes."
"You know the rumors going around about me, right?"
"What matters if you are a heartless woman? Elroy says he has permission to approach you, but you are still in touch with Sir Anatole."
"It's not that I can't choose – after all, who am I to be fought over by two men? It's just… just like you and the people around Sir Elroy, I also want to be his reason to smile," said Mariette slowly. "On the other hand, maybe only Sir Anatole is the only one in the world who can be my partner. Valent's family has sacrificed a lot for me, so I can't just turn him down."
"Then you like Elroy?"
Mariette absorbed the question just now. She tried to feel her own heartbeat. Previously she had read somewhere that a person's heart would beat great when feeling love. But… Mariette's heart right now wasn't even beating at all.
The desire to see his smile, to make him happy, and to be afraid to hurt him...
"Yes, maybe I like Sir Elroy too."
***
Two days later, after every effort and effort, Mariette was allowed to see Anatole in the Palace Dungeon.
Just like the others, the Palace Dungeon was an unpleasant place. It was dark and quiet, a little dirty, and gloomy. Even the living room has that impression.
Anatole also appeared in a pretty bad condition, even though he had only been locked up for about 3 days. His hair was messy, his eyes were puffy, and he looked like it was time for a shave.
"You look terrible, Sir Anatole," remarked Mariette after the guard left.
Anatole remained unresponsive.
Mariette let out a long breath. "I learned this news from Linda. After that, I tried asking Count Lavaud. What are you actually doing?"
"Just like Mariette…" said Anatole quietly. "No preamble. You didn't even ask how I was doing."
"I can already tell how you are at one glance, Sir Anatole."
"That's not it, Mariette. Have you ever questioned how I feel?"
"No," Mariette answered without hesitation. "You have already told me that I am only a responsibility, a burden, and a sin for the Valent family."
Anatole, who had been looking down earlier, looked directly at Mariette. His eyes widened as if shocked by Mariette's statement just now. Then he laughed hoarsely, a laugh that sounded pitiful. "Hah. That's right, I've said that before," he said. "Everything we've done together and everything I've done for you doesn't mean anything to you either."
"Sir Anatole, His Majesty the King has already said you cannot do it. This is not your fault or your family's. You don't need to get stuck with me."
"Then what about me?! You want to tell me to stop after coming this far?!"
Anatole's scream just now made both of them startled. Anatole fell silent and looked away.
"My purpose here is to check on you. It seems you can't cool your head here," sighed Mariette. "Later, I will try to get His Majesty and Duke Valent to replace your sentence. If you are like this, you might hurt other people."
"What?" Anatole looked back at Mariette. "So… you came here so I wouldn't hurt Elroy again?"
"I didn't say that." Mariette rose from her spot. "This talk is just going in circles. I'm not here to hurt you, Sir Anatole. Sorry if I interrupt. I will go now."
But before Mariette could open the door, Anatole stopped her. His hand gripped Mariette's wrist tightly.
Mariette spun around, staring into Anatole's sapphire blue eyes. "Sir Anatole, wake up!" she called firmly. She tugged at Anatole's grip. "What exactly happened to–"
Kisses come without warning. It was so rude, Mariette couldn't breathe because of it.
And not only his lips, his hands are no less rough. Anatole's hands roamed Mariette without permission. Even though Mariette couldn't feel anything from Anatole's touch and herself felt nothing, her alert alarm sounded. Anatole must be stopped.
"Anatole–" Mariette said with difficulty. She tried her best to escape. "Stop. Wake yourself up–for heaven's sake."
Anatole might not have stopped if it hadn't been for the knock on the door. The guard informs Mariette that visiting time is over.
Anatole glared at Mariette angrily.
"Isn't it obvious?" whispered Anatole right in his ear. "I'm jealous, Mariette."