Chapter 277 — It cannot be.
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His eyes observed how Marianne and the Prince walked away. Close by the hold of his arm, the girl stepped tranquil and harmonious as their pace was quiet and measured by her natural speed.
The veins on his jaw had started to pop out at the strong clench he grinds his teeth with for how desperately infuriating it was for the obsessive devotedness the Young Master held for his mute sister whose delectable figure he had not been able to touch at their awaited reunion.
His hands cracked themselves discreetly to the need of violence against Zeleskiaz, whose presence had hindered his welcome to his adored sister and along with his words and attitude towards every member of the Sylfinnier present, his visit had become certainly a full-blown derision.
Mostly to himself and Theressa, who had gone silent after the direct rejection of the Prince and acceptance of their Father.
"... You look bothered. Paul." — Orland suddenly told to his fixated son, whose gaze would not stop looking at the path she had walked to disappear with the dangerous Crown Prince... away from him. Her Brother. Who has been waiting impatiently for the day to have her back under their Household to express the sickly affection... And dissatisfaction he had been deeply saving since that disastrous night.
The night where his sister was touched disgustingly often by the man that kept stealing the dances meant for him to rejoice in... A ball night when she was taken away by such man against her will in his eyes... And had been prohibited of the closeness he has been craving with stronger desperation the more his unbecoming sentiment grew within his wretched soul.
"Bothered?" — Drifting his open eyes to stare at his Father now, Paul repeated in disbelief. — "I am aghast at Father’s leisure. How come you let that man go with Marianne alone to her chambers?"
"She’s not alone. Did you not see? Vitor went with them. He’s her new bodyguard."
"..... Why does she need a bodyguard suddenly? Are you even sure that man is a proper knight–"
"He is." — Cutting the voice of his son that was growing in volume as he spoke, Orland informed coldly. — "He is more than proper, Paul... And I will appreciate it if you don’t question my decisions."
"If it entails my family, I will question it. After all, I am your heir."