Chapter 364
It was nice to cross gazes with the duchess after that lady asked this.
The way she tried to stay composed was nice to witness while we looked as calm as a glass of water. As we should be since it’s her who should feel troubled.
"... She has remained the same. Nothing has changed."
"Oh goodness, remained the same? She is not a baby anymore, that at least has changed has it not? Ohohoho~"
’Nice job, Lady Felicia. As expected of a senior...’ — I inwardly congratulated that old lady. She has given quite the cues for the others to start more gossip. And so, I drank my tea, peeking at the Duchess wondering what she would say.
"Indeed she is not a baby anymore... yet the inside does not change even after years. She has remained... just the same."
"..."
An awkward silence followed her answer, because there was no smile nor interest in her tone, and moreover, it conveyed she didn’t like the topic after she glanced at me with clear contempt. However, I had quite the backup to my side that made it so her response would turn on her.
"Hmm. Although it is odd for a person to remain the same after growing old naturally... it is somehow befitting if it is lady Marianne who we have in mind."
’... Keep talking Princess, whatever this is I like where it’s going.’ — Glancing at her, I saw the princess graciously smile as she spoke. Provoking hope in me that her comment would tick off the Duchess since she’s good at that.
"Just borns are the purest... As I have shared time with the Lady, it is my belief she has as pure a soul. Kind and patient... Even adorable at times. Very likeable I ought to add." — Taking a near teapot, as she said this, the princess then turned towards me. Elegantly refilling my cup of tea... probably wishing to settle an example. — "Your cup, let myself refill it..."
"!? The Princess served her tea!"