CHAPTER 646: CHAPTER 646

"D-did I hear wrong or did the cute child say something just now?" — The Emperor who had remained unexpectedly quiet this whole time, asked with baffled demeanour to his wife. Who, as surprised, whispered to him, shocked by what they did not hear wrong.

"I... I think she did, dear..."

The awe was understandable in many aspects. Certainly, they did not think they would hear my voice and much less such... vulgar words as the first ones. The moment to make a decision had come and I was wondering how to go about it now that I had cursed in front of them so shamelessly.

I didn’t have much of an idea; however, once Karina’s response started, the creativity I thought was completely lost came back to me.

"Lady Marianne, respected ninth, I must have heard you wrong! How could you speak such a thing-"

"Oh my goodness!!"

"?!"

"Father! Sister!... Everyone!"

"M-Marianne????" — After standing with a vast impulse to start my scene, Dad looked at me asking much more with his eyes. Not understanding it, since I was blowing everything up with this act.

’I know! Yet I have no choice now!’ — A tad embarrassed I closed my eyes, ready to continue. Making sure that my bloody demeanour would serve my means for once. — "Ah... I cannot believe this...!"

"... she is truly speaking..."

"My sound has returned...! Oh...! I never thought this would happen..." — Falling as if weak, I grasped dad’s arm, giving him a signal to help me out. — ’Come on Dad! Act like you are surprised! Follow me up!’

"!?... M-Marianne... I-it truly is your sound...!"

"Father! It is, yes. I have recovered my voice!"

"Is this a miracle? How... oh my child, blessed be the gods in Izeneya for their grace!"

’Hehe, nice~ that’s what I’m talking about.’ — "Oh, Father... a miracle... maybe the attack aimed towards myself was the cure to my condition... cough, cough!"

"Oh dear, do not force this..."

"H-However... these are good news..."

"! Cute child your father is correct, you have just recovered your voice..."

"Yes, Lady Marianne. If you talk too much it may become difficult for you."

"Nevertheless..." — Thankful that the Emperor and the Empress had joined the scene Dad and I were pulling with true concern, I acted more weakly... knowing that there was someone’s frown I should take care of now that my voice was "recovered" publicly. — "We are here to solve this murderous attack I encountered today... Lady Karina was saying something important..."

"Um... it is delightful that you recovered your voice, although what you first said leaves much to be desired..."

"Hm?? That "the wound is hurting, I’m so frustrated. Gosh, it stinks"? I am sorry it did not meet your expectations but... I cannot help to whine a little..."

"?! The lady did not say that!"

"I did not?? Ahem... I am sorry, I do not know what you heard but... those were my true words..."

"Lady Karina, maybe we heard wrong... the ninth has just recovered her voice after all..."

"What did you all hear? I was next to her, so I did hear her say that about her wound." — Dad, placing his arm around me said backing me up. Making Dr Talmhach get involved against his will. — "Talmhach heard the same, right?"

"Uh... er... y-yes. Yes, I did! Haha..."

’He clearly did not hear that...’

The situation was simply surreal. We were forcing our way out of the troubles as best we could... but it did not matter. I was determined to walk out of this triumphant... and that included saving Theressa from something I can tell she is not involved in.

’This is too complex a scheme... Theressa is not involved in this one for she would at least have made it so she is not so evidently the culprit.’ — Convinced, I thought... much more since I have her under surveillance all the time.

"Ahem... leaving that aside..." — I said while acting as if every word was a terrible effort for my throat when it wasn’t. — "My loyal knight... Sir Theodore, may you come into everyone’s sight please?"

"Yes, my lady."

"You had the task... cough... to secretly watch Theressa tonight... could you tell us what you saw?"

"Yes. While my lady was dancing with Crown Prince Zeleskiaz a small mishap occurred. Lady Karina left with his grace Duke Clemente and I saw how Lady Theressa picked something from the ground. Lady Karina did turn back for a moment, yet little I am able to say if words were exchanged. I did notice lady Theressa nod once the other Lady walked away, which implies an exchange between them."

"Then, from this testimony what my lady’s sister says about picking up the ring is true." — The crown prince, proud in his stance said. Looking at me so that I would not be able to avoid his ultramarine, which I have been unconsciously escaping for a while.

"The ring is not mine!"

"... I would like to add..." — Theodore, after glancing at Karina’s retort, decided to declare more. Fixing his glasses as he covered some of his face. — "The order was to follow every step of Lady Theressa today not only tonight. From the shadows, I can assure you that ring was not in Lady Theressa’s planned outfit. It is a basic matter to pay attention to in our clan."

"Cough... that is true, those were the orders." — I nodded, hoping that Theressa wouldn’t hate me for making Theo peep at her while getting prepared.

"?! That ring is not mine! It does not mean I owned it!! I am being framed...! I would not do such a terrible thing! Sniff... perhaps an illusion was played... yet I swear it was not me who schemed against the ninth!!"

At Karina’s fall after saying that again, we all held the silence in a somewhat respectful stance. She was crying now... while my little sister at least held back the tears standing straight while it was clear frustration that was filling her up.

There was nothing much we could do.

There was indeed no proof of her involvement and this last option of it being an illusion could as well be her best chance to get away with it, for in this world something like that was not impossible... but very plausible after all I’ve experienced myself.

His highness, however, wanted to make it so the guilt would surely fall on her; be it because of his wish to kill her or his dislike... or whichever the motive he had. Hence, before he could do as pleased...

"Hm! Ahem... hum... Maybe lady Karina is also saying the truth." — I said, deciding to act a little sore since my voice had just "magically" recovered.

"? What do you mean, My lady?" — Surprised, he turned to me.

"I can only assure you that my sister is not involved... for she did tell me before I became like this that the ring was not hers but Lady Karina’s." — Asking for dad’s help to walk to the place they stood at I said, actually tired. — "I am certain that Theresa was not wearing any of the like... Therefore, since it is not possible to say if Lady Karina is involved... would it be alright if we have her surveilled as well?"

"... what?" — Baffled, Karina asked.

"This way we will be able to clear your participation on this matter, Lady Karina... it is the best solution I can come up with right at this moment..."