Chapter 593: Chapter 593
’Haha... Do not worry...’ — I thought after nodding gracefully with a smile... while truthfully embarrassed, as she continued to go through the vast selection of jewellery she owned to try on me. Thinking bashfully about how unnecessary her worry was while I knew my heart’s condition whenever it came to her son. — ’He’s been doing quite a great job, Empress... earning more than my every thought...’
This was the last detail to decide on, an accessory that would decorate myself gently.
A peachy pink dress, that had shades of white had been chosen for me to use. Humble while gorgeous and elegant in its length and acute shape. A thin crown over my threaded strands, subtly owning the hues I should always carry on myself for the Gods’s pride to prevail that had been specially crafted so I could use it on this occasion... One which golden chains were to aid my hair into lovely braids.
Once afternoon arrived, the officializing of the royal courtship would be celebrated at the Empress’s garden. Many nobles would assist and even though the preparations were made so I would save energy for the event... there were some little matters no one could prevent nor know about...
"These jewels are elderly. Ninth is liked by these women."
"She is liked, yes. Yet I like the ninth more."
"No, I do."
"Nonsense, I do. With my element, I shall craft her better clothes and accessories."
"Hmph! I shall braid her hair into wonderful flowers."
"Ha! Therefore, I shall call the nature to sing for her!"
"I am her dearest fairy!"
"You mean the noisiest! Her dearest is I!!"
"...." — Gritting my teeth as I heard these fairies bicker with each other endlessly, I regretted the day before this one... when in an act of curiosity, I went outside, to the balcony at my chambers, hoping to catch a glimpse of the crown prince like last time... but I ended up gaining the continuous company of the curious fairies instead. — ’They are never still... don’t they know it makes it difficult to concentrate? These fairies solely make my head swirl with all their talking...!’
"Are you alright, lady Marianne? There is still time before we head to the Garden, you should rest assured. Everything will go splendidly." — The Empress said, concerned. Kindly stroking my back while she continued to deal with other matters as she requested the princess to come distract myself; probably believing that the hand that I had brought to my head was out of nervousness. — "Jasmine, why don’t you order some tea so you may take a breather? It would be wise now that preparations are done for the most part."
"... Yes, mother."
I noticed how the princess’ glance looked troubled at me while attempting to pay attention to her mother’s request. It made myself curious for a moment as it was unlike herself... although I have come to notice that it has been odd at times when it came to the princess’s demeanour lately.
She would always be kind to myself nonetheless... yet there was certainly something bothering her as of lately.
"Princess Jasmine~ Princess Jasmine~" — I listened and saw some other fairies happily dancing near the princess.
"Named after a flower~ so lovely princess Jasmine~~ hehe~"
"Lovely is her fur!"
"Lovely is her scent!!"
"Lovely, lovely is the princess~~ hehehe~!!"
"Ahem... uh... Do take a seat, lady Marianne. The tea will arrive soon." — She said as she came back seemingly confused, receiving my nod as I also wondered about the enthusiastic fairies following and dancing around whenever she approached myself.
I could tell there was something that was causing her discomfort. It was apparent in her behaviour that usually was measured and stoic... Nonetheless, we had not come across a private time to converse further, which is why I have the thought to mention it once the celebration is over today as it also will take more time for she believes I am still mute.
This time, as it was meant for myself to relax, we shared each other’s company in silence... although the fairies did not follow such manners. Yet thankfully, it was solely I who would know that.
Apparently, the fathers of the celebrated were meant to welcome the many guests. I had been told that Dad and the Emperor had been discussing who would be in charge of the speech... yet the more I learned the more I wished to ignore the details.
’I truly am confused... do they get along or not...? Father at times twists his mouth when mentioning the Emperor... yet he also talks fondly of him once in a while... how a unique friendship to have, haha.’ — I contemplated as I waited for the appointed time.
What did surprise myself was the fact that my-... that the duchess would assist the event without saying much about it. As one of the Mothers, she was to help host the tea party along with the Empress, which I believed would be a matter she would be against for she is not fond of myself... yet later, I understood that her lack of resistance was obvious as there was good a reason for her unwilling self to make an effort and make an outstanding appearance today.
’Good for her since she will be in the eye of everyone and earn compliments freely. I should have known this from the start... although it is unlucky for myself since I will need to feign happiness when meeting her.’ — My head throbbed slightly at the thought, as I considered how superficial a woman she has always been.
Dad was the sole reason I was willing to cooperate in keeping myself proper even if she did anything distasteful or fake in honour to keep the appearances she so treasured. He had informed myself with a troubled expression that the duchess was to assist the officialization today... which I sincerely did not find delightful for it was clear the mere announcement meant that there was something about it that unsettled him.