Chapter 594: Chapter 594
Thus, it was for Dad’s peace of mind and sake that my kind self would ignore any hostility from the duchess on this day... It was sure to happen after all. Until today, Theressa had yet to be released from the physician’s room, having no contact with anyone, seemingly continuing her incarceration at their care, and so, many rumours appeared to be spreading about it between the nobles in these pair of days. Hence, the duchess’ spite, certainly aware of all of this, would surely come at myself given the opportunity before her.
’I will not fall for her taunt... yet if I get the chance...’
I was determined to be fair and clever about it all today. The event was for the crown prince and myself to enjoy... so I would still not allow the distasteful ones to ruin it.
And so, as preparations continued with a busy Empress, a rarely quiet Princess and a focused self... The time to descend and start the courting officialization came with the Emperor’s right hand’s announcement. Before many nobles, many youthful peers... at a beautifully blessed day of Autumn.
*******
"Everyone is here, finally. Your child must be about to arrive, huh? This will be exciting. Who would have thought a day like this would come... If after this they develop good feelings for each other and welcome an endless relationship... we’ll be family, Orland." — Francois while standing proud said with a mischievous grin, peeking at the close friend who had been trying to ignore his mumbles for a while.
"..."
"... What? Will you stay mad forever?? It’s not a big deal. Everyone is here, just change that expression or you’ll make everyone think you oppose this courtship."
"... You used your status to make it so you get to welcome most of the guests. You tw*t, you can’t even get a clue you’re annoying everyone with your idiocy, Maurice." — Ultimately, Orland replied. Frowning as he reproached the Emperor without care for words.
"Tsk!! Don’t call me-!! Agh! Besides, what status!? I won with scissors!! Who told you to fall for such an easy trick!! If I say I’ll use rock why would you believe it!! Don’t be an idiot! You’ve fallen to that trick since we were kids, what kind of dumba*s can’t even learn after all these years!!" — Forgetting the eyes around, the Emperor clenched Orland’s blouse, starting a discussion many averted their eyes from.
"F*ck off, Maurice! It’s my daughter’s day!! Can’t you be serious!?"
"Our children’s day, you wanna say!!"
"Who wants to see that aloof brat of yours!! They’re all here for Marianne! She’s the loved one in the Empire!!"
"!!... Bloody hell... Can’t argue with that... Zeleskiaz, he’s never been cute."
"That’s right... and don’t start with that stupidity of us becoming family. It could go wrong and instead, I take your son’s head in the end." — Pouting as he fixed himself, Orland posed properly again. Looking forward as the Emperor followed.
"Sigh... Again. I know you are correct. But why do we need to discuss this right now? Look, everyone is at their designated seats. Zeleskiaz is behaving well over there and even your wife is here. Try to relax and enjoy a good tea party. What’s wrong with us having such thoughts?"
"It’s unsettling. I will enjoy it once my child is around."
"Alright, alright..." — The Emperor gave in. Sighing once more while the view of the many present appeared joyful and expectant for the event to begin.
A simple thing it was. An easy schedule to follow... At first, after announcing the arrival of the Ninth, everyone would listen to the Empress’s speech which represents the elegance and warmth of the powerful rulers in the Empire. A dance of a hopeful couple would follow and would be enjoyed by the assistants and would later be joined by the young ones to finally make space for the men to gather separately from the women. They would then prepare the offer to those they seek to impress: the many vibrant ladies, who would be enjoying of their own refreshing essences while they waited for the men to return.
This specific courting, the one of the heirs to the Throne was traditionally meant to also invite the young ones in the search for their love. A playful event... a tradition the First Emperor and his Empress commenced when the Empire came to be along with their few followers.
"... Do you think many new couples will rise from today?" — Francois asked intrigued by the surprises the day may keep. Giving a glimpse to his friend again who frowned still. — "... tsk. You’re a bitter and boring old man."
"Shut it. I’m just nervous. Leave me alone."
"... well... That is indeed more believable, haha!"
Unsettled, the Father of the chosen was stiff in place as he acknowledged there was less time remaining for the event to start. The current fame and condition of his youngest, the affairs with his oldest and the disdain of a wife towards one of their children had Orland concerned in many matters. His duties to the Empire and now the future of his beloved daughter that today was to commence another stage of a woman’s life was upsetting his stomach and usually composed demeanour, hoping from the bottom of his heart that nothing would disgrace her happiness again.
’It will be official after today, sweetie... so please... make sure the brat is how you believe... Otherwise, my heart will worry, my child...’ — Orland prayed. Aware that within himself consciousness about the pure love of the prince was acknowledged.
The days she had gone missing and the days she was in deathly slumber had convinced the father of the unknown depths Zeleskiaz held solely for Marianne... the prince’s dedication and visible distress had been witnessed... Hence, it was now solely his Fatherly reticence that was acting reluctant to accept that there was another man in this world who would love his child not minding death itself and instead would welcome it and defy it... so somehow his hand would take Marianne’s.
"....."
A glimpse was finally given by Orland’s anthracite to the crowd. Finding the very man that summoned these instances the day he requested the Sylfinnier’s Duke’s approval to court his child.