Chapter 262: Chapter 262
Following behind them, the Duke’s other child joined the reverence and walked along with her family and guards.
The three remaining Sylfinier left the Main Palace together, with Marianne and her Father heading the prominent march.
Graciously, the Ninth paced through the majestic entrance to the Palace as many knights bowed in respectful farewell to the significant Guest leaving the Royal grounds.
She was in high spirits. Happy for the events that had transcurred throughout the day, as nothing of bad taste had emerged to ruin such mood.
Nevertheless, within her high spirits, ponder was inundating the Lady’s mind... as no sight of one she thought would oversee her departure from beginning to end could be found.
’... Even when I arrived, he wasn’t there to welcome me... Maybe it’s his thing to do this...’ — Excusing it to forbid her mood to whither, she inwardly smiled resigning to not see the man.
Yet, in the ignorance of the man’s devotion, her beliefs were to be proven wrong. Vastly. Shortly... For he had arranged it so this farewell would be long.
"...Haaa... There it is..."
"?"
The frustrated sigh she heard from her Father was what brought her head upwards, to eventually see what had made Orland utter such a strong breeze.
"It appeared to me it was odd that the Host that summoned my child here was out of sight until now."
"As the Lady’s Host... I thought it was proper for I to surveil her return as, sadly, I could not do so when she arrived... She is no other than the Ninth now. Better escort than the Empire’s Hero and Crown Prince... I doubt there is any."
A confident smirk was given by Zeleskiaz, who stood straight in luxurious attire as the poniard from his bureau was carried by him instead of his principal weapon, the two-bladed sword, for it would hinder his plans because of its size.
However, his gaze only met the Duke’s for a second, for he only wished to look at his beloved who was an ethereal sight, taking away any concentration from him that wished to appear gallant before the woman.
"... That could be the case if not for I, her Father, and not only I, but her new personal guard is present." — Orland then answered, feigning a smile to the man that would not stop from admiring his daughter.
"... Indeed... That could be the case. Hence, I am not wearing armour." — Slowly turning his head, the eyes of the Crown Prince became cold for them who were not Marianne. And also faking politeness, a smirk came over his countenance. Preparing to shamelessly admit his intention. — "As you are here, I am here simply to escort my Guest home. Her march back to the Duchy will be witnessed by many. And as she is to board a lonesome carriage... Royalty is the only one admitted to board her distinguished ride."
"....."
"I would not like for My Lady to feel wearisome in this long journey she has ahead... I am to offer entertainment if it is accepted." — Closing the distance, Zeleskiaz paced graciously to stand before her. — "May you allow this kind of farewell from your Host, Lady Marianne, The Ninth Calla’s Confidant... Pristina Pars?"
The hand of the tall Prince unfolded, waiting for her to take it. Indifferent to the glare her Father gave to his shameless and arrogant attitude.
Regardless, her lids lowered, to ponder on his offered hand.
"....." — ’Is that true?... That I’m to ride that carriage alone because the others aren’t Royalty?’
The woman was concerned and saddened by such information.
Therefore, before responding, she turned to her Parent watching him with troubled glint for a moment, to then write down her doubts.
[ Am I to board a carriage without Father? ] — Marianne asked.
"... Yes..." — Sorry for it was the truth, Orland admitted, stroking her back in affectionate comfort. — "The Carriage arranged for The Ninth is such that no one besides you or a Royal can board it..."
"..."
[ Am I to always board a carriage on my own from now on? ] — She then added, already depressed by the first answer received.
The sorry expression of the Duke came to be a fond smile for how adorable reasons she ought to have for this inquiry. And after admiring the anxious glint in her anthracite hues, he grazed the length of her hair. Giving the answer her souls hoped for.
"No... Only at times as important... But even then, your Father will follow on mount or feet if needed."
"..." — ’... I would prefer if you could seat with us, though... But as you can’t, it should be by horse, Mister. Haha...’
Finding relaxation at his reassurance Marianne’s head looked downwards to feel the delight of such a gentle compromise the Duke made. Writing new letters to convey now that her doubts had been answered.
[ As I comprehend the current situation, may I accept His Highness’s gesture?
Father should also travel comfortably. I am certain that Theressa would find delight in your company, Father. ]
’She better do... Or I’ll kick her ninja style for making you feel bad again, Mister.’
Thinking about the better outcome that this journey could earn, Marianne suggested to her Father who had come across as depressed every time Theressa was mentioned by her.
Ignoring that no problem was ongoing between Father and daughter... as Orland had given a common reproach to his youngest, in wish for Theressa to lower her guard... And find the mistake she was to surely make... Uncovering her evil acts.
Hence, to also keep Marianne in the dark from his intentions, Orland conducted himself as ordinary. Since in his mind, the secrets Marianne had been concealing for years were gradually making themselves clear.
... Regardless... the Father was aware... That as he had feared, Marianne’s kindness wanted to hide such truth from him, to protect his soul and heart from the pain truth would provoke.
"Alright. That appears to be a wise plan if you are comfortable with it." — The affectionate Duke agreed. Proceeding to lull his mind into consensus when he did not truly like the suggestion. — ’Only so you are at ease..... I will also hide this suspicion I keep... For the same reason you have done, my sweet... Vulnerable bird...’
"!..." — ’Alright!’
While the glad child came to write more; this time words meant for the one planning courtship, Orland gave a warning glare to this Prince before turning to his other child that stood behind, restless to interrupt and exchange words with the Prince.
"Theressa, you can go ahead and board the carriage if you desire. I will go after I have a last word with His Highness."
"Ah... Yes..."
Peeking from her place at the referred Crown Prince, Theressa accepted. Coming forward in impulse before the message of Marianne was delayed.
"Your Highness, Crown Prince Zeleskiaz."
"... Yes?"
"... It was an honour to visit your Royal residence along with Sister Marianne. I hope we meet again soon."
His soft expression changed accordingly towards the unpleasant woman interrupting his concentration on his Beloved. Furthermore, Theressa’s manners were questionable as she fluttered her lids in motions attempting to seduce the man with sweet voice. Even unfolding her hand for the accustomed gesture of farewell between acquaintances would be granted by his Highness.
Flagrant was her attitude in Zeleskiaz’s perspective, as he had witnessed the awful behaviour of the young girl towards his loved one.
"....."
Observing from the edge of his eye at the hand Theressa held in the air for him to take, he glanced at the Duke whose displeasure was apparent in his demeanour and then... at Marianne... Who observed blankly at Theressa’s hand while holding her stack to her chest, nervously at what her sibling was doing out of foolish desperation.
"Have a safe travel, Lady."
"..... W–well as you are to accompany Marianne, farewell can wait. H–Have safe travels."
Learning that there was no intent from the man to take her hand, Theressa excused the returned rudeness to save her honour in front of her family members. Lowering her hand and slowly turning on her feet to walk towards her assigned carriage.
"I shall board first, Father. Royce, follow me." — Informing her Father while swallowing the humiliation, Theressa’s harsh voice came back. Calling her guard to follow her motion in a useless attempt to show her value as a guarded Lady.
"..."
Frowning, ashamed of his child’s behaviour, Orland shut the lids of his hues in starting headache.
Meanwhile Marianne watched the reckless Theressa walk away, lost in thought, until a thought broke the concern she was crafting towards the girl.
’Sigh... You look so admirable with that prideful walk you have... But... Ouf! You have to go and burn it in sh*t with these pathetic attempts you make! Have some real d*mm pride, Theressa!! This isn’t the right method! Y–You... You failure of a villainess!’
Frustrated at her complicated sentiments, knowing the feelings Theressa saved for the Prince, the foreigner whined about the cringe her actions made her feel once again...
’Don’t offer yourself in golden plate to be Royally humiliated!!!!’
Clenching her closed eyes and paper stack in her hand, the foreigner begged her body’s Sister to desist from further hurt she was to cause to herself with foolish actions.