Chapter 338: Chapter 338
’Why do I have to witness her bad acting?... It’s good I’m not paying for this, or I would want a refund.’
Witnessing how Theressa excused her behaviour, saying "nervousness" made her lose focus when before "spectacular" (which I can grant is true since We are kind of awesome) people, it was now I who lost focus since I’m not about to get interested in her cringe acting... until finally, the Duke took the dwarf in a wig away with him.
But even then, she annoyed me. Since while walking away, she turned back to look at us, say goodbye again with her head briefly... to then almost fall as she started at the royal hunk staying behind.
’... Idiot... pull yourself together. It’s as if you had it tattooed on your forehead. Keep your pride for the love of god...’
The fact that her crush was indiscriminately being exposed just by her simple breathing annoyed me. She would become crazy later in the novel, losing all pride and self-respect. Doing stuff I abhorred as a woman since it was detrimental and grievous... and seeing that her attitude didn’t change much, faking a personality she doesn’t have before everyone, trying to look good yet to top it off, fail at it... keeps making me lose the hope I want to have for her.
’I truly hate... how she can easily change my mind. Either for the good or bad... I should just do the minimum...’
Keeping her safe from our psycho brother should be enough... with what I asked from the Duke... if that doesn’t work, then it is just how she wants it to be.
’Right. Even if we have a grandma’s heart, we are still adults. We should let people be and watch from the shadows, say ’I told you’, laugh for being correct and just let the stupid be stupid.’
It was difficult for us to even agree on this. As tough as I want to appear, I’m human and a freaking kind one... if I’m allowed to brag about a thing that is a bad thing, if it has no limits like sometimes my kindness does... but being aware is a step.
A step to change it, though.
’I am to become ruthless and become the true villain of the novel, wahaha!’
"..."
’Just kidding.’ — I said, smug at my joke. Opening my eyes as my long thoughts ended. Only to find two pairs of violet eyes looking curious at me.
"....."
’... Just kidding.’ — I repeated, this time uncomfortable since I could tell they might have been talking to me, and I just didn’t listen.
"Hmm... Cute child, it appears the retreat of your father truly upsets your mood, huh?"
’Uh?? It does but... his wig of a kid does more, though??’ — Trying to go along with his comment, I tilted my head, ignorant of what the Emperor truly meant.
"Or was it my eyesight failing that I saw a disapproving expression in your gentle visage?"
"..!"
’Oooh!... So she annoyed me enough for others to notice, huh...’ — Comprehending where he was going, I commented to Marianne, taking enough seconds to also realise there was more to be alert of. — ’!? Hey! If others already can notice more of our expressions, then I should be more careful!!’
The dangers of crashing Marianne’s fancy and elegant attitude are already here!
"The lady has become more expressive lately." — Coming to my aid, the Crown Prince calmly told his father, giving me a complicit look that even appeared proud in their beautiful shade of red.
"I have noticed, and yet it is still a surprise... A pleasant one, although." — The curious Emperor said, holding his chin still impressed. Speaking truly intrigued about us. — "The day I met the lady in her debutante ceremony, no hint of emotion was clear... oh, child. I hope these sayings do not upset you."
Probably seeing how I attentively listened to him, the Emperor made sure to clear up when I already knew he had no bad intentions.
I quickly shook my head since I was alright with it, and then he continued. Much fonder as he spoke of a past that appeared long ago but was only a few months back.
"It is solely... youthful Marianne. I had wished for you to get better from this condition you are under. I could see there was hidden brilliance inside your frail body... And yet I still become surprised to see what I knew you were capable of achieving. It is truly pleasant a scene."
"....."
’Gosh, I’m surely blushing... it’s nice to be acknowledged...’
"Hoho~ Truly marvellous it is... Even if faint, a hint of recovery is a wonderful thing in our precious Calla’s Confidant. Isn’t that right, Crown Prince?"
"It is."
"... And? Don’t be stiff. Compliment the lady like a gentleman would."
".... Ahem... More than wonderful, it is a thing to appreciate... for the lady’s fairness is a blessing for the eyes."
’... Heh... hehe~ oh god! I feel dumb to like this so much!!’
"THAT is a proper compliment! Haha!" — As if entertained, I heard the emperor say while I felt more shy. Unable to meet the gaze of the prince. — "At times, I wonder how come you keep so severe if you have learned gallantry, hahaha!"
"..."
"Anyway, young pair of noble figures, it is time I make you do as his grace, your Father, cute child, said you should." — After excitedly... slapping the crown Prince’s shoulder, the Emperor suddenly changed into an admirable tone again to declare. Making me lift my head to meet his confident gaze of a more subtle hyacinth. — "You should enjoy the festival while excitement is still vivid. Zeleskiaz. You go and accompany the Ninth instead of Sir Vitor."
"...."
"... Yes."
"I hope it will not trouble you, cute child. You see, this brat never enjoys what he normally should in his youth. That is why he does stupidities like that one he greeted me with before introducing you to the people."
"Emperor."
"Ahem... E-either way. Take him with you and make him enjoy what the empire looks like in celebrations." — He said after obviously being threatened by the mentioned prince. — "Do cover yourselves so your fame does not hinder a good noon."
I nodded, agreeing and also saying farewell since the emperor was already walking away. Already nervous. Anxious again...
Since something I had joked about throughout these days without seeing him was actually happening.
’I swear I’m not a witch, Anne...’ — I told the other thrilled one of us. — ’But it’s happening... the cannon stroll around a festival with the male lead... it’s actually happening.’