Chapter 336: Chapter 336
Light flinch of her finger was caused by the disbelief, inducing the also awkward youngest to keep silent. Nonetheless, there was more she wanted to say, even if disorganised... Even if unable to finish her sentences properly.
"Y-your hand... is..."
"..."
"..... does it not ache...?" — The peek of her eyes met Marianne’s, which went immediately to look at her father out of nervousness. However, the glance from Theressa appeared insincere, provoking the wrong interpretation in the chosen child.
’I see now... So I was right... she’s acting.’ — Sightly dejected Marianne conceived. Although her displeasure was not showcased, acting politely and elegantly as she knew doing otherwise would be useless.
The stroke of her hand, along graceful nod, conveyed a simple answer and drawing her hold away from Theressa; uninterested in acting in over much when her mood was not willing to, Marianne ended her little sister’s chance to continue engaging in conversation by turning her head to that other one waiting to greet her.
"! Ah s-... sister–"
"Greetings Ninth Calla’s Confidant, Lady Marianne... Excuse the tardy greeting. I was hoping to give your family the privilege as it is blood you share."
’... Blood is nothing sometimes, little duke...’ — Coldly, she commented, glancing at Theressa while Clemente proceeded.
"I selfishly joined them as I had the wish and task to congratulate you on behalf of the Noverrne’s duchy and in my Father’s name."
’Oh... Right. You’re as strict as you are supposed to be... nice.’ — Deciding it was time to speak through her writings, she then dedicated appreciation to Clemente’s straightforwardness. — [ Duke Noverrne, it is delightful to see you. Thank you for taking the trouble to come and meet me. Have your days been peaceful? The Duke’s Mother and Father, how is their health? ]
"..... Your interest will make them happy, my lady... Mother has become healthy again, and Father is enjoying his retirement by her side. If you let me, his words to you were:
<<The sadness to not see you in person is enormous, Young Miss. Yet how joyous occasion, gods were wise and appreciative of your essence. It is now that I count the days before my son’s ball happens, so a better greeting is given in person to your gracefulness. >>"
"How kind of your father, young Noverrne. I can tell the Sir is impatient to celebrate your Title."
"... They are more eager than myself."
’Haha... his father truly is a very kind man...’ — She thought, writing in a new page to rip its sheet and give to the Duke of Noverrne while Orland talked to him.
[ Do delay these words to Lord Noverrne. ]
"... I will, Lady Marianne." — Taking a moment to read the words on the folded piece she offered, the thoughtfulness she recalled to the touch he disliked was proved once more. Inpulsing the young duke to speak. — "About the ball, did the Lady receive the invitation?"
’? I did, but I never saw it, I guess... ?’ — Turning to her father whose eyebrow was raised, unlike himself, Marianne brought Orland’s attention to speak on her behalf.
"... Yes. We did receive it, Duke Clemente. We appreciate the invitation greatly as it is an important celebration."
"I am glad. It is a first. Hence I am curious if invitations were properly delivered."
"Lose concern. On our side, preparations are already in process."
"Is that how it is?"
"Surely it is."
"... If I am allowed to say, an event like this is wonderful for us ladies. Marvellous dresses are to be made for the occasion. Even... Even sister is preparing along Her Majesty and Her Highness, Your Grace." — Slightly bothered and jealous, Theressa added. Attempting tall elegance as she tried to gain the attention of those conversing.
Yet a long pause was settled by Clemente, whose eyes went back to stare at Marianne, pondering blankly before answering.
"I see."
"..."
"I shall also prepare to honour the Ladies’ efforts."
"Well, that is proper etiquette..." — Orland said, trying sympathy in his tone.
’... Uh... Yeah but, dude... relax... it doesn’t have to be perfect–... ah. No, I’m who’s wrong saying that. If it’s him, it has to be perfect... OCD issues... Hopefully, he won’t stress over it. Preparing a ball seems bothersome on many levels.’
It was a given that the Noverrne Duke’s next action would be his farewell, and yet it was not noticed as simple.
From an apart space, those who had left the Lady in the company of those visiting had also watched the scene, even though rage was burning the Emperor’s vessels as the report had already been told in a discreet moment.
Nonetheless, his wish to reproach the heir could not occur. As even as he threatened to dismiss any power he held solely for his birth, Zeleskiaz’s senses were all focused somewhere a lady stood.
"... Clemente better kiss the child’s hand so you get what deserved." — While resigned to not being heard, Francois muttered, bored, thinking of the third part of the beasts his son had killed along with those injured knights he disabled to get to the Festival’s square.
"... I’ll kill the rest later."
"... He better not kiss her hand." — To the ominous determined reply of the Crown Prince, Francois then said. Feeling helpless as it was obvious no threat or joke would work for anyone’s good... much less for the headache growing nonstop by the coming trouble his son could cause.
"...."
Stillness between son and father continued while the sharp hearing of Zeleskiaz paid attention to every voice as well as the seemingly proper aura expelling from Clemente, whose gaze met his for a sole second before unfolding his hand towards the loved one.
"Lady Marianne. Once more, congratulations. We are to meet at Noverrne’s."
"Tsk."
"Don’t move, Zeleskiaz." — Seeing how the lift of her hand went to lay on the hand of the Young Duke, the Emperor’s tone ordered the man’s instinct to follow, as in his veins Fenrir also was close to.
"..."
"As much as I understand you have found a loved one. Act idiotic by impulses, and even if she is into you, I will make it so you won’t have her... Ever in your life."
"Hah... You will what?"
"Glare all you want, madman. But I don’t lack reason. That child’s hand doesn’t deserve a man whose love makes him a danger even to her."
"... So you think I could place her in danger?"
"With those bloody impulses you have, you certainly will. Gain more enemies, and guess who they will attack to hurt you. You are my heir, and also, you’re not a hero for nothing. Use that brain when it truly matters... son." — Deciding it was time to warn a dangerous first-timer in love, Francois gave wise advice to his firstborn. — "You listen to your mother and never to me. It is alright. I pay no mind... yet this time, heed my words, brutish brat. Even I want that child to join our house, just so you are aware."
"..."
"Do things right. Not only the cute child but her father is also important to this royal family."
Feigning ignorance to the widening of his son’s eyes, the Emperor walked past him. Telling his support in a roundabout manner yet confirming it to the baffled Zeleskiaz.
"Come. Act adequately so you can build a good impression on those who matter. We are still royalty. Use it well for once."