Chapter 332: Chapter 332
The loving child’s happiness could be sensed through the air once her eyes got to meet her Father.
Seating gentlemanly where those important to the Empire seated apart from the multitude, the Duke’s presence was simply reassuring to her heart just by the glad demeanour he portrayed in a smile she could easily recognise from a distance.
’... There he is... We definitely can’t faint now, sweetheart. We have to make your dad happy and proud... That way, he can be sure we are doing well.’
Determined to make her Father feel merrier, Marianne became taller, tracing with her gaze the many heads that were starting to buzz into murmurs, wondering if something would come out of her mouth.
The two royalties standing along heart the stage merely observed, aware that the lady’s every motion was part of her calm self to take in the sights before doing something they were to follow.
Hence, those standing alongside her on the stage were attentive. So once she turned to one of them, a hand would be extended for her to take.
"...." — ’Phe~~w... Alright.’
Deep inhalation filled her lungs enough for her body to levitate slightly as she did. With a determined glance, the light of summer shined freshly above, earning her more delight to feel a different anxiety, struck by the light sounds of watching people, respectfully waiting for her next action.
"Mama... will the pretty Ninth speak???"
Suddenly, she was able to hear from a child held in a mother’s arms, being shushed quickly by the hand of her parent because she noticed how Marianne looked their way... Unaware that it was a sweet little smile she dedicated to them, answering on the inside with her characteristic humour.
’Not yet, kiddo. That’s a locked feature yet. But I do have something prepared to say.’
Her hand then took out the stack those close to her knew very well. And handing it to the Crown Prince remaining next to her, she requested humbly to the man to become her spokesman this time.
’... Do me this favor, kinky...’ — Marianne requested. Immediately losing possession of the stack, for the man did not hesitate for even a second to grant her plea.
"Do let me." — Zeleskiaz gallantly replied, turning to the crowd to continue as admirable as a menacing hero to gracefully recite the words of a lady.
"People."
"..."
"Listen to the words the Ninth dedicates to you."
As if glaring at everyone present, Zeleskiaz commenced. Lifting the stack to read a first sentence that made his brow doubt.
[ I apologise to those here wishing to hear my voice. ] — He read for himself. Glancing at the Lady who appeared sure of her writings to then continue skimming at the rest of the message, learning that he should never doubt the woman’s intentions, for she has always been clever when expressing herself.
"Her message, I will let you hear...
<< I apologise to those here wishing to hear my voice. It is a shared wish that, sadly, I cannot grant you, good people.
My Title’s Surname Pristina Pars. Once I obtained it, His Majesty taught me that its meaning is as follows:
The Ninth Calla’s Confidant, Pristina Pars, whose soul is the innocent mouthpiece of a promise.
I wonder if such is the case as I lack the voice to sing such a mouthpiece.>>... "
Murmurs became noticeable as he continued, and yet, they would settle down, for even as it was the Prince who spoke, her eyes were placed on the people, desiring to transmit the message.
"... <<Yet a small thing I wish to deliver to every one of you... to children, adults and wise elders that live in this wonderful Empire... No greater honour I could have than be chosen by the strong Fenrir and be one the gentle First Empress confides in to take care of a marvellous promise... I am certain... My voice, it is probably reserved by our Empress Calla so I may sing it once the time she deems correct arrives. Do take care of me, for it is not solely by her trust placed on myself that I am to veil for all of you.>>"
"..."
"<<It is my honest wish... For it is the peace we live in I want you to remain in.>>"
Awe was mumbled by timid ones, impressed to hear such a mysterious message.
"<<May thy worth aid my unworthy self bridge our Primal Regnant’ road again... So prosperity will not fade from our lands. >>"
Another deep reverence was given by the Lady as awestruck silence reigned over the people listening to a unique prayer, conveying the truth of the people’s worth as greater than herself, letting them know the humble and gentle manners one of Calla’s Confidants ought to possess.
Yet it was solely a moment, for within, many thoughts crossed the unaccustomed young lady... and her visage would react although slightly to her chaotic ideas.
’... Dayuuuuum~ that was good but... d*mn cringey though!! It’s weird to hear what I wrote so formally!!’ — Awkward to know the words came from herself, she rambled while her head was down in reverence, finally deciding to rise, giving one last effort for the people to witness. — ’Somehow, let’s smile, Anne! Say cheese or whisky! But get our smile out so these guys buy our scam!!!’
"~~! ~!"
It was faint, yet her body told more than her light and graceful lift of corners that were too elegant compared to the nervous one she projected in her deepest. Stiffened by the anxiety to face those that had listened to the prince, Marianne’s shoulders trembled, shrinking slightly as her delicate hands grasped her lovely skirt depicting the warm and fruity summer.
The eyes of the people gazed at her, mumbling to then deciding between themselves... how a young one was sincere, innocently standing before the many of them.
"Ninth Calla’s Confidant!! Lady Pristina Pars!!!" — From someplace in the crowd, a man and a girl yelled energetically through the buzzing silence. Only to be followed by another’s voice.
"May thy worth bridge our Primal Regnant’ road again! Lady Pristina Pars!!! Our Ninth Calla’s Confidant!!"
"Our Ninth Calla’s Confidant!! May Fenrir’s protegee be loved by the Realm!!"
Cheers from the crowd started to join in fabulous choruses to welcome our chosen child. And her stiffness loosened the more she felt welcomed by the people.
Nonetheless, the loud welcome was not to be shared by everyone, for equal understanding was not easy to achieve between many.
"Is she a mute? How come a chosen one is this lacking?"
"Perhaps she does not have personality... apparently she debuted this year... a pampered child of a Duke. I would not doubt it is a whim of a young child."
"How will she honour the promise like this? Will the Empire be safe?"
"..."
Similar murmurs traversed mostly between those of privileged cradle, yet some from humble birth also convened.
"... She doesn’t seem reliable. No voice and too young... Moreover... A woman. If she’s meant to keep an important promise, I doubt it will successfully be fulfilled."
"The Ninth seems weak..."
Many thoughts and opinions could be heard that, in honest consideration, were agreeable if ignorant.
And yet, Marianne focused on those happy to see her. Aware that the world had such work going in every place she could go.
’Some aren’t happy... but that’s alright. We can’t be liked by everyone... and they don’t know all the surprises we hide sweetheart.’ — The foreign soul told the child sharing the body.
Placating her fear...
Her trembling...
And guiding their gaze to meet her Father’s, who nodded to her, reassuring his child that no mistake was committed and that her head ought to keep tall... For her behaviour has been exemplary to any capable to see it.