Chapter 328: Chapter 328
I could cry even thinking about today’s breakfast... She’s my heroine... I want to be as cool as her... And have control of a dangerously delicious kitchen as she does someday...
"No. The pins on her crown should not overshadow her dress... Something simpler."
... It’s helpful my thoughts distract me enough from the noisy talk the moody madame is into right now.
"Try that accessory... Where is my fan?! For the Love of–! Aah~ there it is~ this Chosen Ninth’s allure needs a little breeze to calm me down! Ohoho~"
’..... Heh. I know.’
"..."
’Hey. We have to agree when at least she says nice things. It helps me not to earn her surname, you know? See those wrinkles she has up her eyebrow? That’s the result of moodiness, Anne.’
Currently, I’m getting ready for the big event. Yet I’m sleep deprived even when I would be knocked out right after seating on the couch every night... Naively thinking I could make it to a voice session. Heh. Truly naive, when our body is still this weak...
Saying the Empress was my only ally... it’s only because I couldn’t see him during these days and couldn’t hold off awake once night arrived. If not, I know I would add him to the ally group.
’... His mini version was my wonderful break though. Dioclecià’s cuteness was truly... gosh, I love that little prince.’
It’s thanks to his overboard admiration for his older brother that I was able to learn how busy he was... and now I don’t only feel bad for Marianne and me, but also for him because, apparently, the Emperor had dropped a bunch of work on him... that only him could do.
— Marianne. I am having trouble learning how to properly become my brother’s keepsake... However, Brother Zeleskiaz is taking upon himself the training of many men as the hero of the Empire... I cannot see him as often as I desire...—
’When he said this yesterday, I finally understood what kind of duties he was taking care of... The duke did mention that there were some circumstances in the Empire that would bring changes... It could have to do with diplomacy...’
Sigh... it all makes me anxious now. It’s because I also overthink ever since I was warned by Fathia that I should be careful...
"Alright. Stop!... Ah~ , Pristina...
"??"
"... Lady. You are ready. Oh~ Bella... This dress...
’... Once we get the speed... swoosh! Just like that, Anne. Something more bad*ss. I know a few languages too. Maybe we could say something like "Olé" in Spanish, fufufu~’ — Already imagining my time to shine, I started to fantasise about what to say if I get the opportunity to act like this.
"You! The dull yet pretty maid drooling over there!"
"!?!? Y-yesh! *Shrulurp* Yes, Madame!? "
’PFFTT! D*mn it, Paige! Khaha!!’ — Looking towards where the chaotic Madame pointed dramatically I almost bit my tongue because of how funny Paige looked while being called out like that. Catching her drool while wiping it with her hand.
"How much time is left."
"Uh... we are delayed by almost two hours..."
’?! Dayum–’
"Wonderful."
’??? Pardon??’ — Confused by the woman’s reaction that smiled satisfied, I squinted my eyes. Judging... Trying to discern if I’m just hearing things or if I’m in a really funny dream at this point.
"The Emperor will be glad."
’Uh... How? For waiting two hours?... I don’t think so, uh... Señora(?)’
All I could do is join the incongruence of this woman with my retorts at this point.
Since she waddled so confidently while putting long gloves on, making me doubt if my sense of responsibility was wrong. But then she finally looked back at me, raising her eyebrow in an acute angle. So annoyingly bold that it made me envious of that wrinkle.
"Oh. Do not fret, Bella Pristina... Indeed, making his majesty wait is not marvellous. Yet if it is for this..." — Pointing with the feeble wrist at myself, she smiled with those crooked red lips to end today’s first level of torture. — "He could even make the people wait an hour more. Fufu~ The Emperor knows how a spectacle is to be done, Precious Ninth."
*******
’... I’m going to pee myself any minute now.’
Holding onto the arm of the excited Emperor, feeling how I slowly became pale the more I comprehended that the music and the people’s buzz were because of us, I began even doubting my past life’s decisions because of how nervous I was.
’I can’t believe I’m actually becoming stage frightened with how shameless I am... has becoming a mute turned me into a coward??... Perhaps this is happening because I would always remind my brother how he puked on his kindergarten presentation... all over the microphone...’
"..."
’Heh. Never mind. I regret nothing.’ — I started a monologue of reflections, only to gain courage and be willing to water some flowers since I know too well how he deserved to suffer after cutting my bangs way too short while I was sleeping. — ’A*shole... I had to wear a cap... only to be called out by the teacher and take it off in front of my new classmates...’
"....."
’Believe me, darling. It’s worst than it sounds like.’ — I then told the judgemental cutie always following me around. Acting as brazen as I can be since I’m starting to get into it. — ’Besides, if not for this randomness of your big sister then you would still be feeling anxious. Ain’t I awesome? I’m even helping you out. Hehehe~’
I could feel how she seemingly sent a scoff of disbelief to my sayings. However, our tension had actually calmed down and while we walked backstage with the Emperor who proudly escorted us, he finally spoke again. This time much more composed compared to when we arrived at his royal lounge... Since surprise and anticipation to flex became full flexing mode now that the time to start the event was here.
"Aaah~ Cute child... We closed the principal road so no one at the square would get a peek at our arrival... That was a great decision." — Separating from me, giving a step aside while holding my hand up, the Emperor said with a satisfied smile. — "If we hadn’t, people’s cheers could have escalated while witnessing the Ninth’s finesse along this grandiose Ruler, hoho."
’Hehe~ Yes, sir. You bet. Your Majesty is also looking nice~’ — I answered flattered, and entertained at how he playfully yet also meaningly said it.
"... Cute child." — Then, changing his tone to a more serious one, although still looking fondly at us, the Emperor continued. — "Stand taller and as prominent as always... And pay attention to the front seats... Someone you might want to catch sight of will be there... Ahem. However, do not tell him I told you. He gets quite annoying even when my great self is being kind to him."
Grumbling in the end, the Emperor frowned. Probably just by thinking about this troublesome person. And Marianne and I couldn’t help but feel joy from his words, since I can tell already who this person is.