Chapter 347: Chapter 347
"Excuse me... yet allow me this time again." — Looking back, taking her by the wrist he now told the lady. — "I do not wish for us to separate in the crowd and lose you once more."
"!"
Brief, their gazes met. Her surprised ones met the complicated turquoise of the prince to then lower her head in a flustered and relieved nod... for mistaken thoughts had emerged and finally dissipated by his impulse... causing the lady’s confidence to shake before the favoured man.
’... ~! He’s back to normal... gosh... thank goodness...’ — Tender, softening her guarded heart, Marianne joyfully sighed inside. Bowing her head shyly so Zeleskiaz would learn she welcomed his actions.
"....."
Their pace did not halt yet his heart did to the loveliness hidden under her slipping hood. The prince’s silence was the pause of contemplation, ultimately invoking the last action that would decorate her visage with much appetising blush as it had been her innocent wish during their afternoon stroll that occurred.
Strong fingers going down her wrist to reach her palm and grasp it smoothly finally granted the maiden’s desire. Taking Marianne with a gentle hold through the crowd, frisky shyness invaded the man, as such a kind touch his heart had also ached to achieve.
Many steps, heated and unfocused for the warmth of their plans were too sweet to admire the surroundings... and yet, the prince and lady stopped their movement... For a merchant at a stall called their attention. Letting the timid young pair blush further at the words of an old woman.
"What a beautiful couple! Good young man! Your wife’s hand is well held yet the other one feels lonely! Get her a flower so her hand can hold it!!"
’!? Wh–’
"–... Pardon?"
"Your wife, young man! She should hold a flower before the lights illuminate the sky! Buy the woman a flower, so her beauty never fades in a smile!"
’w-wife...??!!!’
"... A flower..."
Surprised and pleased by the repetition of a relationship he craved with the also shocked lady, the recall of a tradition he had heard long ago resounded in his head. One his little sister would tell the many pets he wiped out, daydreaming of a festival night royalty could not easily enjoy.
— Isn’t it wonderful? Flowers are given to the ladies the night of the lights... The first emperor gave a flower to his empress on a night of summer... every year. Blessed by her guardian so their love would prosper in eternity. —
"... Give me a bouquet." — After quietly scoffing, for at the time his sister’s daydream appeared foolish, Zeleskiaz stepped forward without losing grasp of Marianne’s hand. Grinning to himself as in the eyes of those around the two must look like a young married couple. — "A deep red one, please."
"My~ what a lucky girl you are. A handsome and caring husband you have. This old woman is jealous, hohoho~! Here you go, young man. I hope you two’s happiness overcomes eternity."
"..."
"Thank you." — Handing a golden coin to the woman, Zeleskiaz then took the bouquet. Peeking pleased at the pure quiet lady, whose head lowered trying to hide her embarrassment.
"!? Young man! This is too much!"
"It’s enough. Keep it."
"... May the lights shine brightly above you!!"— As the two walked away, the woman said, appreciative of a payment that could feed her big family for half a year without any type of work.
It was many steps away from the stall that the crown prince then ceased their walk, facing the lady while his hand held hers nervously to hand over this spontaneous yet heartfelt present.
"... Do accept these roses, my lady... it is tradition for women to hold onto a flower when admiring the lights... Yet also receive them as a gift from myself."
’... Thank you...’ — Shy, she daintily took the bouquet, glancing at him pure and adorable as her cheeks strengthened the pink by the recall of how they appeared before the old woman. — ’uh... Should I say... "darling"? "Honey"?... "dear"? Haha...’
"Umh... I hope the lady is not offended."
"??"
"I did not correct the woman... about our relationship..."
"....."
"It appeared irrelevant to tell..."
Deeply entranced in her timid beauty, Zeleskiaz informed superficially, receiving her light nod as a secret answer was conveyed.
’Yeah... it’s fine. I don’t really... mind.’ — Marianne thought. Pleased, for his voice was a nice caress. Much lovely as his hand gently squeezed hers as much more was told inside himself... solely for him to listen to the pledge of a devoted heart.
’... Soon a day will come... and it will be true, my love...’ — Already lost in the illusion of a future bonded to the lady, Zeleskiaz watched her, fond of her virtue. While his hand clasped hers better as she smelled the scent of roses.
"My lady, the square is near, however... do not release my hand."
Quick, she nodded, her nose falling more into the flowers and resuming their walk that was thoughtful of Marianne’s speed.
A lively square with seats for the people was dimly lit. Surrounding a statue of crystalline shade that assimilated the orange of daylight while its shape was that of a great willow tree that on its crown raised a wolf much known to everyone, standing admirably, stomping on its height as if climbing it, black in prominent hue.
"ah... Over there, a space is free." — The prince announced, continuing to walk tranquil.
’!? Then hurry! Hurry! We’ll lose them if we don’t!’
However speeding their pace for their title would not grant privileges at this time, more so as they concealed their identities, Marianne jumped, pulling of Zeleskiaz’s arm as well as she managed to do while speeding up.
"??? Uh? Um??" — Confusion kept him speechless and it was only once she sat down, patting the place beside hers so he would also take a seat that the Prince spoke, chuckling to the nice light in her anticipating hues. — "Haha... The lady’s speed is also getting better. However, was there a need to rush?"
’Ouf! You’ve never been poor so you wouldn’t know, but we’re lucky we got seats! If we didn’t rush you wouldn’t be saying my speed is good but my fighting skills, kinky!’
Puffing her cheeks with a visage that had yet to fully recover, Marianne hugged her bouquet, answering something he couldn’t hear, yet answered well enough for him to understand.
"... If the lady’s eagerness is like this, I shall believe it was wise to invite you tonight. For the event is yet to commence and yet the lady already appears pleased."
Glancing at their hands... he saw and felt how they were now detached from each other. The sensation felt odd for both. Causing their fingers to unconsciously fidget... aching for the time to come back so they would find an excuse to intertwine once more.