Chapter 352: Chapter 352
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"It is by no other than the Ninth, Pristina Pars’s hand that the honoured prize of this competition will be given. Think of the hunt you earn as an offering this marvellous lady chosen by those truly powerful deserves. Showcase on it the worth of your Households, noblemen of this Frotschter Empire."
"....."
’I didn’t sign for this, though?’ — The event was given a start with this announcement of the smug Emperor, making it the first thing that might shake my plans.
However, I had to act as if I agreed. Bowing respectfully after standing from our V.I.P. seat so the nobles could admire the outfit we prepared.
Wearing a luxurious marigold shade of a skirt with a white cream upper dress squeezed in a dark brown leather corset, I dressed up in a befitting concept for the event. The golden embroidery of arrows going up my skirt, so elegant they didn’t look like a weapon gave it the elegance needed. While it was my wrist’s accessories that had the colours the gods only allowed us to use.
I have to always wear them when in public, but this time I decided with the Moody Madame to make it simple, as I was to wear the necklace with a daisy flower on it, decorated by little buds and with edges sealed in gold to make it shine and bring everyone’s eyes to it. Especially the ladies. Fufufu~
I had already greeted a few of my family members that morning before the opening of the hunt.
We had gone on our own to the Sylfinnier’s tent, and obviously, the Duke was surprised to see us, since he intended on going to meet us first.
"!? Marianne! My dear, you came all this way on your own? I had thought on going to you first..." — Taking our hands with delight he greeted us, immediately tracing our appearance with those kind grey eyes, to then smile fondly and praise us. — "Sigh... it is difficult to be away from my child... every time I get to see you, my lovely bird’s feathers become more and more dazzling... my dear child, how much more beautiful are you to become? Oh the trouble... oh the trouble it sows in this father, my precious girl~"
Playful and adorable, the duke’s hand made us whirl to appreciate our dress, giving us a tight hug at the end to finally take our cheeks and give us that peck on our forehead we have been wondering when would be granted.
’Hahaha~ oh gosh, I love this... it’s like we are his princess, haha!’ — Pleased by how balanced his energy was, we went back to hug him, letting myself also enjoy Marianne’s Father’s warmth... since taking a little advantage of it won’t hurt... right?
"Hm? Marianne, is this the accessory you asked me to help with?"
"!" — ’It is, mister! Take a better look at it, please.’
Taking it on my hand I showed it for him to hold. And as serious as he was when looking at anything I came up with, he carefully touched it, making sure the terminations were done properly.
"Hmm... a flower carrying a flower... how lovely, Marianne. It is gorgeous and pure, just like my child. Nonetheless... I wonder if it will look good on other ladies..."
’uh? W-why?? I’m sure they will like it...’
"There aren’t many ladies as beautiful as my child. Perhaps it is because you wear it that it looks stunning?"
’!? Ouf! Mister, you scared me!’ — Shy that I realised his teasing late, I lowered our head, happy to know he only wanted to compliment us more.
"Haha. Did his highness the Third Prince like how the one with his gift turned out? After all, this idea came from your desire to keep it untouched."
[ The little prince became tearful from joy, Father. It was conflicting, yet he made sure to tell me it delighted him. ]
Touched by the remembrance of the day I showed it to Dioclecià I wrote such in my notes so the Duke would know.
"My... he is a sensible child... it is good you brought him delight with this, Marianne."
Talking about this, I then started looking around, wondering why no one else from the family was in sight.
And as expected, the mister noticed. Mentioning it immediately.
"Your mother and sister are chatting with the ladies they are acquainted with. If they don’t come back soon, you will probably meet them once the tea for the ladies is served while the men go for the hunt."
’Hmm... that explains why I didn’t feel that unwelcoming vibe in this place...’
"As for your brother... he went to make sure the horses are well cared for. He should not take long in returning to the tent..."
’Oh? Then I shouldn’t stay long–’
"Marianne...? My little sister... you are here."
’... D*mn it.’ — Too late to flee from the tent, I cursed. Annoyed and disgusted by the tone he used when greeting me. Awkward as I saw him give the first step toward us.
"Dear sister, I have been–"
"Son? I am sorry to interrupt your reunion with your sister, yet how did the revision go?"
"...?" — Stepping in front of us, as if purposely getting in the way of Paul’s impulse, the Duke surprised us. Making me curious... about how timely this action was.
"... Everything is ready, your Grace. Nothing is misplaced."
"I see. That’s good. Thank you, son. You are certainly lucky... You came back just in time to meet Marianne."
"Yes... Marianne, my sister..." — Turning to look at us, his dry expression changed, continuing to talk while kind of ignoring his father. — "How long has it been? It feels as if I have not seen you in ages..."
"Oh, Paul. Do not exaggerate. You saw her that day at the festival. Right, sweetie?"
’... That’s right... it hasn’t been long enough, at least not enough to wash the bad taste your existence gives me.’ — Nodding to the Duke, thankful that he stayed between us, I spouted inside. Already aching to leave the place.
"It has been an eternity to me."
"... Hm. You did mention you miss your sister."
"... I did... I have missed you, Marianne... have you missed me?"
’... Not really...’ — I stiffened at the step he gave, noticing his hand wanted to take and lift mine... kind of troubled since I hated the thought of his touch.
But I didn’t need to do anything. Because the duke prevented his attempt to succeed.
"Oh, of course! Your sister is a thoughtful woman, Paul. She obviously has missed her family."
"... Why is your Grace stopping my hand from warmly greeting Marianne...?"
"... Because you were with the horses. Look at the dress she is wearing, I assume you would not like to stain it... Am I correct, Paul?"