Chapter 367: Chapter 367
A moved smile came to decor his countenance... and veering around to stare at the ignorant Biel, who, while being forced to do some of the tasks the Crown Prince had to take care of Zeleskiaz silently held the man’s stare until discomfort made Biel speak, ignorant, as he had yet to meet the Lady his master was devoted to.
"Why are you staring at me? Did I say something funny?"
"... My hand is thirsty for something else. Blood doesn’t even compare."
"... You’ve become more odd. That lady must be something else, you even smile... although it gives anyone goosebumps."
"That only happens to you, Biel. Anyway. I’m off. I want a special prize."
Without minding an obtrusive Biel, the Crown Prince commenced his hunt. Using the wild instincts and developed skills he polished on the battlefield, so many and the greatest beasts would be sought... so his honour would be the most valued by the heart of the Lady he was to conquer.
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Most ladies felt pity for Theressa’s crappy performance. Some started comforting her... saying things like "Goodness... how difficult it must have been for lady Theressa to break in tears", "The Sylfinnier sisters must have truly a deep bond... Lady Marianne is so fortunate to have a caring family"... "Lady Marianne’s condition... although it might have been the gods’ decision, how terrible a hazard it has been..."
’Tsk. What do they even know... this is so annoying, d*mn it all...’
It wasn’t enough they had talked bull in front of the Crown Prince, but now they were even acting as if it were them who had to struggle with Marianne’s condition... when it was actually them who pressured her with their hostility enough for her to lose her voice!
’Hypocrites... they even have the gut to use us to look good... this won’t stay like this. Even if I can’t say it myself...’
"Seeing how it is a delicate topic for the Sylfinnier ladies, perhaps it would be wise to talk of more delightful matters so their mood lightens."
"Oh, Lady Kinnerk, as always you are so considerate. I appreciate the thought." — The Duchess told to one lady that had been siding with her a lot in her every comment... probably, she was one of those ladies below her title that would lick her boots so some advantage could come their way some day... but it’s me who will take this chance. Heh.
Giving a light gesture so the Princess would notice there was something I wished to say, I finished writing a brief... but nice enough comment that, at the very least... the victim would be discerned properly.
"Is there something you wish to share, lady Marianne?"
Calm and graceful as the strict Princess could be, her soft voice took the women’s attention immediately, even as some buzz flooded the table. Provoking the pause of stillness I needed, so the words she was to read had the impact they should have.
"<<The interest of the ladies, I sincerely appreciate it. As my little sister and mother have said, it has been a hazard. One that only recently has allowed me to learn they were this concerned about it.>> "
"... my... h-how difficult it must have been."
"Only recently? Such brings my attention, dear Ninth." — Lady Felicia said, to the words the Princess read. — "Although we were about to put aside the subject, is it alright if I inquire about your meanings?"
I was the most delighted there was a woman like her there.
Being one of the eldest... no one unless they were the Empress would dare to oppose her, even if her hierarchy was below the others seating at the table.
"Ah... Sister must mean-"
"Oh. Pardon, lady Theressa. Nonetheless I wish for lady Marianne, the precious Ninth to tell me. Hoho~ She has shown us there is a way to converse, why miss the opportunity, even if it is by the voice of another?"
’OUF!! I freaking love grannies!!’ — While I was already writing down my next misleading stab, I wished I had met her before. Even recalling granny Martha who was one of those grannies that wouldn’t hide their thoughts just like Lady Felicia.
"... Hopefully it will not become a trouble for that one who speaks for her." — Then, the Duchess said... messing up. Quite nicely at that.
"Lose concern, Duchess. If you believe telling Lady Marianne’s words to others is cause of trouble for myself, let me assure you... It is the opposite what would trouble me."
"....."
"... I am glad to hear that."
I had already finished writing what I wanted to answer to Lady Felicia’s question... but I had to stop before handing it back to the Princess since I felt the goosebumps everyone must have felt when in her gracious smile... there was no delight.
’Dude... am I even needed to defend myself??... these royal siblings are something else...’
"Hm? Are your words ready, dear Ninth?" — The eye of the intrigued lady Felicia noticed, ending my moment of shock so the Princess could tell them.
"<<Sincerely, the ladies’ interest lit delight within myself. However, I share the trouble the Duchess and my sister mentioned. Having this unique condition, you may all imagine that precautions had to be taken. A hazard it truly was... maintaining my distance from family...>>"
’You all know well what happens when something weird goes on, don’t you, ladies?’ — I asked secretly to all of the present while I heard in the tone of the Princess how the realisation between my lines came to her... and was transmitted to the others. — ’It may have not happened just as I hinted... but this is good enough. Imagine all you can... after all, it’s them who lost pity and now will be judged.’
With this, I implied I was shunned from being with them. All because: Ignorance of a condition is a great factor for people in this kind of old-time place to probably act the same way... or worst.
"Oh lords of Izeneya... how terrible a situation..." — Now some of the women said, sharing concerned glances, while I took an elegant peek at the Duchess and Theressa... who remained silent, even as it was apparent the comment was understood.
’It’s as simple as... "they treated her like a pest"... Hehe he, right Anne?’