Chapter 361: Chapter 361
A moment to let the reality of the circumstances traverse through Elenaide’s and Theressa’s bewildered senses. Eventually being the Duchess the one to respond on behalf of the two.
"... When it comes to the Crown Prince I differ on such allegations... If you have felt insulted... I offer my apologies."
"Fuh... Duchess. Who said... it is I you insulted?" — Mocking Elenaide’s naive comments, Zeleskiaz scoffed at her in disbelief, continuing to demonstrate his disgust while exposing her ignorance. Indifferent to the pale expression enhancing on both women. — "Don’t you know? Has your noble education been so lacking that you ignore the Ninth is by far more important than the current Royalty, even the Emperor?"
"Such is–!... Theressa, what are you doing."
"Mother..." — Placing her hand on her mother’s arm as she saw how Elenaide was about to jump into more dangerous retorts, the youngest of Sylfinnier glared at her Mother while also appearing soft in concerned expression. — "Please, it is obvious there has been a misunderstanding on both our parts."
"No. The misunderstanding is solely on your part. I have clearly heard and seen... miss."
"... Yes. It is our mistake." — To the quick correction of the threatening and imposing Crown Prince, Theressa granted, much more conscious than her Mother that continuing to contradict the man would be useless and on the contrary more damaging. — "I do not wish for His Highness to continue feeling displeased because of this. As you have suggested, an apology will be offered to my sister."
"... Hah... girl. It’s not a suggestion."
"....."
*Ahooong*... The sound of the horns sealing the start of the hunt resounded in the green surroundings. Making everyone aware of its official beginning... Nonetheless, the deathly glare of the Prince remained challenging those of the hesitant Theressa, demonstrating the hostility he had for her with the pulsating flare of red about to disrupt his attempt to restrain his violence.
"It’s time. Thank you, women. At least, this anger you provoked will serve positively on my day of hunt." — With an ominous lift of his corners, Zeleskiaz conveyed the fact that the seeking journey would be with them in thought... for with every creature killed his rage would search satisfaction while picturing each of them, as he had held the reigns of sanity solely for the compromise he had with the fair beloved.
Without farewell he walked away, aloof to those eyes that had witnessed the exchange and that as soon he had departed, went to the women to inquire on the events.
"!? My ladies~ what were you two talking about with the Crown Prince?? It appeared like such a long conversation!"
"I did not know you had such close relation with someone as difficult to encounter!"
"..."
"... Ladies, the horn has also announced the time for us to gather before the Empress... Why don’t we talk about this after showing our respect to Her Majesty?"
"My! Indeed, how careless of us. Lady Theressa has become such a mature and thoughtful Lady, how proud the Dukes ought to feel, is that correct, Duchess?"
"Of course. Theressa has matured splendidly..." — Sharing a glare with her daughter, the two locked arms to enter the tent the Crown Prince had left. Walking inside along with other noblewomen who laughed anticipating the tea time.
"We will talk about this later, child."
"We certainly will, Mother." — Mumbling to the other, the two Sylfinnier convened. Being the youngest to say the last warning. — "However I see it, you have ruined me, after all."
Tense, both looked forward, pacing elegantly with locked limbs faking a stable relationship. And both golden hues rumbled to the sight steps ahead, for an Empress and a Princess smiled gracious and elegant, conversing with visible delight with that one both had been confronted for.
*******
"Empress, Princess, how wonderful it is to be in your presence."
"Lady Felicia, it is also a pleasure to have you."
"My, Her Majesty is too kind. I am glad health and youth do not abandon our Empire’s royalty."
"Meanwhile we are glad our people have good ground to peacefully live fruitful lives."
"Hahaha, truly. The Empire has continued to prosper under His and Her Majesty’s care. My appreciation, do receive it sincerely."
"It is our duty... Lady Felicia, do take a seat. Please do not remain standing, my ladies."
"Ah~ thank you, Her Majesty... Nonetheless, is that young and beautiful lady I see, the acclaimed Ninth? Lady Pristina Pars?"
’Oh... so they did see me.’ — I thought after quietly listening to their polite conversation.
"Yes, Lady Felicia. Do allow me to introduce you personally. She is Marianne Elise Sylfinnier, far more known as Pristina Pars, the Ninth Calla’s Confidant, as well may know... Lady Marianne, this is Lady Felicia, Vonie’s Marquess."
Joining the circle so I would look less hidden, I stepped closer to give my silent reverence, to then also salute the ladies coming into the tent.
And, thankfully, this woman... even though I thought would be difficult as she was an elder...
"It is my greatest honour to have lived enough to meet you, Lady Pristina Pars. Who would have thought silence could be as elegant and moving when carried by a beauty such as yourself."
’Uh... Thank you. I’m taking that as a compliment.’
"I was at the public ceremony, the day you were introduced to the many living in this Empire my dear. Even if the words did not sound with your voice... I recognise an outstanding woman when I see one. Let us enjoy many cups of tea together." — Opening slightly her eyes to tell me this with a little smirk of a wrinkly mouth, Lady Felicia paced elegantly inside. Telling the two young Ladies accompanying her to follow. — "Erna, Estelle. Will you only let this Grandmother show manners to these admirable women?"
"! G-greetings, Her Majesty, Her Highness! L-Lady Pristina!"
’... Wooow... twins.’ — I said, amused at their synchronised greetings. While wondering which was which as they looked identical at the first meeting.
"My grandchildren debuted recently at the Summer Ball. It is yet the time for them to feel accustomed to these lovely reunions." — Sharing a charming smile, Lady Felicia demonstrated entertainment at her grandchildren’s eagerness, giving me a last glance to pace away and take her seat. — "Hopefully today, new friendships will be born between the young beauties this Empire protects."
"..."
"Hum. Lady Felicia seems pleased today." — While we watched the three ladies walk away after returning the bow of our heads, the Princess told the Empress and me.
"Indeed... if that is the case, our ears should be alert." — The Empress discreetly added. — "If she is like this... the women will let out many matters at the table."
’Oh? Oho~?’
Immediately, my mood lightened from the anxiety. After hanging out with the composed Empress for many days in a row, I had started to comprehend her small clues whenever something made her brow lift. And so...
’So she has the skill of pulling the good gossip out~~’
Expectations made my shyness seem irrelevant since I bet a different kind of hunt will be played by the women here, and I’m really willing to be a witness of it, hehehe.