Chapter 356: Chapter 356
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*Bang!!*
"What in the–!?"
"Explain further." — At the sudden intrusion of his son in his chambers, Francois jumped from his slumber while the prince stomped his way to seat at a near chair.
"What?? What time is it now??"
"I don’t know. I did as you suggested, yet I have trouble restraining my passion. Tell me a way to keep it restrained."
"..... You... did you just come back from your date??"
"No. I thought of coming early in the morning yet I cannot sleep. Answer my questions."
"Haaah..."
That night, although reluctant as slumber had been interrupted by a determined man. Francois advised his son who believed more details were needed for him to charm the lady owning his devotion.
Therefore, ever since... as the chosen had perceived, the Crown Prince changed further in attitude. Extremely respectful, flirty at the right and polite times... thoughtful to gift what he was aware would please her spirits... maintaining a distance he has been hurting himself to not cross.
And today again his heart ached greatly, seating close yet not close enough to his beloved... thirsty of the touch he has deprived himself to have at the strong conception he possessed on making sure she learned the deepness of his intentions.
’... My lady... hopefully you are seeing through my efforts...’ — Zeleskiaz said inwardly, feeling each word with resounding heartache.
— Once you feel enough time has passed of you demonstrating your restraint... make sure to say "It is in my wishes for us to deepen our relationship"... That way she shall know it is not simple friendship you want. Go slowly, or you will scare the child. —
Recalling the words his Father had told the night before this hunt. Zeleskiaz hardened his hues, planning on making this event the moment he would ensure Marianne’s knowledge of his wishes.
’I feel I have said it before... yet because of my attitude... my lady may have not taken it as seriously as I meant it.’ — Thinking about the start of their conversations, he knew honesty has been present in his every word. Nonetheless, the chaotic confusion his head went through at the time was comprehensible reason to believe such intentions had not been conveyed properly.
The opening of a hunting competition had ended, and pleased by the little brother’s assistance, it was easy for the enamoured Crown Prince to continue to exchange words with the marvellous lady.
"Brother Zeleskiaz is also participating in the hunt this year... are you to win the prize from Marianne’s hand?"
"... A competition it is. Hence I should."
"!! Marianne! Brother will win the competition!"
’Well... if you ask me, that would be kind of cheating. A male lead usually wins... but I don’t dislike the idea. Haha...’
"Third prince, Dioclecià."
"! Yes, Mother." — Being called by an admirable and discreet Empress, Prince Dioclecià was taken away swiftly, leaving the young nobles on their own once realising his time at the event had finished. — "Until later Marianne... I cannot stay for long in public..."
’Ah... that’s right... he hasn’t debuted yet...’
"Go, Dioclecià." — The Crown Prince then said, aware of the eyes of some nobles resting on his youngest sibling.
Zeleskiaz and Marianne watched the little prince join his mother, who gave a sharp glance to her eldest to appreciate his aid.
"... He shouldn’t have come." — He then mumbled. Frowning at those nobles that would not forbid their gazes from the child’s steps.
"...?"
And yet, a confused Marianne tilted her head wondering what the Prince had said and she did not catch. However, once he turned to her, smiling elegantly, a smoother conversation would continue, pacific as her essence required from those loving her.
"My lady, was the opening ceremony to your liking?"
’... Hmph... what do you think? I almost faint at the end.’ — Crossing her arms so a doubtful answer was conveyed, Marianne peeked at him, raising her shoulder while softly her expression changed.
"I thought so... I remember the lady enjoying wine... this tradition was not pleasant was it not?"
’! So you did know I was troubled by that!’
Reacting to the nice smirk Zeleskiaz granted, aware that the "pale" demeanour Dioclecià signalled was for a thing she liked, Marianne lit up further, facing him glad that he remembered such things she had not told.
"To be honest, I have never poured the wine. I prefer to taste it."
’That’s what I’m saying! It’s such a waste, kinky~’ — Nodding, she approved. Searching for her stack of notes for it was apparent more words were to be exchanged.
"... My lady is to join the other ladies later, am I correct?"
’Yep... but... it makes me a little bit nervous...’ — Glancing at those other nobles that commenced to chatter, Marianne showed slight discomfort. For the women present appeared of high class, well-mannered and of a culture she did not completely understand.
[ I was informed that women are to wait for the men to hunt while sharing a cup of tea. Is this also a tradition, my prince? ]
"Yes... It is, my lady."
"..."
"Sharing tea between ladies is a long tradition..."
Moved by the address at the end of her notes, the devoted man’s voice became fonder. Solely managing a short answer to lose himself in the fair hues of the Lady.
"I believe it will be a good opportunity, Lady Marianne." — Joining their conversation a feminine sibling added, looking fair in a similar dress to Marianne’s only that her shades and shape were much conservative in brilliance. — "As we have discussed, it is time you meet the other ladies with which little you have conversed. The talk about the hunt will not lack... the bets we do for entertainment, however, will all probably favour you, brother... for as much it conflicts me, you are known as the hero of the Empire."
"... Jasmine. As usual, you like interrupting a pleasant conversation."
"My brother tends to hog Lady Marianne’s attention a little too much these days, I believe the lady needs feminine company when beside a man such as yourself."
"A man such as myself?"
"You do not act gentlemanly most of the time."
"... Jasmine, as close as the Lady is to the Royal family you also should mind your manners. I do not think it was in the lessons of a princess to say unbecoming and lousy sarcastic comments."
"Hah... Were there lessons in being unreasonable for the princes? Diocleacià seems to be the only one who has not had them yet."
"..."
Tension between the siblings was showcased to the lady once again, who had grown accustomed to such interactions, aware that Jasmine’s reticence against Zeleskiaz was based on a childhood he had disrupted with vicious acts as she had read in a book.