Chapter 200

Chapter 200: Chapter 200

"Ah. Lady Marianne? Where are you–"

’A minute, woman!’ — Lifting my index finger to the Princess, I told her as I walked somewhat fast to catch up with the hard-faced Male Lead.

Being popular is no joke.

For a moment, as I saw he had quite a few steps ahead into the corridor, I thought of throwing the post-it notes to his head since I knew I wasn’t going to catch up with him considering my snail’s pace.

I was reaaaally inclined since my brain was working fast unlike my feet.

Thinking of letting those words for him unread would later bother me.

It’s like when someone did a little nice thing and one gets all stupid and the thanks don’t come out as they should. So then, when they leave, one is all like "ugh, next time I should just choke to make it more awkward" or "you only had one job! to say ’thanks’! What’s with ’thuh–ah ok’??". And then, face-slap oneself ’cause of course such social incapacity is annoyingly unsettling.

In the end, I abstained from the rude act since I was actually saying something nice in the notes.

We need to act accordingly after all. Therefore.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

’Hey! Duke guy!!’

With my surprisingly weak knuckles, I knocked on the door to the room we were in, hoping to get his attention... Which didn’t work.

’I truly doubt you’re that deft, dude! Hey, Sir, call him!’

I was ticked off at how he kept on walking... But I can be as annoying.

"Ah... Yes... Your Grace, wait a moment please."

Asking one of the knights at the entrance (pointing at him because I can’t care less anymore about manners since he’s testing my goodwill), it was only then that he turned to look back.

"... My Lady, is there anything–...?"

I walked to stand before him and cut him off nicely, showing him my notes.

[ Thank you for taking the trouble to personally come to greet me.

I congratulate you on your Title as I know it takes a huge effort to achieve, unlike mine.

Your celebration, I will joyfully join it and toast in your honour.

As the Ball is approaching, I shall greet you again then. Go back safely, Your Grace. ]

Tsk... It’s such a nice message... I should have been colder. But I’m too kind to do that at the second meeting...

"... I did not know the Lady owned this to communicate... I apologise for leaving without reading your words, My Lady. It appears to be the case that I keep being unmannered towards you." — Bowing, he said in apology.

’... D*mn... So you’re actually a good guy, huh?... Good thing I didn’t throw them at you, heh.’

"Your words are much appreciated, My Lady."

’It’s nothing~ You were ni– Huh? Wait, you’re not supposed to take–’

Rip. — The sound of the torn little paper pierced me.

’He took the page! This b*stard! What do you need that for?! I swear I will toast for you there! That’s the whole reason I actually want to go!’

"... This tool seems practical..."

’Well, duh~? I communicate with that!’

Blockhead. He probably doesn’t even know I’m hating him right now. If you want to take it, ask for it, stoopid kid.

"..."

"..."

"My Lady, I noticed you mentioned the Summer Ball." — He said after inspecting and returning the post-it notes to me.

’Hmph, at least you’re giving it back.’ — I inwardly mumbled as I pouted. And nodding, I added. — ’Yes, what about it?’

"I had the intention to miss this coming event..."

’Oh, then it doesn’t–’

"But then again, The Lady will debut as the Ninth. I shall come to also toast in your name."

’Heh. So you also like wine? We could–’

"Then, I shall be on my way now."

’This son of a...’

His hand unfolded as he leaned to a proper farewell, and, although a bit reluctant, I granted him my hand so he could do the formality.

’Tsk... What the hell, Second Male lead? So you interrupt me and then one-sidedly–’

"Until the day after tomorrow, graceful lady."

’You f*ck! I’m still talking..!!!... A~aand he’s gone.’

Carefully dropping his hold on my hand he turned to continue his way.

I know he couldn’t hear me, but still, his ignorance frustrates me. He is being unmannered without knowing.

If it were the Duke or Paige or even the Crown Prince, they would know.

I stared at him go away, also gaining calmness the further he went into the hallway.

Ultimately, I sighed resigned since this attitude was indeed befitting of a one-track man like he seemed to be in the original.

’Welp... As things are going, I doubt this will happen so often. Or even if it does, it won’t stay like this for long.’

After all, my practice has been quite fruitful now that we have...

Ah d*mn it... In the end, I always go back to think about it.

’.. We better go back inside.’

Tired of recalling what has had me lost in thought so stubbornly often, I walked back into the lounge where the Princess and our Little Sister awaited.

"... Lady Theressa, your sister is quite interesting."

"?"

"Ah... Indeed, she is quite... Uhm. Unique." — I heard Theressa answer, to then see her troubled expression.

"Unique?... Indeed, that is also true... Though, I was referring to how brazen she is."

...

’Ah~ Maybe I could just stay outside a little longer~’

I did lift the index finger, right? It wasn’t the one in the middle... Right?

"..." — ’Oh sh*t, I’m not sure! I was in a hurry so maybe... just... Maybe...’

... Let’s hope for the best. If anything... if I did flip the holy finger at the Princess by mistake... I can use the marvellous surprise card I collected a few days ago.

The Ninth Title is equal to a Royal? Heh, bring it on! I’ll use that card insolently if I have to!

"Your Highness, I–"

"I would not be surprised if the Lady ever shushed at me secretly as she went off."

’... Yeah... I did kind of do that... But that option is better than the real one. Keep thinking that, Princess.’

"... I– I apologize on my Sister’s behalf..." —Theressa responded, glancing at me who was standing at the entrance eager to stay at that nice spot, clearly troubled by the Princess’s words.

’... Hang in there little Sister. You’re doing great~’ — I inwardly singsonged, letting her take care of it as I’ve done for her with the Royal she’s crazy about.

Karma is a b*tch, and, dwarf’s wig, you’re probably feeling as uncomfortable as I felt when you failed trying to converse with the Prince in my presence.

I call this "divine retribution", in its most lovely form.

"It is not necessary to apologise. I find no offence in her actions. Instead..."

The sharp woman must have noticed Theressa’s little peeking at me. Because following her pause, she turned on her seat to look at me standing at the entrance behind her and continued.

"You only affirm the impression I had of you, My Lady. You are fun."

’Uh... Would you still think so if I actually flipped the middle finger at you?... I won’t do it now... But doesn’t hurt to know.’

"Come and take your seat. Let’s drink another cup now that we have another topic to discuss."

Smiling pleasantly, she lifted her teacup graciously gesturing to the waiting servants to do their job.

I walked, accepting her offer and took a seat wondering what this new topic she mentioned was.

Without the need for me to ask, Theressa inquired about it as she also was curious.

"May I ask what is this topic you wish to discuss, Your Highness?"

"Hm~? Of course~ If not, how will we discuss it?" — Bringing the newly served tea to her nose, she elegantly took its scent just as I would, and mischievously grinned to glance at me before drinking a sip. — "We have a Ball and now a Party in celebration of the New Duke of Noverrne... We ought to discuss our outfits for the occasion Ladies."

Unexpectedly the Princess was very interested in any preparations we were to do for these events.

From our favourite colours, favourite gems, designs and designers, favourite season and even our desired hairstyle she wanted to know it all.

For once, I was thankful Theressa was there to help fill my ignorance on the subject as I know nothing about these times’ fashion. Even when my ignorance and even my disinterest were apparent, the two girls tried to teach me and the Princess even suggested what would suit me... Which although was nice on her part...

I felt offended because... Well... What wouldn’t suit this hot body? Even a mere curtain would do, gurl~

... Anyway, it felt truly nice to spend the afternoon together.

As the old lady of the group, I would say the youthful ambience was overflowing with girly vibes, which I can’t say I hate since the two girls oozing youth finally showcased their innocence by letting free their anticipation for these events.

The Princess was quite blunt at times expressing herself, but I actually prefer how straightforward she is because I can also do the same and she won’t have the right to whine about it.

If I can put up with it, she also should in my case. It should be a reciprocal deal.

... Though, that might not be the case for Theressa. I know she held back quite a lot whenever the Princess mocked some of her ideas, which in her defence... Were worth mocking.

’A pointy hat that’s almost a meter long? Really? I can’t honestly side with her on that one. I’m not that good of a liar... Or that devoid of fashion sense.’

If it were a disguise party, then... We could add the wand but... Nope. It was certainly not a good idea.

I could imagine how close she was to cut her own tongue off in restraint. But even with how pitiful she looked trying not to lose her head, I had fun.

We separated once sunset was about to fall. I then had dinner with the Duke, Theressa and the surprise company of the Little Prince.

And then... Night firmly settled with the beaming light of the moon.