Chapter 113: Chapter 113
’... This guy is the Second Male Lead.’
The surname "Noverrne" already sounded familiar... But hearing his first name... I’m totally sure now. This guy... This hot guy is the other Male Lead in the novel!!!
The Duke!! The Male Lead that was a Duke!!! So his name was Clemente!!!! Hahaha!
’Oh, God! This is exciting! He is... He’s... Just as he was described like...’
Dark brown short hair... Long enough to have some sexy bangs frame his well-shaped face. A pretty but manly nose between the honey-coloured eyes under a pair of straight eyebrows... Muscular like a well-trained knight but also glamourous like the young gentleman he was... And a pair of thin ruddy lips in an almost as white as milk skin... The handsome serious Second Male Lead stood in front of me, making his great unexpected first appearance.
’... Woah... Looking at him in person... I now know why Karina was "confused"..... He’s d*mn hot..... to let the opportunity go without giving it a taste... I kinda get why she fooled around with him too...’
I wouldn’t do it since I’m not that easy... And I’m not the female lead in a +19 rated novel... But... Thinking in the setting she was in..... It was her duty to indulge in this eye candy.
"Haha... As polite as I remember. It is my pleasure to see you again Young Noverrne. I congratulate you. You have made your Father proud with your cleverness and good manners. What a pleasant event it will be to see you grow as admirable as him."
"Your Grace is very kind."
"He indeed makes me proud. Yet I believe Duke Sylfinnier has more reasons to be proud of his offspring. You may excuse my old memory, however, I believe this beautiful Young Lady to be the elegant daughter you introduced to me last time. May I be wrong, Duke?"
"You are right. I shall add, that both of these two blossoms are my precious daughters, Duke Noverrne."
"My! The youngest is also here... Excuse my bad sight, Young Miss."
"..." — In silence Theressa bowed with a gentle expression, accepting his nice apology.
"It is only that... Young Miss Marianne... Have your grace become more stunning in the time I’ve not seen you? Orland, I would keep an eye over the young boys if I were you."
"Hahaha... No need to tell me, Sir... I knew I would start getting busy once these two children grew, hahaha..."
’It sounds like a joke... But I know he’s not joking...’
"Clemente, won’t you say your greetings to the Ladies?... Do not fret Duke, I will keep this young one in check, Ohohoho~"
"Hahaha..."
’.... Uh... Duke Noverrne... I hope you know... Sir is not truly laughing right now...’
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Young Ladies. I am Clemente Noverrne."
"...–" — As I was about to bow as a greeting... A monkey jumped from behind, interrupting my movement.
"Greetings!... The pleasure is mine, I am Theressa Sylfinnier, the youngest in the Sylfinnier’s Household. Do accept my congratulations on your Title acquirement."
’D*mn two-faced dwarf...’ — Glancing at her, I glared on the inside while showing my usually emotionless face.
"Nice to meet you Young Lady..." — The Male Lead said politely, quickly ignoring her to cast his gaze at me. As cold as his rational character was supposed to be, his gaze was as scrutinising as I imagined it to be.
’... Sorry, but you won’t get much from me, little Duke...’ — I thought as I bowed successfully this time.
"..." — No change in his expression was shown. But the short stillness he stared at me with after my silent greeting... Was all I needed to know he was asking himself what was wrong with me.
’I didn’t really tell you... But I told you.’
"Young Noverrne... This lovely daughter of mine is named Marianne Elise Sylfinnier, the second born to our household... It is a shame, yet my daughter..."
"Duke Sylfinnier." — The Noverrne Duke interrupted, shaking gracefully from side to side his head. — "I apologise for not informing my son right. Please do not mention any more, the beautiful Lady will not like to be talked about in her presence. Young Lady Marianne, your grace beams stronger with every flutter of your eyes, I hope this old man’s mistake has not made you uncomfortable."
’Uh... W–wow... He’s very kind isn’t he Marianne? I didn’t expect him to be this polite...’
"..." — His good manners took me aback, yet, it was very nice of him to avoid getting into more details in front of me. Therefore, I made a deep reverence, showing him that I truly appreciated his kind gesture.
"Ah... Truly a marvellous and pure child... You shall receive my envy, Sylfinnier..." — The man said, giving us a fond smile.
"... Thank you, Sir." — Marianne’s Father said, relieved by the man’s words.
"... We shall not take more of your time. I will wait impatiently for our next meeting Young Respectful Ladies. Until later, Orland, my friend."
"Yes, Sir. Until later."
’..... Hehe... How nice–!’
"Young Miss."
’Wh– what? What does he want?!’ — I thought, as the second Male Lead leaned over slightly to... Secretly (?) Talk to me.
"In my Ignorance, I seem to have acted rudely towards the Lady. Do accept my apologies. It was not my intention to make your graceful figure uncomfortable. Let the next time we meet be one I can show my heartfelt respects to your kind person."
’..... So serious... But sure...’ — Holding his eyes gaze, I bowed as the opinion crossed my mind.
From what I remember of the novel, this soon-to-be Duke was, in his seriousness, quite strict with protocols and organization. I would even dare to say he does have OCD. Not like I’m certified to give a diagnosis, but, seeing how every millimetre of his outfit seems to be perfectly placed... My detective skills tell me I am right.
"..... The Lady is truly kind. Then, I shall redeem my discourtesy next time." — After looking at me for a while, he finished talking with an elaborated farewell and turned to say a short goodbye to Theressa and the Duke. — "Lady Theressa, it was a pleasure. Your Grace, I will consider my shortcomings. If you find it in yourself, please let me learn of your intellect... Although my Father says he wants me to grow to be as admirable as you, it is also in me the desire to rise a reputation at the very least a bit as respectable as yours is."
"My... You are too kind Young Noverrne. We shall speak deeply into these matters in the near future. Only know that... with such wonderful initiative you have Little Duke, your fame will surely surpass mine."
"I cannot thank you enough for the encouragement, Your Grace–"
"Don’t encourage the kid, Orland! As if anyone can compare to you! Hahaha! ... Alright, may Izeneya’s divinities watch over you, Farewell my friend!" — The older Noverrne was already a few steps away, yet from his spot, still interrupted the short conversation Marianne’s Father and the second lead were having.
His bossy nagging but at the same time, cheerful tone made me chuckle inside.
’I can’t believe I actually forgot such an interesting person... I need to pay more attention to these people.’
Giving a graceful bow, all of us said our goodbyes, and then, the guiding server asked to confirm.
"Then, shall I declare your presence to his Majesty now?"
’Oh~ right... We were here for that...’
"Please do." — Said the Duke, clearly not worried at all for the time we had spent there lengthening the time of our audience.
’... Are they really pen pals? The Duke and the Emperor??? Shouldn’t he be more... Excited?... Oh! Is it maybe a rivalry??’
I like that setting too~
"We welcome the Royal Guest! Lady Marianne Elise Sylfinnier and her companions ask for his Excellence, Emperor Francois Di Frotschter, to receive them in his glorious Hall! May these Gates grant their request with their opening!!" — The guide Announced with prominent volume.
Not even a second passed... And the doors started to let the light from the room inside them reach our straightened positions.
To the slight signal with his hand, the server told me it was time to step inside.
Fidgety, I gave the first steps into the extensive Hall with my head slightly looking down. However, I was still able to see the further side of the room...
There, a familiar man was seated just as comfortable as the first time I met him, on the enormous throne clearly displaying his high position.
The Emperor, whose expression slowly became visible, was grinning at our arrival. Although his face gave a feeling of arrogance, his violet eyes shone with pleasure at the sight.
’Now... What should I expect from this unpredictable Emperor?... Should I... Also do my part and become good friends with a flamboyant Ruler?’
Of course... The answer is yes.
I will also play my part in the drama that’s sure to come. If my initial deductions are right, Theressa will blame me in the future for her evil doings...
It’s a good card to have... An Emperor as a friend.