Chapter 587: Chapter 587
"What the people will think is nothing. The people will know that if it is an instruction from Izeneya, then a promise is being fulfilled by the Ninth. We must not fear the people but the gods who chose Lady Pristina."
’... How rough... he is the head for a reason...’ — Marianne thought, amazed by how the elder hushed the doubts of the others so easily. Lifting her head as she was called again by the main elder.
"Our precious, Ninth. What we argued here is always with the Empire’s wellbeing in mind, hopefully, you will not take the comments made here to heart and will not let them affect your view of our duties."
’Of course not~... You are doing a great job... since they doubted me when I am truly lying.’ — She thought, sorry to use them like this since it was the sole way to get what she needed.
"May your mission go smoothly so the gods are pleased. If it is to fulfil these divine orders, our aid will be given in the name of the Empire you belong to."
’Thank you! Thank you!! I am aware you cannot hear me yet, many thanks, Sirs!!’
"No need for such deep reverences... We cannot hinder the promise you are, dear Ninth. Lad, inform the warden that Theressa, the criminal that was to be moved lower into the tower is to prepare to be brought here instead."
"On it, main elder."
"... Once tomorrow morning arrives the woman will be already here for you to meet, Lady Pristina. I wish you success in these duties."
Such was the end of her efforts to retrieve the youngest from prison. Noon was at its peak, almost ending to welcome the afternoon... Time was not there for her to relax, yet what her heart believed was right was achieved in this long morning at last.
An afternoon devoid of worries would now be allowed... and as they had briefly reminded each other...
— If the lady does recall, this afternoon we were to take a stroll... I will understand if your tasks do not allow us to take it, however. —
’Now that that is done, I can finally share time solely with him!’ — She thought while going back to her chambers, walking fast and leaving behind in the audience Hall all unnecessary tension. Indifferent to the surprised gazes of the guards who watched her pass by and her knights who followed behind, aware that the time to depart would not allow her time to eat lunch but not caring about that.
After all was done, it was for this sole occasion that she could be the most optimist. Therefore, rapidly, her strides let her reach her chambers so any preparation needed could be taken care of quickly and she could consequently make it on time for the date with her suitor.
"Paige, huff...! His highness, haah, hff! He has not come around yet has he?" — Marianne inquired as soon as she met her maid in private. Drinking the water she promptly offered as she saw the hast in the lady’s being.
"Oh... h-he did come, he waited for a while and only left a moment ago since he believed he should not linger here when you are not present..."
"?! Haah, gasp... No way... D- Did I just miss him? Did he say anything before leaving??" — Disheartened, a bit pale to think it had been for nothing that she hurried, Marianne supported herself on the maid to take a seat, giving back the empty glass so the maid could fill it once more.
"No, he did not... here, my lady. More water."
Drinking the water, unrefined unlike her usual elegance, Marianne frowned. Sighing as she finished the glass, returning it to the maid unconvinced of how her efforts concluded. Turning around immediately to stand and go find the prince.
"That cannot do. Paige, have my Pockachin, his highness’ gift and my lunch packed and ready to depart. I will meet you later at the Main entrance."
"Pockachin? What is that, my lady?"
"-... M-My tools! Prepare my drawing tools! I-I need to go, I’ll meet you there! Do not be late!" — Blushing at the natural slip of her tongue provoked by her rush, Marianne was to leave the chambers again... making it so she would not miss the chance, much less after the suitor’s demeanour appeared dejected was the date to be forgotten. — "Sir Theodore, please go to his Highness’ bureau and if you find him there do tell him I am at the entrance ready for our stroll."
"B-but I have been ordered to follow you, my lady."
"Do it." — Vitor said instead of their master.
And so, at her instruction Vitor was to guide the lady to the prince’s chambers... a small search it was... one the knight guiding her knew where it would find its target and making it so his master would gain at least a hint of happiness after such an eventful day.
’There he is!’ — Marianne eventually jumped once her eyes found the crown prince, walking down the corridors alongside a child who shared his blood.
"I am glad Marianne liked it~ Brother chose it himself yet still doubted it’s success, hehe~"
"... What do you laugh about."
"Hehe... I-I would not laugh at brother Zeleskiaz." — The child shyly said while his brother’s hand patted his head. Knowing now that his older brother was easier to talk with, ignorant that his playful schemes with a sister were part of the reason behind the warmer ways of the crown prince. And so, as innocent a child as he was, while they walked, the little prince tried to copy his older brother being surprised by the actions Zeleskiaz took without announcement. — "I-it is a childish thing to do."
"... you are still a child."
"I am growing to be as tall as Brother Zeleskiaz." — Imitating the way his older Brother walked the child straightened to gain height, being stared at with curiosity by the man, who wondered why the small child behaved like that.