Chapter 584: Chapter 584
’We have not been able to even have one moment converse tranquil because of all of this... her siblings’ matters are filling her mind which is only natural... but... I wonder if she even recalls that we are to go for a stroll this afternoon... D*mn it. What should I do with this discomfort I feel? How can I think all of this when she’s feeling gloom over family matters??’
"....."
’Bloody selfishness... should I simply forget this feeling?? If I say anything... won’t it become a burden...?’
Deep in thought, not clear about how to deal with the growing impatience throughout this courtship, Zeleskiaz missed the little glance Marianne herself gave him while both held silence between them as a wall, who already bothered by the impulsiveness born from shyness which had cut the prince’s intentions from being told a moment ago.
’Have I done wrong to him...? I was overwhelmed so... I rushed a retreat because of the circumstances.... Gosh... I have been so unthoughtful towards this sensible prince... I should make it up to him... we will need to have a talk... Sigh~ thankfully, we agreed on that stroll this afternoon. There will be time for myself to fix this bad taste and then, I should do my best to repay his patience... That’s right. This afternoon I will certainly pamper you, kinky. ’
This time around, there were no fairies present to distract her from paying attention to the sole man. His demeanour was taken carefully in her mind, moved by how considerate his behaviour is whenever she needs it. Yesterday and today... Marianne acknowledged his tactfulness that oozed regard for her peace of mind. Developing anticipation for what could be done, so her gratitude could be proved as tactful and lovely.
Both climbed the stairs with different concerns filling their heads and hearts until last step was reached, finally arriving at the first floor where the expected meeting with the warden would unfold. Quickly, for he spoke as soon as they made it into his sight.
"Are you finished with today’s visit?" — Dry in tone and expression, the man demanded an answer.
"Yes. We will be returning now."
"Are you to come again tomorrow?" — He then added, asking the crown prince, who led the man’s eyes with a gesture who he should ask such. Showing the lady to his side as the one who could reply yet the man persisted to leave aside. — "... I ask this since it has been decreed for a change to be made in the female prisoner’s cell. If you are to come tomorrow again, I would appreciate the time to be told now so we may proceed with the move before your arrival."
’Move? Where are they taking her??’
"... Where are you moving her?" — Zeleskiaz asked, aware of the curiosity this ignited in his beloved.
"It was ordered to move her to the traitor’s. Of course, far from her sibling’s location."
"? Why? She is a common woman, she has no skills for battle. That place will break her before the trial date is even decided. It will do no good if the jury wants her to defend herself at the court."
"I solely follow orders. Will you come back or not?"
"... My lady, are we to come back tomorrow?" — Containing his irritation, Zeleskiaz asked Marianne who had to be named one more time before the shake of her head could arrive. Noticing how lost in thought the news made her as he replied in her stead. — "... We won’t be coming tomorrow. Move her calmly."
"Good. May we meet once again when you decide to come back."
She had fallen into a blank ponder once again, moving without conscience of where she was going as she made it to the carriage. It was similar to the previous day for no wish to converse was demonstrated as she boarded the carriage, however, this time Marianne did not leave the guards nor the prince in ignorance of what her thoughts had decided.
Once the carriage closed its door, her gaze and demeanour, serious in its essence lifted. Determined to carry out a new decision.
"... Sir Vitor." — She said softly with a sound different to her usual kindness. — "I need you to summon my father once we are back at the Palace. I need to meet him as soon as possible... without delay."
*******
"... You say Marianne needs to meet me? Immediately?" — Orland asked with a halted quill in his hand. Sceptical as he heard Vitor inform of her summon. — "Why? Did something happen during her visit?... Or is it that cursed brat’s fault?"
"She did not tell, Master."
"... She didn’t? Truly?"
"No, Master."
"..... Haaah... D*mn it. It’s not a good time but... I will be going to her in a moment. I will take advantage of the opportunity and have lunch with her."
"Alright."
At the knight’s departure, Orland sighed troubled, leaving aside the documents on his hand to breathe in and out to control the birth of a stuffy headache.
"There’s no end to it... with Latrishk matters, the troops, my children and Marianne’s courtship... I cannot catch a break from duties. The winter looks as if it will come sooner as well taking some of the remaining Autumn to itself... All in all, I cannot remain at the palace any longer, otherwise it may be seen differently by the many eyes on it."
The duke, annoyed by the many details he needed to pay attention to, being them about his family or the Empire’s affairs, gritted his teeth... Only having a lash once recalling what it could be that his daughter requested his presence so suddenly and urgently.
"Tsk! F*ck the Empire. If that brat did something uncalled for, I’ll cut what makes him think he’s a man! Marianne would usually send a message with her lovely handwriting whenever she asked for my presence, it’s obvious something is wrong! He must be at fault!" — Orland growled at the thought, taking it against his daughter’s suitor solely to placate the sadness the other possibility could bring his already tired spirit. — "... I hope he’s the problem... as unfair as it sounds... hf..... I better get going."