Chapter 591: Chapter 591
"And Orland’s face~ oh, my kind gods in Izeneya are nice at times to my soul~" — He continued saying, delighted to recall. — "He was blue and confused! It does make myself wonder how is it that you came to agree to court that brute of a son of mine, child. He inherited my handsome features and of course that is understandable for you to appreciate... yet his character... Goodness! He’s cursed to say it kindly. Such a cold, nonchalant man he came to be... Nonetheless, I must say, that I do believe he behaves considerably different when it comes to you. Such is certain. I can even see innocence in his stance, WahaHa!"
’Pff... His majesty appears fond and hateful of his son at the same time...’ — I thought, amazed at the ease he had to feel excited with such. — ’Yet how to deny~? At first, I also feared his character~’
"Hahaha... You agree with myself, right? The boy is a surprise."
’... yes... He is quite a nice surprise, mister~’ — I agreed just as entertained as the Emperor.
"Goodness my... these things make it worth to have children..." — Nostalgic in his demeanour he smiled, looking a little saddened for a moment. Changing quickly his energy so the real matter could be addressed. — "Either way, we have to announce it to the people. Otherwise, it will be difficult later, both for you and for the season. Hmph, you may even become my daughter-in-law if he doesn’t mess up, child. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? It is only befitting. Heavens, that wedding would be a great celebration to hold. Music, jesters, the people, the entire Empire and continent would know about it~"
’... t-the entire Empire...?’
"Uff! And the food!! We would have many days of banquets! Wine would flow in rivers!! It would be fantastic! Only imagine!! A true festival!! The whole empire would toast happily!! This would call for the best wine on the continent! No! In the realm!!"
’I do.’ — Suddenly, I heard myself reply in my mind. Blinking at it because of how natural an impulse it appeared yet at the same time unlike the self I thought I was today. — ’... maybe that sleeping side of myself jumped at the mention of wine...’
"Siiiigh~ such good times would come~... Nevertheless, these are fantasies my bored self crafts since Zeleskiaz brought my hopes up. Having you as a daughter-in-law... A daydream no less until your heart decrees. Both need to think thoroughly about what will become of this courting in the end... Yet do know I welcome the outcome no matter what it is, Lady Marianne, dear." — The Emperor said, giving some pats to the hand that at some point he took from me. Making my thoughts also get back on track to the reality and formality we should preserve.
His eyes looked deeply into mine, certainly conveying he wanted the best for us... reminding myself slightly of Dad... for there was a fond glint in his ultramarine that transmitted good wishes while mixed with the maturity of experience. — "For now, let myself tell you that this afternoon, in every town and city, men from the palace will publish and announce the news. In every street, they will walk so the people’s eye may learn that the crown prince and the Ninth have commenced the traditional courting of heirs. This will bring the people’s thoughts together and will move them to offer Izeneya what must in good wishes so the heir may find his soul’s destined hand."
’Woah... e-even offerings...’ — I swallowed, a tad hasty since there was more to it.
"Later, in two days, the Empress will hold the acknowledging celebration at her garden. She has been eager these days while preparing everything, my wife is determined to delight you with the arrangements, child." — Happy to think about the Empress, the Emperor smiled, raising his brows as if he recalled my friendship with his children. — "Oh, you must be aware that we have not told the other princes about any of this, hence, as they should, they will learn about it all this afternoon alongside the people."
’... "as they should"?... if so, it is a good thing I have not met Princess Jasmine lately... otherwise, I could have told her by mistake...’
"You do not need to worry about anything. We have prepared everything along with your Father." — Probably believing my expression was because I worried about this, the Emperor gently reassured myself. Giving himself the leisure to make the most of this visit. — "Now, why don’t you tell me how your birthday celebration was? I made sure to get you a gift yet I wanted to give it personally. If not, when would I meet you? Ever since you woke up I have not seen even a hair of yours, child. Don’t you know I could get mad if not because I know you did not mean any harm? It has been dull these days yet as soon as you are awake many good things take place. That is the sole reason I forgive you!"
’Hahaha~ I did a bad thing, I am so sorry, Your Majesty.’ — Laughing as he was entertaining, I moved to write the answers to his inquires. Taking lighter conversations while the present he prepared was brought to his hand by one of his waiting servants.
"Here... I wondered what could be appropriate as a gift. A treasure it should be of course. While visiting the royal vault, I walked across this archaic artefact. A relic it is."
’.... M-mister isn’t this too expensive??’ — Overwhelmed to learn it was a treasure, an archaic artefact and a relic, I felt my eyes pop slightly out. Scared to know this gift was too ostentatious for myself to accept.
"You must accept it, child. I believe it should belong to you now. It is one the First Empress Calla wore. On her strands, it is said it decorated her every day. Although little do we know about its purpose."