Chapter 225: Chapter 225
The man held onto two cups and asked for her attention with a calm tone.
It was solely after her body’s spirit changed that he pondered over the result of his unplanned action.
’... She was indeed upset...’ — He considered.
The woman in front of him was a curious one.
Just like himself, her expression lacked change in humour, nonetheless, he could notice that it was something she apparently had no freedom over... Unlike himself who excelled in controlling his temperament and had a pacific character, although severe.
Her aura conveyed her change of mood at the information he previously gave without much contemplation at the arrival of the tasteful drink.
’Interesting.’
Clemente was uptight in his compromises. And as he had agreed with the Lady, he assisted this Ball to toast in her honour.
Hiding the truth from the Princess and his Father, the Young man only intended to be thoughtful towards the woman as other ears roamed their surroundings.
’Rumours would cause us trouble... People have a liking for hearsay these days.’ — Clemente had deemed the moment he foresaw an inquiry over the reason for his presence could be asked.
He had departed from the concerned woman’s side to get the necessary item to honour the compromise that brought him here today. A compromise he impulsively offered days ago as his uptight character wished to show respect to the woman he felt he had been rude to twice.
"I believe it is due that a toast in your honour is to be done, Lady Marianne." — Clemente told the woman who intensely observed the cups in his hands.
Offering one to her, his limb elegantly unfolded with the respect she deserved.
And as unique the woman was, she received it with natural glamour, holding her skirt with delicate fingers as she bent in appreciation to his gesture.
"..."
The two came back to a common standing position yet he stared at her for a silent moment before saying the respective toast meant for the Lady.
’What a harmful condition.’ — The Duke believed as he paid attention to her slow motion, frail demeanour and empty-of-sound body.
However, he also added with interest.
’Yet she has somehow turned said condition into a sort of advantage.’
The man’s appreciation was simply born from what his eyes had witnessed. The effect of her silent presence was obvious in any who interacted with her, including himself who had trouble with feeble conversation.
"Has she been born without a tongue?" — Clemente had asked his Father the day they met. Straightforwardly for he did not like meaningless wait to asses the information he sought.
"... Thankfully, you at least show good manners to others, Clemente."
"I mean no insults. Father is aware that time is not to be wasted."
"Sigh... That girl... She’s so lovely it pains me you are this cold addressing this matter, Son."
"..."
"Orland is not only a great Lord, Clemente. His care for his family, especially his children, brought him to leave the assemblies for a long time years ago."
"I asked about his daughter."
"Hear me, hast son of mine..." — Clemente’s father sighed as he insisted. — "Orland did not attend because of that child."
"..."
"... She lost her voice... Her chirps did not become songs..."
"Chirps?" — Bothered by his Father’s poetic expression, he asked.
"I once met her when she was too young to remember me... Orland called her his bird... Ah... My Friend... I refuse to even recall how his spirit broke for that child’s ailings..." — Pained, the old Duke’s voice whispered for he shared the meaningful feeling Duke Sylfinnier held for the existence of his son, the only he came to have.
"... Is it a complex sickness?"
"... I do not know, son... Orland is a reserved man... Yet he addresses it as a condition she is under."
"Hence, by definition, she is not ill?"
"Yes... She seems weak... Yet I do not think she is ill."
"... I understand. Now that I am aware, I can act accordingly."
"Yes... Be thoughtful, son. She is Orland’s child... My friend and good rival... I have also heard she is quite clever, Hohoh~. Maybe the two of you could have an affinity since you like complicated topics."
The information he had received was interesting in its intriguing mystery as he had thought no communication was truly possible.
And now, Clemente was before the discussed woman... who appeared successful even without a voice to communicate.
"May this toast in your name reach Izeneya and the roaming deity that protects you, Lady Marianne, so they can join in the celebration for this magnificent Title you hold." — Lifting his cup with prominent regard, the Duke of Noverrne recited a delightful toast in her honour.
’Oh~! Cheers! That’s such a nice speech, Second Male Lead~’ — Impressed she also lifted her cup, happy to be able to soak her throat in the delicious liquid inside it.
Clemente observed the woman drink confident sips with graceful visage, blankly, for she was a woman that lited curiosity in any.
"Lady Marianne, are you perhaps carrying the stack from last time with you?" — Clemente then inquired.
Her lids lifted from her cup in wonder, peeking at the man considering her answer.
’I do... But... I’m like... Busy right now, you see?’ — Tightlipped on her inside, she observed her drink, reluctant to confirm for it may mean she was to leave her cup to write answers.
Nevertheless, she still nodded, drinking another sip in an attempt to convey it was not the moment for her to use it.
"..."
Silent the man watched her gestures and lightly assented to also bring his cup near for a sip.
’... No hesitation to the cup...’
Before drinking, the Young Duke alternated between his wine and the woman pondering on how outstanding confidence she had to gulp down wine brought by a stranger like himself with such ease.
’She’s of important value now... Does she not fear the dangers?’ — He considered, never forgetting the cleverness he was told she had. Yet ignorant that it was her carefree character that had her act like this.
’... As she has her stack... Maybe we can hold a better dialogue later...’ — Clemente then hoped, as he was intrigued to speak with her who was outstandingly different to other women.
Having his company, prevented other nobles from approaching and in her exhaustion, she joyfully appreciated his presence, which, although it was uptight in his speech, was considerate as the Duke simply stayed near holding in mind the reason for his assistance to this ball.
’This Duke is sly too~ You came for this toast to the Ball, didn’t you? But I guess saving appearances is a must in high society, hehe~ We could make an alliance, Noverrne. One where both get this easy toast in every event~ Fufufu~’ — The relaxed child contemplated in playful spirit as the delightful scent of her cup was inhaled by her sense.
She, who could not get her hands on one by herself.
The buzz of the ongoing conversations of the assistants was continuous yet at some point it quickly turned into deferent silence, letting certain sounds of steps be heard in expectant echo through the Vast Hall.
Heads turned in their direction, dignified as the people marched.
Marianne followed in curiosity as she noticed her companion’s observant eyes.
’They are back.’ — She confirmed with a glimpse, not letting the motion disrupt the track of her glass to reach her lips once again.
The woman’s eyes went from one to the other of the marching Royals, quickly arriving at The Crown Prince who followed behind his Parents.
Prominent he appeared, decorous in his pace and demeanour also elegant as he flaunted his own handsomeness in delicate garments of a curious light blue that turned golden mint once meeting the warm light of the illuminating candles.
His cape decorated his frame with inherent authority as his wide shoulders remained under its dark winery hue.
She kept admiring his walk just as she ignorantly did the first time she saw him.
Once again his lids were shut, nonetheless...
’..... oh goodness...’ — Marianne softly whispered to her insides, nervously grabbing better hold of her cup’s pillar as his beautiful hues became visible, only to grant his gaze on her stunning stare.
As the distance was wide she could not see every detail of his gestures, nevertheless, the Prince’s warm delight traversed his chest to lightly lift his corners at the beautiful woman watching him.
’Haah... Fortunately... It is now clear why... the woman I treasure..... my heart finds you with ease even in this unsavoury crowd...’
The hand on his back clenched at the overwhelming pleasure knowledge brought, meanwhile his torso flickered with expectant flutters of heated air; demonstrating his soul’s anticipation of the foretold promise he achieved last night in her chambers.
’As soon as it’s announced... My hand will hold yours, My Lady.’ — He told the now avoidant woman, staring without desire of losing her of sight.
Marianne had lightly turned at his intense longing, overwhelmed by the eyes that watched her, innocently trying to hide behind her cup that still had a sip left to take.
’Gosh... Why is this man so hot? He’s really unfair!’ — Disturbed by her nervous excitement, she whined lifting her cup one last time to drain it of the intoxicating juice.
’Ungh... Now, what do I do?? This is unsettling for some reason...’ — Blushing by the heat of the mixture his gaze and the alcohol incited, she wondered, observing with concerned eyes the empty glass.