Chapter 219: Chapter 219
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"Madame! You cannot–! You need the cla–"
"Eh! Give me that! Step aside!"
Bang!
"!?!?..." — ’What the–?!..... Uh? It’s the funny mood–’
"Humph...! Eh, Figurati... Take that thing away! The Ninth cannot use that outdated design!" — Displaying displeasure behind her fancy fan the strong-tempered woman judged the busy scene in the child’s Chambers.
"Hurry! Leave that over there... Be careful with that! Ignorant fool..."
Pacing inside with determined steps she gave instructions to the servants following her and only once done, she turned excessively flashy with heavy makeup.
"Oh! Lady Marianne!
’fig–.... Fuo–..... Madame, I barely understand Italian... But indeed... The issue is... Why are YOU here???’
Confused, the goal of The Madame’s invasion blinked in her surrounded position, as the women did their best to polish her every nook after the long yet lavish soak from which her natural flowery scent gained hypnotizing strength.
"To think you almost wear this dull dress to this significant event.....
"..." — ’Bruh... What?? I should have learned Italian too...’
"... Oh dear... You truly don’t speak, huh?" —The woman said appalled in a sigh, for she could not receive the usual response.
’Well... Did you forget?... Oh. Are you here to help me relieve my boredom?? It’s really fun to frustrate you, Moody Madame, heh.’
"No matter, let us do what summons us! You are the Ninth! Therefore..."
Walking away from the girl that merely accepted her unexpected appearance, Madame Fannie swayed her hips to then open the considerably big chest she brought along.
Slowly as the thrill her show deserved, the woman turned holding the piece with delicacy in her fingertips, covering her big upper body as a smug, proud, and somehow passionate expression was placed on her countenance.
Lips grinning with the shape of a sly "S"... stealthily told her muse for the outfit.
"...This... Bella Pristina... YOU OUGHT TO WEAR THIS!"
The unique designer announced powerfully as her hand made an exaggerated movement to point at the fabric showcased.
Therefore, Marianne and her friend felt entertained, being this foreign last one to secretly state an ingenious comment.
’Woah~ If only we had as much energy as her wrist has~... Understood! Moody Lady! Whatever it is I support the flashy!!’
*******
"... I see... Is it that you believed I would get angry that you brought me these lovely puffs?" — A soft Empress said.
"... No..."
"... Husband?"
"... Not entirely..."
"..." — Her smile could finally emerge at his honesty. — "Did you caress each petal, and asked permission?... Did you honestly tell them why you wanted to take them?"
"... Yes. My wife was very strict when teaching me the musts."
"... Thank you, Husband. I feel energized by their scent."
Francois smiled, pleased at his wife’s expression.
Reassured that he had done well, the Emperor observed the mature elegance of his wife’s joy as she appeared natural in resting gowns with that curly copper hair he admired falling fluffy on her shoulders.
"It is unfortunate that I am not to walk by your side tonight, My Empress..."
"Oh, do not lie, Francois~ You are elated to walk with the Ninth, aren’t You?"
"!... I truly cannot lie to you, Ingrid... The child is simply too charming in my eyes."
"Hmph. Of course, you cannot." — The woman stated, giving herself a pause to continue. —"If the scripts say so, I am not to take offence."
"..."
"What’s more... Husband, I believe it also to be an opportunity to show my gratitude to the girl."
"Hm? What do you mean, Ingrid? I have not heard of you meeting with her..."
"Of course, you have not! My! Francois! Although I know everything reaches you, do not say it! I hate the mere thought, oh controlling man..."
"!! It’s not that I want–"
"Oh shush! Unthoughtful man."
"..."
"Fufu... I know. I solely wanted to jest with the Husband I don’t see as often."
"Sigh... Woman..." — Relieved, Francois exhaled. — ’Mother of my offspring... You are too forgiving.’
"As I was saying. The girl... I desire to thank her."
"Why is that?"
"... Our youngest... His speech has turned more confident... And our Jasmine..."
"...?"
"Do you remember I told you she struggles to tune in with other Ladies? Also... Her dreams..."
As she spoke, The attentive Emperor sat by her side as she cautiously caressed her flowers and responded stranged by what she referred to.
"Ah... Yes... I believe you mentioned something like that but–... Ouch!"
"Francois! At least remember what I tell you about our children!" — Displeased, Ingrid pinched him.
"I do remember! I just cannot see the connection with Jasmine’s dreams!"
"Oh... Is that so~?"
"... You only have patience with others..."
"My husband is special."
"... I am." — Bothered, yet proud, Francois nodded.
"In any case, Husband. Jasmine finally found someone she feels comfortable sharing a friendship with. Now, her dreams are solely about deepening their bond. I have not seen that child smile this widely ever since we let her keep her first pet..."
"... Are you sure she is smiling? Every time I see–... Sorry, I won’t say anymore." — Francois halted his crude comment as he noticed his wife’s glare.
"Sigh..." — Ingrid sighed exhaustedly at the man who did not seem to learn.
Nonetheless, she was a wise woman.
Her judgemental gaze quickly transformed to one of understanding, and returning it to meet his troubled countenance, she placed her hand softly on his cheek, inviting him to return her stare.
"Escort the girl splendidly, Husband. Our oldest shall offer his arm tonight to his Mother... Behave. For I know you become eager in the unique girl’s presence."
"Yes, Empress... Gentle as ever, My wife is."
"Hmm... Well, you brought lovely flowers along... My Husband is as sly as ever."
"Haha... I cannot deny..."
Her hand brought the bouquet to her chest lovingly admiring them, and then she said:
"You found the right ones... Those that are soon to whither... Thank you, husband."
"You said so... ’I like the ones soon to whither... For their descending bloom achieved its purpose and now they are to return to the ground fulfilled.’... Experienced flowers, was it?"
"... How joyful... My Husband has not forgotten... Indeed... The Experienced Flowers... Symbol of my birth Lands... The ones that always announced our hope."
*******
The characteristic heat of the Summer Sun was felt by the Empire’s inhabitants. A burning sun that warmed its ground strongly yet still light for its formal start occurred on this conmemorized day.
The breeze came along with the added temperature and as sunset arrived, the climate became stronger as if the intending-to-hide orb was truly touching the land... Transmitting its heat for a moment, until the moon was to take over the sky, bringing the freshness the night possessed... Optimal for the event to be held in the protected Royal Palace.
Carriages had marched into the royal grounds from early noon as the assistants to the Ball rode inside them.
The expectation of the people was a must. An announcement that was given recently was still the source of entertainment for these carefree noblemen and noble women.
Although the time to meet and engage in elegant conversations was yet to arrive, a noticeable buzz could be sensed inside the Royal Guest Palace.
The West Wing was busy, yet hushed... The Guests were anticipating the night for they knew the First Empress’s Confidant was to appear in front of them.
"It’s Duke Sylfinnier’s Daughter... I remember peeking a glance at his children, Yet I cannot distinguish which was the one Called Marianne."
"... We had entertaining conversations with The Duchess and her youngest... Nonetheless, I did not meet the one to be known as the Ninth..."
"His Grace... The man is not only outstanding, but his offspring also seem to hold potential... I have heard his son is also skilled in the sword."
"... Sylfinnier... Truly a Household beloved by our Royal’s roots..."
Little whispers of the intrigued nobles could be found within the building.
In its various lodgings two people that were members of the family that the attractive Ninth pertained, resided.
The Duchess, Elenaide Sylfinnier, waited annoyed at her corresponding chambers.
The glances of the nobles that witnessed her arrival as well as the now unsettling presence of her one son had her on edge.
"I cannot believe this disgrace..." — She mumbled as her hand moved the fan to refresh her visage.
A woman like Elenaide enjoyed the gaze coming from envious nobles below her. Nonetheless, the source of their envy also should please her.
’That evil girl... She ought to be as destructive as the claws and fangs of Fenrir. How can I feel joy if I know this?’
"... To think I gave birth to that... Ugh!"
The familiar chill travelled her limbs, selfishly like the serpent shape it appeared to have.
Her lids closed in discomfort once more, causing her soul to call for her husband with yearnful pictures of his kindness.
"Sigh... Has he not learned of our arrival yet?... Are you not coming to greet your wife... Orland?" — Saddened she sighed, wishing for her contemplations to be proven wrong.