Chapter 215: Chapter 215
Although I was ecstatic, I answered my little friend with a nod to confirm that the drawing was now his.
His calling me simply Marianne felt slightly odd yet refreshing. Somehow... If I’m to describe it... it just gave me the ultimate sensation of us truly becoming friends after so many afternoons of strolls through this garden.
"~~! Marianne drew this secretly, right?? I always peek at your art but I hadn’t seen this one~ Hihi!" — Dioclecià energetically said, while placing his hands on the place his figure was.
’Of course~ I’m stealthy as a ninja. Have you ever even heard our steps?? I can keep a drawing a secret with ease~’
As smug as I am, I proudly told him inwardly as I brought the gifted flower to my nose; relaxed since he was putting into practice the first name addressing.
The flower was one I had seen before yet never knew the name of.
Its colour was vivid, as well as its scent that swiftly entered to tickle my nose in an elegant graze.
’Hmm~... It’s nice... Receiving a flower is really nice.’ — I thought, observing its multiple petals.
"... Marianne?"
’Hm?’ — I wondered as I lifted my gaze to meet the child’s.
"Can I show this to Brother Zeleskiaz?"
’? Sure, why not? It’s yours... Go brag to kinky.’
Without giving it much thought, I gave him permission to leave, going back to observe the flower, wondering if I could do something with it.
Since it’s a fresh flower I want to keep it. But flowers are destined to whither at some point.
Dioclecià will be able to keep that drawing for as long as he wants to and I would like to do the same with this flower since he gave it with a lovely meaning.
Hence, I’m thinking of doing what granny Martha showed me once.
I can either press it inside a book and ask a delicate craftsman to make an accessory out of it... Or dry it to keep in a jar...
"..."
I think the accessory is the best option. If he sees it like that while we wear it, he will feel happier since it will appear more delicate than the jar...
’Actually... Should I make it myself?... It could be good for loosening our hands...’
The idea popped up as I ignored the conversation the royal siblings had a few steps away. Giving me a new hobby I could get into in this world that might not learn of it yet.
*******
"Brother!"
The innocent and little Dioclecià energetically called his sibling’s attention, as he closed into the dome where he remained.
Zeleskiaz already knew of his approach for his senses were sharp and could learn the words Dioclecià told Lady Marianne during their brief conversation.
The Crown Prince was entertained while listening to part of the inquires of the innocent child to the entrancing woman on his behalf.
Grinning at them, glad for the information requested by his thoughtful little brother.
’Ask away Dioclecià... I also wish to know how am I not considered a friend yet...’
Thankful for his youngest sibling’s impulse, Zeleskiaz watched their exchange not receiving any answer in the end.
The scripts she shared with the Little Prince could not be seen from the distance and the reactions of his little brother only instilled anxiety at what they contained.
First came a hopeful expression at a chance for change.
"... The Lady has changed her mind?..."
’...Have you...? My Fair Woman...’ — He also asked, noticing the elegant stroll of her gaze to peek at him for a second.
Nevertheless...
"..!! Why?!?..." — The crown Prince heard from a pale Dioclecià, to then be followed by dubious silence and a concerned look of his.
’... What is it..... Have I wronged once more against her?... Bloody hell... Say something so I can tell Dioclecià..... What is my Lady sharing only to you, kid...’
Hearing nothing but the gibberish sounds of her quill on the sheets he concentrated on them frowning as nothing could be discerned.
"Tsk... F*ck..."
Angered, Zeleskiaz scowled averting briefly his stare only to come back at the two to observe what followed.
Nonetheless...
"! Then–!!" — Dioclecià interrupted his own words, at which Zeleskiaz’s brow and ear flinched to listen, noticing why his sibling halted any intent of speaking.
’Haaaah... D*mm it... My Lady is cruelly clever... Or is it her spirit that is untimely?... No matter what it is... To portray such sweetness between true flowers...’
"... Even surrounded by them... You are the greatest of all..." — He whispered lustfully as his fingers covered his thirsty lips.
’... What is it that you wrote, entrancing woman... For you to emanate this invisible fragrance pertaining to your delight...’
"... How... You can become more beautiful?..."
’Indeed... How can you do that, unthoughtful woman... How are men meant to cope with such sights of you...’
The Crown Prince agreed with the innocent Dioclecià, forgetting the wonder as he appreciated her image.
"I am at a loss for I wish to learn... Yet I also don’t..." — He mumbled as he felt the light of her aura in the lovely shyness of a silent chuckle, causing his own corners to lift at its beauty.
’If I am able to cope with it... Would it mean to lose this dreamy sensation when I watch you?... So many doubts you keep planting in me and I have yet to find answers...’
"Haaahhh... Again... I am out of breath although I’m not moving... What is this illness... This bewitchment... "
The Crown Prince became distracted once more by the ignorance, losing part of their exchange until Dioclecià’s rushed steps were heard.
’?? He’s turning away from her? What are you thinking Dioclecià?!’ — Stunned, he thought. Confused at the insanity the child committed by thoughtlessly rejecting the gentle woman.
The Prince watched her lightly whither in enthusiasm as she stared at the corner the Little Prince had disappeared from.
"D*rn kid... Have you no manners towards this my woman?!" — Pained by her lonesome figure he judged the innocent, intending to stand and make his way to her side... only to stay placed after hearing his steps coming back at a faster speed than he took off.
"... Can call me Dioclecià..."
’What?’ — The Crown Prince could not believe it.
"... That’s me... Marianne!... Hehe~..."
’..... By name...’
His eyes flickered bewildered at the achievement of the child.
A fit of innocent jealousy at the honour granted to his young sibling emerged... New questions on how to also win such honour... Yet uniquely... With something, this permission his sibling gained did not enjoy... A deeper meaning he did not know how to name.
"..."
"Brother Zeleskiaz!"
The steps of his sibling had come nearer and once more his name was called.
His hand had fled from his countenance and was now pondering on the humble table.
"What do you have there, Dioclecià?"
"!! ~ Brother, look! Marianne has given me her art as a present!"
"... Come closer. Let me see."
The cautious boy that stood politely at a distance was invited by the Crown Prince, who even in conflict with his own childish jealousy desired to witness the delicate outcome of her hands’ strokes.
"~..." — Joyous, Dioclecià moved to his side and showed him the artwork. — "Isn’t it pretty, Brother?? That is I... Marianne is truly a talented Lady isn’t she?"
"... Indeed..." — Zeleskiaz gladly agreed. — "Aren’t you fortunate, Dioclecià? Be sure to keep it safe. Do you understand?"
"! Yes!"
Giving the child a soft pat on his head, Zeleskiaz congratulated him, putting aside his greed to have the same for himself and feeling content with the child’s happiness.
"... Brother?" — The Third Prince softly said, continuing at a leisurely peek. — "... Thank you..."
The child’s heartfelt appreciation was said in a weak voice.
"....." — Silence reigned at the unexpected.
There were many things he wanted to tell his older brother. Yet most of all was his gratitude at the treatment and permissions he was giving him... along with the fact of making his meeting with the Lady possible.
’... If brother had never noticed Marianne... Today I wouldn’t have gained so many delightful things...’
Secretly, the child explained his meanings as the one receiving his gratitude could not understand their source.
Zeleskiaz silently observed him for a moment to then blankly ponder on his sayings.
"... My sibling is small and odd... I see no need for such words."
"..."
"Be at ease. I mean nothing bad with such... However, Dioclecià..." — His voice got deeper and more severe once thinking about something he wanted to address. Causing the flinch of the relieved child. — "Do you plan on leaving the Lady all on her own again?"
"!"
"It displeased me when you turned on her. Be thoughtful to My Important Guest."
"!! Yes! Brother! I will!... Uh..... Could you hold onto my present? I do not want to ruin it by bringing it around with me..."
"... Alright. Now go. She is not meant to feel lonely while her Hosts are near."
"Yes!" — Nodding firmly as if receiving an order from the admired Hero he now served with honour, Dioclecià severely responded in eager volume. Only to turn on his feet and change his expression to a wide mischievous smile.
’Brother is so nice! Marianne ought to know! I will help Brother!’ — The pure child planned in his young mind.
Meanwhile, he who had sent him away added new words to his order as his eyes travelled to the distracted woman.
Words he instinctively hid from the ears of his sharp little sibling and were said with heartfelt intent.
"... Or ever... She is not meant to ever feel lonely if I can help it."