Chapter 322: Chapter 322
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A stop was made at his bureau. Where sheets would be taken along a quill and it’s necessary ink so a woman could speak through beautiful handwriting.
The doors were opened in hast and where his desk was placed, that one the Emperor had mentioned was doing his work, seating at the prominent chair, busy while having difficulty understanding the documents meant for the Crown Prince to go over.
"!? You’re here? Good timing, I have a few– hey! I’ll use those sheets later! Hey! Not the quill too!" — Surprised at how his materials were snatched away by a determined boss, Biel stood from the seat, extending his hand in grief as Zeleskiaz already stomped his way out of the bureau the right hand had been locked in, thanks to the enamoured man the Crown Prince had evolved into.
However, at the entrance he was supposed to cross, Zeleskiaz suddenly stopped his speed dry. Giving hope to the desperate right hand, solely to ask a seemingly obvious question.
"Biel."
"! Yes?!" — Perking up to his name, Biel answered.
"Am I not fun?"
"... Of course you aren’t fun. On the contrary, you’re scary as hell. Now give back the–"
*BANG!!*
"??? What the hell?! Break the door next time!... Tsk. What’s with him..." — Flinching at the strong noise of a thundering closure, Biel grumbled, tired by the small exchange he managed to have with a rushed Zeleskiaz. — "He’s obviously not fun. His face CAN’T be fun. Is he also becoming stupid at this point?? Asking such odd questions..."
Falling back on the chair the prince he served was supposed to seat at to look through the many tasks he was to oversee, the right hand sighed exhausted, only smiling because of the correct picture his imagination gave about the storming Zeleskiaz’s demeanour at his response.
"Heh. He must be asking weird stuff because of that Ninth woman... At the very least, if he’s this troubled by little things like these while following her around then I can take the sacrifice of doing his work... Torture him, Lady. I like that kind of payment~"
Seating back truly satisfied by the thought said out loud, Biel grinned further. For the disrupted Crown Prince’s aura could still be sensed, increasing, even though his steps took him farther away from the room he was at.
The speed of the man could only increase as displeasure settled more in his body, while concern also mixed in between the doubtful waves a malicious comment from his Father initiated.
’Is it bad if I’m not fun??? Why would that idiot take pity on my lady because of that???’
— To think he could be rejected for being this boring~ —
"... That’s not true... is it?" — Grimacing greatly at the words recalled, Zeleskiaz lowered his head to look at the feet that wouldn’t move because of the doubt. — "My lady would not... Do such a thing only because of that... Would she?"
The special eyes of the man forbid the light from entering his concerned hues out of grief to believe what caused new anxiety in a usually confident man such as himself. Shutting them tightly as a measure to find equilibrium in his inner conflict.
’... If I am a bore to her... Even I would reject anyone who bores me...’ — He thought, aware of the truth. — "Bloody hell... I cannot let that be the reason to lose her."
His hand that wished to clench at the distress refused to do so at the sound of the sheets he carried for the woman inundating his being with unnecessary trouble to use.
Opening the lids of clear eyelashes to stare at the pieces, his longing for the Lady’s warm presence that would probably diffuse his any apprehension only enhanced within the quiet of an empty corridor.
’... I believe... She does enjoy my company... M-maybe not as much as I do when in her presence, yet...’ — Zeleskiaz’s frown became pained again and his hand had to help his grief by pressuring the handsome bridge of his nose, as a helpless sigh vacated his chest with stuffing difficulty.
"It’s difficult to not know... Perhaps if I ask her... But that is... this bloody heart of mine will not be able to stay calm..."
The empty corridor felt suddenly wider the more he pondered on these unsettling issues. However, within the enamoured man, one simple fact would not be discussed even when trouble was inhabiting his mind.
... A fact that moved his feet once again towards the lady’s lovely chambers...
’I want to see you...’ — Looking forward, Zeleskiaz’s severity did not fade. Nevertheless, the first step to reach peace had been given.
Straightforwardly, the Crown Prince advanced determined. Arriving soon at the doors of her Burgundy chambers, where those guarding it would straighten to receive him along that one the Lady was to always be followed by.
"Vitor."
"... The lady is busy."
"With who. Her preparations shouldn’t take this long."
"... An extravagant lady."
"... Announce me." — Glaring at those observant ones to the sides of her door, Zeleskiaz ordered to then watch the silent knight step aside from the middle, so the Prince could step inside after the gates opened.
"Lady Marianne Elise Sylfinnier, the Ninth’s Calla’s Confidant, the Crown Prince, Zeleskiaz Di Frotschter stands before your doors."
"..."
An extended stillness was heard after the Prince’s announcement... One solely to break at one door that opened slowly, letting out a loud voice from inside.
"This dress and this other one! I have made it thinking of the Festival and the Hunt! However, your beauty has enhanced after I last saw you, quiet Lady Pristina!! It is another challenge this Madame Fannie Moody is to take!! Ah~! Non-Vedo L’ora!!! New designs! New beauty!! New flowery accessories!!! Favoloso!!"
"... Your Highness..." — Then the exhausted voice of a familiar maid caught the Prince’s attention, deciding before any request was told what he was to do.
His hand opened further the door to step inside and find the sight of a graceful lady, seating peacefully yet with shut eyes as her inward self was under such tormenting weariness that her ears could not hear the Crown Prince’s arrival.
’I’m already dressed... But I feel like I have ten corsets smashing my breasts because of all her rambling... I want to sleep... I want to eat..... I want wine, Anne.’
The marvellous sight of her elegant appearance had reigned over his concentration while the stream of her hair was up, showcasing the neck and cleavage of pale youthful skin... That in a dress of the expected deep red, flaunted the shades only her existence could carry at once. Craved in the many details while her corset was wrapped by a golden net of an accessory.
"Ah~! The shoes! Those I cannot forget!! Their height and stability ought to be thought of for every event you are to attend! Lady Pristina!"
Yet his moment to appreciate had to be shattered by a loud designer. Provoking his annoyance after his mood had also been taunted by others.
"Even under the roof of the Monarch, your famous selfishness doesn’t know its limits, Madame. Was it not only her preparations you would take care of? Why are you still here when the Lady is ready?"