Chapter 335: Chapter 335
An important event finished, perfect in the eyes of many. The moment of great applause gave path to a pacific celebration, and the Royals along the Ninth walked down the stage, allowing many meetings to occur. Yearned ones... as well as unwanted ones.
"Elenaide... I will go to Marianne. Will you–"
"Go on. I am not going... I will remain here. My blood still boils." — Holding her head in displeasure, Elenaide interrupted her husband, lowering her tone to mumble a reproach.
"... Sigh. Alright. Herald, do take care of her grace." — Understanding as he had seen the woman’s reaction to the evil one’s presence, Orland requested of the Duchess’ bodyguard, making a blind eye to her disrespect as her tone softened, showing awareness of her wrongdoings. — "I will come back as soon as possible, my wife... Do rest even if a little."
"... Yes... Thank you, husband. Go ahead, I–I may join you later... Theressa, dogo with your Father. You... You said you wanted to go along earlier."
A tamer Elenaide aided her youngest child, hoping for opportunities to arise between the Prince and her favoured daughter.
"I will stay with Mother." — Nonetheless, the most unexpected family member announced.
"... Alright, son. Do take care of your mother. She does not feel well."
"Yes."
"Your Grace." — Then another one said.
Standing from his seat as the moment permitted, Noverrne intruded before the two Sylfinnier drifted away. Polite and placing no mind on the interactions witnessed from the family.
"If it is not unbecoming, may I join you? I also wish to congratulate Lady Marianne."
"It is no problem, Duke Noverrne. You are welcome to join us."
"My greatest appreciation. As you are aware, his lordship, my Father, was not able to attend this public ceremony. It would be a shame not to tell the Lady the wishes he asked me to convey."
"Haha... It would be, indeed. Your Father must be aching to not be able to tell it himself. A passionate man he is, after all."
"Yes... very much so."
"Excuse me... Father..." — Theressa timidly spoke to her parent as their walk had already commenced, peeking at the handsome Duke of Noverrne, losing slight concentration before resuming her sayings. — "S-sister should be at the tent behind the stage... correct?"
"Ah... yes. She is supposed to be there... However, you seem anxious, sweetie."
"Well... many will want to meet her..."
"Relax. As she is an important figure, there is a restriction on who can enter the tent. We will not have to wait. The Emperor also is careful, for she has a condition to be cautious of."
There was palpable nervousness in the youngest of the family. Yet there was still doubt in the truth behind the concern she demonstrated. Regardless, Orland comforted Theressa and, walking through the multitude, the entrance of the tent was reached, smoothly being allowed inside as the fame of the Duke was enough not to request permission from those inside.
"You wish to go see your Father, cute child? I don’t think that will be necessary. He’s probably crawling his way here already, hahaha!" — Replying to a note Marianne had delayed, the exhilarated Emperor uttered, forgetting to speak politely as the success of the Ninth’s introduction satisfied him strongly.
"I am not one who crawls... your majesty."
"!? What... Are you sure about that, Duke Sylfinnier?" — Annoyed at the sarcasm, in a fake smile, Francois retorted. Quickly noticing the other Duke and daughter walking along Orland. — "Hm? Oh, you brought company. I did notice Duke Noverrne in the crow, and of course, the youngest of the Sylfinnier is also here... Welcome."
"Greetings, your Majesty"
"Greetings, your excellence." — Both young ones greeted, solely receiving a nonchalant nod from the Emperor who desired to let his friend meet the child he favoured.
"Cute child, do you see? Your Father is already here. Go share time with the man." — Affectionate, the Emperor held the hands of Marianne, whose eyes brightened further as they met her father’s. Hence, thoughtful of the old friend, Francois turned to his oldest child, whose glare laid on the young Duke to take him away from a family reunion. — "Zeleskiaz. Follow me."
"..."
"Crown Prince. Now."
"... My Lady. Your Grace..." — Bending as a greeting, Zeleskiaz dryly excused himself. Displeased by the presence of those accompanying Orland.
A sweet nod just as her essence was given by the lady, and immediately after, her gaze went back to the parent’s fond gaze inviting her to come nearer.
Followed by hast steps, those her condition permitted. Surprise made Orland open his arms, understanding the child did not wish for a simple greeting.
"! Dear... oh dear... Haha. You look wonderful, so beautiful, my child..." — Going to her, the Duke said. Overwhelmed, embracing the child in an affectionate hug that would only separate to grant the kiss on the forehead he’s been aching to give his lovely daughter. — "Marianne... you have done truly well, lovely bird... I am so proud this Father’s chest might explode from the honour you bless me with."
’Hehehe~ Thank you, mister~ We also missed you~’ — Gifting the slight lift of her corners, the child hugged him once more, letting the most innocent within Marianne enjoy the feel of the father she wrote to every day.
"Mm~ Sigh, I missed my child’s sweetness so much... However, I am not here on my own. Theressa, come greet your sister." — Separating, thinking of another child he loved, Orland’s hand unfolded, inviting the seemingly timid one to join Marianne.
Slowly, Theressa came forward, meeting the clear hues of the sister she’s been waiting to see. Somehow sure there was no judgement crossing Marianne’s mind, no words came out, greatly aware of her silence, which she had to fill... yet couldn’t.
’I-... My head is blank! What to say first!?’ — Unexpectedly, Theressa froze. Meanwhile Marianne’s thoughts tried to understand why nothing was yet said.
’... Uh... am I the one supposed to say hi here? Because that’s going to be quite the hazard if I’m honest...’ — She thought, jesting. At the same time, peeking at the Duke, whose shrug of his shoulders was enough for her to take action. — ’Well... I guess since I’m the older one...’
The soft steps of the chosen lady approached the bewildered Theressa, taking her hand covering it with the other so she could meet her gaze.
’Hey. I already know you wanted to talk to me. Say something since I can’t, dwarf... I’ve... I’ve actually been worried for your dumb wig, you know?’
"G-greetings... You look pretty, sister Marianne..."
"..."
’_____ Is she sick? What’s this twist!? Nope. No. No. No. I see what this is. It’s certainly a trap. Mister, you’ve been sold. She tricked you well.’ — Having difficulty believing her ears, the inner soul squinted her eyes, reluctant to believe someone as capricious as Theressa was saying such a compliment without a scheme behind it.