Chapter 330: Chapter 330
Somehow, the Emperor went off quite entertained and I watched him... Kind of understand why that was even after the "bitter taste" he got since once I looked at the guy he was talking about, a disgusted expression was what I found.
’Oh~ I know what this is... The pleasure of a parent after making their children cringe with a weird comment... Yup. I know your pain kinky.’
That’s what this is. Heh. Mom was a pro at that.
’It’s alright, kinky... At least he didn’t tell his friends about how you listen and dance to Chinese men... ngh! Not all were Chinese! Most were Korean, Mom!!’ — Slightly triggered while I recalled because I felt compassion, I fought the picture of my mom in my head. Clenching my hand to the memories since it’s still annoying how her friends would then ask if I knew how to speak Chinese.
’I did learn it but not for you to go around yelling it, mom...!’
"..."
’... Yeah, let’s not bring my dark past to the present.’ — At Anne’s confused vibes, I said feeling dead inside. Wanting to become ashes as I lifted my head to look at the man already staring at me... Probably waiting to meet my eyes to say something.
"....."
"... It is delightful to see you again, my lady. Please do not place meaning in the Emperor’s words, he is a pretentious Monarch."
’... I guess since it’s you, you can say that... The privilege of a male lead it is, I guess.’ — Not saying yes but tilting our head to the side, not truly convinced, I answered his sayings. Not too keen on agreeing since I’m in the "any moment I could die" kind of situation. — ’... Yeah. Let’s not tempt fate.’
"... Thank you."
"???" — ’Suddenly why... ??’
"For staying in my company, my Lady... My behaviour earlier, I thought, perhaps... it made you uncomfortable."
’Bingo.’
"Yet, the Lady standing before me tells me otherwise."
’... Bingo... again... Haha, dayum~ this is crazy. Why do I feel happy he knows this?’ — Smiling to myself, I thought. Becoming shy because of the softness in his enthralling eyes that if you ask me... They can be as sly as they want since I’m the same.
The nice sensation made me fiddle with my fingers, not knowing what to do at the moment... All awkward. Unlike usual.
"Umh... It’s good the day of your public introduction to the people arrived... Somehow it took longer than I initially thought..."
’Yeah... uhm... But you’re making it more awkward...’ — I said, shrinking in my shoulders. Awkward again... but still feeling all fuzzy, because I knew he was trying to make conversation when he’s bad at it.
The moment passed by with my silence and then, something maybe he did want to say... was finally said.
"I had thought... the Lady’s appearance would be outstanding today..."
"....."
"Yet expectations were lacking... Lady Marianne, you... Your appearance is mesmerizing."
"...."
"The people will be awestruck to meet the Ninth."
As if a domino effect, a shiver went all over my body out of the thrill his simple compliment gave me.
To have him tell this without the doubt of what to say he showed before...
D*mn... where did the discomfort go? Where did the scary prince go and turned into this lovely one...?
’I’m more awestruck by what I’ve become...’ — Fiddling with my notes I reflected as my hand prepared to write something I haven’t even thought to say.
The action was already complying I had something to tell. But a "thank you" was the obvious I could think of... but then again... I feel like that’s not it.
That’s not what I want to say... or is it?
’... I don’t want it to sound simple I suppose...’ — Deciding that was it, my hand started to write the first words I’ve dedicated to him in a while.
[ Your compliment pleases me greatly and brings some relief to my spirit, Your Highness. I hope for the people to welcome someone like myself as the chosen Ninth by Fenrir. For I am conscious that there are things I lack and may be seen badly by some of their eyes. ]
Frankly... this is what had me nervous.
Being around few people aware of my situation was one thing too different to standing in front of a crowd of strangers...
Even in my past life times when unique people were everywhere, doing this was difficult... and this place is of old times... prejudice is probably a must to be received in my circumstances.
’His compliment doesn’t change this... but it does make me feel better.’
"... No one will look badly at you. They will not get to do so, my Lady. " — He said after taking with a stroke of my fingers my post-it notes, totally convinced and sweet in his voice. — "You look admirable and elegant. Your presence is gentle and... delightful in itself. Adding that you are a chosen by Fenrir... a promised one many waited and did not think they could meet... it is enough for them to thank they are able to breathe along you."
’Oh god... I... this guy is–’
"So at least you can say reasonable things to a fair lady. My heir is not completely a lost cause at least."
"... His majesty’s break was awfully brief."
"Yes. I made it that way... on purpose, son." — Smiling so nicely that it looked suspicious, the Emperor said as he came to stand next to us.
"Was the refreshment an ordinary one? To my understanding, the wine served should be the best of the season."
"Oh, it is." — Extending his hand to receive the grail with wine, he answered. Making me surprised by how strong the scent was since it even reached my nose with its tasteful fragrance. — "Yet, you know? There was a sight I don’t see often and I wanted to see it from up close. One truly interesting one..."
The hand holding the cup came up to graze its edge against the Crown Prince’s chest as if it were a toast and then, after receiving the controlled scowl from Kinky, the sly eyes he said were inherited by his son laid on me.
"Besides we cannot let the people wait any longer. The Ninth should get introduced so we can all enjoy a celebrated refreshment."
It was slightly unsettling the way he was speaking, and how he then gulped down the wine to offer his arm to us. But his words were true... We should finish this event already.
"It is time. The spokesman has been replaced so we can proceed with your public celebration, cute child."
Taking his arm I glanced at the Prince, watching displeased how we moved to get on the stage. But somehow... I knew what this was.
’Some kind of fight is ongoing between these two... but I ignore how it’s being done... Just like with the Duke... interesting.’