Chapter 329

Chapter 329: Chapter 329


’Alright, Anne. No watering flowers or puking. There is a fan waiting to see us so we can’t look bad.’ — Still feeling nervous but now for other reasons we decided, deeply inhaling a huge amount of air to make it worthwhile.


"Announce us." — Then the Emperor said. Right after giving a pat on our hand.


"Yes, Your Excellence... yet, will the Crown Prince not join you on this occasion?"


’?!... I-is he assisting too?’


"... He will but later. Ervin just do as told, that brat will probably ruin this if he joins now–"


"So his Majesty believes I am going to ruin this event?"


’Wow... As expected of the timing of a male lead...’


"... Crown Prince. You are here..."


"I am. Yet not at the time your majesty expected, am I right? After all, I was told a different time for the event to start... Perhaps it was a mistake? Or was it because of his majesty’s beliefs that I was lied to?"


"My... A mistake it must have been."


"If such is the case, it is a pity. Since I learned the truth I was forced to... make some arrangements to be able to assist... Especially with those eyes in the shadows placed on me. It bothered me."


"kh! Bloody Hell, Ervin, you had to summon this brat by mentioning him!!"


"... My apologies."


"Sigh... Crown Prince! Your beliefs were misconceived, I would never do such a misdeed against my heir no less."


"Hm... Truthfully, such a statement is doubtful to me as his majesty enjoys attention... Yet it is alright. As I said, I made some... ’arrangements’ to also surprise you." — Coming closer to the spot his father stood the crown prince finally said, looking quite menacing into the Emperor’s eyes with what I can tell is sarcasm disguised with a polite tone... that, truthfully, nobody with two fingers of forehead would find honest. — "Your celebration here might be cut short, however."


"... What did you do."


’Y-yeah, kinky what did you do...?’ — Nervous since this is the type of vibe I usually imagined from the male lead in the original, I joined the nervous emperor.


Because unlike usual, he hasn’t even glanced at me even though I’m sure he can see me.


"... The Hunting Competition... I believe it will be interesting to learn the date it will happen."


"..... Y-you didn’t..."


’W-what... what did he do, uncle!?’


"I did not have your limb near, sadly. Hence I had to find a replacement."


"Ervin! Send someone to the dungeons!"


"Hm? You will not go yourself your excellence? That saddens me, truly. It is a sight to see."


’What is!? Kinky! You’re giving me the chills for real now!’ — The more they spoke the more confused I became... because of what was mentioned... All I could think of was that his madness had acted out and the poor Emperor was suffering the consequences.


"kh!... You better be bluffing Zeleskiaz Di Frotschter... This will not go unpunished."


"... You seem to barely know the heir you have. To think you believe I could bluff... When I have enough reasons not to." — The Prince then threatened with a low voice and piercing glare that made me go pale just like the Emperor did.


"... Ervin!"


"Yes, Your Majesty. I have already sent orders."


"Alright... You won’t get what you want, Zeleskiaz. I’m staying right here, and I will enjoy this event just as planned. Even under your schemes."


"That is alright. This shall be your last chance for a break in a while after all." — Now smiling, annoyingly smug at the Emperor the Crown prince softened his scary expression while I felt as threatened as his Father since I was holding his arm kind of feeling I was part of his team in a way.


"..... Ervin, I want a report as soon as possible."


"Yes."


’... Bruh... Uh... Majesty Uncle... I-is it truly alright to stay? This guy doesn’t look like he’s joking...’ — Trying to be respectful but also friendly I came up with a weird way to address the Emperor while I stared dumbfounded at how things were going out of nowhere.


The nobleman that served the Emperor went away while I thought of this and the three of us watched him until the Emperor spoke to the nonchalant Crown Prince.


"Whatever I am told. I want you at my lounge as soon as we return to the Palace, Zeleskiaz. My tolerance, you take too much advantage of it, selfish brat."


"... I will be there, Your Majesty. I anticipate the call."


"Tsk. Shameless you are too... Lad! Bring me some wine! I can’t go out and meet the people like this!" — Annoyed at the indifference, yet careful, the Emperor took my hand and unwrapped it from his arm; gently to excuse himself.


"Sigh... Cute child, give me a moment to refresh my thoughts from this bad taste... Would you like to accompany me? I doubt my son is good company at this point." — In the end he glared, saying with hate quite a reasonable statement.


’Uh... You said there would be wine? If so I-’


"I believe it is the other way around, your majesty. The lady is used to my company."


’uh... Come again? Not to this one, kinky...’ — Actually doubting I inwardly said. Since I’m really not used to this vibe of his.


"You don’t say... if that is the case... Lady Marianne, it shall be what you wish."


"...."


’COME AGAIN???’ — Our eyes widened in disbelief. — ’I have no wishes, uncle!!’


My silence resounded even through the noise of the multitude waiting on the other side of a tall platform that we were supposed to be on, being praised and admired by the fanbase I had crafted thanks to our Title. It felt strongly on my body... And then, on their own, my eyes moved to meet the eyes of the Crown Prince... Forfeiting the momentarily fear I felt as I found the gaze I’m used to.


An adorable one... that even while attempting to look prominent and proud... Still asked me to choose him instead of his father, the Emperor.


The stiffness I felt enhance in my already stiff body at the situation lessened immediately out of relief to see the familiar him again... And now it was a given. What my answer would be.


In the flowery patterned silk falling beautifully over the tulle of my skirt, I took out the post-it notes I had made sure to bring with a prepared speech just in case it was needed. And I wrote on a new page the answer they were both waiting for.


[ Please go ahead and refresh yourself in peace, Your Majesty. I hope you do not find it an offence. For I have not seen his highness in a while, I would like to wait for your return alongside his presence. ]


"Hm... Alright. It is no offence, cute child. That is a thing only my son excels at accomplishing." — Resigned at my message he said, glaring at the smug Prince... to say before leaving to the accommodations of a near tent. — "Be careful of his sly eyes, child. Don’t give in so easily. That he got from me, haha!"