Chapter 323: Chapter 323
A long brow of a busy woman lifted to the cold words of the Heir to the throne making his way inside to stand by the side of a surprised young lady, who at his approach took her skirt with hast hands, hopeful to be freed with his support as happiness also invaded her by the man’s prominent appearance.
’Kinky~... SAVE ME! I beg you!’
"... Crown Prince. I had not expected to meet you. How do you do, young heir of the Empire?"
"You did not expect to see me when this Palace is my residence? Interesting. Nonetheless, I would be doing better if the Madame would not take advantage of the Lady’s kindness. She was supposed to rest after preparations unless this scene is one of rest in your eye?"
"Hmph... Sarcastic men are not truly liked by the ladies, young Prince Zeleskiaz. Yet I understand this sense of humour you own fufu~... Your rage is not to be summoned by myself staying longer... I am leaving, Bella Pristina. We are to meet on another date, lovely Signorina." — Taking her belongings with gracious motion, Madame Fannie Moody winked at the intent gaze of the Lady she had excitedly been talking to, waddling her hips with the elegance and flamboyance her essence easily flaunted to leave the chambers.
"Until later... Heir of the Empire."
Clank...
"Tsk... Insolent woman." — Zeleskiaz mumbled, angered by the third comment his humour was given and the indifference of the madame’s gaze.
Meanwhile, Marianne watched in awe at how the woman left and at the little fright the Madame demonstrated when addressing the Crown Prince.
Moving to see how the door closed to set his grumble, turning to peek at the ferocious glare of the Prince that stayed... eventually finding the sight of certain tools in his hands.
’... Sheets and ink... Even a quill...’ — She stated at the sight. Delighted and worried. Because once her close servant came back, the stack she was missing was delivered back to her. — ’Please don’t tell me you brought them for me, kinky... I already feel like lying saying I don’t have my notes yet...’
Nervous, her fingers folded before a disrupted chest reacting to the flutter while her eyes looked at the man’s hand.
Naturally to the retreat of the Madame Zeleskiaz’s grumbling was also to end. Hence, his turn to look at an attentive woman happened shortly after. Now becoming timid to find Marianne looking curiously at the sheets of paper in his possession.
"Uh... These are for the Lady to use while your stack is missing..."
’..... It’s time to lie–’
"Your Highness. Do excuse my interruption, yet the Ninth’s stack has been recovered. Her maid has brought it back." — A servant from the palace said, one of those that remained after the Madame’s departure. Making Marianne and Paige turn their heads in a flash to look at her with a glare because of her little tact.
’Why would you say that!?!?!’ — The friends exclaimed each in secrecy.
"... I see. Yet why are you still standing here? Answering in the stead of the Lady in a matter that doesn’t concern you?"
"! I-I came to aid with preparations–"
"Preparations are over. Take your leave now."
"Yes, your Highness!" — In hast, the servant along few others left. Pale by the rage Zeleskiaz was showing even when suppressed thanks to the lady watching with surprise his ruthless dispassion.
"I-I am to heed your call if needed, my lady." — Paige then said, following the others just as afraid for she had caught a glance of the Prince’s glare.
Clank... The door shut quietly, and yet, those two remaining continued in silence while a woman cautiously observed a frustrated man sigh and fight his rage.
"Haa..." — Zeleskiaz exhaled annoyed. — ’I feel the thirst amass for blood already... That head of hers should have been smashed otherwise... Cursed thirst. Bloody woman, insolent f*ck. D*mn it.’
’... He looks pissed...’ — Marianne thought at the sight of his scowl and grit of his teeth that was traversing to his hand.
Crumble...
’!? Hey, don’t do that!’
... And to the sound of the paper receiving the outcome, Marianne jumped. Coming to hold his hand to stop it from ruining what he had brought with her in mind.
"... Ah... Sorry..." — Meeting her eyes and feeling her cold touch, Zeleskiaz said with low energy. — "Well. As the lady already has her stack, these have become useless I suppose..."
Lifting the materials for both to observe, he declared. Yet her hand took a piece of them, moving to a near piece of furniture to write her thoughts on his sayings. To which the man followed behind, soon learning her writings.
[ I can also use these. The Prince’s intentions, I appreciate them. ]
"... I see... Yet there is no need for the lady to use them now."
"....." — Her eyes stared intently at the man for a long moment, bending to write once more another line in the wide sheet.
[ Is His Highness alright? ]
"... I am."
"..." — [ I believe His Highness is lying. Your demeanour says otherwise if you allow me to say it. ]
The keen eye of the woman did not let his lie win. Her eyes that would wait for his to meet with hers were attentive to the glint they provided with his answer, concerned because the coldness she had seen was one she could recognise from another story where they would not meet.
However, to her graceful persistence, his tough countenance softened at her pure interest and even when hesitant, the man breathed out to tell his honest response.
"I am not, my Lady... This day... It does not seem to be going well for myself. There have been things said to me that are bothering my peace of mind."
’... Oh... that’s... That’s bad...’ — [ Is it alright if I ask what bothers His Highness? Perhaps I could share my thoughts or bring help on the matter...]
"Yes. If it is the lady... you definitely can..." — The man said, steadily falling more mesmerized by her pure sweetness that cared for his trouble. — "My Lady, I-"
*Knock knock*
"Your Highness and Ninth Calla’s confidant. It is my duty to inform you that the feast is ready to receive the primal guest. His Majesty demands for your presence to arrive shortly."
’..... This d*mn novel’s timing...’
"... I suppose we should get on our way." — Pained, Zeleskiaz said, shutting his eyes more frustrated as the courage to inquire was interrupted.
Nonetheless, the flicker of a sheet being unfolded and stoked over by the quill opened his eyes to find the Lady’s wishes.
[ Do continue what you were saying, my Prince. A minute or two should not matter when my speed is known by his Majesty. ]
"... It is not truly relevant..."
"..."
"Truly, it is not..."
"....."
"It is somehow an insecurity I did not believe I had that bothers me, my lady."
"..."
The attentive gaze of the woman that did not retreat the more he said overwhelmed the Crown Prince with enormous love. And giving a step closer, his heartbeat raced as the lady had no intention to step away from his approach. Always looking into his troubled eyes, appearing beauteous and youthful... sincerely listening to the man’s every word.