Chapter 346: Chapter 346
"Only your guards know for now, yet if word gets to his Majesty we may not be able to go."
’... Really?’ — In awe I stared at him... feeling how an excited smile was probably already manifesting on my face since even if different, what I anticipated was happening.
He probably felt it. And as wonderful as his gentlemanly attitude had been, the Prince’s admirable face became more confident, smiling softly to whisper more of the proceedings.
"... This way, my lady."
’Yes, Sir~’
Hiding through the corridors he took me outside the palace, avoiding the eyes of the guards and even some roaming servants so we could slide from their sight, leaving from the open corridor we had strolled through whenever I used to go to the Empress’s garden.
At some point we had to jump down a smaller wall, making my stupid fantasy come true in a much better and pure way... that only made this night feel more dreamy.
"Here, my lady." — Extending his arms to help me, I heard his whisper. And even though I wasn’t to jump into his arms, his hands would take mine so I could seat up the border and then he would lower me, down from it so kindly so my feet wouldn’t feel the fall.
’Hup!’ — I inwardly said, looking at him energetically as I reached the ground. — ’Hehe~ thank you kind Prince~’
"... It is good you have brought a shawl." — Stroking the fingers he still held, the Crown Prince said. — "The night, although it is summer, still owns a cold breeze."
’Haha... I’m... I’m getting hot though!?’ — Flustered the more conscious I become of his hand, my head was about to start spinning, much more after I avoided his gaze.
But then... He had some preparations he wanted to do. Helping me forget these silly ways of my random head.
"My Lady. I have brought an item that will be of use to us."
"??"
"For we are to walk among many people, so we can do so more comfortably as our fame is known by their eyes... I brought these archaic concoctions so our appearance will differ from every day."
’!? Wow! Archaic items?? Something like this never appeared in the novel... what kind of concoction is it?’ — Briefly forgetting the funny feeling, I intently watched him take from his pocket two little vials with a black fluid much thicker than ink.
"This one is so our eyes change hue." — With its dropper he let a drop fall on his tongue looking at me to show the first change. Immediately taking the other. — "... And this one is for our hair to change..."
"....."
I was shocked for a moment. Having immediate flashbacks of a night when a stranger approached us with those same turquoise and blue hair.
’... You... you should have taken off the mask kinky...’ — Somehow that’s all I came up with since he still looked as handsome... and dangerous in a way I cannot put my finger on very well.
"... I am aware this appearance is familiar to the lady. I... I apologise, for my actions at the time were not appropriate."
The embarrassment at my stare was obvious as he spoke and it made me feel odd, since it was nice to hear the voice of the man that stole my first kiss... and those that followed yet with a different shade of hair and eyes.
’You already apologised for that some time ago I think...’ — I still answered, feeling as ashamed for some reason.
"Umh, do use it. So you may have more freedom during this event."
’O-okay. Uh... which...?’
"... Let me assist you."
’! Uh... ugh... Alright...’ — Embarrassed again I whined a bit to his help. I didn’t want to make him feel bad so I simply agreed... Offering my chin and opening my mouth to slide my tongue out, thankfully without much effort as we had practised today loosening its stiffness.
His hand took my chin... and on the tip of my tongue, I then felt a drop fall on top, tasting like a chilling pinch that was a sour burn.
"..... That is... for the lady’s hair..."
To his words, I opened my eyes. Meeting his face right in front of me, looking at me clearly with astonishment. Probably even acting without thinking since his hand left my cheek only to take a strand of my hair.
"... It is... quite the shade, my Lady."
’... Haha... you can bet it is... it’s like...’
—... Father’s... —
’... Yes, hahaha... it’s just like the mister’s.’ — Surprised and glad by the unexpected echo of Marianne’s voice, I thought fondly of the hair in our hands.
How lovely... if the duke were here, I wonder if he would cry... right now we must look just like him. With ashy hair and with his beautiful grey eyes...
"... Solely changing your hair’s shade should suffice."
’Uh?’
"Shall we go?" — Suddenly, the crown prince said. Adopting a harsher attitude... as his hand abandoned my hair almost ruthlessly to walk ahead of us.
"...."
And so... Somehow...
No thought was able to come up in my head for a while... Because his behaviour shut my wonder as suddenly as that.
*******
’Do not let awe cloud your reason...’ — Zeleskiaz told himself. Recalling by the prominence of that hair that respect should be shown to the lady. Bothered, for it was advise coming from an unreliable man he was trying this time.
’Will she endure the walk?’ — Glancing at the woman walking a step behind him, he then changed his source of concern. For the lady felt downward at his unexpected change, which he ignored... as his concern for her energy deepened.
Looking ahead, the shortcut he knew for years appeared reckless. Yet an obedient Marianne followed behind, looking around the nature surrounding the palaces, causing his resolve to continue guiding her while silence strengthened.
Careful he helped the frail woman cross the path. Quiet as she seemed immersed in thought... one that he did not know was actually blank, trying not to summon unease in her heart.
A street filled with people was reached finally and it was then that the only question he had asked more than once in this length they walked was asked again... receiving the same graceful nod of agreement.
"Is the lady alright to continue?"
"..."
"... It is near, thankfully." — He said to the gracious lady whose eyes wouldn’t look at him. Since unconsciously, a wish to protect herself made her grey hues intuitively elude his gaze.
The many people ahead made him also quietly go into deeper ponder as they walked joining the crowd. And as his eyes understood more people were appearing in their way, an impulsive yet acceptable action was made.
One not only acceptable, but the one needed for both their spirits to lit up.