Chapter 348: Chapter 348
The archaic translucent statue was the one to breathe out the lights every eye was to admire and it was shortly after the prince and the lady had taken a seat that its artful spectacle commenced for everyone to watch in awe.
Soft music, similar to that of a poesy sung by overwhelmed bards and spirits came out from each branch of the willow tree statue along with the bubbles of lights, vivid and ripped in colour, levitating as weightless as the sound it emitted.
Flying free into an abysmal night sky the lights became stronger the more height was gained... and as more shades joined above...
*Swaa...*
’!? They exploded!’
Awestruck by the dissolution of the many bubbles of lights Marianne’s eyes glinted expectant as its mantle spread splendidly like the waves of an ocean bathing the clean sand on a wide coast. Each mixing with the other without losing their unique shade completely... to then move in unison as more joined the phenomenon.
’... Oh gosh... it’s as if... as if the aurora was purposely changing its shape to show sceneries with a wider palette of colours...’ — Marianne appreciated, watching intently the moving lights. So overwhelmed that the bouquet the prince had gifted was tightly clasped to her chest, expectant of the forms and depictions of a usually black sky only lit by the stars now presented.
Many pictures were showcased, swirling wonderfully until the lights started to fade, showing at the end of its parade... a fading picture of an elegant woman with a reddish-brown stream of hair... Cuddled to the side of a monstrous deity.
’... Even as it ends... it feels as if... it isn’t...’ — Happy to stare at the end of the spectacle she knew was dedicated to her being, Marianne’s eyes shined brightly just like the stars. Hypnotised for the disappearing lights fell with the shade a fruit of a willow tree owned. Ceasing to exist once their brilliance met the ground surrounding the archaic statue.
Looking at her feet, Marianne inhaled the scent of the flowers in her hands, feeling overjoyed for even if short, the spectacle had been dedicated to her existence. Beautiful and elegant for such was her worth for the Empire.
"The lights danced the longest in years." — She then heard some people say while awestruck applauses were recognised.
"Well, why wouldn’t they dance for longer? The Ninth has appeared! Prosperity will fall on the Empire as a blessing from our loved Empress Calla!"
"I never saw these many colours and melodies come from the statues... as expected, the realm is aware that a promised one has appeared... how mysterious it is... and oh... how wonderful."
"....." — Observing those walking peacefully through the square, Marianne’s cheeks blushed, glad to hear nice comments from the multitude. Only fully waking up from her daydream once the voice of her companion reached her ears.
"It appears the lights are appreciated by the people."
’!... Haha~ Yeah, it looks like it~’
"However, it is the lady’s opinion that I would like to learn. What are your thoughts, my lady? Was this unprepared outing worthy of thee trouble?" — Standing from his seat, Zeleskiaz inquired, coming to stand before her, already aware by her lovely essence that excitement was deeply felt in the lady.
"..." — ’Yes...’
Glad by his interest, her eyes continued to shine. Following the man to stand beside him while facing his hues, glancing at the wide sky and the statues, effortlessly summoning a fond smile to nod at the Crown Prince. Hugging once more the flowers received, shy by the beauty her eyes witnessed. — ’I liked it... a lot more than I thought I would, kinky.’
"..."
’... Thank you.’ — Bowing to the pleased Prince she showed gratitude.
"It truly was worthy... I am relieved and it is I who thanks the lady, for accepting this sudden invitation." — He said after her head with the shade of ashes lifted. Delighted by the loveliness of her visage that conveyed her gratitude. Gentlemanly bowing in return to once more meet her honest gaze, inciting Zeleskiaz to be as sincere. — "... Although the event we came to watch has finished and time to go back is to come after... I believe it is too soon to end the lady’s entertainment."
’!? That’s right! It’s too early, kinky! I’m too awake now to lose this opportunity!’ — Adorable, the little jumps in tiptoes demonstrated her anticipation to the Prince’s intentions, easily falling victim to her excitement, unconsciously going for his arm to pull it in an outburst of joy. — ’Where should we go now? The festival seems different at night! There are different stalls and people laughing louder everywhere, kinky!’
"... D-does the lady like the idea of staying this strongly?"
’Of course I do! Weren’t the lights pretty? I wish I could have recorded it... but you know? They were as pretty as my pretty tear here. Only that wider and... And... more... Wow! And swoosh! You know?’ — Locking her arm with his better, her thoughts were told quickly as her mood made it so. Glancing at him who was ignorant of the many things she talked about, happy, even though she forgot the condition she is under. — ’Didn’t you like it too, kinky? It was reaaaally, really pretty...’
"..... I suppose... the lady enjoys this ambience...?"
"–....."
To his answer, her walk stopped. Pausing for a moment to stare at the confused Zeleskiaz who lacked the skill her Father possessed to understand her many thoughts.
"... My Lady?"
’... Right. I got ahead of myself... We aren’t in the telepathic level yet, kinky... sorry about that.’ — Reflecting on her forgetful head, Marianne closed her eyes, composing her expectations to properly communicate with the prince.
The search for her stack commenced... finding none in her pockets, for she had not brought it with her.
’AaaaAaRgh... d*mn it! How could I forget my post-it notes!? Ugh! I’m so stupid, I can’t believe it...’ — Shocked, her mood immediately became damp. Looking down at herself, aware that she had forgotten the most important object to bring in an outing with the prince.
"... Perhaps... did the lady forget her stack?"
’... I did, kinky... this is bad...’
"Is that so... well, if so, I guess my impulsive idea was wise." — He said to her dejected nod. Taking from the pouch on his waist a piece of paper along with a pencil, calmly offering it to the woman whose eyes widened at his thoughtful motives. — "The day you arrived, you lost your stack and we had trouble talking with the other... solely in case it happened again I... Please do use this instead, my lady."