Chapter 168: Chapter 168
It’s the fourth time he’s called me "the Ninth" and it’s already getting annoying.
"Does the Ninth want me to seat by their side?!"; "Ninth... I would like you to try this sweet...", and now this.
Does he intend on forgetting our name? Only because of a title??? Nonsense, pure nonsense.
I take the honour of being a filthy commoner in my past life. Yes, I do feel high and mighty when people call me "Lady" but I’m sure every other mere mortal from my times would feel like that.
However, It’s a different story when being called a number.
I feel like I’m part of a furniture catalogue or even worse. Since I figured Empress Calla made a sacrifice... I feel like my head’s label was announced to take to the slaughterhouse.
Maybe I’m wrong... But what if I’m not?!
’Yes. It sounds cool, pretty, elegant, marvellous and all my existence already was. But, mate, I have a name. WE have a name. To your information, you have two people who were named here.’ — Playing some deserved narcissism, I commented with Marianne, who was learning well how to follow my narcissist jokes with a supporting sensation a good lackey kind of student would give.
’We should do something about it later. The name your Father gave you is no mere decoration too, didn’t he say he chose it thinking... Uh... How was it... Ugh, I have it on the tip of my tongue!’
"..."
As it had passed some time, I was struggling to get the exact words he had said back then. All I could recall was the warm and tingling sensation we felt when hearing it, which made my efforts to recall become new suffering.
’Uh... Ah~ what was it!!? Me and my- ’
—... -loved... grace.....—
"!!!!" — ’!!!?’
Out of nowhere a voice I could have easily forgotten mumbled the answer in a low, very, very low volume; that if not because I shared her body I wouldn’t have felt the tickling it made itself noticeable.
’Anne?! W–What the– How did you do that??!’
Unfortunately, My surprise not only was demonstrated on the inside as I asked my whimsy roommate but, also by the little flinch my shoulders gave on the outside.
If not because our body was still as stiff and restrained as ever, I would have looked like a meerkat looking all over in curiosity.
"Sweetie? Did something happen?"
"..." — Marianne’s Father immediately noticed and, still dumbfounded by this weird body and synchrony we have, the only part of us that gave a response was our shocked eyes.
"Y–Your Grace? Is... Is something wrong...?" — The Little Prince joined the Mister, curious for we were all seating close.
"Ah... My daughter... I am only making sure if she is alright, Prince Dioclecià. The day is only commencing it’s noon, yet she has had a busy day once again..."
My confusion was yet to subside. And so, I turned to alternate between them as they continued. But then, as I did...
"..."
"....."
I crossed eyes with the man seating across from me.
... Gulp...
Watching him drink his wine after giving me a deep look, I lowered my eyes to my plate. The only good thing I took out of staring at him was the snap out of the bewilderment I had fallen in. And stabbing a new piece of the d*mn pie, I told Marianne, settled because things just kept happening without prior notice.
’Gaaaah~..... This d*mn randomness... Can’t we learn some TPO?? The Time, the Place and the Occasion... It’s all d*mn wrong...’
Sigh... At the very least, I wasn’t eating while it happened; because — knowing my d*rn luck — I could have choked on a freaking pie in the middle of my naming celebration.
"..."
’How lovely~... The papers would say: "The Ninth fell victim of peach pies. The renewal of the pact did not happen for it went the wrong track"... Or something like that. Tsk.’
Maybe the Duke and the Little Prince noticed my tiredness. Because after that, the two served me carefully and even if they didn’t want it to show... They were concerned.
However, I didn’t have the time to care about it.
Thanks to my sarcasm, my thoughts began to wander into new ideas and for the rest of the Banquet, I began to think of what good ways there were here to die by accident.
With a new Title, and as important as it seems to be; the unpredictable reactions my body could have in the future now that it’s becoming more capricious; and my dubious luck... I just don’t want the accident that could dress me in a wooden outfit to be as pathetic as choking on a nice dessert.
’The dessert doesn’t need bad publicity... The thing just sinned for being delicious...’
And so, my head was elsewhere for the rest of the meal besides the times the Third Prince would hand me new desserts to choke in.
*******
After the Banquet, the Duke rescued me from the Royal attacks.
Just like yesterday, I was very tired after eating so much... Though I don’t regret it.
And so, when the Emperor gave the Banquet as ended, He did the best job as a shield.
Blocking the attempts of the Emperor, The Princess, The Third Prince and although it wasn’t easily noticeable by the ignorant ones... He even blocked the Crown Prince’s attempt!
’Hahaha! As expected of Marianne’s Father! Better known as... The Lucid Warrior~! I can’t forget to ask about that~ I can already imagine him getting all shy about it~ fufu~’
The only one he couldn’t block who he didn’t really have a choice with was Theressa... Which leads to my current situation.
"To think we would have two Banquets in a row in my Sister’s honour at the Palace~ Father, this visit is turning out to be very unexpected."
"Ah... Well, it was an unpredictable matter. Marianne has done truly fine enduring this solicited schedule since yesterday..." — Turning to look at me as we walked in locked arms he added. — "Dear, do not forget to tell me if you cannot follow the Emperor in his enthusiasm. He gets immersed in matters he has fun with and forgets to pay attention to others. I will warn him if you feel pressured, alright?"
’... So, you will warn an Emperor?... In the end, I can’t pinpoint if you two are friends, Mister. This Morning you two seemed to be getting along... Is it actually a Facade?’
I’m starting to like not knowing if they are or not good friends. The thrill of the prohibited setting is very attractive, but I can’t even joke about it because my soul will go to heaven.
"Father, You are too overprotective, I am sure Sister can handle such matters. It is part of a Lady’s duty to entertain His Majesty and other noble men."
’... Oh my God... You didn’t just say that in front of a 21st-century woman, Theressa.’
My eyes opened widely at her comment. I was in complete agreement until she started talking about a Lady’s duty.
I certainly can take care of myself. Having a condition does not mean I am incapacitated to do things and I know my way with people... But, girl~? A Lady’s duty? Ha! If not because I possess Marianne’s body, I would be more of a monkey than a Lady, hwahaha! I wouldn’t even mind picking my nose! And you talk about a Lady’s duty?!
’Ph–to! Bullcr*p!’ — Cleaning my inward self’s mouth, I spit in discontent at how far from the truth this girl was.
’I understand since the times you grew up in washed your brain, naive Little Sister... But Big Sister will do a great job training you to be a badass Lady like me if you so desire. The results are awesome, just look at ol’ little cute Marianne. With my help, she got to become a legendary seal renewer in a matter of months! And it just so happens the course has a discount for pitiful villainesses! How about a month’s trial??? You get to keep half of your wig~’ — I began to joke on the matter, as I acted like one of those funny infomercials that could even sell you an empty pen as if it was the ultimate weapon of the century.
And, although I took it lightly enough to joke about it...
"... Do you truly think that Theressa?" — The Duke spoke after halting our steps.
"Of course! Sister is old enough–"
"I am not talking about that."
"Hm? Then what–"
"I am asking you... Do you truly believe it is a Lady’s ’duty’ to entertain a man, Theressa?"
’... Ah... He’s upset...’
His tone had changed to a reproaching one. And remembering how she already had her fill of that this morning, I glanced at Theressa, concerned if she was going to be fine this time when answering.
"... That... Mother said I should never upset a man for not being entertaining..."
"Your mother told you that?"
"M–Mother and Miss Joan did..."
"..."
"..... Marianne."
"!?" — ’Uh?! I did nothing! I declare myself innocent!’
Surprised from being brought into the possible earful that was to come, I did as I always did whenever my mom came to scold me instead of my older brothers.
Excuses! You can make them up if you are actually the culprit!! But use a d*mn excuse to save your a**!!
Since I have no way to talk, I began shaking my head to convey my declarations to the court... although he had yet to turn to look at me or ask anything.
And then, still without looking at me, concentrating only on watching Theressa, he added.
"Do you also agree with your Younger Sister’s allegations?"