Chapter 114: Chapter 114
We stood at a good distance from his seat — enough to show our respect — and bowed deeply in a graceful reverence to the owner of the Palace.
It was only after a short silence, that the Emperor spoke for the first time.
"Lift your head, My Lady. The time of wait has been painfully long, yet... The wait has been worth it, for I can see Lady Marianne has exceeded her previous elegance with the time her body took to recover. My eyes have been blessed with your visit on this marvellous day, Young Lady."
’Oho~ So he’s in a good mood?? Fair. It’s understandable after this smoking cutie Marianne has made him the favour to see her awesomeness. I praise your good judgement, my candidate for friend Emperor.’ — Although it was shamelessly honest in my head, I made a heartfelt gesture of gratitude to his welcoming words.
"... My Lady, your Father told me of the tremendous ailing you went through after your days here in the Spring Ball events... At the time, it was my son, the Crown Prince, who had made the approach of inviting your delightful person to this Palace... I must confess... I felt ashamed he had beat me to the idea, Haha!... However, the response was a saddening one since I learned of your endeavours between life and death..."
’..... Wow... He’s being even nicer than last time...’
"It pleases me to see you doing well, my Lady."
’..... I can’t let this go just like this...’
Sincerity must be paid with sincerity, and I cannot do that without expressing myself properly with words.
I took the post-it notes and quickly began to write. I was aware that being impulsive here wouldn’t be good. That’s why I took a moment to reconsider my instinctive actions. However, even when I thought about it... This is just the way I do things. If I don’t act accordingly, it won’t be as honest as it should be.
Hence...
I grabbed my skirt, lifting it a bit to go up the stairs separating his majesty and us, fully determined to hand him the message myself.
"...! Marianne–"
Clank! – Shiiing...
"It’s fine! Nobody dares lift their weapon at the Lady!" — The Emperor ordered, interrupting Marianne’s father’s attempt to stop me, and the present guards from coming at me while they unsheathed their weapons.
’Phew..... Wait... Weapons??!? I can’t even kill a fly!! I tried it the other day and the hit didn’t even make it flinch!! How can I injure the Emperor when he’s a million times bigger than a fly!!? Extreme b*stards! Hmph!’ — I flinched a bit at the realisation, but still continued my path as I whined about their overreactions to a girl as frail as we are right now trying to hurt someone.
On the way, I managed to recover my mental composure, and arriving at the step before the last one, I gave the serious Emperor the best look I could manage as I held the note in front of him, seemingly as an offering.
The second he took to reach for it was somehow endless, yet he still took it with care and gentleness.
[Hearing His Majesty say such kind words to me, fills my heart with joy.
The ailing was a malicious one indeed. As you are aware, my condition was also a difficult obstacle to a quick recovery.
Nonetheless, I have lovely people who desire a healthy life for my future.
It is a great honour to know the great Emperor of these fruitful lands is one who cares for my humble self.
It is I who is pleased to be in your presence, and it is also I who finds pleasure in finding his Excellency brimming with health.
I am ecstatic to be able to spend the little time I get from your busy schedule during my intrusion in your marvellous Palace, Your Majesty.]
It was nerve-wracking having to wait for him to read the message.
However, I felt at ease since, from reading the novel Theodore had given to me last time, I had developed a more eloquent way to express words on paper according to this novel’s period.
"... Hoho... What beautiful letters your hand has written Lady Marianne... Your visit has truly made this old Ruler happy. Stay here, I wish to speak a bit more with you like this."
"...!" — By reflex, I nodded energetically as our gazes met.
Obviously, I didn’t keep eye contact for long, that was the very least I could do to show respect after one-sidedly deciding to ignore protocols going up to his throne zone.
"Have you recovered well, child? Your Father said it took you very long to be able to stand again, has your walk here not drained your energy?"
[I have been taking walks in the beautiful garden our Castle has raised lately. The pure air and gorgeous flowers were very helpful in recovering my legs’ strength.
It is worth the strain they went through on the way to see his Majesty. I shall not let tiredness stain this nice meeting.]
’Meaning: That’s right, I’m tired, but I won’t outright say it.’
"I see... You! Bring a chair for the Lady." — He ordered a near servant after raising his brow and rubbing his chin.
’Ohoho~ didn’t think that would work~’
"Take a seat, Lady. Do not hesitate, or I shall make it a royal order."
’Hey~ no need... I will gladly seat~ Don’t be a show-off, your Majesty ~’
"Then, you even went on walks, huh? I shall tell my son to show you the Empress’ Garden. I believe the Lady didn’t get to see it last time, am I right?"
’That’s right! Paul is the one at fault for that! ... But I did forget I had to assist that event that day... So I won’t say anything.’ — I nodded, joking with this in mind.
"Alright... Hmm... I should also accompany you at some time. Your presence will certainly enhance the Garden’s beauty..."
’Mhmm~ I do think Marianne has that power.’
"..."
I waited for him to continue since his tone somehow implied a continuation. However, it didn’t come.
Slightly lifting my eyes sight I found His sly glances, which gave me the hint I needed to know why he wouldn’t continue to talk.
’Hmm? What...? He’s... Oh! Hahaha right, just a moment, Emperor~’
[I am sure His Majesty would do better than myself in that case. Your excellency might as well leave the glorious flowers in oblivion.]
’Fufufu~ he’s like a bragging child who wants to be praised~ how cute~’
"Haha! Well, the Lady is as clever as the Duke said! Hohoho! Maybe it would be wiser for us to only admire the Garden with a cup of tea? If both of us mixed between the blossoms, chaos would fall on these grounds! Ahahaha!!"
’You’re d*mn right about that! fufufu~’
"Hahaha... Sigh... Child, it is a shame I can’t talk with you longer right now... Although it is my residence you’ve been invited to, it is the Crown Prince the one who took the honour to be the official Royal to call you here. Therefore, I sadly have to let your graceful presence go to greet that brat now..." — the Emperor said with an upset and resigned expression.
’... Aw..... But we’re having fun...’ — I thought as I tilted my head in honest dejection.
"Yes, truly regretful... I shall ask for Fenrir to protect you and..." — Signalling for me to lean closer with his hand, he whispered. — "I grant you the authority to put him in his place if he misbehaves. He should be able to learn something from your good manners."
’Pff... Mister! Do you want to see me buried next time??!... Still, I get what you mean by that. I remember him being a handful in the original, I will accept that authority as my life insurance for now...’ — A bit reluctant to admit his offering’s usefulness, I nodded.
"... Alright... Go, beautiful child. I shall stay here... With the nice company your Father is." — The Emperor said, smirking in mischief as he glanced at the Duke from his throne.
’... So... What are they again? Friends? Foes?... Lov–!!!!! Sorry! I was joking! I was joking!! Don’t whack me!’ — The shrill I got mid-word saved me from leaving this body for good this time.
Marianne’s soul sent a menacing aura in a split second. I should take notes on not trying to joke around with the Duke’s sexuality. I know well he doesn’t swing that way.
Women of my time have that instinct quite developed, so I would know. But...
I guess she knew I had that joke’s idea roaming in my head for some time.
I did try to restrain it because I had an inkling that Anne wouldn’t like it... which turned out to be true.
Skillfully concealing the little conflict our two souls entangled in for my slip of thought, I made a deep reverence as a goodbye to the Emperor and started my way down to the place Marianne’s Father and younger sister stayed in kneeling positions.
’Hm? They were kneeling??? I didn’t kneel when I did my greetings!... Sigh... Maybe I made a mistake then??..... The Emperor wasn’t upset though...’ — I felt concerned about having done my introduction wrong, but then, I felt how Anne spread a calming sensation, one that brought air to my stuffy extremities’ blood, reassuring me I had done it right — ’Really... Was it alright?..... Okay... It’s already done either way so there’s no use thinking about it now hehe... Thank you, sweetheart, you’re so reliable cutie~’
I arrived at their place cheerfully thanks to Anne’s nice comfort and both stood to receive me, being the Duke, clearly the only sincerely glad to my safe return.
"... I am glad to see how welcomed you are here, Dear. You have performed truly outstandingly... Now, do as... his Majesty said. Theressa, escort your sister..... Both of you... Be careful, alright?"
Although he tried to hide it, I could see the concern in the Duke’s eyes. I squeezed his hand that held mine as I nodded to transmit we would be fine, to which he smiled fondly.
"... Yes, sweetie. Go on ahead, we will meet later." — Still reluctant but also relieved by my action, he lastly said, sending us off.