CHAPTER 637: CHAPTER 637

He was determined and fast. Politely greeting those who stopped him while also excusing himself as he wanted to be next to the lady he was now close friends with.

"Greetings, Your Highness Princess Jasmine." — He greeted the Princess first as her back was facing him, controlling his breath that was a little agitated from his haste.

"? Oh, Duke Noverrne, what a surprise. I did not expect it to be you. How have you fared this evening?"

"I have fared truly well. A nice Ball the Empire always prepares for us. Delectable it is."

"I am glad to hear that."

"... My Lady Marianne, my greetings to you as well. Although it has not been that long since we last saw each other." — With a quiet lift of his corners he returned the delightful essence the lady was already showing at his presence, feeling again warm within as he considered the night much more enjoyable now that he could share it with her.

"A duke the princess says this is?" — Suddenly the foreign prince intersected, leaning to meet the eye of Clemente which as severe as it was for those with power, it became more respectable as he bowed to greet the foreign royal.

"Prince Niccolò Latrishk, welcome to the Frotschter Empire. It is an honour to make your acquaintance and I pray to Izeneya that your stay may be blessed for our land’s prosperity."

"... An uptight nobleman yet quite amiable you are~ Duke Noverrne, correct? Thee name is?"

"... I am Clemente Noverrne."

"Clemente, good Clemente. You seem young, around my age are you not? I am to stay in Dahlka for a while, you seem like a good friend to have."

"I appreciate you have such an impression; although I would not know for sure if I am worthy of such praise." — Being polite with the lively prince, Clemente did not react much to his quick friendliness. Turning to look at Marianne who was, in his stead, demonstrating a bit of the perplexity Prince Niccolò’s behaviour demanded, finding her comical as she was too evident for anyone to easily ignore. — "Lady Marianne, I brought you a piece of this cookie swirl. It is sweetened with cherries."

’!?! Clementeee~ My saviour is solely you~~ Thank you my friend~!! The fact that this guy was annoying me must have been because of the hunger~ Thank you, truly!!’ — Happy to the sight of the dessert, Marianne made a light jump before taking the plate, smiling widely as she thanked with a devoted stare before diving decisively for a bite. — ’Ouf~!! Mmm~ So sweet and delicious~!’

"... The Ninth is reckless. What if it is poisoned?" — Nonchalant, the Prince of Latrishk said, causing the gazes of the princess, Clemente and the ninth herself to turn. Some very much displeased... while the one involved gave another bite to the sweet even while staring at the man in shock.

’What in the world is this guy saying? Clemente would never do that... What a jerk.’ — Marianne thought, convinced while aware the comment was founded. — ’Mn~ so good, hehe. I mean... It would be fine if it’s poisonous since it’s so good, haha~ mh... Oh, I should eat more slowly, otherwise I will lose manners.’

"... She does not seem to care." — Niccolò while surprised restricted his chuckle, ignorant that the carefreeness of the ninth had also restrained a witty reply from the princess next to her.

"Your comment, Prince Niccolò; although it is understandable for yourself to say it... It is unbecoming. The ninth is not reckless. She knows well who to trust."

"My~ I was not implying Clemente aimed harm for her~"

"..."

’Ugh, idiot... hey, Clemente, where did you get these?’

"I did not mean it is unbecoming because of that." — Much enraged, Jasmine’s frown deepened. Contemplating that perhaps she should be grateful the arranged marriage she believed to have with the man in front of her was a distasteful jest of a younger Sverre. Feeling aggravated, for the one she held dear as a friend in her soul as well as the specks of a spirit, could not allow a comment that alluded to the fact that Marianne had already been through many similar dangers and needed no more mistrust in her surroundings. — "... I want to believe the prince of Latrishk is not as irresponsible a heir and visitor that you ignore the true meanings of my words."

"... The princess is correct. I would not do that."

"Then... hold rein of your recklessness. A gambler should know limits or they will lose."

There was a silence that said enough for Jasmine to understand there were hidden desires in the prince’s calm demeanour after her retort. Nevertheless, Clemente who remained quiet, listened without giving importance to the matter. Much more concerned in watching how Marianne gave two other bites in a hurry, giving back the unfinished plate only for a second for there was something in his stack of sheets that she decided to write.

The stillness was then interrupted by her limb handing the message to the Prince of Latrishk, who stunned by the abruptness of her action, took it blankly, reading it and opening his eyes widely once realising it was written in his mother language after getting to the last letter in it.

[ As the prince said, it could indeed be poisoned. However, Duke Clemente is a trusted friend of mine who would not do such a harmful thing to myself. The Prince’s concern is much appreciated, yet allow myself to tell you that dangers are everywhere and I am quite conscious of this fact. Being naughty is bad, so do take the princess’s advice. ]

"..." — Niccolò peeked at the woman, whose confidence was stunning, turned after learning the prince had read the contents to resume the degustation of the sweet her announced friend still held for her... Taking the moment to process that it was Latrishk’s writing plasmated in the message, resulting in his surprise being demonstrated in his language. — "?! Wait. You speak my language??? How come, oh beautiful and pure ninth?! Why did you not say so before?! Does it mean you understood my words when I first greeted you?! Lovely! Stunninng! Clever!"

’HUH?! Uh.., y-yes, well- hey! I’m busy here!’

"?! Prince Niccolò, what is the meaning of this?!" — Princess Jasmine, exalted by his quick closeness with Marianne exclaimed concerned, while Clemente as well, placed himself in between not understanding what was suddenly occurring.

"Prince, some distance is required. You will scare Lady Marianne."

"Goodness! Did I scare you Lady Marianne, oh lovely Pristina? If what they say is true should your hand reprimand my soul. How embarrassing it is not to know we could converse comfortably like this. Your letters, please converse with myself more as I had missed the familiarity of my people and customs! Your being seems able to summon the passion from my dearest home the more I look at your entrancing grace~"

"Prince Niccolò, you will confuse Lady Marianne if you speak in another language."

"Do not be naive! She knows Latrishk’s tongue~! Look, she has written myself a message in our unique language." — Going back to tell this to Clemente, who looked at the message amazed, the foreign prince continued to act effusive. — "If she did not understand what I am saying, this could not have been written, Sir."

’Seeing this prince’s reaction, maybe I should not have done that... what if I can’t go with Clemente for more sweets because of this?’