CHAPTER 638: CHAPTER 638

"Let myself see that for a moment." — The Princess, taking the stack said, also pondering on its contents. — "... I did not know the lady knew Latrishk’s language."

’Well... it is not something one goes around telling if not asked, your highness...’ — The ninth, slightly sorry said within and conveyed to the princess. Coming closer to whisper in the Ninth’s ear.

"My lady... even we royals are forbidden from learning that language since it was a ’treat’ made with the kingdom... where did you learn it?"

’... YOU’VE GOT TO BE JOKING’ — Aghast, Marianne swallowed the last bite hurting a tad. Coming up with an excuse right on the spot. Taking back the stack in which she could answer Jasmine’s curiosity. — [I think it has to do with being the Ninth. I never learned it, haha... ]

"I see... how interesting." — The princess easily accepted, giving her the time to write an answer to the prince now. — [ Prince Niccolò, thank you. There will be no problem if you wish to converse once I finish my desserts. Although it is through these messages that I shall communicate. ]

"... The ninth is very kind... I will take your offer. So you like desserts that much, huh?"

A sense of cautiousness was still firm in Marianne as she did not easily trust one that she had just met. Nevertheless, as the man had called her, the lady was indeed clever. A Prince coming suddenly to the Empire did not seem like a meaningless presence to simply ignore and so, her best way to learn the meaning was to give place for them to talk.

"Lady Marianne, you still have many wonders hidden to surprise us." — Clemente then told the Lady a bit playfully in his tone; although only the lady to whom he was close could discern such playfulness.

She returned it with vibrant hues, and a glance was given to the foreign prince who continued to watch her in silence. Marianne’s hand lifted eventually, gesturing so the friend would lead her away.

"More?... The sweets are over there, uh... Your Highness, Princess Jasmine, I will take the ninth with myself for a moment. Is that alright?"

"Go ahead, I shall remain here with Prince Niccolò."

"Ah! However, where are you taking the lady? I also wish to-"

"They will return shortly, do not worry, Prince Niccolò."

"... but..."

"But what?"

"... haha... I shall wait with you here, princess."

Within, as she walked away, the chosen appreciated the interference of the Princess with a little chuckle.

Relieved of having Clemente by her side, for accustomed she had become to his essence Marianne stayed with him longer than needed, calmly waiting for her suitor; although disguising the wish of him taking his time later in finding her while picking some other snacks for she wanted to avoid the thoughts about the needed conversation even if less fearful of it.

"... Preparations for the Ball must have been hazardous." — Suddenly, while Marianne refuged herself and her thoughts in the food offered, Clemente said, making her stop any motion as she understood the meanings behind it.

’Ah... are you saying that because I won’t stop eating, Clemente?... You are not mistaken but also not correct, my friend. I did eat a little bit during preparations, hehe’ — Marianne tilted a little happy in quiet answer.

"The travels were tough, later the preparations... and... It is not much of my incumbency, however... the Prince of Latrishk also appears like a unique person to have around."

’Oh? You thought so too?’ — Glancing back where he was nonchalantly staring at, Marianne agreed, finding the man odd even in his friendlyness that held subtle aggressiveness at times. — ’He is odd... not as severe as I would think of a Prince. Nevertheless... the Princes I have met until now are not truly much common in personality either...’

A sigh, heavy as the contemplations and unsolved matters, left her while another bite was given; this time to a new dessert she found on the table. Solely a moment of blank thoughts governed her, thinking again about the sayings her friend had just said.

[ Now that I noticed, Clemente, where is Lady Karina? I do not see her around. Isn’t she supposed to be with you tonight? ]

"... Prince Sverre offered to make her some company. She is further to the right... I told her to stay where I am able to see her."

’Hmm... Good for you.’ — Finding her thanks to Clemente’s direction, Marianne gave another bite, turning back to look at him with a seemingly teasing gaze. — ’Some time to breathe you have earned, finally.’

"... My lady’s gaze seems a tad sarcastic. Yet I must say I appreciate his highness’ offer."

’Hahaha~ You seem tired suddenly, Clemente~’ — With a broad smile she conveyed how the friend was correct in his beliefs, seeing how from behind him her sister approached after slipping away from a group of ladies she had joined because of her Mother’s persistence.

"? What is the Lady looking at?" — He asked following her stare, meeting Theressa as she neared them. — "Ah... Good evening Lady Theressa."

"Good evening, Your Grace... Sister! You look gorgeous. Father and I were wondering why you were so late, it must have been because of this wonderful appearance, correct!?"

’Haha... I will use that as an excuse although it’s not true, Theressa~’ — Much more comfortable with the little sister, Marianne chuckled softly, allowing her arm to be locked with her sister’s as she showed her the dessert in her hand.

"? Does it have strawberries in it? These must be at the peak of their season."

’They certainly are, give it a try. You like strawberries.’ — Drawing the plate closer, Marianne offered as accustomed. Also reached for a cup of wine to give to Clemente and one for herself.

"Thank you, my Lady."

"Ah, I will also-"

’Nope! You are too young!’ — Marianne shook her head strictly, Stunning her sister who did not understand her in the silence.

"? Is Lady Theressa prohibited from wine?"

"Umh... I am not... Not that I am aware of... I drink it at home in meals as well..." — A tad embarrassed Theressa answered the Duke of Noverrne, giving birth to new concerns about angering her older sister.

[ Drinking at home and outside is different. You are too young, therefore you must be careful when outside. ]

"... B-but sister..."

’Nope! No is no, Theressa.’ — Drinking from her glass Marianne decreed. Forgetting that it was common in this realm for young people of Theressa’s age to drink wine.

"..." — The young duke and Theressa stared at Marianne confused, although not finding it as odd as once they would, for they knew she was fond of such tastes.

"... Sigh... I will do as my sister says so do not drink so fast..."

’That’s right. You are also short, like a dwarf as I once used to say. Alcohol will affect you faster.’ — Now busy, Marianne argued, although none of them could hear her. Reaching out for more dishes so the little sister could enjoy them instead. — ’Have some of these. These you can eat.’

"Ah, t-thank you sister..."

’... Yeah... eat this and forget whatever those ladies said.’ — Satisfied to see Theressa eat, Marianne’s hand tucked a loose strand of her sibling’s hair behind her ear, discreetly peeking at the group she had abandoned to join her for she could sense the discord and ill intent toward her little sister from her spot. Disliking it, even if it was expected. — ’... It’s up to me how you pay for your wrongdoings. Such was the agreement when I freed you... Whatever they said... little do they know to be as brazen to judge you.’

The displeasure became apparent in Marianne’s visage; noticed by the friend and sibling although no word came out about it.