CHAPTER 657: CHAPTER 657

[ The days have turned colder, this winter is crueller than others when all I can do is picture you in far lands.

My core solely finds delight in believing you are able to smile even in this weather. Summoning the sun even when it’s unwilling solely to get a peek at your stunning visage.

A teacup would do just fine tonight as the moon will not be as warm as it is whenever you watched it from your balcony at the palace.

Close the windows and keep yourself warm, my delicate daydream. May you rest with ease while I endure missing you.

May you stay in good health, safe from any trouble the unavoidable night could hide. Yet even then, nothing shall bother that peace, for I am sure to hunt whatever bad it conceals. ]

"..."

[ These words will only exist in these sheets again. These will not reach your hands. Nonetheless, I wait impatiently for these days to end for one day... ]

’... oh... my love...’

[ Even if I need to force the day to come, we will meet again.

These words as my heart cries are only a prayer, my dear. My only entrancing and stunning lady Marianne.

Every word will one day be told.

I will write to you again tonight and tomorrow. Even as I am deprived of sleep as it cures my emptiness when far from you.

I think about you endlessly.

I miss you til insanity.

Let these letters save these words and hopes until we meet again. ]

’... I wonder... what can I even reply now that I’ve read this...’

Every letter was different and yet in every single one an idea of what I was up to would be expressed.

He imagined me sad at times, telling how the thought that day ripped him apart. In others he pictured me having fun, drawing in the cold worried that my umbrella may not protect me enough, intrigued by what kind of sight brought me outside.

[ Certainly your drawings will enhance the beauty for it was seen with your eyes. ]

He asked about Khibi and Dad...

[ Her feathers might still be colourful so I hope she keeps you company as I would love to... Your father did not attend the assembly so I hope everything is fine on your side. ]

He also tried being funny, telling what his day had brought.

[ Had you been here, I would have shared the dish. My lady’s taste would have felt thrilled. Do excuse that I ate what Dioclecià ordered thinking about you. I believed not doing so might offend my lady like that time I rejected a piece you offered because you seemed to enjoy it vastly. ]

’Haha~ yes that is fine...’

However, the letters always ended the same.

[ I think about you endlessly.

I miss you til insanity.

Let these letters save these words and hopes until we meet again.

Only yours,

Zeleskiaz. ]

The scribble of a heart would be there. Making me smile although it hurt how much this meant to me.

’He has improved the scribble with every letter...’ — I chuckled, moved by its mere presence.

*Knock knock* — The door’s sound resonated interrupting the tenderness. My reply was yet to even be thought of, and the voice on the other side came first, dissolving the comfort I had achieved so effortlessly. — "Your Highness, would you like to visit today as well the... greenhouse—... Oh, Dear Ninth, I apologise... I did not think you would be here..."

"... Well, of course. This is my prince’s bureau, you would think he is the one who would be here naturally. He left a moment ago. You were saying something... would you like me to tell him later, Lady Karina?"

"Oh, n-no I would not dare ask such a thing from the Ninth."

"Is that so? Then I shall only tell him that you were looking for him."

"... thank you."

"You are welcome." — Nicely, I smiled from the seat, lowering the letter I had in my hand after giving it a last glance. — "... He was summoned by his Majesty so it may take him a while."

"I see..."

"... so, as you have not found him, care to share how your days have been? Clemente said nothing odd has happened around you so you must feel relieved, just as I do, right?"

Her lowered gaze paused for a moment, lifting it to meet my eye almost forgetting to remain shy when in front of me.

"It was awkward at the beginning yet I soon understood there was nothing to feel ashamed of... after coming to the palace I also was able to forget the incident while surrounded by so many wonderful people."

"That’s lovely to hear~ the people in the Palace are truly nice."

"Yes! His Highness the Crown Prince has also been quite welcoming. I thought there would be some grievance after the unfortunate attack you received yet alongside Prince Niccolò my days are interesting and... truly so delightful when around them..."

’Hah... this kind of act...’ — At the shyness, innocent and seemingly harmless blush, I scoffed within myself. Aggravated that in a way this lie still annoyed me. — "Good for you, Lady Karina. It does feel odd at first but hospitality is what the royal family excels at. One is always amused."

"... They do are... too hospitable..."

"Of course... it is natural that you see it that way."

Somehow, I showed her the way she had to act was not to my liking. Acting dumb is not very enjoyable right now, and I believe it’s not very necessary if what I need is for her to break the useless performance.

"Well, I shall come back at a later time."

"... Have a nice day, Lady Karina."

A fake smile was all I managed when giving such a reply. But unfortunately for me, this would not be the last interaction we would have.

After she left, I waited patiently for Vitor to nod as a sign that she was far and both came closer so I could ask. — "What are your thoughts? Did you see something in her aura?"

"Mysterious she is, my lady. However, nothing out of the ordinary."

"It may be that her control is skilled enough to reshape her aura at will."

"... that means it will not be as easy as catching her off guard, huh?"

"It is difficult to say."

"Okay... d*mn, she may be troublesome to break."

"She could be, but it is still early to declare that, my lady."

"You’re right..."

The air became upsetting. I glanced at the letters hoping it would reset my mood, yet the unexpected meeting had me much on edge.

Ultimately, I decided I would take a break. Having a stroll around the palace before continuing my lonesome wait.