Her quiet stare had beco accustod throughout the days spent at the palace to the scene. It had been many tis that the princess’s presence would interrupt Marianne and Zeleskiaz’s common etings, and the lady would side with the princess most of the tis her rationale won... for feelings had her uncertain in her decisions... And at tis a escape from the overwheld heart was searched, refuge was found on the seemingly bitter Jasmine whose sourness would beco sweet while spending a few cups of tea with Marianne.
On this occasion, however, the attentive stare of our chosen one had decided on siding with the admirable Prince, whose rage was kept on edge once more at Jasmine’s provocations.
[ Princess, are we not to seat near once at the table? ]
"! But of course that is the case. Mother and I, both shall stay by your side so no lady overlooks your presence, lady Marianne."
[ I appreciate such arrangent, kind princess... That being the case, do let converse further with His Highness. His day is to differ from ours, I am curious to learn a man’s day in this kind of event. ]
"... Hmph. I am also able to inform you of those asly details... Yet as it is your wish, I am to wait for Her Excellency in the anti."
[ I understand. I shall– ]
"Go without concern, little sister. I will make sure the Lady joins you hereafter." — Zeleskiaz, stepping ahead, gently covered the hand of the Lady. Graciously telling Jasmine while in his hues honest delight could be found.
"... At least that is sothing Brother cannot fail to do with those manners you have." — Gazing with nonchalant contempt at the Crown Prince, Jasmine glanced back at the lady to smile fondly, contrary to the severity expressed while talking with the Prince.
Lightly taking her skirt with a delicate gesture, she bowed elegantly at Marianne, softening her voice to tell a temporal farewell. — "My lady, a warm cup of tea will be waiting for you."
’Haha... She has to say the last word...’ — Waving at the Princess, Marianne felt exhausted by the brief interference. Chuckling inwardly right after, for a sigh from the man standing beside her was heard.
"Patience... it truly is a virtue to possess..." — Glaring at the girl walk away, the Crown Prince mumbled. Reminding himself of the advice his Father had given. Unaware of the giggles his frustration provoked on the beloved lady.
’Pff... it is, kinky. And coming from you it’s quite surprising you’re enduring this...’ — [ His Highness does seem to possess good patience. ]
"... I believe it is not enough... the patience I’ve crafted forcefully, at tis becos a headache."
"?" — [ Is His Highness under stressful situations currently? I hope it will not hinder the Prince’s deanour. ]
Innocent and ignorant of the thoughts the man had while conversing and having her near, Marianne gently conveyed, concerned as she knew that as heir to the Empire, many difficult matters were to be handled by Zeleskiaz.
"The Lady’s wishes are appreciated... just as this forced tolerance is worth the aching."
’... Are you sure?? If it’s too stressful I would have dropped the effort if I were you... but I guess that’s the difference in us having other kind of responsibilities.’
Walking side by side, Zeleskiaz had offered his hand to aid the lost-in-thought lady going down the platform, resuming once below the conversation on the matter she had excused her stay with the Prince.
"Nevertheless, I wonder what makes the lady curious about a man’s hunt. If you wish to learn about it, I would gladly tell what finds your interest, Lady Marianne."
’Oh... yeah. That...’ — Recalling her excuse, she also rembered there was no real interest as she already had knowledge from a past life. Nevertheless, her hand wrote on her stack, with a tad of difficulty as no support was granted. — [ His Highness is to join this event, and as Her Highness ntioned, the Crown Prince is the Empire’s hero... I wonder the weapon the Prince will bring into the woods. Does His Highness have a prey he wishes to achieve? ]
"... Well, I was told not to use my two-bladed sword. Apparently, my skill is in a sense a kind of cheat for this event."
’..... Sounds... it sounds more like you’re flexing.’
"I was given a common sword along with a bow and arrow to choose from. And as to the prey... it was announced that a prize will be given by the Lady’s hand, I believe such should be my target while hunting."
’!... I’m... I’m not giving any special prizes this ti...’ — Lowering her head to his gallant sayings, Marianne blushed, conscious of his seductive hyacinth gems peeking at her, while thinking of the last graze they shared disguising it as the reward of a fast dance.
"... Earning Pristina Pars’ recognition would be an honour. Furthermore, as I am taking care of the Robus Pars’ n... Hopefully... will the Lady cheer for this humble knight’s success?"
The delicate caress his fingers gave as he took her hand once more, stroking the lady’s bony fingers while looking deeply into the anthracite brilliance her chard eyes showcased to his request...caused our young chosen to shyly avert her gaze. And yet, doubtless in returning his caress with a refined clasp of his hand, nodding gracefully, Marianne accepted. Jesting inwardly to fight the flutter a flirtatious prince keeping his distance invoked.
’Sure... I might even bet on you... and make so profit out of it, kinky.’
"... My Lady, truthfully, there is sothing else–"
"Sister Marianne. Your Highness... Greetings to you both. I apologise if I am interrupting your conversation. Yet..."
"... My Lady, it appears to be that our siblings have similar hobbies." — Straightening threatening, Zeleskiaz told Marianne with a hint of playful sarcasm, returning to look at the young miss standing proud before them. — "... Greetings, lady. What is it that brought this interruption?"
"... Sister Marianne I have... I wanted for us to join the other ladies together... Oh. Also, as the Prince is here, do have my deepest support for this event to be won by your hunt. Although, as the hero of the Empire, it is difficult for thou to lose, haha~!"
’... Sigh... this girl... she’s just using at this point...’
"Thanks. Although I have received the support that can bring the most honour to already, am I right, Lady Pristina Pars?"
’!? D-dude!... Just say thank you... I know she’s annoying but...’
"... Ah. Haha, Is that how it is...?"
"Yes."
"...."
’Oh swallow earth... I don’t know anymore.’
"Lady Marianne, as I recall, is to join Princess Jasmine and the Empress at the table. Regardless, as your little sister is here, perhaps it is ti for to escort you back to them. The hunt will start shortly after all."
As if ignoring the young Sylfinnier, Zeleskiaz’s eyes only focused on Marianne, who even if pleased by being his priority... the kindness she possesses felt pity to witness her sibling being rejected again. Yet exhaustion at Theressa’s persistence... Resounded stronger than pity.
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