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— We have not had an opportunity to talk just the two of us, have we? —
’... I definitely froze... I went back to being a statue...’
— Lady Marianne, it would delight if one of these days a cup of tea can be shared on our own. —
’W-we truly haven’t talked just the two of us... Ugh! The Empress is kind of intimidating being so elegant and confident...’
— You seem to share your ti with everyone else yet not with myself. I believe it is ti I also secure a eting with the sole Ninth. Do you not think so? Fufu~ —
’... I wonder if that was a nice honest joke or a sarcastic one... the Empress isn’t easy to read...’ — Lost in thought after talking briefly with the Empress once the other ladies left, I felt nervous and peeked little glances at her who now talked to her offsprings that ca right on ti to save Marianne and I from probably ssing up.
’It’s good they arrived... I kind of froze not knowing how to answer... besides...’
— My children are truly fond of you. I should learn more about you... as you are getting closer to each of them. —
"..." — ’... Yeah... that sounded scary... kind of "I should keep an eye on you, biatch" type of warning...’
Am I being paranoid? I know not everyone should be crazy here but... at this point, I don’t know from where my death may co...
’Today at the very least... nothing life threatening happened–’
"Lady Marianne? Are you alright? You seem lost in thought."
’!? Oh. N-no... Uh? Wait actually yes but no. I WAS lost in thought but I am alright!!’ — Chaotic by surprise, my head moved answering sothing misleading to the Princess who ca to my side and gently took my hand to demonstrate her concern.
"Haha~! Which is it, Lady Marianne? You must be tired after a long day, haha." — Laughing like she usually does when she finds my reactions funny, the princess kindly smiled at us. Turning to her mother and brother to continue talking. — "Your majesty, are there any other duties to attend to? I believe it is ti lady Marianne returns to her chambers to find so rest."
"Your beliefs are thoughtful, my child. There is nothing else to do here. No guest is left. We may return to the palace... Crown Prince, would you be so kind?"
"... It will be a pleasure."
"..."
’?!?!! Aaaagh! Why!? This gazing ga is maddening! Why we keep doing thaaaat!?!’
Screaming inside I wished I could hide in a clamp or under a rock or sothing. eting his eyes has sohow beco nerve-wracking... and it’s only because I’m conscious I keep staring!
"Let us walk together, Lady Marianne. Is it alright if our arms link?" — Then the princess interrupted my panic, almost cutely while talking seriously.
I nodded thankful for her interruption and looked ahead to where the Empress and the Crown Prince walked.
Her taking the arm he offered at her request, while I observed how nice a sight... the unusual view was.
’... Mother and son... the Empress looks tiny beside him... haha...’
"... It is an odd sight." — Then as if she was thinking the sa we were, Princess Jasmine said. — "It is always his majesty who escorts the empress... solely if he is not around then the Crown Prince would do so."
’... I figured...’
"It has been years since I last saw this sight."
’... Years?...’ — For a mont I almost halted our walk to the unexpected comnt... but then again, if I take into consideration the little background the original book gave about the crown prince... — ’I guess it’s not that hard to believe...’
"Nevertheless, Lady Marianne, the day went by quite quickly, do you agree?"
’Hmm... I guess it did. But I feel all weary now.’ — Following her conversation I nodded, not really sure since there were monts I felt pass truly slow.
"Are you perhaps too exhausted? I had thought you could enjoy the resting waterfalls tonight. It would serve your body to recover a tad."
"!!!" — ’I almost forgot!!’
Excited as she reminded , it was as if I received the boost of energy we needed.
I’ve been intrigued about those baths ever since the first ti I ca to the royal palace and now...
’I don’t care if they went dirty over there. I want to see that place the female lead described as the perfect hot spring!!’
I took out my notes to ask for so little details from the princess. Like where I had to go and if she knew how long I could be there.
She paused her steps to read my every question and gently answered every single one with a gentle yet admirable smile on her expression.
"Then, I reckon you will visit the waterfalls tonight after showing this much interest, Lady Marianne?" — Lastly she asked.
And my certain nod ca right after, giving her the cue to continue conversing about other little things.
"It is a good idea. I shall send so oils and essences for you to use. Take it as a small present from myself as I wish you to relax in those calming waters."
’~~ that’s so nice of you~~ thank you, princess~’
Our walk back to the palace was aided by a carriage solely for us to use, and like usual silence between the princess and I did not feel weird in the slightest while the ride took us there.
We arrived in a short ti. Yet the sky was already dark welcoming the night.
Vitor took us back to our chambers while the Empress and her children went with us, escorting us to our chambers at her petition... While forcing myself to not avert our eyes from the crown prince as I was saying goodbye he and the princess left us at the door.
I went back into Calla’s burgundy chambers... feeling accomplished since I didn’t avert my eyes from him when there was no need to.
’I’m being stupid... there’s no reason to feel so conscious about it...’ — I said to myself... feeling imdiately how useless a lie I was telling since I know there IS a reason why I feel conscious about it... but I’m fighting with claws and teeth to keep myself sane with it.
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