"... Truly?"
’Y-yeah, I’m just uselessly obvious...’ — She confird to the dubious Prince that watched her every inch doubting her denial to then tell a motive she could use instead as an excuse.
"Perhaps, it is that the wait tired you? We could take a seat if the Lady would like."
’Uh... Urgh~ But... But that will make things more difficult... I have to make it happen...’ — Shaking once more her head, Marianne felt bothered by the intentions she had for they were becoming more difficult to achieve. Unaware, that without her interference, the needed eting would occur.
As she correctly recalled, the Duke of Noverrne, Clente Noverrne, had remained close to the guest his Father had brought to stay for this occasion. His strict attitude had not changed and little to no exchange was there between himself and the woman called Karina, unlike it was with her adoptive Father. For the young Duke knew him and was amiable to those friends of his parents.
Nonetheless, the Baron left their side to converse with other nobles, leaving Karina to Clente’s company as she wanted a break from greetings yet would not be left on her own at an unknown place for herself.
"... His Majesty surprisingly likes elaborated speeches. He did not look the type when I t him, haha..." — Karina innocently comnted to break the ice with the stoic Clente who stood quiet and prominent few steps next to her.
"... His Majesty is fond of these events." — Dryly, Clente answered. Irked slightly for during the night, he had greeted most yet had not been able to greet the Ninth whom he was oddly anticipating to et.
The woman, thoughtful of his apathy, then looked around them finding the Crown Prince she had t at the ceremony, aiming to find another subject that may aid their silence. — "Um... Oh! Now that I t the fad Crown Prince, he does not appear as mad as the word says, Your Grace. I was gladly surprised to see he does not look as fearso."
"Lady Karina, referring to him in that manner here is not wise..."
"! Oh, er... pardon... It is solely that he appears amiable with how he looks while speaking to that Lady... I have yet to get accustod to what is good and not to say..."
Lady Karina’s response made the young Duke stare at her for a mont, following the direction in which such Crown Prince and Lady were sighted... Ultimately telling the woman who the Lady was to make his reserved mood beco deeper as he observed the pair standing near.
"... That Lady is The Ninth’s Calla’s Confidant..."
"!? She is Lady Marianne Elise?? So that is why she entered along the Royal Family!... Ah... How beautiful a Lady she is..." — With awe the woman also observed with fascination. Corresponding to Clente’s silence, which would once again be interrupted, this ti with a request. — "Uhm... Your Grace?"
"... Yes?"
"One of my wishes of assisting tonight was to et the Ninth... W-would it be alright if I ask you to accompany myself so I can greet her?"
"..."
"... Going by myself makes feel unconfident, you see..."
Deep inhalation was taken by the Duke of Noverrne at such petition. Although a wish within himself was clear that also wanted to go et with Lady Marianne, the fact that the disagreeable Crown Prince was near made Clente reluctant. Nevertheless, a request from the Lady he was to keep company had given him a reason to approach Marianne. Hence...
"Let’s go. I also should pay my esteem to Lady Pristina."
His agreent illuminated the visage of the woman, walking alongside her to finally reach the Ninth and Prince, who nicely conversed.
"Maybe we should enjoy the delicacies before the dances fully start..."
’Er... m-maybe..... Eating a little doesn’t sound bad...’ — Almost convinced after the Crown Prince had tried to establish more delectable conversations, Marianne started to yield. Seduced by the food she was to taste and had not done so yet because of nervousness. — ’But I still can’t find them... what to do...? Oh?’
"Lady Marianne, Precious Ninth’s Calla’s Confidant. Do excuse my late greeting tonight." — Clente once close enough said, extending his hand to hold Marianne’s in a respectful bow, who joyfully gave it, as within the worries and nervousness this night entailed, she had repaired in Clente’s late approach. — "Hopefully, we are not interrupting your evening for I had restrained myself from coming before you given the many surrounding you."
’Oh~! So that’s why~ Hahaha, it’s nice to see you Clente~... Finally.’
"... Good evening to His Highness as well."
"... Good evening, Duke."
’These guys are hating each other already...’ — Marianne who witnessed the lack of interest in the n’s exchange sighed with a mixture of entertainnt, glancing then at the Lady that was a step behind Clente to let her mind go blank as a notion of who she could be, erged along Clente’s appearance.
"... My Lady Marianne, do allow myself to introduce you, this is Lady Karina Valzerie, she happened to experience her debut tonight and wanted to greet you."
"G-good evening, Lady Pristina Pars. It is an honour to myself to be in your presence."
"..." — The hand the woman also extended to her in expectant kindness was observed for a second by the Lady before gently taking it. Granting a smile that nicely hid the complex emotions overtaking her spirit. — ’... uh yeah... it’s... its a pleasure... to finally et you...’
Karina’s gentle smile remained even in her silence, one she was already knowledgeable about and did not comnt on. However, her investnt in greeting Marianne suddenly recalled there was another great figure standing close.
And so, releasing Marianne’s hand abruptly to convey the proper respect the scrutinizing Zeleskiaz as an heir demanded, Karina turned to face him.
"... Ah! Please excuse my discourtesy, your Highness, do also receive my greetings and deep admiration." — Making a deep reverence that usually was to be reciprocated by the request of her hand, Karina properly reincorporated, standing gracefully before the severe Crown Prince. — "Although a glance I had of yourself at the ceremony, it is a pleasure to be able to greet you personally."
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