You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 408
"Correct. I did."
"Then, it is apparent to my eyes that you are aware of the incidents involving the lady. For if not, that surprisingly free hand of yours would not have written to her this inquiry." — The more the Prince said the tenser the ambience felt... as expected of natural enemies, I guess.
I was nervous, but still curious about how they would continue to collide. Kind of even forgetting I was the subject of discussion until he got me into it, reminding me of how the "lady" was ourselves. — "Such events, I am to avoid from reaching her again. For as I pledged before the masses, I am to guard her and lead the lady’s troops, the Robus Pars. I am to be strict with the Ninth’s freedom as you referred to with such honoured pledge in mind."
"..."
"Is that not right, my lady?"
’?! What?!? Don’t bring me into this!!’
"... There is no need for confirmation. I witnessed such public pledge, Your Highness." — Probably covering for me, the duke said as calm as his cold and uptight character was to be. Adding more to give the subject an end... Although an end that I would call bitter for the Prince who was left without reasons to continue his hostile attack against a calm opponent. — "Being this the reason for your strictness, I can now comprehend it as well as I can feel relieved my first impression was mistaken. This means I am allowed to converse with the Lady as long as no harm reaches her, which of course I also would never allow if in her presence. Her household and very self are valued by the Noverrne’s lineage." 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦
"... It is good no misunderstandings are left."
There was a pause that didn’t feel as if everything was clarified at all while they openly glared at each other.
"Yes, indeed." — The duke said, "agreeing" with the prince. Giving cue to the one I wondered why had not said anything until now to speak.
"Indeed, it is good. Although the discussion emerged from mere nothing, gentlemen." — The princess said, indifferent to how this could be received by the men. — "Brother lately has become quite the serious man, duke Noverrne. It is a blessing and a curse for at times such as these, his old unmannered impulses come out with these ideas. Do excuse."
"Jasmine." — With a restrained but still hearable growl, the crown prince warned the princess. Giving space for the duke to elegantly answer... who also got burned in his intention since the princess was also some serious business to deal with.
"... It is not a problem. The prince’s attitude is quite understandable-"
"Yet the duke’s is not."
’Uh-oh...’
"Aware of the crown prince’s fame you are, yet you followed him in this useless subject. Goodness, my... Lady Marianne, men are to be like this quite often apparently. They do not think of us women who have to simply listen to a meaningless talk like this. Can you notice?"
’Oh, I notice... if words could actually roast... dayum you don’t let it stay in your head, huh?’ — Amazed at how she blurted it out even with a shade of innocence in her atittude, I said impressed and hipocrite... because I know well that if not because of my current condition and that if was I the same as I was in my world... I would have done the same she just did only that not so gracefully.
"Ahem. The princess is correct... for showing you this scene, I apologise. Making the ladies uncomfortable was not my goal in the slightest." — The new Noverrne duke said with an admirable stance that even made it feel as if such an apology was ordered to be granted... in a nice way obviously. — "Hopefully this will not hinder your enjoyment of tonight’s ball. Especially, lady Marianne’s, we have made special arrangements so the Ninth can be at ease and comfort after all."
"?"
"My... You do not say..."
The three of us, the princes and I probably wondered the same when he said "special arrangements" and being the case that my notes were already in my hand, I wrote the question, since even if considerate while mentioning it... what kind of arrangements are those that were taken with me in mind??? I’m sincerely curious, not going to lie.
[ Although delayed, my greetings and congratulations on this day, your Grace. I am sure I am to enjoy the ball you have prepared for us, your guests... Nonetheless, what kind of arrangements are those you commented about, care tell? ]
Giving him the notes, I stared at him waiting for him to read the message.
His calmness was as expected, and as soon he finished reading his honey-coloured eyes met mine, looking as clean and as sincere as his aloof self could be to give an answer without blinking an eye with fair honesty.
"We made sure there is excellent wine for you to enjoy. The dishes served have been prepared with this in mind so the wines can be further enjoyed. That is why my concern on your health was conveyed, for if not I fear this could not be thoroughly enjoyed by yourself, lady Pristina."
"......"
"The Duke is aware of Lady Marianne’s likes I see." — The princess added while I processed how to feel about this.
"Only this much. I have yet to converse with the Ninth about many other matters to confidently agree, yet her like for wine was noticed in one of our brief interactions."
"I see. Good eye you have."
’... Good eye... although I might be seen as an alcoholic now...’ — I thought the more they said, breaking out of the daze after learning what the arrangements were. Recalling how this wasn’t the first time this kind of thing had happened since the mister had also implied it before... But... Oh, who cares! I may as well just go with it since I’m actually happy this was the special arrangement they prepared. As much as I would like to feign it, I can’t lie and say I dislike this kind of mindfulness.
