You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 432
The time was one where I was simply waiting, and it was starting to make me impatient as I felt it go slower like it usually does when one is anxious and wants it to go faster. Hence, trying to compose my inner disruption, I decided to make sure everything was perfect one last time.
As if I hadn’t just saved it, I made sure the little box was still in my pocket, and I paced to the round and luxurious mirror our chamber possessed.
My hands ironed the skirt of the dress needlessly as it was simply too perfectly prepared from the get-go, and as my hands acknowledged such useless action, I moved them so now they could feel the soft and silky fabric, its little gems seemingly humble decorating the centre of my chest with its obviously expensive existence, and tracing the cleavage that was so sensually conservative, framing it with the upper shape of a heart that as it went up to hold onto my shoulders, with small and graceful shoulder pads would wrap my arm and fall long and loose down my forearms.
Gold could not be lacking in my every outfit yet unlike other times that it kind of stood out from the colours I have to wear as the Ninth, the gold was discreet in the edges of its sleeves, skirt and shoulders... My upper body was of creamy white, which once covering my breasts with a pointy direction down my abdomen, it would become the sole thread of white in a skirt of crimson; while the other, black, turquoise and silver colours, were present in the gems decorating my chest, also consequent to the thread. Making the area of gems follow the shape as if an arrow.
A simple and thin, yet golden necklace decorated my neck and the long hair I had gotten so attached to was half loose while braids kept it from covering any speck of my delicately beautiful make-up. Seemingly crowned by small pins decorating it elegantly.
’... Madame Fannie Moody truly must have fun making these dresses... they are so pretty and unique... I’ve even noticed some Ladies are trying to wear similar dresses now.’ — I told Marianne from within, too accustomed to keeping silent while impressed by the appearance we had.
Much more natural and lovely, wearing more expression and with more lively movement, Marianne’s beauty had gone to higher levels I cannot get myself to say the usual compliment about our hotness... We looked too delicate and graceful... even I knew it would be disrespectful although it’s truthful.
’Hm... our make-up looks alright, the dress looks wonderful and our vibe in it’s all, looks dashingly lovely... s-should we take some tint for our lips with us?’
"..."
’O-only in case we need it...?’
"....."
"... phew... I know... I shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves..." — Embarrassed, I acknowledged Marianne’s judgement. But even still, I felt how both of us, after I acknowledged it, agreed that only in case it was necessary we should take it with us.
’Sigh... Alright... everything’s ready now... ?! Oh, I’m wearing it... Phew, I thought I had forgotten to wear the pretty tear but it’s right here... I’m so nervous, Marianne... we don’t even take it off yet here I am...’
"~~..."
’... It shouldn’t be long before we have to go...’
Nothing more was there for us to check but the time itself... and so, waiting impatiently... Finally, the time to go arrived with the knock announcing that the time to meet the Royal Family had come.
Unlike at the Summer Ball, in which I had yet to have my public ceremony, I did not need anyone’s escorting tonight. The reason was that I was now officially acknowledged as the Chosen by Calla by the whole Empire, but even then, if not because I told the Emperor it was not necessary for him to escort me, he would have still come to get us today.
At the time, he persisted since he wanted to show how precious my Title was to him... but it felt weird for me to accept given it wasn’t obligatory for every single event and that the Empress would still prefer her husband to walk her instead than him escorting the guest that has been staying too long in their home.
Once I said I did not want to take the Empress’s arm, the Emperor, slightly stuttered while agreeing... I’m sure by his reaction, he had not thought about it and probably did him a favour by telling him.
Therefore, I reached the Main Hall on my own, where little to no one was roaming as everybody had been guided to the Hall where the Ball was to be held... Yet who roamed there were the most important people in the Empire after the Emperors...
"?! Oh, goodness, there she is... Lady Marianne, how unfair beauty you flaunt tonight. It is a shame I can only see it now." — Princess Jasmine said confidently elegant as she turned to receive me in their company, warmly coming to my side to admire our dress.
With the common reverence I’m used to make, I greeted her, glad of her welcoming spirit. The Second Prince with whom I barely have had a chance to interact with, gentlemanly greeted us from the spot he did not want to leave... and quickly yet finally, I met the eyes I’m aiming to keep for myself tonight... those of the tall and sweet Crown Prince everyone respects out of fear to some madness... We waited for his greeting, already feeling shy by his handsomeness.
"... Entracing a beauty you are, My Lady..." — Extending his hand, mine was asked for a gallantly polite greeting.
’~... T-Thank you...’
"We were just wondering when would you join us a moment ago, Lady Marianne." — The Princess said, helping us avoid any weird silence. — "Brother Zeleskiaz was as curious as myself after being told you were not to be escorted by anyone."
"... Do tell I was told such after requesting to be the one who would escort her, Jasmine. The Lady could misunderstand."
"Ouf. Brother... such was the obvious. Nonetheless, the wait was truly worth it. Lady Marianne, your beauty never ceases to impress myself."
I was accustomed to being overly complimented by the Princess... and yet this time I felt like blushing, since I could feel the gaze of the Crown Prince on us... probably trying to be discreet yet adorably failing at it.
