You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 435
"An unusual day it is today certainly... Your Majesty, perhaps it is with this refreshing mood that we should stop delaying this further. Do you agree?"
"Indeed." — Returning the delicate pat Ingrid gave to their joined hands, Francois agreed just as pleased. Looking ahead after smirking at the glimpse of his complicated heir to order Ervin Jensen, his direct and loyal noble servant, to invite the youth to debut before them. — "Ervin. Let us not take longer. Start the ceremony."
"Immediately Your Excellency."
’Finally...’
Relief washed away any weariness in Zeleskiaz, for the sooner the ceremony began, the sooner her presence and entrancing essence could be joined.
Many entered briefly doing as properly instaurated in the Empire’s tradition. The Emperor would welcome the nobles to become with fresh arrogance, giving some compliments as well as correcting some unmannered ones he found distasteful at his whims.
Nonetheless, Zeleskiaz, as he was accustomed to, impassibly stood solemn at the designated spot he was to simply observe every single one that came for a debut. Paying the minimum bit of attention solely to those that one day might be of use to his Reign.
’... Too many useless ones there are...’ — Ultimately frustrated, Zeleskiaz frowned, seeing how little awareness or cleverness the youth coming today possessed.
His impatience only heightened the duller every noble became as they advanced in the ceremonies. Making his annoyance graze the limits of his restraint as the time was felt as lost. — ’How many are left?... I want to leave already.’
It was as bothered grumble was experienced and trying to be placated that a distasteful vibe shook his senses. And it was while a woman made her introduction to the Emperor, that an instinctive repulsion emerged within Zeleskiaz making his lids open to see the culprit.
"Hmm... So you are the girl Baron Valzerie made the exception in his blood’s lineage."
"Yes, Your Majesty. The name is Karina... now one of Valzerie, thanks to the Baron’s kind heart and his Majesty’s goodwill."
"... Being a common person to become a noble must have been a challenge for your youth. Given the background the Baron gave, you made great efforts so tonight could be your debut."
"My appreciation to His Excellency’s words. Within myself, to repay my now Father is what has pushed me into such efforts. Hopefully, I am not to place in shame his name, nor His Majesty’s who allowed myself to become a noble." — Lifting her lids, the woman, apparently innocent, dedicated a reverence to the Emperor, having a glance of the Crown Prince... whose distrust only strengthened to her every movement.
"... You talk well. Let’s hope words will be honoured. You may go back now as a noble, girl. Serve your Empire and its beastly divinity Fenrir."
"I thank you greatly." — Making a deep reverence, Karina lowered her head.
’She... has a smell that unsettles my blood.’ — Zeleskiaz comprehended as a different kind of impulse to that one the Lady ignited was experienced while she introduced herself... One as dreadful as that one that brought his hand to kill a sister’s pets... as well as one as hateful as that one Fenrir conveyed when a certain danger haunted the beloved.
"Let Fenrir walk beside you." — Lastly, Karina said as her ceremony came to an end. Giving a lasting sensation to his spirit thanks to the blood protected by his house’s beastly divinity.
"... Your Majesty." — Zeleskiaz said once the woman left.
"? What is it?"
"... Did you believe a word that woman spouted?"
To the sudden question, quiet was kept at the oddity his question represented. Finally receiving the sigh of his father along with a nonchalant response.
"Son... I do not believe a word of any of those I meet here. Words are too flimsy for nobles, much more for common people who have other ways to survive a different life... Lies may be easier for them to tell, don’t you know this well?"
"I do. Yet confirmation I needed."
"Crown Prince, did something catch your attention in this lady’s case? It is rare for you to say something on these occasions." — The wise Empress inquired timely so. Permitting Zeleskiaz to express what at other times he would not bother to.
"Somehow, there was no speck of truth in her being. The other’s at least had the lies mixed with some sincerity or fear."
"Hm... Our Heir seems ready to select those he is to trust... I’ll take notice. Well said, son." — Believing his son’s instincts Francois then called for the next one to debut. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮
*******
I was starting to feel weary from the wait, almost wanting to forget my plans seeing that they were taking so long that I even got to greet Marianne’s parents and separate from them in the meantime and it still felt like an endless wait even though the Duke helped to make it briefly bearable.
’For god’s sake how much longer will it take??’ — Becoming almost grumpy I whined inside while surrounded by nobles I wasn’t really into befriending.
"Hm? Look at that. It appears the ceremonies have finally concluded."
’?! Really?!’
It was then that a Lady who had been talking with the Princess informed me, who was trying to not faint from boredom, that finally the wait had ended.
I watched how the last group of people came back to where the rest of the assistants were, wondering who was Karina from the girls that came out, to then leave the issue for later as I saw the Emperors and Kinky also come back to the Hall.
My mood was lit by lightning energy suddenly. Knowing that now only one last confirmation needed to be made so I could jump right into it... finally leaving behind these chains I placed on ourselves for our own sake.
How they chatted with some of the nobles they found in their way was intensely observed by my impatient stare, which, so focused on not losing sight of them... of him... Ultimately crossed gazes with him at an annoyingly large distance, which made me feel embarrassed about being noticed.
’Hrngh~! OH MY GOD, He saw us!!’ — With unexplainable regret I looked away, sensing how my body became hotter out of unfounded shame.
