You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 495

A moved Ninth tenderly smiled and took their hands grateful, appreciative of the emotion the Princess allowed in a tear that fell down her cheek while a young little friend attempted to look strong while his special hues trembled unable to hide the emotion at this awaited reunion.

Nevertheless, a glance was still given to the man she had left behind aware of the visits; standing unresponsive to the scene as his eyes solely observed her, meeting her hues to make her turn away, shy as she led the visits to the seats they could take while in her chambers... Provoking a rush within the Crown Prince, one experiencing stuffier trouble, for there was no chance to let his love reach the woman while others were around as they had yet to make official before their parents this relationship and feelings shared in the grazes they enjoyed a moment ago.

’... Time still matters, my Love...’ — He thought as the necessity to tell their family became unbearable in his heart. Watching how those surrounding her were ignorant of the sweetness they had to halt at their arrival. — ’It will always do when with you... for it is never enough to my greedy heart...’

"U-um... You appear more healthy than I imagined, Marianne..." — The third prince said, cautious as he sat close to the Lady as if worried the closeness of their friendship had been forgotten over the time the Lady was lost and ailing. — "I w-was nervous coming here... yet seeing you l-look as b-beautiful as ever... r-relieves my heart and mind..."

’Oh, my dear friend...’ — Moved, Marianne thought in quiet attention, looking with fondness the innocence of the little prince while his sister added to his words.

"My little brother is correct, Lady Marianne. We had remained to ourselves hoping not to bother your recovery, therefore, meeting you while looking this fair and colourful is a delight for our hearts... My nights were restless shall I say... dreams became an eternal wait until we were informed of your awakening... It may be too much to say, yet... I felt as if illness was being born in me because of concern."

"M-me too... It l-looks like a m-miracle, Marianne..."

[ Thankfully, my health is good even after the hazards... You two are very kind, my little prince and princess. I was told of your visits and I deeply appreciate having you here today. ]

"We are glad we can be here as well."

"Y-yes! E-Even if for a little while, w-we wanted to see you, Marianne!"

’Haha~ so lovely, Dioclecià...’ — Marianne thought, smiling at both while her hand came to caress the blushed cheek of the third prince.

A moment to appreciate the warmth of the Lady was taken by the princes and as it faded so more conversations could continue, the Princess’s eye did not forget about the Brother that had come to the Ninth before them... clearing her voice before addressing Zeleskiaz, in hopes to aid in a courtship she ignored was already won.

"Brother, do not remain standing over there when Lady Marianne has kindly offered us a seat." — The Princess, turning a tad in her elegant figure, said. Looking behind her as she knew her older brother stood alone, away from them... simply looking at the scene as if he had become an outsider. — "I doubt I need to remind you of your manners, right?"

"..."

The eyelashes hiding the grey of the lady’s hues provided their light to meet that of the entranced man after the princess mentioned his distance, and the glance solely made shyness to enhance in the purity of her cheeks with pink bloom, causing a ruckus in his insides... which he swallowed once more in an answer to his sibling.

"... No... you don’t need to... Yet, I was about to leave. Thus, my distance."

’?! W-what?! Why...?’ — Her widened eyes came back to look at him who hid his trouble in a gentlemanly smile, provoking her head to lower... dejected as it was the princess who asked about his reasons.

"You will leave already? I take it you have not been here for long. Is there something wrong?"

"... No. I only have some urgent matters to do." — He said, looking at the profile of a quiet lady, knowing well that only matters concerning her being could be deemed as urgent. — "I need to... solve them as soon as possible."

"..."

"I cannot delay it any further..."

"It must be truly important. Sir Biel did help take care of some of your duties yet he cannot do what only the Crown Prince is to do." — Slightly amazed at her brother’s answer, Jasmine’s doubt started to grow, wondering about the truth behind these reasons, for as she well understood, Zeleskiaz’s sole concern was the lady owning his heart. — "I hope you can solve these tasks soon, Brother Zeleskiaz."

"Yes. Therefore if you will excuse me..."

"! B-Brother Zeleskiaz, c-can it t-truly not wait? I also... I wanted to share some time with Brother today...."

"It cannot wait."

"Ah... I-I see... I am... sorry t-to hear that..."

"We’ll share time later." — Zeleskiaz said to the little brother whose head lowered depressed, lightening his demeanour as he turned to look at the Lady sitting beside him.

"!! W-We could have lunch together!! M-Marianne! C-can we eat together?!"

In the enthusiast of the child, Marianne nodded even when saddened that the man was to leave, and her glance finally looked properly at the man, for now, the words... every word appeared to be told solely for her to listen.

"Maybe lunch will be not possible... these important matters need to be taken care of today so time may not allow it... However... probably by night and from then on... we can share our time without concerns..."

*******

Throughout the air separating them, the flutter reverberating within the Lady was experienced by his very chest as he bowed goodbye to a beloved and an innocent pair of siblings.

His steps led him out of the chambers filled with her delectable essence, unable to take away the warmth a nice and still secret relationship provided as the motive for his leave was to announce it to those the traditions demanded.

"Vitor." — He called as soon as he crossed the doors, unable to dismiss the delight from his corners even though an apparent severity wished to be held in his stance. — "Could you tell me where the Duke is currently?"

"... He must be with His Majesty at this hour."

"Alright. Thanks."