You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 541

For a respectful moment, those present looked towards the lady who had spoken just as Marianne had although with different sources for their curiosity, being the princess who was of the highest status along Marianne who would take the initiative to convey what must.

"Oh, how adorable for you to ask permission. Please go ahead, there is no need to be shy between us, Lady Karina. After all, tea is shared with confidence while in the company of us women. You shall not hesitate for we do not bite." — Princess Jasmine said in a welcoming manner, grinning as there was a little playfulness she wanted to add to her kindness, crossing gazes with Marianne who would giggle along, for it was because of the Ninth’s birthday celebration that the princess felt more enthusiast today and also... more welcoming towards any she was not fond of. — "That is of course if there is no dessert or pastry on the table, if that were the case we could get a little feisty, isn’t that right lady Pristina? fufufu~"

’Hehehe~ yes, if it is a dessert we will certainly go for a bite~ it’s not a simple matter for us~’ — Entertained and grateful Marianne brought another bite to her mouth, acting in harmony to the small playfulness the princess decided to show this time, looking vibrant while glad of Jasmine’s carefree reply. — ’Therefore... it would be better for you to not continue this shy behaviour... otherwise, the princess’ nice and disguised lesson will not be as nice and disguised later... say what you wanted and let me see if what I once read is truly the real you, Karina.’

Suspicion about the real character behind Karina’s being had been rooted deeply within Marianne after the meshing of her souls. It was once a guess, even a fantasy she had been crafting out of ignorance and an excuse to let her feelings for a prince take place. However, the one conversation that solved her relationship with the crown prince aggravated these ideas as she believed in her loved one’s words and in the warnings the gods had conveyed. Hence, although it was little an interaction they had conceived the night of the autumn ball, Karina’s appearance in the story she was aware of had occurred differently... and yet slightly similar as well.

’I should be as careful and even more than I was when I first met the crown prince this time with her...’

"Ah... the princess is very kind to say so... I was hoping to also express my gratitude for being invited today to the precious Ninth’s tea. It was a delectable surprise for someone like myself to receive this invitation. I had been worried about the ninth ever since the news about her disappearance came to my ears."

"Oh, haha, lady Karina, surely we all were... haha..."

"I-indeed, we all were concerned. However, all that matters now is that the Ninth is back and healthy." — Some of the clever ladies said, nervous as the subject should not continue as a way to respect the one who suffered. Nonetheless, even as Karina’s neighbouring noble lady placed her hand on her limb as a gesture to inform the advice, Karina’s innocence continued to be shown before Marianne... just as she had read it in the past.

"It was truly horrible to learn the details... I prayed for your well-being every day and night, dear ninth. I hope your experiences will not leave big scars on your soul and that your family can continue in peace after all is settled. In my eyes, what happened is a tragedy."

’... those are very nice wishes.’ — Marianne thought as she elegantly granted a smile to the straightforward woman, who was being resented by those careful ones who had tried to avoid any uncomfortable ambience. Placing her gaze on the almost empty teacup and turned it around as she pondered about how cold it would be this last sip she would take. — ’I could have believed such wishes easily and even excuse your lack of awareness as you are not that much younger than I am... but you should have paid more attention to what the others said and stopped there.’

"Surely the Ninth’s power will have the aid of Izeneya while achieving love and ease in her life from here on."

’... Karina, with such voice and confidence you say this... but why is it... that I feel you are not being honest when looking in those eyes?’

"Certainly she will achieve that and much more. Lady. Nonetheless, I believe talking about such matters is not something quite... enjoyable given the occasion, do you not think so?" — Letting her teacup sound strong as her motion was graceful yet determined, Princess Jasmine decided to halt any other mention of Marianne’s past difficulties. Nettled by the audacity of a young one who dared to cloud a good evening with the friend her soul cherished. — "I did say you could lose shyness yet I did not say you could forget basic manners and consideration. As you are new to these kinds of gatherings I take it you have yet to gain the experience to know what to tell and what not to, lady Karina."

"! Oh, goodness, I could never... I apologise if my words wronged the princess in any way. I was purely concerned-"

"Who it wronged was not myself but the lovely honoured one at this table. Concern was unnecessary as you may be able to tell how nicely the Ninth is fairing with your own eyes... Oh, please, however, do not feel bad, lady Karina. As it was early for you to know judgment, it will be wonderful if you take this as a source for learning and growth. Dare I say, certainly you should be grateful it was with us that this mistake you committed occurred~ we have more flexibility and understanding yet had it happened before those who know how to yield a weapon... haha~ now that could have been a disaster~"

"A-ah... haha, y-yes, certainly... I appreciate your advice, your highness."