You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 542

"You should consider it more of a lesson than an advice." — With a smile, Jasmine corrected the woman demanding an answer as no one else would dare to end the conversation without it. — "A lesson is something you have to learn and behave or do as taught. Simple yet important a difference from mere advice. I assure you it will prove to be a very valuable learning."

"Yes, Your Highness..."

"... Look, lady Marianne is one who also understands this. This is how we support each other to not lose face in this difficult society. Isn’t that right, dear Ninth?" — Jasmine added, looking for the backing of the one she had stepped up for, hoping that with this last comment, the ambience would return to how it should be.

It took only a second for Marianne to respond accordingly, for just as any other, bewilderment had invaded her being at the response Jasmine had given Karina. Regardless, once being addressed by the princess the perplexity in her mind was placated conveniently, being able to gently agree with the princess’ comment, elegantly and warmly so. Overcoming the whirlpool in her head as the ways of the princess had surpassed her expectations for to her eyes Jasmine had also shown herself different to what she once knew about her from a book and a first meeting being this bluntness a surprise as it had not been witnessed in a while.

’Of course, I have to understand! Gosh! Say a little more and you will make her stay low for the rest of the evening princess!!’ — Troubled she swallowed, in disbelief at how blunt her friend could become once displeased and yet continuing to be respectful in the limits of politeness, sly even... Even so, while acting amiable while also meeting the uneasy gazes of those at the table Marianne felt touched and entertained thinking of the princess’ good intentions that aligned with those unruly thoughts she needed to keep hidden in herself. — ’Look at their faces, haha... Truly, how could she be so cool about it?? You have my thanks, your highness~’

It was as the approval of the Ninth was conveyed that more satisfaction filled Jasmine’s chest, gaining reassurance with Marianne’s gestures that none of what she said would be reproached later even as she doubted she would ever reproach her. Hence, going back to the conversation this short but refreshing pause accomplished, her violet hues fell again upon the lady across the table.

"There it is. Please, lady Karina do not let this little thing whither your eagerness now. It is good your head did not lower at all." — Adding a last hint of mischief the princess said clearly pleasured in her demeanour. Starting another subject so the conversation could flow properly. — " Now, I was actually hoping to know from yourself this time. You could tell us how your days have been after making your debut to society this last ball. It must have been a very big change compared to the many others you have recently experienced as a new noble."

"Ah... yes. Thank you for your interest, your highness. It has all happened quite quickly, however, my debut did not make much of a difference as there were... um... other matters over which the Empire was more concerned about. B-besides that all has taken its natural path and I am expectant to keep on learning so my father’s name may only strengthen!"

"... other matters, huh. Yes, well it is good you have ambition. Those ’matters’ you say have also found an end thankfully a few days ago so I am sure you will experience more of this new status changes soon enough. Like today. This could be the beginning of it. Don’t you think so?"

"Yes. Since it is at the table of the Ninth I feel it is a blessed and wonderful beginning."

"... how kind of you to acknowledge it."

"Kind is the Ninth for letting us share tea with her at her table. I have learned the ladies are truly soft and delicate like flowers in the meadow. It delights my spirit to be able to meet you all."

"Oh haha, lady Karina how lovely your words are~" — Some of the ladies giggled flattered by the lady’s compliment, joining the conversation as it appeared less of a dangerous one... although it was not flattering enough to convince Jasmine’s new beliefs about the woman to be dismissed.

"Truly lovely indeed." — Almost abruptly Jasmine said. Lifting casually her cup of tea so more could be served as her visage fought the frown from showing itself. — "Surely, lady Pristina has been EXCESSIVELY kind. Very. So much."

"..."

’... and yet I have not been kind at all for not a word has left my mouth this whole time... it wasn’t even myself who invited any of these people here...’ — Procuring to keep an amiable demeanour, Marianne thought to herself... aware that there was now hostility in the princess towards the lady sitting across them as it was evident how there was a sense of pout in her sayings now. — ’Nevertheless... Karina has failed horribly with this trying to keep up an argument... the princess does not seem to like her already. It happened in the book but...’ 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

’Reckless girl, she’s purposely messing up her manners.’ — Meanwhile, Jasmine understood, showing in her eyes what her smile did not convey. — ’I cannot tolerate her presence ever since I was introduced to her, and yet even as I placed that aside to do as proper she has the audacity to try and embarrass lady Marianne in front of me?? Hmph. What on earth is she? Brainless she must be. Grateful she should be for if it was brother Zeleskiaz who was sitting here instead of me, a weapon would not have even been necessary to end her! Unsightly woman!’

’Hopefully, Karina will not shut down after that...and I hope the princess is- hm?... uh? It’s... what is... my wrist feels so ticklish suddenly?’ — With curiosity at an itchy and burning sensation that was not harmful on her limb, Marianne’s attention was caught by the brief buzz a tear had let out, staring at it for a moment as it’s glow swayed mysteriously... ignorant that it was the rage of the specks of one spirit’s soul resonating with each other for the sake of their friend.