You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 566
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— I would be honoured. However, I wonder if the place is proper for the lady to visit. —
— Oh, I would look from afar... I would not want to distract or interfere with the knights’ training... I promise, Your Highness. A quiet visit it will be. —
—... If so, I will be expectant to see you, my lady. Solely recall there may be some rough exercises while you are there, so the men are bound to be noisy. —
’Hehehe~... I managed to convince him quite easily.’ — Now, as I prepare for my stroll at the Empress’s garden, recalled victorious the agreement he gave to my lovely idea. Actually feeling a tad surprised at how my personality was evolving so quickly into a more consistent self... that for now I only believe is off in the way I’ve ended up expressing myself from time to time. The words used seem to have little balance somehow...
Nevertheless, when it comes to this victory, the moment he mentioned training, it was as if my instincts flared up knowledgeable of what I should do and there would be no chance for the thought to be taken away.
It was my whole self telling me... that I should witness such activity at all costs... That I should go and show my support to the muscle- to the men who arduously protected the Empire with their abs- hearts...
... To support a handsome crown prince that will be training... those marvellous arms... a-and hands...
’Hehe... Why do I correct myself anyway?... Some things change and some do not... I am as eager to have glimpses of his body but now I also feel shameful to be this excited about it... before I would simply take the chance without a hint of shame... Goodness my... hopeless I am...’
... Either way, it is sure to be a sight and I will not lose the chance.
That night he came to me after some training was enough to make me want to see it. How he gets all sensually sweaty... heh... A bad girl I am... but I am sure I will survive this shame with wonderful memories. My daydreams will surely appreciate it which is enough comfort for my current conscience.
’... Memories of his torso, his back also... hehe... shiny arms...’ — I thought, immediately feeling the remorse that I would still ignore. — "Sigh. Control yourself, Marianne. You are a Lady. Behave and don’t let anyone know the truth... or it will stay a daydream."
"Did you say something, my lady?"
"... uh, nope. Nothing. I was just wondering if I should take my stack and my tools with me. I do not plan on staying long at the Empress’ Garden but... I am not sure, truthfully." — I answered Paige, who was currently organizing the gifts I was given yesterday. Knowing that if I did not distract her with some other matters she would inquire further. — "... Nevertheless, those are a lot of gifts... These are all that the assistants to my birthday sent?" 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖
"Ah... Well, my lady. The ones from the assistants to your tea party are over there. Meanwhile, these I am bringing in at the moment are some that the people from the city left at the doors of the Palace. Word was spread in every corner and many came to leave a present for you before the day ended."
"... These are all flowers... oh... there are also letters and drawings... oh, my! Pastries as well... and so carefully packed... These are all from the people you say?" — I said taking some in my hands as I paced around. Overwhelmed by the quality and the price the people must have paid to get these for myself.
"Yes. There were more, however, it was not possible to get them here. We also needed to be careful with what was allowed. Otherwise, your chambers would be full of them. I heard some even danced under the moonlight at the entrance to celebrate in your honour." — Paige said, proud of the effect my simple birthday invoked on the Empire’s people.
"Oh... I would have loved to see that... I cannot believe they did this for me."
"As the ninth, the people wish your happiness and well being for it also represents the empire’s future. If the ninth is treated with warmth, then the Empire will be blessed in return. Surely in other cities they also celebrated. What they did will be learnt shortly and certainly, my lady."
"Hm... is that how it is? I guess I will need to take my time opening each of them after my stroll to properly see what they gave me." — Knowing I should pay attention to the lovely presents the people had prepared, I told this to the busy Paige, who was arranging them in my chambers as we spoke. Bearing new anticipation to the time I made it back to come so this mountain could be opened by my hands.
’There must be probably some letters and snacks or little crafts they made as well...’ — I thought after giving the mountain a glance. Moved by how nice a touch this was when little did they know about me. — ’How lovely it is that they even made this effort for me... I should get myself more close to the people... they seem to like me for the title and I feel like I should actually do things for them after this...’
My sense of responsibility appeared to kick in the more I thought it was unfair to let them like myself for no solid reason. And so, I felt determined to craft opportunities from here on to meet the people.
"Sir Vitor and Sir Theodore, will you come with me?" — I asked merrily as I came closer to the doors so I could do as once informed. Already knowledgeable of the answer they would grant.
"Yes, my lady." — Vitor said, bowing respectfully along with Theodore.
I nodded, glad to see I was right... Yet stopping for a second as I felt an espontaneous need to say something more.