You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 631

Sitting next to him, the big eyes of the young prince attentively watched Zeleskiaz while he listened to his request, nodding as he understood the task and said goodbye once Zeleskiaz was done.

"... I will be counting on you."

"Yes... I will send word to you i-if I am unable to f-find you myself, Brother..."

"... Good."

"..."

"... Be careful with your nose. Don’t fall so easily."

"Y-yes, Brother." — Shy by the nice rub his hand gave to his fluffy head, Dioclecia tightened a smile while seeing his brother off while also considering his task and the meaning behind Zeleskiaz’s rigidness that morning. — ’At times brother is still scary... being clumsy is not something he likes about myself...’

— His highness will not punish the third prince...—

— sniff! B-But... B-b-brother s-s-seem-med... —

— Ah... Third prince, p-perhaps you are misunderstanding the crown prince’s reaction? Is it not because he cares for the third prince that he behaved in such an uncommon way? —

’... M-maybe the physicians were right... Brother was nice just now... A-and he is also relying on me...’

— Be careful with your nose. —

"... hehe... B-Brother cares... about me..." — The child’s smile felt tears coming up out of joy. He had learned recently that the loneliness he felt in the Palace was no more and noticing the changes only filled him with delight he had not pursued out of fear before. Nonetheless, shaking his head to be as strong as his older brother said, Dioclecia did not let the emotions take the shape of tears. Jumping ready to get changed into a proper outfit so he would be able to meet his brother’s expectations.

"Marianne will soon arrive! I need to get ready so I can ’test the waters’ as brother said!! I am not allowed to go to the Ball as I have yet to debut, therefore he decided I was the sole one who could help him!! I WILL HELP MY BIG BROTHER!!!! WOOOAAAHHHH!!!!"

Too enthusiastic, the boy rushed, ordering his servants to inform him once Marianne’s carriage crossed the palace’s gates so he could follow the plan. Nevertheless, his eagerness got the best of the child. He did not wait for the information to be confirmed and instead went directly to the Ninth’s Burgundy Calla’s Chambers. Respecting the privacy of his dearest friend he waited at the entrance... and anxious yet determined to help his admired older brother, he managed to meet Marianne and earn some information although with some difficulty.

’... It is unfortunate, yet I could not remain there while her garments are changed... sigh... She avoided giving me clear answers, yet I think..... Ouf! I’d better hurry and tell Brother before he gets busier too!’

With all sincerity, the little brother went to the crown prince’s side. Fortunately meeting him before time made it impossible. His perceptions were told and appreciative of the child’s efforts, Zeleskiaz sent him off with praises so his duties could resume. Not much ease was earned by the news given and yet the crown prince still appeared calm as time moved too quickly for him to become conscious of the anxiety swelling up within his heart. Too many matters were to be taken care of as many were to be done in secrecy... those that arrived at the palace were as busy preparing for the appointed time of the seasonal event... and without noticing, each concentrated on each’s concerns, the time to meet and give start to the Winter Ball... has finally arrived.

*******

"Even though you were busy all day, you are early prepared to assist the Ball, huh?"

"... For how many matters you still need to take care of, you are being very carefree to be here making stupid comments, Biel."

"Do you think so? If you can make time to visit his highness the Third Prince and later receive him while you were instructing the ball’s knights about tonight’s importance how can I not be able to make more time to spend with you, my great master?"

"Use your time wiser."

"Oh, I am very content with how I use it, haha~"

"Even so... You should go... Latrishk is on his way here."

"Really? Oh, yes... Alright, I spotted him. Good luck. Hopefully, all the arrangements remain as simple precautions."

"Go thinking they will certainly be employed. If you let your guard down more idiotic errors will happen. You know very well... I won’t allow them."

"Yes~ Don’t kill anyone out of impatience, however."

"..."

"Hey, I am not jesting-"

"And for how long have you served me? I’ll do as I see fit."

"Oh~ Zeleskiaz~ Wonderful, it is you whom I first met ~ I was feeling nervous. I thought I was here too early, you see~"

"Ack... he’s here..."

"... Leave." — Promptly, as soon as it became obvious the Prince of Latrishk was to engage in conversation with those present, Zeleskiaz ordered while meeting the eye of the royal guest coming his way. Standing confident as Niccolò closed in to greet him. — "Prince Niccolò. You have indeed arrived early."

"My... did I scare your right hand? He could have stayed and joined us in a merry conversation."

"There are some tasks he needs to attend to. Do not mind it." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Hmm... If you say so." — Shrugging, not truly interested, the man smiled gently and friendly. Coming closer and putting his arm around Zelskiaz’s shoulder. — "This Ball has me truly intrigued must I say, fine Zeleskiaz. I have been told the ladies in the Frotschter Empire are elegantly unique. They have personalities that make their beauty more charming... Do you have any suggestions as to how I could gain their favour?"

"I ignored that they had such fame."

"Oh~ haha~! It is well known, difficult yet lovely they are! That is what I have heard!"

"... Well. Each is different, therefore, I have no suggestions to make."

"... You must be popular. Why not share some knowledge with a fellow man? I am keen on taking a lovely lady with me tonight."

"You seem well informed on the ladies’ fame yet not about mine, Prince Niccolo."

"? Now~ Of course that is not the case!" — After having his arm nicely drawn away from the crown prince, Niccolò laughed. Smiling while severity invaded his eyes. — "The mad hero... bloodthirsty crown prince... I know what kind of fame you possess."

"Therefore, you must know I am not as popular as you wish I am with the ladies."

"Oh! That is because you have not tried it! I am certain they would do whatever is in their hands to win your glance as the crown prince."

"If so you are a prince as well. Use such fame instead of asking me for advice."

"... sigh... as expected, you do not like having light conversations, huh?" — Giving up, the prince of Latrishk walked away. Using a strong accent. — "Tonight is my welcome as well, can’t you be more fun to be around? It is not like we are at war, right?"

"I wonder about that."

"... heh. Anyway, I still have high expectations. I was told the famous Ninth is to assist. One would believe she would refrain from assisting these events yet how wonderful~ A woman blessed by Izeneya and a beastly deity that serves your land~ Certainly she will be an oeuvre to admire~!"

"..."

"? What is that glare, Zeleskiaz? Did I say something wrong?"

"... No. As you said... an ’ouvre’ she is."

"Oh? Even you say so? How exciting-"

"The prince is well aware, thankfully... an ’ouvre’... should be appreciated from afar... VERY far... so as to not spoil it."

"... that is true, I guess... but-"

"If I were you, dear Niccolò, I would not place anything about the ninth in my mouth in the presence of my brother." — Sverre timely interfered when the interest of the Latrishk prince was picked. — "She is currently being courted by him."

"My~ that explains it~"