You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 632

"What is going on, gentlemen? It is unusual to see brother Sverre smile."

"Princess Jasmine~! Gorgeous you are! Have you come to grace us with feminine loveliness? We men were missing some of a woman’s delicacy, hahaha~"

"With a guest from another kingdom, of course, I am also to be amiable, sister."

"... Certainly you will." — Taking the hand of her brother, Jasmine smiled at him. Too kind, too sweetly... conveying how she has not forgotten the debt she wanted Sverre to pay. — "You admire Prince Niccolò, therefore make sure to become good friends with him, brother."

"?! You admire me, good Sverre?!"

"What? I don’t-... Ahem, any who is loyal to one’s kingdom is one to admire." — With such distraction, the Latrishk’s prince’s attention was taken by the Second prince.

Moving swiftly, Jasmine came to Zeleskiaz’s side satisfied with the result of a teasing that was only the beginning of her vengeance. — "Are you expectant of tonight, brother Zeleskiaz? You seemed tense a moment ago."

"... What was that for? Has Sverre messed with something of yours?"

"Yes. A false fiancé. Yet that is not important anymore. I will make him regret and play with his mind a tad as revenge... an acclaimed strategist he is yet he should know it is because I let him be it."

"..... don’t get me involved."

"I would not... oh, Their Majesties are here... Lady Marianne has yet to appear, right? You might have to enter the Hall without her, brother."

"I will not enter until she is here."

"... Well... I should have expected such an answer."

After sighing, Jasmine straightened at the arrival of the Emperors who naturally would have the young become silent and respectful. The Emperor glanced back at his children standing properly, this time leaving aside his playful ways to show the needed prominence before the outsider between them. Formal and cold he paced with his wife to his side, greeting the prince from another kingdom who behaved as prominently once noticing them.

"It is nice to see the royal youth get along with each other."

"Yes, well, the princes have been very amiable."

"It is good to hear that from our guest." — Francois softly smiled, peeking at his children not buying the compliment once seeing his heir’s aloof demeanour. Nevertheless, he avoided the truth from being shown and proceeded to end any chance of awkwardness. — "I think we should make our entrance. That way our people may also have the pleasure of welcoming you to the Empire, Prince Niccolò."

"Oh. If you see fit, then we shall do as you say. I am quite excited to finally enjoy one of the famous seasonal Balls your Empire is so loyal to."

"Haha... Then, there is no point in delaying the prince’s experience."

"Your majesty." — Intruding on the conversation, Zeleskiaz called for his father’s attention. Immediately telling why it was requested. — "Lady Marianne has yet to arrive."

"... I can see that... So?"

"I am to stay behind to wait for her."

"... Alright." — The wish to collide was swallowed by the Emperor. He was against it for the royal family should always enter the Hall together... however, he also acknowledged that such a discussion would bring more trouble. — "It is adequate as you are currently courting her."

"Oh! If so, may I also wait for her?" — Latrishk’s prince said at the opportunity. — "I would like to meet the Ninth. Perhaps I could wait for her instead of good Zeleskiaz and do my entrance along with her, haha~ it is common sense for the crown prince to enter along the rest of the royal family, right?"

"That will not be necessary." — Placing his hand on his son’s shoulder to stop any reaction he could showcase, Francois replied. — "My son is courting her, as I just said. He is the one who should wait for the Ninth. Under such circumstances, it is fine if he doesn’t enter with the family. Prince Niccolo may meet her later at the Ball if you wish. The night is young, there will be plenty of time for you to chat."

"My~ I guess you are right. I at least needed to try my luck, haha. We shall meet again inside, Zeleskiaz." — Walking behind the Emperors who left no choice to the guest, his hand pat Zeleskiaz’s shoulder playfully. Inviting the nervous peek from the others as they acknowledged the luck Niccolò did have, for Zeleskiaz remained still even at the clear provocation.

’This prince... is he truly hoping to cut my head?... provoking Zeleskiaz so early in the game will only make his plans unable to even start...’ — The Emperor thought, shaken by the consciousness he had about the restraint Zeleskiaz pulled this time... and what may happen later because of it. — ’Whatever the reason behind this self-control... may it keep Zeleskiaz like this until this idiotic prince gives us a reason to stop being nice... otherwise we will end up in the spotlight...’

His aura, on the other hand, had been luckily controlled so no threat would be sensed by that one testing Zeleskiaz’s temper. The Crown Prince was fully focused. He heard their steps going further into a wide hall, the opening of the great doors, a prominent announcement and the cheery welcome of the nobles... and lastly he listened to how those doors closed, keeping the noise of the Ball for those inside to endure. His acute hearing could still listen to the crowd in the Hall, however, his senses were significantly more interested in the steps of a woman he always yearned to meet... whose presence tonight, her faded sound, made him halt any hatred and bloodlust provoked so his appearance could be clean and proper to seize her hand if allowed.

’... Is it that I am nervous...? I cannot seem to listen well...’ — Zeleskiaz thought unable to hear her who should be getting closer, as time felt long and late she was. — ’... why is she not here yet...?’

"..."

Suddenly, because of the wait, he became concerned, thinking that maybe... again their watch and protection had failed. Shocked by the possibility, he froze, believing it could not be, having grief fight his sanity for a second as he had been thorough this time. Ultimately developing desperate heartbeats that made his head lift ready to clear his worries.

"Kh! I better be wrong!" — He growled while gritting his teeth, rushing up the stairs to go in her search. About to use his skills to gain speed... when the voice of a servant he recognised made him stop.

"My Lady, please! You must hurry! The Ball has already begun! Arriving late might not be wise!!" — Begging her master, Paige requested while Marianne paced too relaxed, dispassionate even as she kept quiet. Arriving at the stairs the crown prince went up and was halfway through. — "Hm?... ?! My Lady, his highness is- Goodness I told you we should have hurried, my lady!!!"

"..." — Her eyes dropped to meet those of Zeleskiaz. Staying as frozen as he had become while the maid reproached her.

"... G-... Greetings... My Lady..." — He managed to let out softly.

It was already winter for the Ball was held in it’s begining... and yet, even while wearing fur around her arms, the Ninth’s shoulders and cleavage, allowed sight of skin that surely was cold as her strands were delicately decorated with a low twisted ponytail that never abandoned the hairpin called Alis Abyssi, which unbeknownst to both, was the culprit behind Zeleskiaz’s lack of hearing... although such effect was due to the fearful heart of the girl.

’Ah... so we still met...’ — She thought, troubled, for even if determined to choose herself, Marianne still wished for the moment to not arrive. — ’I thought that maybe... we could avoid meeting alone until I felt ready...’