You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 636

The second prince of the Frotschter Empire was excited by the wine’s taste. From a distance, while he shared the blood of the Crown Prince, he could sense how the spirit of Fenrir burned with rage while the Prince of Latrishk disturbed his composure while targeting the one who had tamed his brother’s brutality to some extent.

Sverre decided to let the events unfold naturally as a seemingly innocent witness. He met with nobles who enjoyed his small talk and coincidentally encountered the Duke he had been hoping to side with as support in the race for the throne.

"Duke Noverrne. Glad to see you tonight."

"The pleasure is mine, your Highness, Prince Sverre."

"I reckon you have been doing great as the new head of your household... Is this Lady the one I have been told may become your duchess?"

"?! G-Greetings Your Highness, what you are saying is-"

"No. She is Lady Karina, the daughter of a loyal Baron who serves our name. We have taken her under our care at his request."

"Oh. Were the rumours mistaken?"

"Rumours are simple rumours. One must not trust them, your highness."

"... I apologise, my words seem to have embarrassed the lady."

"The truth is nothing to be ashamed of." – Clemente added, strict in defending the truth.

"I-indeed. The words of the prince stunned myself yet I find no offence in them, haha... Rumours seem to have spread without my knowledge..."

"Well... you make a good couple at first sight. Yet I understand that is what someone probably believed and commenced the gossip."

"Many tend to gossip nowadays." — Clemente replied without much trouble in his expression. His stern way to deny others’ mistaken beliefs was almost violent in its unswerving nature. Yet although he had learned there was some gentleness he should add to his answers sometimes, Lady Karina’s ambiguous character had him refrain from such attentions, much more when the one to give reply was no other than the second prince in front of them. — "There was even a rumour saying the Noverrne’s were supporting the second prince’s aim for the Empire’s Throne. Thankfully your highness, the crown prince, his majesty and lastly I well know, we Noverrne take no sides when it comes to supporting a possible heir."

"... Yes. That has been made clear even by the former duke."

"And yet people still believe baseless rumours. Dangerous they are, are they not? It is disgraceful when they involve political matters."

"... Nonetheless it is nice once in a while. They bring nothing but lies yet they do spice the status quo a tad. I find some entertainment in that." — Sverre decided to reply, knowing well there was a warning in the straightforward comment of the Duke. — "Now I have become curious about who will actually become the duke’s partner. Hopefully next time it will not be a rumour but the official notice."

"Surely a notice will be given to his highness, although I cannot say it will be as soon as the prince wishes."

"As long as it comes, it will be delightful to hear... So... Lady Karina, right? You must have debuted recently since I have not seen you that much in other noble reunions."

"! Yes. My debut in society was in Autumn."

"Only a season. I see... Well. You may excuse me now. There are some I have yet to greet, although if his grace is inclined you may join me as I do."

"I will have to refuse, for there are also some I would like to converse with before the dances begin."

"... I see." — Seeing his attempt to bring Clemente with him so as the rumours would not die, Sverre lightly sighed without showing much disappointment for it was expected a rejection.

Nonetheless, his eye fell on the lady next to the duke; provoking an impulse he did not plan yet thought would unsettle the rightful man.

"How about the lady? I take it you have not met many of those here tonight. I could introduce you if you would like."

"Oh... that is correct, however, I am here with his grace as partner... If his grace allows it then I would love to join you for a moment, your Highness."

"What do you say, Duke Noverrne?"

In Clemente’s composed demeanour, no sign of dislike was shown. Honouring the sincerity of his spirit, instead, there was some relief to think the woman who was oddly attached and persistent with him wished to separate for a moment. However, he was indeed in charge of the lady’s safety that night and whenever she followed him to an event; hence, a pause to contemplate on the suggestion was taken; coming to the decision of not getting in the way of the second prince while also paying attention to the behaviour Lady Karina, the suspicious noblewoman that has been a long time guest in his household, would decide to portray before the second prince in his abscence.

"If the lady wants to go, I am not to oppose. Do stay where my eye is able to follow for even though his highness will surely take care of guarding you, I am still responsible for your well-being before your father, Lady Karina."

"Yes! Thank you, your Grace!"

Sverre was honestly surprised that Clemente agreed without much opposition; taking with him the lady he thought could at least serve his purpose giving him information about the duke she accompanied. Clemente on the other hand was certain of who he wanted to greet before the dances. Only a moment ago, he had seen how the Emperors and a disagreeable Crown Prince had left her side and was now in the company of the Princess and a foreign prince known by his lack of boundaries. Even so, Clemente’s expression lit up more enthusiastically to meet her again; although it had not been long since they had separated for a journey was shared and many days at his home as well.

’Lady Marianne arrived a tad late, hopefully she is feeling alright.’ — He thought considering the travels that may have placed a toll on the close friend without him taking notice.

While on his way, he deviated from his path only because he caught a glimpse of desserts she was sure to find tasty, thinking that as she had enjoyed the snacks back in his lands and whenever a ball was held by the Empire, Marianne’s brilliance would shine, happy to indulge in the sweets.