You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 510
’Hehe... But he’s still trying to aid me in them... even while he finds it difficult... I should do as he says so no more stress falls on his shoulders.’ — As I made my way to the dining hall where I knew the Princess and Dioclecià awaited, I thought, still feeling tingly inside as I contemplated about the moment I would be able to meet the crown prince to give the good news. — ’... I wonder how he will react... I am sure he must feel a little anxious... dad came to me in a bit of spite after all, haha~’
"! Marianne! You are here!" — The little prince as soon as he caught a glance of me said, running my way immediately while the princess stood from the seat where she had been waiting for my arrival. — "How did your talk with the Duke go? The Duke looked serious... did he scold you because of us?"
’Aw, my cute friend... uh... No, he did not scold me... not as I see it.’ — I answered with a shake of my head, pondering slightly if that conversation could be assumed as a scold since it was a serious matter indeed. One that Dad could be reasonably against as well.
"Truly?! That’s a relief! Hehe~ Come, Marianne. Seat here, this is your seat. Right next to mine and Sister Jasmine~"
"Dioclecià do not drag the lady around because of impatience."
"Ah, I-I am sorry..."
"... Escort her delicately, remember she is still recovering even if appearing healthy." — Princess Jasmine told Dioclecià, strict in tone although her expression softened as we came closer. — "Lady Marianne, you came sooner than I initially imagined. I hope the conversation went well with his Grace."
’Hehe... You bet it did... It went too well~’ — Gulping down the desire to say it with my own voice, I nodded as I sat between the little prince and the princess. Feeling excited at the news I was not allowed to give yet to them.
"These days must still be busy for you given all the hazards you went through... Nevertheless, let us enjoy this meal and forget some of our concerns while spending noon together."
"That’s right, Marianne! We requested the best of our Royal cuisine to be served today! I also picked some desserts and pastries I am sure you will love!!"
’!! Perfect~ The best for celebration is food at the end~’ — I thought within while the servants already moved into the hall to serve our outstanding lunch. Experiencing a thrill at how my eyes widened on their own out of astonishment to see and sense the delicious scent of the food the Princess had ordered to bring.
As it had not been barely enough time we spent at my chambers conversing, I asked in the post-it notes I am used to carrying for them to tell me about their days and the state of affairs currently happening in the Empire since most of what we had talked before was about how my disappearance had been experienced y themselves and the people. Much was not told about the Empire, for most of the concerns had been placed on my figure as the Ninth Calla’s Confidant, therefore, they talked about how peace had gone back to the minds of the subjects after I was found, the new fashions arriving that had most of the ladies aghast and excited, how my accessories had become more popular after the incidents occurred and the boutique was having many requests for accessories to be made, as well as some more lighthearted stories about little everyday difficulties they encountered in their studies and fight against boredom.
"There was one day, I was told I could not go to see you a fourth time in a day so I took ink and quill to try and draw like you do Marianne!... That day I found out how difficult an ability it is to grasp..."
’Ohoho? Truly?’
"That was a must, little brother of mine. Although, I must say, your drawing was quite a sight to see, fufu~"
"! I-It was of course bad since it was my first time!"
"Lady Marianne, he attempted to draw your finesse out from memory, fufufu~"
"!!? Sister Jasmine d-don’t tell that!!"
’Oh, he did?! That is lovely~’ — The thought only warmed my heart up at the innocence implied in his attempt and so, I requested for it to be shown later to me. Hoping to see it even if it was considered a bad attempt.
However...
"Uh, y-you want to see it...?"
’Of course~’ — I confirmed to the troubled Dioclecià with a joyous nod.
"Fufu~ See Dioclecià? Did I not tell you the lady would be happy and request to see it?"
"... y- yes..."
"So? Now tell her what happened to your drawing."
’Huh?? What happened??’ — Given the mischief in the playfulness of the princess while drinking her wine, curiosity felt ominous suddenly and once I turned to the little prince... a sad and sorry glance was given with shyness from below... embarrassed as he told me what the princess had already uncovered slightly.
"Um... I-I got mad at how bad it looked a-and ink fell on it... t-then I got madder and torn it apart... s-sorry, Marianne..."
’... a-ah... s-so that happened-’
"Won’t you tell the lady how you tried to wash off the ink in water and how you truthfully ripped it was because the sheet gave out and later you stomped on the pieces in a fit of anger while crying?"
’... he WHAT?!’ — Unable to believe my ears and the maliciousness of the princess while exposing little Dioclecià like this, I turned back to look at him, begging for a reply that would placate the shock.
"AH! SISTER!! DON’T TELL THAT TO MARIANNE!!!"
"You cried and stomped on it like a little child~"
"S-Stooop! M-Marianne, I-It is not f-fully true!! I-I only s-stomped a-a t-t-tiny bit!"
’... stomped... he stomped on the drawing he made of me... in a tantrum... what is this conflicting sensation I feel... I want to laugh yet I am shocked still...’
