Chapter 595: Chapter 595
Standing apart from everyone, alone while solemn, greeting those who approached him in congratulations, Zeleskiaz appeared calm from a distance. Yet Orland’s eye stared carefully at the young crown prince’s frame... making his frown flinch in delight as malicious thoughts crossed his mind as he read what many ignored.
’Hmph... At least you know you should be anxious too, greedy brat.’ — Orland smirked, deciding to converse with Francois unlike a moment ago. — "He’s behaving himself. I’ll grant you that, Frois."
Laughter was followed by a tease of his old friend. And while the two tried to appease the anticipation, a crown prince greeted aloof those who walked around. Lost in thought, while thinking only about the lady who soon would arrive and be announced as the one who has his eye on.
’It’s about time... I can sense how she’s about to arrive... Eff*ng hell. I cannot wait.’
"There are so many nobles today... I suppose being a crown prince brought them all together. We have some that come from the borders... They would never miss this event, I guess."
"Biel, leave me alone."
"Hey, I came here since it helps you to avoid greeting more people, shouldn’t you be thanking me? They will think you’re discussing important matters with me here... But I guess you want to greet your many friends..." — With sarcasm Biel said, taunting the prince who sighed annoyed as he turned to leave.
"Fine. Stay but stay shut. I’ve got enough knowing how my lady’s father is analysing me right now."
"Oh, you could tell? You’ve endured very well though. After this, you at least will have more ease when accompanying her outside the palace and at the coming events. This will also make the men more careful around the ninth. Just keep up the good behaviour, mate."
While hearing the right hand say this, Zeleskiaz decided to pay more attention to those present who conversed with each other. For some mumblings were able to catch his attention as the ones commenting thought the prince would not be able to listen to such...
"To think a royal courting commenced... and it is with the Ninth Calla’s confidant no less." — He heard more than one say throughout the day.
"Since before... do you recall the night she had her debut? I had hoped to at least approach her once, yet now it is useless to even think about."
"As the Duke’s daughter she owned great favour... but who would have thought the crown prince would find her for himself to have."
"Perhaps, the courting may not go well..."
"SHUSH! What if he hears you!?"
"It’s only a what if... The Ninth is beautiful, we all wanted a dance with her yet did not approach for her silent demeanour."
"There was one man that did, but..." — A remembrance of that ball was still vivid in the nobles. Causing most to become blue as it had been the last known victim of the crown prince’s whims.
"Curses... Then again, it is an opportunity today. The Ninth may still be approached by other men, yet the problem is who would dare... knowing Crown Prince Zeleskiaz, it is a request for death and dishonour. I would not try it even as I wish I could."
Zeleskiaz simply stood in place, listening to the murmurs of men and women. Watching those who appeared dubious of the event they had attended as well as the news that invoked it. Eventually finding sight of one he was wary of, walking next to the woman he despised for her audacity.
"... Biel." — He said when silence reigned between himself and his right hand. Catching his attention with the slight menace his aura emitted at the sight. — "Keep an eye on Clemente and that waste that follows him."
"Waste?... Do you mean to call the lady by his side a waste?? What the hell, mate? That’s not nice even coming from yourself."
"Do as I told you. She’s a walking misfortune, make sure she doesn’t cross mine nor my Lady’s path if you don’t want to clean up her body parts."
"??!? Bloody psychopath. What did she do to you?? If you despise her this much how come she’s still alive???"
"Only because of her f*cking good luck..." — With disgust in his countenance, Zeleskiaz turned his gaze away from the Noverrne’s Duke and Karina’s pace. Sighing as he controlled his rage by reminding himself as he also informed the right hand of the importance of his task. — "I promised my love I wouldn’t kill her yet, so make sure she stays away from us. Noverrne too, he’s got his eye on my lady so you better keep him far away from her."
"HUH?? You say yet??? And what’s with you being concerned about the duke? He’s just a nice guy, he won’t take the Ninth from-"
"Stop spouting nonsense and making me mad! Go take care of that!"
"WOah! A-Alright, man! Just don’t kill me instead! What in the hell?!? It’s only a woman, what can she do to you anyway..."
"... She can invoke disaster with ease. Either with her presence or because of Fenrir’s instincts guiding me."
"... Seems like it’s a serious matter... I will have the men move. Just change the frown... it makes it seem as if you’re not happy with the officialization."
"I’m not happy, I’m exhilarated. Don’t make it such a simple emotion." — Without a hint of shame in his severe expression, Zeleskiaz announced as if it were common sense. Not looking like it while within, his heart raced to the anticipation.
"..... You’ve become weirder now that you’re in love." — Disgusted by the confidence demonstrated in an unnecessarily bold and cheesy correction, Biel judged the severe crown Prince who held his stare unfazed. Sensing with his acute aura how near a beloved was now, raising his brow as he followed the direction in which he sensed Marianne’s walk, to then listen how an announcement was finally made for her entrance... Bringing all of the expectant guests to turn and watch the distinct figure of a loved one by the gods, the chosen by the First Empress, and the owner of a feared Crown Prince’s endearing attention.