'...Oh my God...'
He... he was in my room... while I was sleeping...
'... Did... he– He didn't do anything weird... did he...?'
No. No, he didn't. At least he did not touch me. I can be sure he didn't... I've always woken at the slightest touch. Maybe not to noises but if someone touches me, I always wake up instantly.
'He didn't touch me... he didn't.'
Did he watch me sleep...? Ouf! Let's not think about it! Just stop! Good thoughts... good thoughts... he won't be here for a while...
After convincing myself, I sat on my seat with the help of the Duke.
"Father... do you think brother will make it in time for The Ball..? Isn't the Latrishk Kingdom far..?" — Said Theressa, with a worried look on her face acting all shy.
"Yes, Dear. He will arrive the day before The Ball. Since your dresses were tailored to your exact measurements, you don't need to worry. Marianne, you too. Your dresses are going to be ready on time, so please be at ease." — The Duke said.
'Hm? They didn't ask me about how I wanted my dresses?... Oh... Maybe they did with Marianne before I came???..... Well, it's fine. I know nothing about the trending clothes here anyway.' — I shrugged inwardly.
But... he said dresses? As in plural?...
"..."
Oh my God!! I completely forgot about that!!!!
The Spring Royal Ball is different to the others! Since Spring is the season when the Empire was established. First The Debutante Royal Ball is held on the First Spring Day and the day after, the nobles stay in the Royal Palace resting having access to the Empress's Garden which was known as the embodiment of Spring. And so, the next day a Masquerade Ball is held as a way to celebrate the Empire's funding, giving the nobles the liberty to enjoy the Ball without caring about social status. At least...That's what I recall was explained on the original if I'm not mistaken...
"Your masks have also been ordered to fit your dress. I myself searched for the best artisan in the capital to have them made." — Said the Duchess, seemingly bragging.
'So we will stay at the Royal lodgings... for three days...'
Sounds interesting hohoh~
The dinner continued without a hitch. At times, the Duke would glance at me nervously, but I didn't pay him any mind and focused on my meal.
'I'm guessing he's wondering when I'll visit him again... how cute. Fufu~'
I can't help but smile thinking of the Duke. He is a loving father and seems to have a weakness for Marianne.
'I'll visit you sooner than you think, Sir.'
I don't have much to do anyway.
We finished our dinner peacefully and went back to our respective rooms.
'As always my luck doesn't fail~' — I bragged in my head.
To think my problem with Paul would be this easily solved... luck is on my side~
As I walked to the bed I took a quick glance at my bright bedroom, the candles were already burning as they received me. I can see the management of the castle is very thorough... I wonder how winter here will be? As I remember... it was said in the novel that winter was very cold here in the capital...
[..!... haah.. I.. will warm you up...ha..!..]
Heh... but the winter lived by the main characters was quite... hot.
Yeah... they had fun. I mean, I don't think they even used the chimney... fufu~...
'Naughty kids... really...HoHoh~'
"..."
I guess I won't have anything to worry about until The Royal Ball...
'This means at least a week without worries~' — I thought as I smirked.
Oh, I'm in such a great mood!
With peace of mind, I prepared to go to bed. And, even though I slept during the day, I fell asleep easily in my cosy bed.
*******
Two days went by without any disturbance.
I'm guessing Theressa won't harass me if she doesn't have a reason, so my days alone have been just like a weekend at home. A fancy one though... I had a personal maid who served my meals, helped me get dressed and while I am not watching, my room got cleaned in a blink, as if it was done with magic. Maybe I just don't pay attention to my surroundings, but it is nice to perceive it that way.
These days, I hummed every day until I couldn't keep going, ate delicious food, stared outside and also had been reading the books Theodore had recommended.
I decided to start with the one about The Empire's Legends since I was curious. Because, in the novel, these kinds of tales were never brought up. They were more interested in other things... like... skinship...(?)
Thanks to the book, I recalled a few things. For example, the name of the Empire and its capital.
This was the Frotschter Empire. The name apparently came from the first Emperor who, as a hero, conquered five neighbouring Kingdoms, which became the Empire. One legend said that this first Emperor had befriended Fenrir who was already viewed as a great danger to heaven and was even followed by him. Fenrir became the Emperor's greatest friend. That is why the Royal family emblem was that of a big ferocious black wolf with a golden crown on a bloody red background.
'That's cool... I see they mixed Nordic mythology in the novel...'
The capital name was Dahlka. The name was just brought up in a legend about a wandering lady who had no face and met her end in Dahlka. The thing is that after her death, the people who were suffering from an epidemic, all regained their health. This happened before the Empire was established, however, the First Emperor saw Dahlka as a miraculous and blessed place because of the legend, and proclaimed it the Capital of the Empire, as a way to ensure the prosperity of his Empire.
'... Such interesting details were never mentioned in the novel... what a waste...'
Today, the third day, I decided to pay a visit to the Duke. The previous days, the Duke had been stealing looks at me during dinner like an abandoned puppy. I felt bad. That's why, taking advantage of my waking up early, I sent a note to the Duke through the maid.
[Father, if you have not had breakfast yet, I would like to eat mine in your company. If not, I will visit you later today.
Marianne. ]
'I hope my message doesn't sound too dry... it's hard to be amiable with formal language...'
Though... I don't know why I even cared, really...