CHAPTER 660: CHAPTER 660

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Theressa’s words did not surprise me. Paul was surely involved in this and also the second prince, although the latter one we only needed to confirm, which we just did.

’He must have been the one aiding this prince when making her a guest.’ — I thought while today our table was full of unwelcome guests.

Pristina, why don’t you come visit our lands? I assure you the scenery is a delight! Your beauty does not compare yet—

"Latrishk’s prince, your meal will get cold." — Zeleskiaz interrupted Niccolò, visibly annoyed which made me chuckle inside.

A meal may wait! I missed the Pristina’s sight. My marvellous lady, what do you say? I heard you love to paint. The views in my Kingdom will suit your taste.

I am sure it will, yet I have no desire to leave the Empire any soon. As my prince said it is best to eat, for cold food would truthfully ruin my day, haha...

This was the fourth day in a row that this prince came in between to interrupt our meals. And it was not only him... Karina as well. Although they would not always appear at the same time or at the same place. And sadly... my friends, the little prince and princess would at times also become an obstacle between us.

I could tell Latrishk’s prince was a tad of a player. His ideas were apparent when approaching me, and I did as best I could so I would politely avoid his flirting. Nonetheless, Karina was a tad of the same... although more quiet and ashamed, submissive I would say when it came to Zeleskiaz’s reactions.

Much more did not happen... One could say a good thing it was for the most worrisome matter in the Empire besides my brother’s search had become the spread of an unknown disease which’s affected gradually augmented, it has been called "Ruinam" for the people become pale and feel a strong sensation of falling yet the more days pass black their hands become, unable to move as properly as before.

’I promised Father to be careful for I am weak of body... yet there are still things to win if I take this risk...’ — Sorry to my Dad, the view of the quiet streets of Dahlka greeted me threateningly.

The arranged visit to my shop that Theressa was told to make happen ultimately came just like this: Without me being able to talk as freely nor as much as I have been wanting with my suitor and probably announcing a strong reprimand from my father once he learns about it. Nevertheless, as to my suitor, he did take a wonderful initiative and decided to join me, making it a perfect opportunity for us to say little nothings while in the way and hopefully more at my shop.

"Since the snow has become heavier fewer customers have visited. Nonetheless, we have taken good care of the products, dear ninth." — One of the employees said as they welcomed us, offering tea so we could feel more at home.

"It is sad the lady was not able to see how busy her business became." — My prince said, proud of what he was able to witness. — "I saw it full of people more than a few times whenever I made my way out of the city for patrol. I wish you could have seen it. Everyone admired every piece with awe."

"Was it truly that popular?... Now that you mention it, with winter I might need to come up with new designs so people will not lose interest."

"Clever that would be... my lady’s creativeness will surely move everyone to come and see." — Touching the accessory I made for him, he smiled handsomely. Making me blush as tension between us has only grown without finding a moment to dismiss this...

’This crazy thirst for him...’

"My lady."

"?! Y-yes?"

"I have been quite impressed by this... but I have noticed your strands are like the breeze of autumn invading a frozen scene."

"My hair??... what does the prince mean? I do not understand."

"... that you expel a soft warmth full of colourful red nature. It is captivating... You used to make the days brighter and fresher to breathe... now you make them sweetly warm in shy puffs. I find it ethereal."

"Ah... hmph..." — Unable to hide my smile I turned shy. — "His highness is working hard in his compliments..."

"I believe I lack the accuracy still. It is difficult for the lady I am courting is too lovely. Words and compliments are difficult to craft so they honour the gentle beauty."

’Wh- how am I supposed to remain calm or reply that???’ — Wide eyed I looked down flustered by his words.

"Even so... hopefully, as lacking as I am, a tad of delight it might light in my lady Marianne’s heart... was I able to do that, my sublime lady?"

"... a fool you are to ask... my prince’s compliments always fill my heart." — We were not alone and so, my answer was almost whispered because it also made my tummy flicker with butterflies. Vitor and Theodore took some distance and Theressa purposely went with Royce briefly to give us some space.

As much as I have become closer to my guards in a friendly manner, they still obeyed Dad’s orders. So as briefly as I could I would try some little caress whenever I found a gap... like right now.

My hand with a modest gesture stroked his this time. But just as I have recently noticed...

"Haha... that pleases me."

"..." — Bothered by the little flinch and the drawback of his hand I saw how his eyes avoided meeting mine once I turned to look at him, surprised by his actions.

’This is what? The third time today already...?’ — I thought knowing that the days before the same happened when attempting something similar; leaving me a bad taste I sadly have experienced too often nowadays.

I took care of the pending issues with the shop. The interactions with Zeleskiaz felt off at times for which I decided to wait and see what this was all about. Having two other men watching us was not of help, but worrying about it would not make it better either.

In the end, none of that was what I was truly aiming for when coming out where the second prince told Theressa to take me.

"Sister, are we going back soon?" — She said joining us again after a while, giving me a look that said no other contact was made with her now that she accomplished the task.

’Although... if I recall correctly they told her to use the shop as an excuse but it was the streets that they requested specifically...’ — Peeking from the corner of my eye the soft fall of snow starting right outside the window, I pondered for a moment.