Chapter 517
Ways to avoid his desires to take over his control were thought of after that. Remaining in his bureau, Zeleskiaz also took in his hands the tasks a right hand had been doing in his stead in hopes to also demonstrate the compromise of his soul.
’I must resume my tasks so those around know it is not a whim... as the Empress I want I cannot bring shame to her... my bad reputation, although true in most of it... I cannot let her suffer from it...’
— Will you come to meet me later? —
"..." — Repeating the question she asked as they separated, Zeleskiaz felt troubled while organizing his duties and with the clear goals stated in his core, a sigh left him... — "I will meet her tonight for the last time... we ought to change our ways if... if we do not want to lose approval..."
Nervous yet determined, Zeleskiaz worked thoroughly through the day, being joined by the right hand again. Meanwhile, he who had aided with interrupting the new couple’s meeting made sure to inform a daughter of the details arranged given the courtship agreed.
"I have talked with his majesty and as I told the crown prince we will meet later to discuss more on this matter. We also need to make a private ceremony so the two may compromise on what is to fall upon you if this courting is fruitful."
"Oh... I understand. I thought we would wait a little more before doing a ceremony. Yet, if it is what you and his majesty believe is for the best, then we shall heed your words, Father."
"... Yes. Well, there are traditions solely the royalty holds when it comes to betrothals, we need to follow them so the people will not look bad at both of you."
"Ah, yes. His highness... h-he told me a little about that." — The daughter said, feeling shy as she thought of the little time spent hidden alongside her suitor.
The intentions of the Father were simply to interrupt the new couple’s encounter, for he knew this news was not one he needed to tell immediately... however, the shadow he had placed on his daughter had told him about the hidden place they went to and could not follow, deciding to end his tasks in hast... aware that he should not leave some matters for later about his daughter’s courting.
’Cursed be myself!’ — Orland cried inside in pain and frustration at the apparent sweetness a youthful Marianne demonstrated when thinking of a suitor. — ’All of this happened because I opened my mouth yesterday! A moment of pity led to this! If I had not told Marianne she should be thoughtful to the brat since he showed concern while she was asleep I’m sure my lovely bird wouldn’t have accepted this- this-... this atrocity!’
"Then... father, how are we to deal with these matters? Is there any way I may help with our family’s situation or with any preparations? I do not want to make this a burden when I know these are busy times for your heart..."