Chapter 541
For a respectful moment, those present looked towards the lady who had spoken just as Marianne had although with different sources for their curiosity, being the princess who was of the highest status along Marianne who would take the initiative to convey what must.
"Oh, how adorable for you to ask permission. Please go ahead, there is no need to be shy between us, Lady Karina. After all, tea is shared with confidence while in the company of us women. You shall not hesitate for we do not bite." — Princess Jasmine said in a welcoming manner, grinning as there was a little playfulness she wanted to add to her kindness, crossing gazes with Marianne who would giggle along, for it was because of the Ninth’s birthday celebration that the princess felt more enthusiast today and also... more welcoming towards any she was not fond of. — "That is of course if there is no dessert or pastry on the table, if that were the case we could get a little feisty, isn’t that right lady Pristina? fufufu~"
’Hehehe~ yes, if it is a dessert we will certainly go for a bite~ it’s not a simple matter for us~’ — Entertained and grateful Marianne brought another bite to her mouth, acting in harmony to the small playfulness the princess decided to show this time, looking vibrant while glad of Jasmine’s carefree reply. — ’Therefore... it would be better for you to not continue this shy behaviour... otherwise, the princess’ nice and disguised lesson will not be as nice and disguised later... say what you wanted and let me see if what I once read is truly the real you, Karina.’
Suspicion about the real character behind Karina’s being had been rooted deeply within Marianne after the meshing of her souls. It was once a guess, even a fantasy she had been crafting out of ignorance and an excuse to let her feelings for a prince take place. However, the one conversation that solved her relationship with the crown prince aggravated these ideas as she believed in her loved one’s words and in the warnings the gods had conveyed. Hence, although it was little an interaction they had conceived the night of the autumn ball, Karina’s appearance in the story she was aware of had occurred differently... and yet slightly similar as well.
’I should be as careful and even more than I was when I first met the crown prince this time with her...’
"Ah... the princess is very kind to say so... I was hoping to also express my gratitude for being invited today to the precious Ninth’s tea. It was a delectable surprise for someone like myself to receive this invitation. I had been worried about the ninth ever since the news about her disappearance came to my ears."
"Oh, haha, lady Karina, surely we all were... haha..."
"I-indeed, we all were concerned. However, all that matters now is that the Ninth is back and healthy." — Some of the clever ladies said, nervous as the subject should not continue as a way to respect the one who suffered. Nonetheless, even as Karina’s neighbouring noble lady placed her hand on her limb as a gesture to inform the advice, Karina’s innocence continued to be shown before Marianne... just as she had read it in the past.