Chapter 42 (1/2)
Marianne once saw the portraits of the previous emperor and empress. One day she learned about imperial history from Julia. Emperor Cassius in the painting was a good-looking handsome man, and Empress Blair was a classical and elegant beauty. Blair’s beauty was particularly impressive. Even though she wore a glittering crown and splendid accessories on her body, her face stood out among other things. Her golden hair and blue eyes like a lake were also the conditions of beauty that the daughters of the noble families coveted back then.
Eckart seemed to be a mixture of his parents’ appearances in an amazing proportion.
His great skeleton took after his father while his impression and meticulous line took after his mother. His cold and sensitive handsomeness seemed like a tabernacle protecting him.
If one was watching him closely, one would feel as if one were captivated by his handsome appearance.
‘I just want to touch it very gently.’
Marianne even thought of that weird thing while watching him.
But she came to her senses hurriedly and repelled it from her mind. She couldn’t afford to toy with such idle thinking.
In the meantime, it seemed that the unwelcome guests were just around the corner. It looked like they were passing by visibly, and then faded away. Along with the beat of their regular pace, the sound of the swords rattling and their chattering could be heard.
How long had passed? The garden was quiet again.
While looking at them tensely, Eckart felt relaxed when the knights left his field of view.
Marianne stood on her tiptoes to get out of his tight arms. She pulled the collar covering the head with her small hands. Eckart’s upper body slightly leaned forward when she pulled the hem of his robe. There was no problem up to that point.
But they stiffened as if they were possessed by the freezing spell. Eckart had to hold his breath for a moment, and it took quite a long time for Marianne to recognize his warmth on her forehead. Even though they didn’t look at each other at that moment, it was obvious what they were doing now. Eckart’s lips touched Marianne’s forehead as if he kissed her.
There was a tremendous silence for a moment. Their tense moment was much heavier than that when they had to hold their breath in order not to be caught by the patrolling knights a moment ago.
“Well, can I speak now?”
Marianne quickly stepped back and said, “…Okay. You have to finish your words,” Eckart replied with his back straight.
The hem of his long robe covering her body was put back to its original position.
“Let me discuss the size and schedule of the party with Mrs. Charlotte and let you know later.”
“Got it.”
“I’ve got one favor to ask of you, but let me tell you later.”
“Sure.”
“Do you have anything more to say?” she demanded because she wanted to end the conversation quickly.
“I know several men I want you to make friends with formally. I came today to ask for your opinion and host an occasion for you to get acquainted with them. But as you are thinking of hosting a party, let me invite them to your party and meet you for friendship.”
“Not a problem at all. Who are they?”
“Duchess Lamont, Lady Rane, and Countess Renault. Lady Beatrice of the Euclid family.”
Marianne once again memorized the four names mentioned.
“Are they members of Duchess Lamont’s salon?”
“Right. Fortunately, it seems Mrs. Reinhardt is doing her bit well,” said Eckart, showing a surprised reaction.
“So, what are you going to do about that maid who fell from the tree?”
“Well, I’m going to watch her for a little longer. I’ve told her something. I think we can use her as our spy later.”
“I hope you can keep in mind that you shouldn’t trust people so easily.”
Was he betrayed by someone close to him?
Whenever he said something to her, he reminded her of that habitually. She was sick and tired of that.
“Yes, will do.”
“It’s better for you not to be too deeply involved in anything or approaching something too fast.”
“Yes, of course. I’ll keep it in mind, too.”
“Are you applying the ointment well?”
“Yes, of course. Pardon? Ointment? ”
While replying with a sulken voice, she suddenly came to her senses when he mentioned ‘ointment.’
“I asked Wales to give it to you. Didn’t you receive it?”