The Springtime Chime of Marielle Clarac [Parts 1 to 9] by Haruka Momo

Author:Haruka Momo
Language: eng
Format: epub

Chapter Eight

The Slavian Empire, which spanned from the continent’s northern reaches all the way to the east, had a delicate relationship with Lagrange and the other Western countries. Last year, when the Republic of Orta’s military government had started a war, Slavia had been quietly backing them—that was a commonly known fact. However, after seeing that the odds weren’t in their favor, they had quickly pulled out. Slavia had tried to use Orta to expand their influence westward, but when Orta had become more a hindrance than a help, they’d been discarded without a second thought.

There was no doubt that Slavia harbored sinister ambitions, so every land kept its guard up while dealing with them. And at the end of last year, I had met a visitor from that land.

He had appeared in high society purporting to be a distant relation of his country’s ambassador to Lagrange—the guise he’d adopted was one of a carefree youngster traveling abroad for his studies who would stay in one place only briefly and then head for other lands. His involvement in the incident that had happened around that time was still unclear. He’d certainly seemed to possess some inside knowledge, but he had never revealed his true motives, only behaved in a way that hinted at some deeper meaning.

After he’d left, I had learned that he was in fact a member of the Slavian imperial family, and potentially even the next emperor. As surprising as this was, I can’t say I ever expected to meet him again—and yet...

What is he doing in Lagrange?! Did he lie about leaving the country and stay after all? And why is he specifically here, at this party? Why is he trying to get close to Lady Anna? What is he planning this time?!

My legs, which had momentarily paused, started moving again apace. As I rapidly approached, he became aware of my presence as well, turning his eyes toward me. That young face smiled fearlessly. He exuded a commanding gravity that was almost overwhelming—though perhaps I should have expected no less from a member of an imperial family. But right next to him was Lady Anna. I couldn’t let myself turn tail and run.

“Lady Anna,” I interjected, forcing my face into a smile.

She turned. “Marielle?”

The mayor’s wife, who turned to look as well, appeared less than pleased. Despite having insisted she wasn’t trying to matchmake, it seemed clear she was hoping to do just that. I can tell how much she wants me to stop interfering, but I’m sorry, this man is no good for Lady Anna. Ignoring her silent ire, I walked right up to them.

“Apologies for intruding, but I was so surprised to see a face I recognized. Would you mind if I join you?”

“Not at all,” Lady Anna replied, looking at the man. “You two know each other, then?”

In response, Mr. Yugin—or should I call him Prince Leonid?—put on an affable smile and greeted me. “Good to see you again, Mrs. Flaubert. I didn’t expect to meet you here.

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