The close man to her side observed her as she secretly felt conflicted.
With a sweet blush in her usually pale visage, she appeared drunk in his eyes as the Young Duke ignored the reasons for her heat.
'... May the wine be affecting her?' — Clemente thought as her gaze became drowsy from shyness.
"... Lady." — He leaned and called her attention in discreet volume, aware that the Emperor was to speak shortly after.
Bang. Bang. — Dry knocks on the ground were heard to call the nobles' watch.
"!!" — The woman jumped, surprised by the noise in her concentrated state.
"It is to be implied, yet on this occasion, the ceremonies have gone short at the little number of youths present!" — The Emperor began.
"Are you alright, Lady Marianne?"
"..."
"..... Would you like some water?"