Chapter 84: Chapter 84

Before she could fidget any further, a flurry of hurried footsteps echoed across the terrace. Lady Marwen appeared almost out of nowhere, arms overflowing with parchment and scrolls, quills tucked behind her ear, and her glasses sliding down the bridge of her nose. "Ah! Your Highnesses!" she trilled, nearly tripping over her own robe. "Forgive me! I must—oh! Princess Evelisse, Prince Caelith, how wonderful to see you both in... in such close camaraderie!"

Evelisse blinked, slightly startled. "Lady Marwen?" she said softly, curtseying. "Good evening, ma’am. Is everything well?"

Lady Marwen gave a flustered little bow, nearly dropping one of her scrolls. "Yes, yes, all is well! Merely, I am... er... here to—well, you see, I require a small... report." She juggled her quills like a panicked spider. "Yes, yes, a report on... on you, Prince Caelith. Your health, your experiences in Florabelle so far—very important for documentation!"

Caelith’s brow rose faintly. "A report?" he asked, voice even. "Already?"

Lady Marwen flapped her hands, scattering a few loose feathers of paper across the cobblestones. "Oh, heavens! Of course! I merely—oh dear, forgive me!—I like to... to document things. Methodically. Precisely. But not... not oppressively, Your Highness." She curtsied with a small hop, papers still trembling in her arms.

Evelisse blinked, trying not to giggle at the clumsiness. ’She’s... oddly charming in a very panicked way.’ She kept her hands folded neatly. "Of course, ma’am," she said politely. "If it is necessary, I will gladly assist however I can."

"Assist? Oh! Wonderful!" Lady Marwen exclaimed, eyes bright behind her sliding glasses. "If I may... er... I would like, Prince Caelith, to hear... oh, say... five things you have learned or enjoyed in Florabelle! Merely five! Just a small number! And... perhaps... if you could... briefly elaborate?" She adjusted her spectacles with a trembling hand, clearly flustered by her own instructions.

Caelith’s lips curved into a faint smirk. "I see how it is. As soon as we step outside, you immediately switch from spectator to tutor." His voice was calm, amused. "Very well, Lady Marwen. I shall comply, though I suspect my answers may bore you."

"Bore me?" Lady Marwen’s eyes widened in faux horror, then quickly darted toward Evelisse as if expecting rescue from this slight insult. Evelisse hid a small smile behind her clasped hands.

"Princess," Caelith said softly, "I do not think she will faint if I speak plainly."

Evelisse inclined her head respectfully, bowing slightly. "Yes, Prince Caelith. Whatever you share will be valued and... informative."

Fluffy hovered near her shoulder, whispering, "She’s so proper it’s adorable! Do you notice, Your Majesty-in-Training? She’s using full princess mode!"

"Fluffy, please," Evelisse scolded under her breath. "It is only respectful."

Caelith cleared his throat lightly and began. "First, I have learned that Florabelle’s gardens are not merely ornamental. Each plant has subtle magical properties that can be detected with attentive observation." He paused, eyes flicking toward the shimmering moonlight reflecting off the water lilies. "Second, the library’s enchantments are... exceptional. They interact with sunlight and sound in ways that encourage quiet focus."

Lady Marwen clutched a scroll to her chest. "Excellent! Excellent, Your Highness! Truly, I must note this. Observe how attentively he speaks!" She nearly spun in excitement, dropping a quill. Evelisse gently stepped to retrieve it.

Caelith continued, "Third, I enjoy the interactions with those in Florabelle who—though small in number—carry great wisdom. It has been enlightening to witness the differing patterns of... uh, thought and action." He tilted his head toward Evelisse, giving a faint, subtle nod in her direction.

Evelisse’s cheeks warmed. ’He included me... subtly...’ she thought. She bowed ever so slightly, murmuring, "I am honored, Prince Caelith."

"Fourth, I have learned that even creatures of small stature—like your companion," Caelith glanced briefly at Fluffy, who puffed up proudly, "can possess insight beyond what their size might suggest." He offered a tiny smile at the fluffball but immediately switched his gaze to the ceiling.

Evelisse furrowed her brows, wondering if he was talking about Snugglewuff or it was merely an oversight she missed.

Fluffy puffed twice in triumph, squeaking in its thoughts, ’Acknowledgment received! Finally!’

"And fifth," Caelith said, eyes softening slightly, "I have learned that there are moments of simple kindness that can surpass all formal instruction. A gesture, a smile, a shared pastry—these leave a lasting impression." He gave Evelisse a small, polite nod. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs N0veI.Fiɾe.net

Lady Marwen gasped, nearly tipping over with delight. "Marvelous! Most insightful, Your Highness! Absolutely... exquisitely noted. And, Princess Evelisse, you may add your observations if you wish!" She fumbled for another quill, muttering, "Must document everything, every small nuance..."

Evelisse curtsied gracefully. "I... I have only observed that Prince Caelith is remarkably attentive, and he notices many things others overlook. It is... inspiring." She glanced at Fluffy. "And I feel he just might be able to see things that others cannot."

Fluffy spun in place, whispering triumphantly, "Victory, Princess! That is part three of the charm offensive! He just might be able to see me eventually, don’t you think?"

Lady Marwen clapped her hands so hard they rattled the scrolls. "Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! This... this interaction! Documented, cataloged, appreciated! The... the health report can wait slightly longer, but I must... oh! Yes! I shall prepare the official notes!" She almost skipped in place, nearly toppling over again.

Evelisse laughed quietly, hiding her face behind a hand. "Ma’am, you are... remarkably diligent."

"Oh! Diligent? Why thank you, Princess! But mostly... mostly anxious! Yes, that is... that is the proper word!" Lady Marwen adjusted her spectacles with a flourish.

Fluffy whispered, "Anxious, flustered, charming... yes, she’s perfect for the role of official documentation monster!"

’Fluffy, be silent!’ Evelisse whispered fiercely.

Before anyone could continue, a sudden clang echoed from the main hall. All three froze. Caelith’s eyes sharpened, Evelisse’s heart skipped a beat, and Fluffy floated rigid, tiny limbs stiffening.

"Perhaps we have visitors," Caelith murmured, standing. His hand brushed lightly against Evelisse’s as he steadied himself. The moment was electric, unspoken tension between them—half excitement, half caution.