"Is that direct enough?" Eric lifted his head to look at Matilda.
Matilda seemed much calmer now.
In the face of Eric's sudden question, her cheeks flushed, and she grew a little flustered.
She felt a little ashamed of her actions.
'Perhaps I really was a bit too harsh.'
"So, can I have your answer now, my Marchioness?" Eric asked again, still holding her right foot.
Her toenails, dyed pink with madder root, gleamed uniquely under the sunlight.
"P-perhaps..." she stammered, looking flustered.
...
From the basements to the bell towers, Canossa prepared for the wedding. Inns were swept clean and hung with banners and garlands to accommodate the villagers and out-of-town guests who came to join the festivities.
Cartloads of supplies were hauled into the city from the surrounding countryside, and herds of livestock awaited slaughter.
