What they would have simply glossed over as eccentric habits must have been the tyranny that determined someone's life or death or course of life. That 'someone' would have included Marianne's mother and father, perhaps even the emperor's late mother, Empress Blair.
"I will allow Lonstat's access to my salon again, starting today. Would you please give me some time for lunch in return? "
"Of course. Anytime!" Marianne nodded, smiling brightly. She smiled a refreshing smile that could not be dismissed as a feigned one.
"Thank you for your generous decision, ma'am. I'll see you at the salon again. "
Only after checking her feelings to the end did she leave the main building, escorted by Ober. She deliberately pretended not to recognize Mrs. Charlotte and Cordelli's enormous concern about her as they waited nearby.