Translator: Nox

90 - Pieces of the Broken Glass Slipper

Shattered Glass Slipper Shards 90

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The shoes were even more perfect. The outer layer, made of a light blue fabric embroidered with silver thread, was incredibly delicate, as if crafted by a master artisan. The heel height was just right, and they fit perfectly without any shortcomings.

The small glass beads hanging like part of the decoration made a clear, tinkling sound with every step, delighting everyone's ears.

Yes, they were far too precious to be considered merely prepared for a Masquerade. Except for the fact that the shoe's decoration was, of all things, 'glass.'

In high society, 'glass' symbolized virginity, something only used at debutante balls. Therefore, it was an unsuitable decoration for a Masquerade, a symbol of licentiousness. It was more like a knife threatening oneself.

So, I couldn't help but wonder. Why send me these shoes to wear of all things? Did they really not know what it meant?

In any case, since they sent them to be worn, I couldn't refuse. I felt I needed to in order to understand their intentions.

"This is a truly perfect dress! Where on earth did you get such a dress and shoes?"

Marie exclaimed in a shrill voice, enraptured. The fit was so perfect without needing a separate tailor that she couldn't help but be in love with it.

Then, she lamented that she couldn't find any jewels or decorative ribbons to match such a dress.

Blan and Seril's concerns were also about how to style my hair and makeup to match the dress.

In the end, I had to rely on Mlang's help, and she styled my hair while enduring the glares of Roena's maids.

"Oh my, Lady, you look so beautiful. Even Lady Roena couldn't match your beauty. No, no noble lady could compare to you."

Even though the makeup I wore in the mirror was far inferior to what I had before returning, it was closer to the image that Sissae of the past had longed for.

This brought an astonishingly great satisfaction, to the point where I thought it was only natural that everyone looked at me in disbelief as I walked down the hallway to get into the carriage.

Especially seeing Margo's surprised expressions, I felt like bursting into laughter.

However, as soon as I opened the carriage door and stepped inside, that laughter vanished.

The letter that arrived at the mansion stated that a carriage would be sent for my convenience on the day, and I should not refuse their kindness.

Therefore, the 'deer-shaped mask' now in front of me must be their doing.

But, out of all the masks, why a 'deer' of all things? There were so many others. The only person who called me a deer, Kerula, was the Crown Prince wearing the Wolf Mask, so does this implicitly indicate that he is behind Perinnil?

No, let's not jump to conclusions. I placed the deer mask on my lap and calmly took a breath.

Perinnil said he saw me at the Masquerade. Then, he might have accidentally heard the Crown Prince calling me that.

No. He and I were outside then. Just the two of us. No one was near us.

Then, could it simply be a coincidence? In fact, how many women participating in the Masquerade haven't worn a deer mask?

The deer-shaped mask was one of the most common forms among countless masks. Besides, if it were the Crown Prince, he could have met me without resorting to such tricks.

"I'll know when I go and meet them."

I swallowed a sigh that felt like it would burst out and put on the mask. If the person I meet is the Crown Prince, I become anxious because I feel like I won't be able to easily refuse even an undesirable proposal.

The force and pressure he exudes are beyond imagination. And what about his sly yet sharp tone that pierces the other person's weaknesses?

No, even setting that aside, the biggest problem is that I fear him.

If I am urged to make a decision while looking him in the eye, will I really be able to refuse?

"I have to endure. Even if I have to run away again."

Soon, the carriage stopped, and the door opened. I got out of the carriage with the help of the waiting servant.

The promise to come and greet me must have been limited to arriving directly at the mansion, as I couldn't see even Perinnil's shadow until I arrived at the hall where the ball was being held.

This Masquerade seemed much larger in scale than the one I had gone to with Chatoul.

Numerous people in the hall were chatting or dancing in groups, and the colorful masks and dresses that bloomed and faded like flowers created a lively atmosphere in harmony with the cheerful music.

In one area, they were gambling using small dice. The laughter that erupted each time the dice turned over was so loud it seemed to swallow the music.

Wine overflowed from wine glasses stacked like small fountains, and sweet desserts and fruits were attractively arranged around them, catching the eye.

It was a scene no different from a typical ball, except for the masks. Nowhere could I see people staggering around as if intoxicated. No one was crawling around like beasts. They were simply enjoying this pleasant time, caught up in the excitement.

Of course, there were men and women indulging in lust behind the closed curtains of the terrace, but this was a common sight at other ballrooms and was not surprising.

Unless someone forcibly dragged a 'relative from the countryside' and tore apart their pitiful innocence in front of everyone.

I picked up a glass of wine and naturally blended into the crowd. I stood sideways as if I had always been there and listened to their stories.

People giggled as they gossiped about unverified rumors or slandered specific individuals.

In particular, they were discussing in great depth how Perinnil and Chatoul had conquered the Emperor in bed.

They complained that young prostitutes were seducing men. It was okay if their sleeping arrangements became neglected as a result—because they had mistresses—but they grumbled that they hated stupid husbands who gave money to vulgar women.

They were upset because they had to buy one less piece of jewelry to wear as a result.

Some groups pointed at the bodies of the women attending this ball, scrutinizing them one by one.

Her breasts are too small, her hips are too big, there must be several layers of fabric inside, and so on. It was a childish argument that was hard to believe came from the mouths of women pretending to be refined.

Then, they would bring up the physical weaknesses of people who were clearly celebrities in high society—such as having a large mole on their navel or smelling in their groin—and giggle. If they happened to be mentioned by chance, they would not be able to hide their rage and would get angry, creating a ridiculous scene.

Of course, it was a natural sequence to stop talking and twist their bodies as soon as a man they liked passed by.

Interestingly, feigned seductiveness and gentle coquetry flowed from all the women like well-crafted natures.

As if status and honor were put inside the mask, men were being seduced everywhere.

Even if their elegantly styled hair was completely undone and flowed down their necks, it was recognized as sensuality, and the sight of them pushing their hips into the men's crotches was very natural.

The most polite thing was the lips that were constantly uttering words of love. The elegantly bent fingers were twitching as if they were about to lift their skirts.

Still, it could not be denied that it was a much more refined sensuality than with Chatoul. There was more to enjoy watching.

Therefore, I would have watched this comical scene much more slowly if it hadn't been for someone approaching me.

"Do you like dice games?"

I immediately recognized the owner of the voice. It was Perinnil. She was wearing a white mask with a lot of feathers, which seemed very large, barely revealing her small lips. It was as if she was desperately trying to hide that she was Madame Flandre.

But her unique voice and tone were not easily forgotten, so anyone would know that she was Perinnil.

Perinnil held a small die in one hand and a round chip used instead of coins in the other. Her body smelled of acrid tobacco, as if she had been gambling until now.

"No, I've never played it before."

"Then shall I teach you?"

She reached out her hand. I did not refuse her touch. The fact that she was encouraging me to play dice was proof that the person I was supposed to meet had not yet arrived.

Perinnil naturally joined the gamblers and began to bet.

In fact, the rules of the game were so simple that it was ridiculous to say she was teaching me. Before rolling the dice, everyone bet on the number plate placed on the table, and the person who guessed the closest number took the money.

It was a simple and clear game, but everyone was staring intently at the dice falling in the air, as if it were quite addictive.

The dice that fell on the table rolled several times before revealing the number. At the same time, sighs filled with each person's joys and sorrows poured out of everyone's mouths.

A woman wearing a sheep mask must have won, as she hurriedly pulled the chips, unable to control her excessively swollen gestures.

Her spot had been empty before she pulled the chips, as if she had been losing until now.

Perinnil approached me again, as if she thought she had finished explaining by participating once. She showed me the round chip in her hand and asked in a quiet voice.

"Would you like to try it once? It's a very good opportunity to test your luck."

"Excuse me, but I'm fine. I don't believe in luck."

"Oh my, that's a shame."

She didn't encourage me any further and approached a man nearby, offering him the chip.

He seemed surprised by the unexpected luck and grabbed Perinnil's hand, but he could not embrace her small body due to her firm refusal.

Nevertheless, he looked at Perinnil ardently, as if he had fallen in love. She was smiling like a winner who had won the game.

I blinked blankly, not knowing what aspect of her had stimulated the man in the previous situation.

"Unnecessary luck should be passed on to others. That man was almost out of chips."

So, he couldn't help but feel affection for the beautiful woman who had filled his money.

Her firm refusal must have also contributed to increasing her value.

Surprisingly, Perinnil had an amazing talent for understanding the other person's needs even in that short moment. Perhaps the experience she had gained over the years to please customers was shining in this way.

"Do you like the dress and shoes?"

"Yes, very much."

She smiled as if satisfied with my answer. I realized from that that she clearly knew the meaning of the 'glass bead' decoration.

"They suit you so well that I am pleased just looking at you. Perhaps no one here is as beautiful as you. Look over there. Look at those fools who are jealous of you. So, I can confidently say that you can feel superior now. I won't stop you even if you drink several glasses of wine in excitement. But there is one thing you should be careful about. If they see the glass beads on your shoes, they will surely realize that you are a pure virgin."

"Anyone?"

"Yes. That's how it was originally made. In short, it's a small game. Every time you take a step, every time you hold someone's hand and dance, you're nervous about whether the glass beads hidden in your dress will be revealed. All the way until the end of the ball."

Was she daring to play a game with my virginity? Like before, this cheeky prostitute often forgot her place and acted out.

Before, she relied on Lord Theodore, and now she is creating an unpleasant situation by using her position as a Baroness.

I suppressed my rising anger and reminded her of what she was forgetting.

"But Madam, you said the decision is up to me. Please don't forget that."

Then Perinnil raised her voice as if she couldn't believe it. She seemed very surprised that I wasn't even thinking of listening to her proposal.

"Are you going to abandon your original purpose because of this little prank?"

"Then should I take off my shoes here and give them to you?"

"Please. Don't say such things. No matter how dissolute a woman is, she never shows her bare feet to others."

"Then I'll be the first."

I replied in a cynical voice.