Cinderella Did Not Leave Her Shoe - Side Story III Part 1

 

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Birthday Battlefield - Refrain. 

Now with more Mary Sue-ness

How beautiful!!!

I had been to the Erschlen house many times but I was particularly excited about tonight. It was the birthday of the pearl in the palm of Duke Erschlen, the future Crown Princess, Priscilla Erschlen.

The mansion was decorated splendidly, the beautiful paintings and vases bearing gorgeous flowers were a treat to the eye. I wasn't a connoisseur of fine art, but I could tell they were expensive. Compared to the one at the Castley house, my family’s collection wasn’t so valuable. That was because mother and father patronised many up and coming artists, one or two may become famous, but that didn’t matter as long as they liked the work.

On the other, hand the Brennan house was decorated with weaponry and suits of armour. I did like the simplicity. (Zuben: For now)

As I entered the ballroom, I was entranced by the beauteous appearance of the guests - their dress rivaled that of a royal ball.

I was very nervous. It wasn’t until I became Volker’s wife that I began to get invited to such esteemed social gatherings. Even so, I used to think that I could make a faux pas, and it would not matter, but now, this was no longer the case. My evaluation was tied to Volker, so I had to be careful. Getting married, you’re taking responsibility for your partner...I suddenly felt ill.

I was announced, and I went directly to where Priscilla stood holding court with her friends, trying not to lose my bright smile from tension. My gift was a custom made pair of earrings from Kalome, by a designer I was friendly with. It was a simple design she could wear daily, but I wanted to express her dignified beauty. I hope it comes through, and she would be pleased with it.

‘Fredericka, you’re here!’

Priscilla saw me and waved before I reached her. The guests around her looked at me disdainfully, but I pressed forward.

‘Happy Birthday, Lady Priscilla.’

Priscilla threw her arms open and hugged me, ‘Thank you!’

I returned her hug shyly, but I could hear the guests around us muttering.

‘Is she so friendly with Lady Priscilla?’

‘I heard that she has been visiting the Erschlen house a lot lately.’

‘She’s nouveau riche...tasteless.’

Ah well, my reputation remains bad.

‘Here is my gift to you, Lady Priscilla, I hope you like it.’ I said presenting her with the velvet box. Priscilla quickly opened it. When she saw the earrings, her face bloomed like a flower.

‘How lovely! I love them. Thank you so much. Can I wear them right now?’

She removed the heirloom earrings she had been wearing and handed them off to a waiting servant, before putting on the ones I gave her.

‘How wonderful,’ she said turning her head from left to right with a laugh. She was a goddess! (Zuben: There are only so many servants I can materialise for you, Priscilla)

‘They look lovely on you.’ I said with a tremulous voice. I was suddenly crying. I quickly dabbed my eyes with a handkerchief, (Zuben: A real one this time) and Priscilla hugged me again.

I’m so happy! This is what having friends feels like!

‘Now, now, decorum, ladies.’ Lutina and Mariel came up to us holding flutes of champagne.

‘Here, you go.’ Mariel handed me a glass.

Delfina and Sylvia came to join us, and they all gasped in admiration at the earrings.

‘It’s from Kalome.’

‘The design is wonderful.’

‘Fredricka’s idea shines through.’

The children of the orphanage we patronise presented Priscilla with a bouquet, before saying,

‘Happy Birthday, Priscilla onee-chan!’

And then sang a song for her.

Priscilla and I held hands, and cried out, ‘Cute!’ it was rather cute. They must have practiced a lot for tonight.

Ah, onlookers, I’m really enjoying myself. I looked sideways at Priscilla, her cheeks were flushed with joy and she had a big smile on her face. The usual dignified aura was nice, but this soft expression was really nice too, as pretty as a picture!

‘Priscilla, will you welcome me more enthusiastically?’

We turned at the sound of the familiar voice, and Crown Prince Stefan was standing behind us with his escorts. Had he been watching Priscilla in secret? Stefan-sama…

Volker and another Knight, who had a stern face for some reason, were his escorts. Was he having that expression because he was at work, or was it because he had been watching me enjoy myself too much? (Zuben: More likely because your husband is stopping him from moe-ing over you)

I shrugged and looked at Volker, he had a slight smile on his face. Husband, are you allowed to take your eyes off your charge?

‘Stefan!’ Priscilla gave the most wonderful smile at the sight of her fiance. She went up to him. The two of them side by side were a perfect match.

All the guests, and us girls, fell in love and sighed. Then a discordant note ruined the scenery.

‘It’s hard to walk if you stick near me so much. Give me some space.’

‘What do you mean? This is how a gentleman escorts a lady. There is no need to be shy.’

‘No, I need space.’

Lord Eugene and Miss Julia.

The handsome Lord Eugene, looking like a story-book prince, and Miss Julia, tall, slender and beautiful with her orange hair, came up to Lady Priscilla.

‘Happy Birthday, Lady Priscilla.’ Eugene congratulated Priscilla with a perfectly practiced smirk on his face.

Beside him, Julia curtsied as she muttered, ‘Happy Birthday.’

Things looked a bit awkward.

I wanted to blend into the background, but Eugene noticed me. He gave me a scornful glare,

‘What is one such as you doing amongst esteemed company such as this? You are an eyesore.’

Wow, he’s going straight for the jugular, isn’t he?

To be honest, I don’t think he has any business saying something like this to me anymore. But if I said something strange here, I may cause more trouble than it was worth.

I gave a deep curtsey and tried to leave that area, but I was stopped.

Priscilla grabbed my arm.

‘You do not need to leave, Fredericka.’

She turned to Eugene, ‘Aren’t you being rude to my invited guest, Lord Eugene? In addition, I regard Fredericka as my sister, so you’re being doubly rude.’

Her amethyst eyes were burning with righteous anger.

I was impressed by the beauty of Priscilla’s eyes and her heart.

‘She’s stolen my moment…’ I thought I heard Volker say beside me, before a large warm hand held mine. I found myself suddenly on the verge of tears.

‘Lady Priscilla, you’re so wonderful. If I were a man, I would ask for your hand in marriage, even if I had to duel the Prince to get you.’

‘Please, stop saying that!’ Both Volker and Stefan said at the same time, I almost laughed.

‘What? I came out of my way to celebrate your occasion, and you show me no respect! This is what I call a woman behaving above her status.’

I couldn’t believe he just said that. A chill ran down my spine. A murmur of shock ran through the other guests, they whispered to each other, they seemed to be taken aback by Eugene’s attitude. (Zuben: His head has been exchanged for rocks)

Stefan stepped between Priscilla and Eugene.

‘Lord Eugene, an insult to my fiancee is an insult to me, and an insult to the royal family.’

Eugene seemed to be a little afraid of the imposing crown prince. As he should be…

‘I had no intention of insulting the royal family,’

But on Volker’s side, it seemed that his well of patience for Eugene had also run out. Eugene had been looking at me as though I was a distasteful sight.

‘An insult to my wife is not something I can overlook. Lord Eugene Cajes, I wonder if you're prepared for the consequences?’

He stepped forward with his hand on his sword. Oh dear, Eugene was going to be killed. He should just apologise, even though it was superficial.

But Eugene was dense, he gave a smirk, ‘General Brennan, are you threatening a high-ranking peer for a woman? Think of your army.’

Why can’t he read the air? He’s just adding fuel to the fire. The whole thing was such a pompous show. But the guests near us took a careful step back.

But this was Lady Priscilla’s birthday, how could this be happening? I looked to Priscilla with eyes half full of tears, but she had a militant expression on her face, beautiful and fierce, like a goddess of war. This isn’t a battlefield! 

It’s all over! 

But this version of Priscilla is also very lovely.

‘I am not worried about my status. I can resign as General right now. You don’t mind duelling simple Volker Brennan.’

Everyone froze in shock; Resign? You cannot mean resign, General?!

‘Brennan, don’t do this!’ Stefan said frantically. But Volker unbuckled his scabbard and handed it to the prince with a bow.

‘I’m sorry for my selfishness,’

There were gasps from the guests.

‘It can’t be!’

‘Not the Sword of Appointed Duty!’

‘Oh my goodness!’

Prince Stefan was pale staring at the sword pressed into his hand.

No! Volker, don’t do this!

I wanted to stop him, but my voice seemed to be stuck at the back of my throat.

I’m used to being insulted and disdained. There is no reason for you to give up your career!

There was a gentle hand rubbing my trembling shoulders.

‘Fredericka, it will be alright.’ Delfina said.

‘I’ll be fine,’ I replied.

What is this surprising thing? Is the warmth power of friends?! (Zuben: Tomodachi! Nakama! Gang signs!) I felt my eyes getting hot, and desperately tried not to cry. I couldn’t cry in a place like this. I had to be strong. I had to think of something. What would be the best way to tie this chaos up?

‘Then, I’ll bet on my dukedom, I don’t need anything as long as I have Julia.’

Whether he was spurned to match Volker or he was drunk, I couldn’t tell as he proudly declared.

The guests gasped, wondering, had Lord Eugene always been such a careless person?

Stefan stepped between Volker and Eugene. There weren’t many peers in the room with a higher rank than Eugene. However, even with their rank, it was still difficult for them to step in and arbitrate a dispute between peers of their rank. Even if it works out, Duke Cajés will not be silent.

So, the crown prince was the best option. I was both grateful and apologetic. After all, I have a trouble-hoi-hoi constitution that causes inconvenience to others. I was overwhelmed with the awkwardness of not being able to calm down the situation myself.

‘Your words and actions are rude, you are clearly wrong,’ Stefan said to Eugene, ‘Apologise to Madame Brennan and leave!’

M...Madame Brennan!

Oh! That’s true, isn’t it? But it is rather embarrassing to be called that. But...M...Madame Brennan; it sounds so nice!!

‘Apologise to this person? As the next Duke in line? I cannot humiliate myself like that. You need to retract your words. As you all know this person’s family bought their title in the last war with gold, and she is a woman I have jilted-’

‘I suggest you stop right there!’ Stefan interjected, ‘The Castley family are a royal benefactor. I won’t allow you to deride them.’

Eh?

What did the crown prince just say? It was something amazing, but what did it mean?

The guest talked amongst themselves about the latest development.

The prince raised his hand silencing the crowd, ‘I would like to take the opportunity to correct a misunderstanding about the Castley family. In the last great war, the head of the Castley family provided the crown with funds for compensation needed for the ceasefire. They also paid reparations for our citizens at the time. Without them, our country would have been annexed.’

What?! They had heard about supporting the military, but about the fee for the ceasefire? Such an astronomical amount of money, where did it come from?!

‘Didn’t they ask for the title in return? Isn’t buying the title in essence?’ Eugene interjected. (Zuben: After paying that money, they can ask for whatever they bloody well please)

Eugene’s words only mirrored the other aristocrat’s thoughts. (Zuben: peasants only need to remain peasants, so no climbing over social hierarchy walls)

That was why they were called nouveau riche…

‘Castley declined the title, knowing the...consequences, but the King at the time forced it upon them by threatening him.’

I wondered if it was alright for great-grandfather. I sometimes wonder what kind of person he was. He didn’t leave any diaries, but he kept meticulous accounts. He gave the impression, from old account books, of being a shrewd person. I wonder if he was like grand-father. My grand-father had died when I was little, but he used to hug me with his big gentle hands.

‘Madame Brennan,’ Stefan turned away from Eugene and faced me,before going on bended knee, ‘on behalf of the crown, I make a formal apology. I’m sorry I am only doing this now.’

There was a gasp from the crowd.

No, your highness, please don’t do this. I hurriedly tried to grab his arm and stand him up. Under normal circumstances, I shouldn’t touch him, but I don’t care about that right now.

A Prince shouldn’t bow to his vassal!

‘No, it is not enough for me to bow, given the rudeness and derision your family has suffered from the peers. I thank the Castley family for helping this country.’

No, this is making me dizzy! Please stop, your highness!

‘Alright, I accept your apology, Your Highness. Besides, I’ve been told that Castley was returning the favour by financing the military. Please, stand up, your highness.’

The prince finally rose, I said from the corner of my mouth for only him to hear, ‘We’re friends. There is no need for this, right?’

‘But I jilted this woman…’ Eugene muttered, not realising the winds have changed.

Eugene, are you so dense that you don’t see the change in the room? I didn’t think it is good for him to remain here.

‘The only reason Eugene jilted Miss Fredericka was me. Miss Fredericka is blameless.’

A husky voice interrupted Eugene.

Miss Julia?!

She had been standing silently beside Eugene the whole time.

‘I seduced Lord Eugene, because he was rich and the duke’s heir. I hoped to gain money from him.’

We were all stunned by the support from unexpected quarters.

Eugene’s jaw hung open at Julia’s outburst.

‘Lord Eugene told me he liked my body, and I told him he needed to jilt Miss Fredericka to have me, and he needed to do it in public, at a ball. I was surprised that Miss Fredericka accepted it. He also paid people to spread rumours about Miss Fredericka being a bad woman. I truly felt bad.’

Julia was saying things that would really be bad for Lord Eugene. The people who got paid to smear my reputation would be found and asked to testify.

‘But tonight, I have reached my limit; he’s an idiot who can’t read the room. He’s arrogant and naive. I thought I could hang on for money, but I can’t do it anymore. There is no value to an Eugene who is not a duke’s heir.’

Miss Julia.

No one could move in the wake of her remarks.

But her diatribe wasn’t over, ‘You have a bad reputation. You have no humanity; you are hated by the people of your territory, by your servants. There is nothing good about you except your face, money and title. I’m done with you! I’ll be taking the clothes and jewels as compensation. Goodbye.’

After she finished, she took a deep breath as though she had untied all the knots in her heart. As if to punctuate her speech, she picked up her skirts and ran off.

Her quickness and leg strength seemed comparable to a messenger or scout. She quickly ran out of the house.

‘Ju-Julia?’

By the time Eugene, who had been frozen by the tirade, woke up, she was gone. The only trace of her was the path that opened for her escape.

Duke Cajés finally appeared, brought back by the other Knight that escorted the Prince.

‘What is going on here? Eugene! What have you done?!’

Cajés grabbed his son’s arm, but Eugene sank to the floor lifelessly, dazed.

He must be reliving his beloved Julia’s tirade. The magnitude of the impact on his psyche must be great.

‘Duke Cajés.’ Prince Stefan called, halting the berating he was giving Eugene.

‘How are you going to compensate for the ruination of Lady Priscilla’s occasion?’

The Duke paled at Stefan’s words. One could hear a pin drop in the silence.

But it wasn’t his fault, it was Eugene’s. I wanted to say something, but I read the air and kept silent.

‘Please accept my humble apologies, Your Highness.’ Duke Cajés said.

He had been appraised of the situation by the Knight who had gone to get him. He hung his head down respectfully, but his hands were clenched into fists so tight they were white; showing his inner rage.

But Prince Stefan regarded him coldly, his grey-blue eyes looked like ice.

‘Duke Cajés, you seemed to be enchanted by your son’s handsomeness. He jilted his former fiancée in public and paid people to malign her good name, which shows a lack of firm parental supervision. Then, he attends this ball, and insults my fiancée. For this, I hereby suspend Eugene Cajés from attending the audience at the castle, he is barred. He is also barred from training with the Order, until he shows true signs of remorse. Though, he should have learnt common sense from the beginning.’

This was almost a social ostracising; for a high-ranking peer to be condemned by the Crown Prince himself, an aristocrat to be banned from the castle, it almost never happened.

Duke Cajés looked up intending to protest, but the look in Prince Stefan’s eye stopped the words short.

Instead, he muttered, ‘Pardon me,’ with a slight short bow. He pulled Eugene up with the help of the other Knight and took Eugene out of the ballroom.

Eugene had a blank expression on his face as he cried mournfully, ‘Julia...Julia…’ he didn't realise what had happened.

Once they were gone, Prince Stefan turned back to the guests.

‘Now that has been cleared up. Can everyone raise a glass to celebrate my fiancée Priscilla, and the honour of the Castleys and Madame Brennan being regained?’

At that moment, the bottles of champagne were popped as though they had been on standby, and the waiters quickly filled champagne flutes and handed them to the guests.

The orchestra began to play cheerful waltzes without missing their timing. Guests began to dance as a rain of flower petals fell onto the ballroom. There were cried of “Cheers” and “Congratulations” and the people quickly moved on from the unpleasantries.

Prince Stefan and Duke Ershlen were amazing. I was suddenly able to relax.

Volker came up and gave me a hug making me lean on his body.

‘I was so shocked that you suddenly said you were going to resign.’ I said a little tartly.

Volker laughed, ‘I was serious. I never wanted to be the Royal Guard General. I thought it would be appropriate to give up my post for the next generation, and retire early.’

I turned to look at him, and he bent over to kiss my temples, ‘I wanted to be able to spend more time with you, my Fredericka.’

Off to the side, Stefan had his usual suspicious smile on his face, and Priscilla was snuggled in his arms, grinning.

‘Volker, you have to continue escorting the Prince.’ I said.

I was in a hurry, so I ended up looking like I wanted to push Volker away, but that was a little cute, wasn’t it?

Zuben: Which version of Birthday Battlefield did you prefer?

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