Cinderella Did Not Leave Her Shoe Chapter 37-39
Not mine, cant remember where I got this via Google Images
37 Wedding
Gown
‘Miss, it is
really alright?’ Marie asked sheepishly from behind me. I turned to her and
laughed and nodded.
However my
reply did not satisfy Marie for she was still grumbling about the why and
wherefores. I could hear her but I
merely shrugged.
We were
intruding upon General Brennan’s town house. We were here to iron out the
details of my entry into the household. But Volker has been held up at work and
could not be here. So it was Father, Mother, Marie and me with Volker’s
parents, and Mr Xavier, Volker’s butler.
After I get
married to Volker, Mr Xavier will teach me about the running of the house. I
would like to take over the management of the household gradually. Marie is
coming with me as my personal maid, so I have no problems.
I made sure to
tell my parents that they didn’t have to do a flashy announcement. At this
moement, Volker’s parents were busy arguing.
Although it
was the first time I had met them, they were very kind to me. His father said,
‘To get such a lovely bride, Volker is the Kingdom’s luckiest man!’
And his mother
said, ‘We are getting such a lovely daughter in law!’ with joyful tears.
Volker had
said told me it was going to be alright, but I could not help the feeling of
trepidation meeting his parents. Would they already had the opinion that I was
the upstart nouveau riche Viscount’s daughter? This kind welcome was both
touching and embarra.s.sing.
I didn’t want
a showy wedding.
When I told
Volker he seemed very disappointed. But as a person how had been dumped by her
high status fiancé, I didn’t want to call too much attention to myself.
Although, I didn’t say, I am thinking of Volker.
Because of the
Duke’s people spreading bad rumours, Volker was now seen as “the last great
single man that was rushed and drew a super-nope lottery” or something like
that. (Zuben: I don’t think he feels that way)
Even though
Volker knows about it, he knew that it was best leaving things along or it
would escalate if he denied it. Volker is being made fun of because of me, I’m
sorry.
So have a
quiet dinner party and only publish the announcement of marriage. One day, the
rumours will die down. Just because I am getting married doesn’t mean I have to
wear a proper wedding dress, I am happy just to be marrying Volker…to be his
wife.
Although he is
reluctant, it really isn’t necessary to make a fan fare of our wedding. But I
wonder if it is okay.
‘Miss
Fredericka, are you alright.’
I gave a
little start at my future mother in law’s voice.
‘Yes, mother
in law.’
Jennis, my
future mother in law, in reality, is Volker’s aunt. She is a wonderful person
who exudes great elegance. I lose face just by being beside her.
Jennis clasped
my hands in hers and said, ‘After all, I think it would be better to show off.
It’s a once in a lifetime event; every girl’s dream.’
It’s not that
I don’t have a longing to wear a wedding dress, but I am going to be weight
against Volker, there is nothing I can do.
I grasped her
hands and tried to smile as prettily as possible as I said, ‘Mother, I am so
happy that I am going to be Volker’s wife that if I wear a wedding gown I think
my body will explode with joy!’ (Zuben: Hahahaha, what a terrible excuse)
And we won’t
be able to get married quickly.
Jennis laughed
and winked mischievously.
‘It is a
wonderful dream to welcome a lady like you as my daughter in law.’
It seemed like
she agreed with me. It seemed that she understood, that was good. I was feeling
relieved until Jennis said,
‘At least, let
me handle the dress you wear for the dinner party. It has been a long held
dream to sew my daughter’s dress. It’s not too flashy, is it?’
I thought back
to the wink she gave me earlier, she was as cute as a young lady.
I nodded.
There was no answer, Jennis embrace me and thanked me. Just then, Volker
entered the drawing room,
‘Sorry to have
kept you wait- Fredericka, not to Mother but to me!’
Everyone gave
knowing smiles as Volker s.n.a.t.c.hed me. I was very embarra.s.sed as Volker pulled
me into his arms for a tight hug. (Zuben: Don’t make her faint again, ah)
38 In your
arms
Volker took a
seat and as though it was natural, held me to him very close. Though it is, I am
still a bit shy because he is doing it in front of our parents, but they
accepted at as though it was very natural.
Natural? Are
we used to it? That-that is scary!
‘Um Volker,
today I’m going to sit on my own.’
Volker turned
to me with widened innocent eyes and asked, ‘Why?’
Er, why do you
have such a pure expression? It makes it look like I am in the wrong.
‘Volker, do
you always do that?’
Awesome
tsukkomi from father in law! Next, there was a glint in Mother in law’s eye!
I should have
talked about this with Volker before marriage! It may be too late. No not yet!
We may still be able to do something about it.
‘Yes, he is
always like this.’ I said. My heart beat with a dull sound but I have said what
is in my heart.
I wanted him
to say it was a coincidence today, but I don’t know the kind of things that
embarra.s.ses Volker…I wonder if he is shameless.
‘I-I’m sorry.’
I apologised to Father in law quietly. I’m sorry I am such a bride. I’m shy but
I’m happy!
‘Oh no, don’t
apologise Miss Fredericka.’ Father in law said to me, and he looked up at
Volker, ‘Volker, how much do you want to disregard propriety? ’
‘Fredericka is
embarra.s.sed, too.’ Father in law continued quite naturally.
Oh thank you,
father in law!
There was a
sound of disappointment over my head and I instinctively wanted to hold his
hand.
‘I’m sorry
Fredericka; I know I should only do this when it’s just the two of us.’
You don’t have
to mention it!
He let me go,
and I went to sit between my parents.
‘Fredericka,
don’t sit so far away.’ Volker called with a gentle voice. His mother jabbed
him in his side with her elbow, but he was still insistent.
Uuun, I’m
afraid of your eyes, and I cannot give you face. My mother chuckled, and my
father said under his breath, ‘Please go sit next to him.’
Nooo, leave me
alone till the hot spots on my face fade away.
We all had
dinner together.
Afterwards,
the parents were sitting together having more discussions.
Marie was
speaking to Mr Xavier.
Volker came up
to me, ‘Let’s take a walk in the garden.’
Wow, we are
going to have a garden date!
Walking beside
Volker, I could not hide my nyonyo[1]. I have to be careful not to spoil the
visage of good daughter as much as possible.
But then I guess
it was useless, because Volker is chuckling beside me.
[1] nyonyo: laughing secretly,
gloating, secretly grinning.
‘What is it?’
I looked up to
his hazel eyes that were narrow with mirth. His previously neatly dressed
forelocks had been disarrayed by the strong breeze and they now fell over his
fore head. Oooh, how very nice~!
‘Sorry about
earlier, I’m relieved that you are in a good mood.’
Ah, it was so.
I stubbornly did not sit next to Volker.
‘You weren’t
angry, were you? Were you…shy?’
I squeezed his
hand tighter; I wish I could transmit my feelings through where we are
touching.
‘I’m sorry…’
Hmm? Why are
you apologising? I’m not angry
‘Fredericka’s
embarra.s.sed expression is very lovable.’
What does that
mean? Does he do it on purpose? (Zuben: To bully you a little)
‘Fredericka
may not know this: but when you are embarra.s.sed you become red from your cheeks
to your ears and all around your neck,’ he said as his fingers stroked the
parts he was talking about. My face was so hot; his fingers felt especially
cool, ‘It is an extremely beautiful vermillion against your white skin.’
‘I want to see
how it looks from the neck down when you’re dyed red.’
Bufu!!
Wait just a
moment, please! Why are you looking like that all of a sudden? We are in your
garden, Volker! It is an open area!
‘Volker?’
‘Come…’ he
said as he pulled me along. I did not resist.
He kissed me
behind a big tree. It was a strange sensation that tickled and stimulated my
skin. I trembled as he wrapped he held my waist and I wrapped my hand around
his neck.
‘In truth, I
would like to see you in a wedding dress.’
If possible, a
dress that showed the beautiful line of her shoulders and her hair dressed
beautifully.
As if he could
imagine a concrete look, Volker fingered my hair into disarray.
I was going to
make my hair really cute, I thought. But as he played with my hair, we got
caught up in each other. I eventually had to cool down and groom myself under
the shade of the tree.
‘Uu~n, but,
there are various obstacles, aren’t there? That’s why…’
And it’s all my
fault. I don’t really care if I wear a wedding dress as long as Volker was with
me and I was held in his warm arms.
I looked up
and there were leaves in Volker’s hair. I tried to reach up to get it, but he
was too tall.
‘Volker, lift
me up a little.’ I said as I put my hands on his shoulder. He lifted me easily
so I could reach the leaves in his hair, but as I tidied him up. I felt a sharp
nip at my collar bone.
‘Hi~ yau~.’
I was bitten.
Did Volker just bite me?! (Zuben: No, it was a mutant mosquito)
It was a sweet
bite, but I was so surprised I cried out.
‘I’m sorry it
was…because it was right there in front of me.’
I suppose it
is my fault, but why is there a mischievous light behind the hazel.
‘I suppose if
it wasn’t deliberate, it’s alright. I’m also bad for having my clavicle in
front of a man’s eyes.’ I said with a smile, ‘I will wear clothes that cover up
to my neck from now on.’
I have to
defend myself so it doesn’t happen. (Zuben: A lot of things sound so dodgy)
‘No that’s a
problem!’ he said.
I don’t know what to do anymore. Volker trying
to stop me from wearing nun-like clothes is very cute! I laughed out loud.
*
‘It’s not
good, is it?’
‘Yes, of
course.’
‘You cannot
withdraw as it is.’
‘…if that is
the case, let’s do this again.’
‘Right.’
‘Confidentially
this time.’
‘Hehehehehe’
‘Fufu
hahahaha.’
pinterest.com
39 I will not
show off
Although I was
in a hurry to marry Volker, the day came very quickly.
The day…
I officially
become Volker’s wife…
Is here!
We will have
to file a notification of our marriage for approval. The truth is I only know
Volker. Yes, as you guessed, not yet.
By submitting
the marriage certificate Congress would formally establish our marital status
after the general engagement period, after which we would get a blessing at the
church.
Usually one
would hold a ceremony afterward. It could be a grand event where all friends,
acquaintances, relatives, a few local elders and leading aristocrats and
notable people are invited.
There would be
fireworks if upper aristocrats turn up to the wedding. The general populace
would turn it into a carnival and put out stalls to sell food, trinkets and
play games. There would be fights, thievery, it will be a lot of trouble.
It is kind of
a status thing but I don’t want such a flashy event with such dangerous
elements.
If one does,
it is best to take safety measures; have security through the party if the
announcement is a pandoriented delivery. (Zuben: I dunno what the panda is
about[1]) Organise the merchants, have free flowing drinks so that the citizens
can enjoy and you can also show off at the same time. Wouldn’t it be nice? I
would like to run such an event. (Zuben: Honestly this paragraph stumped me; it
was just a confusing mish-mash of words)
But, couldn’t
you do it in the panda?
But from a
girl’s point of view it is useless, it is not a bit disappointing for Volker to
become a panda[2]. Volker is more n.o.ble and graceful, his ident.i.ty is that of a
stronger animal that anyone else!! (Zuben: a bear)
Usually,
Volker doesn’t seem to like flashy things either. He is usually complaining
about having to wear the heavily decorated uniforms of the Royal Guard, and
curses who ever thought of it. I think he looks good, but Volker was
dissatisfied.
Alright, it’s
a beautiful day; perfect for submitting our certificate to Parliament. Mr Sun,
thank you!
When we were
at Parliament submitting our certificate there was a bit of a commotion; His
Majesty the King appeared.
He found
Volker and I, and casually approached.
‘Brennan, you’re here.’ He said in greeting. He has a smile
on his face and his gray-blue eyes were narrowed with it. Stefan takes after
him very much. But his smile looked very much like Volker’s. Perhaps Volker’s
hazel eyes are from his mother.
A little
surprised, Volker bowed to the King while giving a glare to the guard behind
his majesty. I curtsied.
What is this? No, it’s not unusual for his Majesty
to come to Parliament, right? Hie~e, I can’t raise my face.
Perhaps it was Volker’s men? I wonder because
he had a frown but it was only for a moment.
“Why are you here?”
“Sorry! I couldn’t stop him!”
Maybe it was
like this?
‘Your Majesty,
why are you here? The time of audience…’
‘Don’t be so
stiff, Brennan. I wanted to see the reputed lady you became absorbed with.
Don’t you want to show her off?’
What, me?!
What is this
about "reputed"? You care about the marriage? Eeeeeh!
Hey, do you
mind if I raise my face?
‘Wife, you can
raise your face.’ The king said coming closer to me and touched my chin
Fu ~ai
I raised my
face and my breath was caught,
‘I am
Fredericka Castley. It is nice to meet you, your Majesty.’ I managed to say.
‘Hmm…you’re
such a pretty wife. It is regrettable for Brennan.’ His Majesty said.
It was flattering. I laughed. His majesty has
an irresistible charm. (Zuben: resist it) Was his Majesty even human?!
Beside me, I
felt something swell. There was a strong killing intent from Volker! (Zuben: don’t turn Volker into a yandere!)
‘Hey, I’m joking. She suits you,
Brennan.’ His Majesty said with a laugh as he hit Volker’s shoulder. He left
after that, his guards chasing after him. It seems like he just came to see us.
Buufuu~ I was
so nervous.
I mean, his
Majesty the King, the supreme power of the nation comes over and raises my
face! And I would never have imagined Volker would show a killing intent to his
Majesty!
Anyway, I am
greatly relieved that is over.
‘Fredericka.’
I turned to
Volker, he didn’t even look bothered.
That face;
what dial indicator did you use to interact with your Majesty earlier? I was
about to ask when I realised there were disturbing panicked words coming from
here and there.
“His Majesty
was seen in person!"
“Are the King
and General so close?”
“This…must be
revised!”
“No way, do I
have to fawn over and flatter the nouveau riche?!”
“Is the army
getting increased funds?!”
“Is the
balance between the Military and Parliament broken?!”
We can hear you, you know?
We just came to submit our marriage certificate.
I think being a great person is troublesome. They don’t even think about
the direction they are going. Too much time spent on the power game.
Volker and I exchanged a glance; we didn’t know what to do about the
panicking Lords.
I did not want them to rain on my happiness.
Such a tactless thing, I don’t want to tell Volker something like that.
With that said, should I mislead you?
‘Eeee~ Lady, I’ve been told; today, I realised that Volker-sama is getting
married to me today.’ I gave an embarra.s.sed laugh. Volker raised a brow and
frowned. He looked sullen at first glance, he had an expression that smoothing
it over would likely fail.
The great people around me, “What a strange way to look at his bride, are
they a masked couple?”
I am sorry but I will not tell you.
Shortly after submitting our certificate, we went to the church for our
blessing. We knelt before the Father who performed his prayers.
And that was all there was to it. Now I will head to Volker’s house! Just
then Marie beckoned to me from the side; I went to her and was pushed into a
small room. Can I enter here without permission?
‘Please wait a while, Brennan~!’ Marie said with a meaningful chuckle. Volker
watched me with a dumbfounded expression as the door was shut in his face and
locked.
What was going on?
I was about to asked Marie how had bolted the door, when someone called me
from behind
‘Fredericka,’
I turned around to find Jennis standing there. I thought everyone had gone
to the house beforehand. Why was she here holding a white dress in her hand?
‘We don’t have much time, Fredericka, we need to get you changed quickly.’
Jennis said. Marie had already started undoing the b.u.t.tons of my dress. Mother
appeared carrying a few things.
‘Mother, you’re also here?’
‘I will take off your necklace and undo your hair now, Miss.’ Marie said.
Marie undressed me with a finesse she rarely displayed in recent years.
‘Please don’t get dazed, Fredericka, we just doing a little make over,
right?’ Jennis said with a smile. Jennis was always gentle. Her smile
represented neither presence nor absence. I could only give a non-committal
reply.
I was stood before a full length mirror as my mother, Jennis and Marie
dressed me. Before I knew it I was dressed in what could only be called a
wedding dress.
‘What is this?’ I asked. How could a dress have been made in time? Yet it
fit perfectly like it was made for me.
The bold strapless design was the kind Volker liked. The bodice was figure
hugging with clean lines with a full skirt that was layer upon layer of silk
and tulle. There was delicate embroidery all over it. It was very cute.
My hair was beautifully tied up; it looked nice and glossy somehow.
‘Is this…?’
‘The dress for the dinner party. I told you to leave it to me, didn’t
I?’Jennis said, her eyes twinkling mischievously. Her smile looked very pleased
and beautiful; like she was happy the dress suited me.
But, the dress for the dinner party at this level? This was a wedding
dress!
‘My sister…Volker’s mother could not wear her wedding dress,’ Jennis said
with a sad smile.
Because Volker’s mother could not marry the previous king, even though they
were in love; due to societal pressure.
A girl sure dreams of a happy marriage, how sad that she could not have
that.
‘I didn’t mean to make you unhappy, but I thought that it would be said you
not wearing a wedding gown.’ Jennis continued, ‘Is this meddling?’
I embraced mother-in-law unconsciously.
Could I really wear this?
In such a beautiful wedding dress, I wonder if I truly have become Volker’s
Bride?
Uuuu~ I really endured it.
Because of the matter of being jilted troubled mother and father, and there
were strange rumours that affected Volker, I hadn’t dared dream I could. I
really wanted to wear a wedding dress. I wanted to show the world I was in love
like everyone else, but I was afraid it would be more troublesome.
I didn’t need it, I thought, I did not need anything as long as I could be
with Volker, I would be happy.
‘Thank you, mother in law.’ I said to Jennis.
I couldn’t say more…that she thought of me so much…
Oh, now I’m crying. My make-up would be ruined.
‘I didn’t expect to be wearing such a beautiful dress.’
Jennis smiled as she wiped my tears with her handkerchief.
‘Fredericka, did you mother do a good job?’
Hehehe, mother with her usual smile lifted the gossamer veil over my head.
It was exquisite with a crown of my favourite flowers.
‘My beautiful Fredericka, I am proud of you. Go be a bride with
confidence!’ my mother declared.
‘Mother…’
Tears spilled down because I could not endure it anymore.
My make up was fixed. I took a deep calming breath and stepped out of the
small room. Volker was waiting for me. He had also changed.
The ceremonial uniform of the Royal Guard is also wonderful but this was
very close to a groom’s suit, isn’t it? Mother in law also prepared Volker’s
well.
‘Wow, Volker you look wonderful.’ I said as I ran to him holding my hands
out. I jumped into his arms and he twirled me around.
‘It is you who looks wonderful Fredericka – how beautiful!’
The skirt my dress spread fluffily and the fabric twinkled brilliantly in
the sunlight. As we headed to the doors, I could hear lots of people outside.
There was a pretty large crowd watching.
Eh?
‘Come let’s get you into the carriage.’
When I looked at the carriage I realised the reason for the crowd. We had
come in an ordinary carriage, and had planned to take it back.
But this was a fairy tale carriage; it was a white open top carriage with
glittery decorations and Oliver was driving it.
What is this?
I couldn’t keep up!
‘Lady, get on please.’
It was very graceful, but why was our very competent butler driving the
carriage as thought it went without saying.
A cheer went up as I was escorted to the carriage by Volker. Marie and our
other maids started to shower us with colourful petals. It was beautiful –
beautiful but so conspicuous!
‘Congratulations, Miss!’ Marie shouted.
‘Ma, Marie!’ I cried trying to stop her, but it was in vain as other girls
with similar baskets started throwing flowers as well.
What kind of preparation was this?!
But doing this was so showy, Volker might find it unpleasant. I looked at
him next to me. He looked happy.
He held me gently as we got on the carriage. Volker is so sweet! Everyone
is so sweet! I am so very happy my heart is about to explode.
Zuben: So much lost in translation stuff in the past few chapters, I was
honestly distressed. Anyway, hope it makes sense. Enjoy.
Panda [1] もしやるなら安全に配慮した、警備も万全なお祭りイベントがメインで、お披露目が客寄せパンダ的な位置付けなら、割り切って出来るかもしれませんね。商家は潤って市民が楽しんでついでにお披露目が出来るなら三方良しで、あら、いいじゃない？そんなイベント取り仕切りたいなぁ。
Panda [2] あ、パンダじゃ仕切れないな？
Panda [3] ……でも令嬢的な観点からいうとダメなのかな、フォルカー様もパンダになっていただくにはちょっと役不足な感が否めない。フォルカー様ならもっと高貴かつ優美、しかしてその正体は誰よりも強い動物になれましてよ！！
♢ Chapters 40-42