Cinderella Did Not Leave Her Shoe Chapter 19-20

I had done this two already, and I wanted to prove you guys wrong about our ero-oyaji, heheheheh. I'll put the last part of this up later, I'm just editing it.

I was happy that General Brennan listened to me, but as soon as I was showing him the necklace, the carriage rocked hard and I was flying.

Heep!

I sounded like a smashed frog, but I tried to swallow the sound. I need to ask mother how to scream in a lady like manner when next I get the chance and I have to master it quickly!

But I didn’t hold on to anything.

I fell on something hard.

I could feel two hands on my waist, solid.

A teasing unknown scent hit my nose.

How refreshing. The smell of soap and an earthy smell; like a green forest. (Zuben: He thinks your eyes are like a forest, she thinks he smells like a forest. Made for each other TM!)

I looked up right into hazel eyes. He looked a bit awkward. What a strong looking nose…I want to touch it.

‘Hmm?’

I was held by the General the moment the carriage rocked and sent me flying. And now, I am sitting a half way onto the General’s lap.

What is this miracle?

While trying to hold my balance, it seems I wrapped my arms around the General’s neck. I quickly took my hands off, and checked myself.

‘It’s a bit unsteady.’ He said over my head, holding my waist closer and tighter as the carriage rocked again.

 ‘Heek!’

Oh no! Not another strange scream? Well he suddenly held unto my waist tight, it couldn’t be helped, right?

‘…’ was all the sound the general made. He turned and I could see a blush across his face and ears.

A strange tension filled the air.

The carriage stopped, and the coachman came over to the door.

‘I’m sorry, sir, we went over a few stones. Are you alright?’

The General cleared his throat and said, ‘We’re alright. You can continue.’

A little while the carriage rocked gently as the coachman got on and we were on our way again.

I should get off the General’s knee now, but, I felt like I couldn’t move or say anything. I was listening to the carriage wheels rattle on the stone paved road.

But even the General doesn’t seem to want to let me off. Letting me sit on his lap, didn’t his leg hurt, or numb? I should get off soon,

‘General Brennan. I must be heavy. I should sit down now.’

It isn’t a problem of lightness, it was impolite to be sitting on someone’s lap and embarra.s.sing.

However, General Brennan didn’t seem to be bothered. I thought he would let me go,

‘You’re really not heavy.’ He said looking down at me, it was nice that he finally looked at me but he looked at me like he wanted was hungry for some…thing…but isn’t he going to put me down?            ‘It will not be good if you fell if we run over another stone.’

But the General looked thoughtful for a moment, then picked me up so I was sitting with my legs on the carriage seat.

‘So my leg doesn’t get numb.’

His face was still a little red.

‘Yes…’ I replied in a mosquito like voice.

There was no way I could argue. 

I had been nervous sitting across from the General in the carriage earlier. But now, I was sitting on his lap. One hand held me at my back and his other hand held my left hand. It was impossible to move. It couldn’t be helped. I had no choice but to try and relax and unclench my b.u.t.t cheeks. [1]

The places where his warm hands rested were tingling. I wanted him to release me, yet I wanted his hands on me still. I don’t know what to do; I’m so confused.

In addition, when he talks to me, his deep voice causes tingles to run down my spine, and I get a sense of frustration. (Zuben: Jump him!)

Honestly he takes my breath away. I can’t bear it. No one can blame me. As a Lady, I cannot do anything embarra.s.sing in front of the General, but I think I will collapse.

With all the thoughts chasing each other in my head, I peered at the General Volker, he had a smile on his face. He looked like he was in a good mood I became hesitant about asking him to put me down.

Maybe he liked to put children on his knees? My mood plummeted at that thought. Did he really think of me as a child? But when we first met he addressed me as Lady. Or is it because I was his friend’s daughter? 『hekon』[1]

I guess because he sees me as a child that’s why I can sit on his knees, but I cannot say that he has treated me badly. (Zuben: He wants to eat your tofu!)

I sighed inwardly.

As I tried to shake off the negative thoughts, the carriage came to a stop.

The steward came to the door, ‘We have arrived.’ He announced.

The general carried me off his knees and put me on the seat. Because I was so nervous, my b.u.m had gotten a bit sweaty and sticky. The general, on the other hand, did not look nervous at all. He got off the carriage and held a hand for me to come down. Once I safely alighted, he tucked my hand in his elbow and escorted me into the theatre.

Amazingly, I’m already exhausted.

♢

The grand foyer of the theatre was filled with people milling about. Gorgeously dresses ladies and gentlemen chatted and mingled with each other. The scent of a thousand perfumes filled the air. The theatre could be said to be a microcosm of society. You could see new fashion trends, hear the latest rumours, and learn the flow of societal leanings. So when father and mother came to the play, it wasn’t just about the play.

When I entered the foyer on the General’s arm, there was a noticeable drop in the din of conversation before it started again. I could not enjoy the atmosphere, but I gave a small smile.

You know my hearing isn’t bad right, you person whispering about me over there, I thought as we walked past. Most of the people who looked at me were looking rather derisive, even though I was with General Brennan. (Zuben: gossip folks)

I’m sorry I have put you in this uncomfortable situation, General.

I wish I could go home, but I want to see the play. Yet, I don’t want to ruin General Brennan’s reputation (Zuben: the little kitten wants to protect the bear. Cute!). So I took a deep breath and began to say,

‘General Brennan, I…’ but the general put his arm around my waist and pulled me closer,

‘Lady Fredericka, is your throat dry?’ he asked, ‘Let’s have a drink at the bar before we go in,’ he said with that deep voice, I could only nod like a doll and let myself be steered away.

The theatre’s bar was a room with lovely décor; the ambient light was golden and dim. It had an air of intimacy. Patrons sat close together in their booths speaking in low tones. A pianist played a soft tune that did not intrude on the atmosphere.

I don’t drink alcohol much, so I was a bit overwhelmed by the mature atmosphere of the bar.

‘Would you prefer something sweet?’ he asked.

‘I’m not sure,’ I replied

I don’t know much about alcohol, and I don’t have much of a tolerance to it. The general nodded and asked the bartender for a light fruit c.o.c.ktail. I wonder what kind of drink it would be.

‘I once had a sip of my mother’s drink before’ I said to General Brennan, ‘it burned my throat and made me feel dizzy and weak.’ He chuckled at my story.

The general seems to be sparkling to me, so beautiful.

Earlier, he had a dark expression with a murderous intent, but now, his expression was relaxed and he was smiling. The world faded around us and I could see no one else but him.

The bartender placed our drinks before us. His was amber coloured and mine was orange.

‘It’s mostly juice, but have a little sip just to be sure you like it.’ He said.

As he instructed, I took a little sip. The first blush was bitterness that made my tongue numb but immediately a sweet fresh fruity flavour neutralised it.

‘It’s delicious.’ I said.

The general smiled widely, his hazel eyes narrowing. I felt my face begin to warm up. Was I getting drunk? So quick? Am I okay? (Zuben: You are drunk. Drunk on lurrve)

‘Well, well, well…’

My gaze was pulled reluctantly from the General by the loud voice that interrupted the bar’s intimate ambience.

[1] That’s her depressed moue I guess.

Zuben: The author was concerned that some readers would be offended by Fredericka drinking alcohol. Her message is simply: different world-different common sense. My message to people who might upset by this: you have time o~