Give Me Back My Glass Shoe - Chapter 35

Hello everyone! there are changes in the chapter numbering, I had edited it to the correct arrangement as there was confusion in the chapter count. Apologies and enjoy the translation!

“Those who spread rumors that I sit on His Majesty’s lap and wag my backside merrily. They themselves want to wag their backsides for His Majesty but can’t, so they’re utterly furious.”

Aniella was at a loss for words and stammered. Among the nobility, there were the Imperialists, loyal to the Emperor, and the Aristocratic Faction, who wanted to stick together. The latter’s influence had waned significantly in recent years, largely due to Paiki’s activities as an Imperialist. As Aristocratic Faction members, they must despise Paiki.

But she hadn’t known there was a faction within the Imperialists who also saw Paiki as a thorn in their side. And to talk of wagging backsides and such… Didn’t that imply that Duke Paiki was offering his body to the Emperor?

It must just be slander to bring him down, right? Surely it wasn’t true?

Aniella grew curious, but she didn’t have the courage to ask outright. It was a rather rude question, and she was afraid his anger—evident from the way he clenched his teeth and lifted only one corner of his mouth—might turn towards her.

“Having outstanding looks can be tiresome at times.”

Paiki let out a sigh. Aniella gave an awkward smile and nodded her head vigorously to show she agreed with him.

“You’re a beauty yourself, so you must understand, right?”

“Yes. Ah, no! I’m not much of a beauty, so…”

Aniella, who had been nodding mechanically in agreement, was startled and shook her head. Paiki stared at her with an unreadable look in his eyes.

Feeling burdened by his gaze, Aniella broke out in a cold sweat. She tried her best to steer the conversation naturally.

“I’m glad I was able to be of even small help to you, Your Grace.”

Paiki noticed her attempt to deflect and avoid digging deeper. He smiled brightly and nodded.

“You were a great help. It made me realize I’d lost my composure enough to warrant such mockery.”

“Mockery! That wasn’t my intention at all!”

Aniella exclaimed in surprise, insisting it was a misunderstanding. The man, who could make one feel proud one moment and frustrated the next in an instant, leisurely took a sip of coffee.

Seeing the smile directed at her, Aniella grew frightened. Her shoulders hunched from tension, making her seem to shrink.

“Really, it’s not. Your Grace, I would never…”

“By the way. It seems you thought my illustrations were terribly drawn, right?”

“Th-that’s not it. I mean, well…”

Aniella stammered, sweating profusely. Paiki didn’t give her time to wriggle out. He tapped the table twice, and an oil pastel set and two sketchbooks appeared.

“Let’s have a contest. To see if you have the drawing skills to look down on me like that.”

It seemed his pride was deeply wounded by her ‘terrible drawing’ comment. Paiki challenged her to a duel.

Aniella was at a loss over this sudden turn of events. It was too late to apologize, as Paiki had already started drawing with a serious face. She had no choice but to pick up a pastel too.

Though she started drawing out of necessity, Aniella gradually became serious. She felt sorry to Paiki, but the truth was, she was quite skilled at drawing. As a child, she had even dreamed of becoming a painter. But both the lessons and the expensive art supplies were a burden, so she naturally let go of that dream.

Remembering those times and drawing after so long, though unexpected, was enjoyable. She felt again the overwhelming emotion of seeing colors gradually enrich from her own fingertips.

“Not bad.”

Paiki frowned and stared at her drawing for a long time before finally acknowledging it. For some reason, his expression made her laugh out loud, and he glared at her. Aniella pressed her lips together firmly, as if to ask when she had ever laughed.

The defeated Paiki left, a bitter smile left behind.

“Pfft.”

Once he was gone, Aniella burst into the laughter she had been holding back. It was funny that he had poured all his concentration into drawing with such a furrowed brow. She felt like she had glimpsed a genuine, human side of this man who was usually scary, perplexing, and utterly inscrutable.