Cinderella is... the Male Lead? - Chapter 40
“Oh my, that’s great news.”
Rona’s previously expressionless eyes widened slightly. It was the long-awaited royal ball invitation. The big event in the novel, the day that would determine her life and death, was finally approaching.
‘It’s coming soon. Time really flies. Now that I think about it, I didn’t feel it when reading the novel, but this country is really strange. The continental war hasn’t even ended yet, and they’re leisurely having a ball. Maybe they think it’s okay because it’s a long-term war. Well, whatever, that’s not something I need to worry about.’
Shaking her head, she used the letter opener handed to her by the maid to open the letter. It contained an invitation for all women of noble lineage to attend the royal ball in early winter. Rona handed the letter to Cinderella to read and watched ‘her’ reaction with anticipation.
This was the biggest event that could change Cinderella’s life. As a reader of <Cinderella With Neither Blood Nor Tears>, Rona was purely curious about the protagonist’s reaction.
According to the original story, only the stepmother and stepsister would see the invitation. Cinderella would overhear their conversation and learn about the invitation, then claim ‘her’ right to attend the ball, only to be ridiculed by her stepmother and stepsister.
Rona closed her eyes tightly, recalling the scene where Cinderella was thrown to the ground and doused with dirty water.
It was the biggest sweet potato moment before the cider revenge party unfolded. After many twists and turns, Cinderella would capture the prince’s heart and enact a bloody revenge.
But that was the novel, and the current situation was different. Susan was away recuperating, and Rona had become close with Cinderella. Cinderella was reading the invitation ‘herself’, contrary to the novel.
She might see Cinderella genuinely happy, a deviation from the novel that would mean Rona’s safety was assured.
Cinderella read the invitation slowly and then looked up. To Rona’s surprise, ‘her’ expression was rather indifferent.
Rona couldn’t jump to conclusions. Considering Cinderella’s nature, ‘she’ might just be hiding ‘her’ excitement.
Leaning forward, Rona asked in an excited voice.
“What do you think? Good news, right?”
“Well, having a ball during a war… it seems the royal family has lost it.”
Cinderella’s words left Rona wide-eyed. The female lead, who should be brimming with romantic expectations, was making cynical remarks. Was this right? After a moment of shock, Rona reminded herself of Cinderella’s usual demeanor.
‘Right. I momentarily confused her with the fairy-tale Cinderella. She’s always indifferent and cold. Come to think of it, even in the novel, she never expressed joy about going to the ball, only grievances.’
But wasn’t that because ‘she’ was constantly tormented? Now that things were different, shouldn’t ‘she’ at least be a little excited? Rona wanted to see Cinderella happy and tried again, not giving up.
“We can attend the royal ball! It’s to celebrate the prince’s coming of age. Do you know what that means? They’re looking for a princess.”
“Sister, you seem very excited about the ball.”
Why was ‘she’ acting like this? Cinderella’s expression still showed no excitement. She looked as if ‘she’ wouldn’t even attend the ball. Could the storyline change to Cinderella not attending the ball now that ‘her’ life had improved? That would be a problem. If that happened, Rona’s plan for a sweet life would be hindered.
Feeling frustrated, Rona explained why attending the ball was important.
“Of course! There’s nothing to see in this small village. At the ball, even if not the prince, there will be many young noblemen. It’s a great opportunity to make connections.”
“Hmm, I see. Sister, you must be hoping to get along well with the prince, right?”
Cinderella asked sharply, resting ‘her’ chin on her hand. The idea of targeting the prince sent chills down Rona’s spine. The prince was destined to be with Cinderella. If she dared to covet the prince, she’d be walking back into the path of revenge she had just avoided. Getting rid of rivals would be a piece of cake for the newly awakened Cinderella.
Terrified, Rona waved her hands in denial.
“Huh? No! How could I dare? I prefer ordinary men. How could I aim for the prince?”
“Why are you so surprised? All the young ladies at the ball will be desperate to catch the prince’s eye.”
“Not me. I prefer ordinary men.”
Knowing how Cinderella would slaughter her and Susan at the end of the novel, Rona vehemently denied it. She didn’t want to upset Cinderella in the slightest. Showing any interest in ‘her’ future husband could ruin their improved relationship in an instant.
But a cold glint flashed in Cinderella’s clear blue eyes. Unfortunately for Rona, Cinderella felt slighted by her eagerness for the ball.
And to hear that Rona preferred ordinary men while Cinderella knew himself to be extraordinary…
It twisted his insides with jealousy.
