The Elven Duke Reluctantly Marries The Cursed Lady - Chapter 67
The entrance hall of the Étoile Theater was famous for its marble spiral staircase. In addition, there is also a chandelier made of crystal that welcomes guests with a glittering glow from the lights of the magic stones.
In comparison, the back entrance was quite dull.
Although a theater security guard stands at the door to let in guests, the interior corridor is dimly lit and devoid of any glamorous features.
“I expected it to be more dazzling since it’s an entrance used by the nobility.”
“The people who pass through here must have marble staircases and extravagant chandeliers at home.”
The theater’s lavish interior was meant to provide an extraordinary experience for its patrons, something that is not necessary for those who live in the lap of luxury.
“Indeed, even the Laudense mansion has a marble staircase and crystal chandeliers.”
“Aren’t you tired of seeing them?”
“No, I find them beautiful everyday.”
“I reckon you’ll grow tired of it eventually.”
They walked straight ahead and soon arrived at the special balcony area. The doorman opened the heavy door for them.
The special balcony area was not that spacious. However, it was not small enough to feel claustrophobic and seemed to be the perfect size to comfortably spend time in a relaxed atmosphere.
The inside consisted of theater couches and a small round table.
A chilled bottle of wine, a decanter, and a pair of wine glasses were also placed on the round table. However, the room was not spacious enough to accommodate servants. Instead, if the guest were to ask for a servant, one of the theater staff would serve them.
Since Hydrangea could not properly escort Violette, he indicated with his hand and gestured to her to take a seat. Violette’s cheeks were flushed red as she sat down with a truly happy look on her face. Hydrangea followed and sat on one of the seats.
He took a sideways glance at Violette. She looked so excited that her blue eyes seemed to sparkle brighter than the chandelier in the Laudense mansion.
“Haaah, it feels like a dream…!!”
The special balcony seats were located next to the orchestra pit where the orchestra plays and were the best seats in the house to see the impressive performance and the stage from up close.
“Being able to finally see the play I’ve admired for so long is the best day of my life!”
“It’s all thanks to His Highness Prince Magnolia.”
“Of course, but it’s also thanks to you.”
“Me? I didn’t do anything.”
Violette’s reddened cheeks flushed even more as she began to speak with her face downcast.
“I actually tried to visit the Étoile once.”
She was fifteen years old at the time.
Back then, she had been crying and saying that she really wanted to go.
It was because ‘The Duchess’ struggle to find a groom’, a play that she had wanted to see since she was ten years old, was announced to be performed again. However, this was not that unusual since the performance is often revived every two to three years.
Rather, there was another reason she badly wanted to go.
“You see, I started reading the original work when I first saw the poster for the play.”
Violette had a longing admiration for the beauty of the lead actress on the poster brought by a visiting merchant.
The actress had played the main character in ‘The Duchess’ struggle to find a groom’ for five years and retired from the theater troupe after five years of performing.
“So because it was the actress’ farewell performance, you wanted to see it no matter what?”
“Yes.”
However, her father did not allow it, and even her brother shared the same sentiment.
When Violette found out that she would not be able to go to the farewell performance, she cried so hard that her eyelids swelled up and would not open.
Her depression was so great that she could not even eat.
Feeling sorry for her, Rogie desperately ran around trying to get the autograph that Violette wanted and succeeded in getting it.
“But the autograph my brother got was that of the actor who played the female lead’s lover…”
Violette, who was still a child at that time, could not get herself to be pleased by it.
“Orchid, the butler, must have felt sorry for me because I appeared to be the most dejected person ever. He had gotten me a ticket and told me to keep it a secret from my father and brother.”
He had even arranged for a carriage and a maid to accompany her to go to the theater.
“I was very happy and was looking forward to that day, but…”
Violette could not get into the carriage that was waiting for her at the back of the mansion.
“The people on the street, the walking dogs, the huge horse pulling the carriage. When I looked at them, I couldn’t move my legs and felt as if they’d turned to stone.”
In the end, she was not able to go to the Étoile theater that day.
She found it strange and tried several times to go out, but the result was the same.
She asked herself, Why couldn’t I go outside? Was this also part of the curse?
She did not understand until now.
“I finally understood that that wasn’t the case. I was simply afraid of the outside world.”
“But weren’t you able to go today?”
“It’s because I went with you.”
Violette placed a hand on her chest and voiced her gratitude.
“Dear, thank you for accompanying me here.”
“… It’s no big deal.”
Unable to keep looking at Violette who smiled softly, Hydrangea took out his pocket watch to hide his embarrassment and flicked the lid with the tip of his finger.
“We still have thirty minutes until the performance starts. If there’s something you need, then just ask one of the attendants.”
“Ah!”
“What is it?”
“A pamphlet, and…”
“A pamphlet and… what else?”
“No, it’s fine.”
“Just say it. After all, we do not know when we could go here next.”
Violette fidgeted as she listed off the things she wanted.
“I would like the 20th anniversary limited edition goods, including the postcard set of all the leading actresses, a limited edition figurine of Rossa the cat, and the new collection of short stories exclusive to this theater…”
But Violette stopped him just as he was about to reach for the bell to call a theater attendant.
“Please don’t tell anyone!”
“Why?”
“I-it’s embarrassing…”
What is there to be embarrassed about? Hydrangea thought with a tilt of his head.
“I-it’s not like it’s that important anyway.”
“…..”
As he folded his arms and took a deep breath, he once again heard Pomeranian’s voice in his head.
(Go and buy it for her… Run to the shop… and buy the limited edition goods or whatever it is for your wife…)
(You’re speaking directly into my mind again!)
Pomeranian isn’t here. Which means, he is watching us from far away.
That’s not very nice.
(Stop looking into my private life as you please!)
(But are you not doing the same to your wife as well?)
(…..)
Pomeranian’s response left him speechless.
Afterall, Hydrangea had also done something similar to Violette using a crystal.
He reflected on his actions and realized that it was the worst thing he had done.
(If you feel sorry for peeking on her, then go run off to the store.)
(Fine, I’ll go. But you have to promise not to watch me anymore!)
(Alright, alright.)
It was very suspicious. Looking around, Hydrangea discovered Pomeranian’s magic and cut it with a knife.
“Something wrong?”
“…It’s nothing.”
Hydrangea made up his mind.
He decided to go to the shop and buy the things Violette wanted.
It was the first time Hydrangea Von Laudense went on an errand at 26 years old. [1]
Translator’s Notes:
[1] Hydrangea’s first errand – in case you didn’t know the reference, this is referring to a show called “My first errand” / はじめてのおつかい, or Old Enough on Netflix which features toddlers (3-5?) being sent by their parents on shopping errands. It’s usually shown around New Year in Japan and the kids’ reactions are very cute (cute because I see the crying and tantrums only on screen)! Also amazing because they can get to their destinations and get the items they need on their own, but there’s no guarantee that they got the right stuff lol
Also, sorry if I’ve been posting less bec I got busy w irl stuff. But I’ll try to post more when I get the chance! In the meantime, do check the other novel I am translating, the Peerless Kobold, if you’re interested!
