Chapter 33

Chapter 33

“Haven’t you put him on any drugs yet?” asked Maria.

The toys inside the cages were as diverse in character as their masters, and many of them did in fact look heavily drugged. It was likely that they had suffered overdoses during the taming process, or simply that their masters preferred to keep them drugged up.

“I had considered it, but I feared drugs might make him become too docile,” I spoke solemnly as if I had given the matter a great deal of thought. “If that were to happen, I might feel the urge to kill him out of boredom.”

Clack.

The sharp sound of a teacup forcefully landing on its saucer rang loudly through the chamber. My mother had been the perpetrator. I ignored her reaction and smiled brightly as I continued.

“It’s the first toy I’ve ever had, so I think it only makes sense to prolong my fun for a while, don’t you all agree?”

Some nodded in earnest agreement.

“You have a point. They do become somewhat stupid after taking the drugs.”

“But isn’t that a good thing? Then you can make them do whatever you like.”

“No, it’s no fun if all they do is obey you like a machine.”

“In my opinion, not being able to control them is far worse.”

Needless to say, the majority of the people in the room had similar dispositions or hobbies as their hostess, which was likely why they accepted Maria’s invitation in the first place.

“Considering the purpose Xana may have for her toy, perhaps it wouldn’t be a good idea for him to be all drugged up,” one of Lante’s wives slyly speculated aloud, but there was hardly any attempt at disguising her true meaning. “Having seen him in person myself, I understand Charlotte’s obsession and why she wound up getting herself locked up. He really is a prize specimen—that young master of the Pedelians. No wonder the children were all vying for him.”

My only older half-sister, Grizelda was also at the tea party. She was someone who I got along all right with. A brunette with crimson eyes, and 17—the same age as Cassis. For whatever reason, she has a mysterious smile on her face as she glanced to her side to where Charlotte’s mother sat. Charlotte’s mother openly scowled for a brief moment as if disgusted by her own daughter’s transgressions.

“Well, I’m sure we all regret not being able to see Xana’s new toy today, but I’m sure there will be other opportunities in the future,” Maria concluded, still in rather good spirits. “Now that everyone is here, why don’t I introduce you all to my new doll. Sara, bring her in here.”

Truthfully, I was a bit surprised that Maria hadn’t been more upset with me for not bringing Cassis as she had asked. But the giddy expression on her face suggested that having me and Mother sitting on either side of her was satisfying enough. Her smile didn’t falter once as she awaited her servant’s entrance. After a quick peer over to Maria, I turned toward where her servant had disappeared to. It was finally time for the main event. All the while, Mother’s face seemed to be turning more and more grave-looking.

Clang.

A woman with chains around her wrists and ankles was led into the glass chamber by the servants. Dressed up in a rather fantastical outfit, the woman really did resemble a doll. However, that impression only held true from a distance. The closer she drew, the clearer it became just how horrific of a spectacle she was.

“This is my new doll Louelle. I trust you are all familiar with her, yes?”

Louelle had been Maria’s personal attendant who had also overseen her other servants. Despite Maria’s claim, the creation standing before us was hardly recognizable apart from bearing the same name. Especially given the countless slashes and cut marks riddled across her face.

“Come now, Louelle. Be polite and say hello to our guests.

“Err, uh... Ah.”

It was clear the damage hadn’t only been to her face. She had evidently also lost her tongue. Bedecked in an ornate, lace-covered dress, the contrast between the doll’s face and clothing made her appear truly grotesque. At this point, my mother’s face had turned almost blue from fright. Even I had to admit it was a perfectly natural response. This so-called tea party was sickening to its very core.

“Well, Sierra? What do you think of my new doll? Isn’t it even cuter than the last one?!”

For whatever reason, Maria had chosen to direct her desire for affirmation at my mother. I did find it somewhat humorous that she really wasn’t asking my mother such a question in order to torment her. On the contrary, Maria didn’t harbor a shred of ill will toward either of us. The scene was very much like a child begging for her best friend’s approval.

“Y... Yes, she is.”

Mother had barely managed to squeak out her response, but it appeared to be enough to make Maria smile in pure content.

“Did you hear that, Louelle? I think Sierra likes you! Now go pour her a fresh cup of tea.”

The new doll began to totter toward my mother. Each of her steps was accompanied by the clanging of the chains on her wrists and ankles. The last time I attended Maria’s tea party, I got my fill of seeing the dolls from inside their cages, but now she even had them serving our tea.

Like a marionette without any strings, Maria’s doll began to pour while her arms trembled violently. As if she had caught the tremors, Mother’s hand began to shake as well as she held her teacup. It shook so terribly that the contents of her cup spilled all over her hand and dress.

“Oh no, Sierra!” Maria cried out in alarm. “Are you all right, dear? That tea is still very hot.”

“I’m... f-fine.”

Mother tried to respond calmly, but Maria was already staring daggers at Louelle.

“What did you do to make Sierra spill her tea?! And what’s the big idea just standing there?! Perhaps you haven’t been punished enough yet!”

Mother’s face became ashen. She was likely horrified at the thought of being the reason Maria’s doll would suffer even more punishment.

“No, it wasn’t Louelle’s fault. I’m just clumsy. There’s no need to...”

“Sierra, you really are too kindhearted,” Maria said in a sweet, yet bitter tone. It was clear that her mind was made up. “But I’m afraid I can’t overlook such blatant mistakes. What if those lovely hands of yours end up with a scar? A servant’s very purpose is to prevent such misfortunes from happening. That’s why Louelle really is to blame.”

“Bu—”

“Sara, take Louelle to—”

CLANG.

The sound of glass shattering reverberated around the chamber and forced both women to stop speaking mid-sentence. Everyone turned to look at me, so I smiled gently in return.

“Oh, my apologies. It just slipped.”

The teacup I had allowed to fall from the table now rested in pieces at my feet.

“Mother.”

As she turned to face me, I saw that her eyelids were still quivering. I continued to speak as gently as possible.

“Your hand is turning red. I think you better soak it in some cold water as soon as you can.”

Luckily, Mother seemed to quickly catch on to what I was suggesting. I then added quietly, “It’s possible you may have even suffered a burn, so I recommend sending for a doctor as well.”

“Oh, dear! What was I thinking? She’s right, Sierra. We wouldn’t want your beautiful hand to develop a scar. That simply would not do.”

As someone who sincerely revered my mother’s beauty, Maria was all too quick to agree with me. And in order to prevent Maria from ordering her doll to see Mother out, I spoke up quickly.

“Lady Maria, may I get a closer look at your new doll? And come to think of it, I’ll be needing a new cup.”

My sudden interest in her doll made Maria abundantly happy. As she directed Louelle toward me, she ordered another servant to escort Mother from the glass chamber. She also ordered another to send for a doctor. I felt Mother’s gaze on my cheek but ignored her until she had exited the glass prison entirely. I silently hoped that if she had any sense, she would not return. It was only after Mother had gone that I was able to relax enough to take in the party.