Part 51: Goon Playthrough - Part 51

Well, I'll be—


Cinders?!


Carmosa. Girls. Are you enjoying the Ball? I certainly am.

Approaching critical levels of


Brazen little brat! How dare you come here, show off in front of the Prince like some harlot, and steal his attention away from my daughters!


Oh really? Because the girls were doing so well on their own. You know, I think it's always easier to be charming and make a good impression on people, when you're relaxed and confident about what you're doing. I came here out of my own will, Carmosa. While your poor daughters only came because they either fear or don't want to disappoint you.




They came because you put the weight of your sick ambition on their shoulders and whipped them to make them go faster! The fact that you can't see your mistake makes your failure all the more tragic.


I... Perhaps... I was mistaken.


Cinders. You were really amazing!


Yeah. Not bad, not bad at all.


Thanks.




Got any more surprises for the evening? If you do, then please warn us in advance, or someone may have a heart attack.


Surprises? What do you expect me to do? I'll just head back home—I got what I wanted, right?






I'll be going now. Take care, ladies.




Yes. I think I did learn something about myself. All of us, actually. Would you agree, Mother?


A mistake...


Looks like someone has just been hit with a revelation. Too bad it wasn't sooner.




...


My Lady?


Cinders is not here, Captain. Could you tell us why you are looking for her?


Royal orders. The Prince would like to have a word with her.


Cinders has just left, Captain. She seemed to be in a hurry too, as if trying to get back home before midnight. Funny, since Mother's here, and she wasn't supposed to be here at all. It isn't like she needs to make it before curfew or anything.




Her shoes?


Yes, slippers. Very original design too. She said they were awfully uncomfortable and then threw one over the wall. The other one is still here, on the ground.


Slippers...


Later that night...




Of course. Because everyone's as dim-witted as you are and never does anything out of the ordinary or unexpected.


Oh, yes. I'm sure you were able to forsee this precisely as it happened! Did you see it in tea leaves or read it in a children's book one afternoon, while avoiding work and being useless as usual?


I did entertain the thought she might do something like this, if you must know. But believe what you want, I don't care.


I too suspected she might try to do something unthinkable. She was so secretive and compliant at times. I suppose it could point to an inevitable explosion. I just didn't expect she had it in her!




Of course, if something's not twisted, weird or shocking, you won't consider it honest! Not everyone is like you, Sophia.


I know not everyone is. You're not. Though, you try hard to be like Mother, enacting the same role no matter the situation. Predictable, boring, stupid. But you are not Carmosa, remember? You do not lead, you mindlessly follow. And it shows!






It's him! Why did he have to come!? And in the middle of the night!


Will the wonders never cease. I guess this night of change is not over yet. Just as your ridiculous cliche impersonations.


There's no time for this now! Though I'm sure Mother will deal with you later. I'll go summon her!




Open up! I won't repeat myself!




Sophia. Don't stand like that. Open the door, let this noisy man in!


Yes, Mother.




Spare me these false pleasantries! You know why I'm here. Where is she?


Very well. Sophia, get Cinders here right away!


Yes, Mother.




Captain, would you fancy some wine while we wait for my lazy stepdaughter?


Don't push it. You know this is not a courtesy visit. I'm afraid a lot is going to change here tonight.

This scene is much less in other endings, but having it always be the same is still not the best choice ever.






Miss Cinders. Did you attend the Grand Ball tonight?


I did. Why do you ask?


Shouldn't you check how she got there? Surely an almost servant like her had no proper claim to this fancy event.

This is actually a very good point, and it is highly amusing that Cinders was considering using the very same accusation against Carmosa.


Ladies, please, allow me to do my job. Did you dance with the Prince tonight?


I did.


And did you wear a mask with a feather and slippers made of leather and glass?


Yes. What is it about?




That won't be necessary. Miss Cinders, I was sent to find you by the Prince. His Highness has found you the most interesting woman in the land's nobility. In the wake of the tradition of the Grand Ball, he would like to discuss the possibility of marriage. If you consent to these proceedings, of course.


Ma—Marriage? I mean, you did very well Cinders, but is this appropriate?


Oh, who cares about what's appropriate and what's not! If the Prince decided coughing into someone else's soup was fine, we'd all do it. But that you impressed the Prince so much? Hah! I didn't even know that you cared about such things, Cinders.


This must be some sort of a mistake. This girl has been sleeping in a dirty old kitchen for the last couple of years. The Prince can't be interested in such a person. Surely you are thinking of one of my daughters.




How could I refuse? This is a dream come true.


How could anyone refuse? A life in the Palace must be amazing!


As usual, you don't understand. What you speak of is like a frosting on a cake. Nice, but it's not what makes this choice what it is. The Prince proved to be a fascinating man. And I will try to be a good queen beside him. There's so much about ruling that I want to learn.


May I escort you to the Palace then, my lady?


Of course, Captain. Goodbye, girls. Lady Carmosa. I hope to see you all some day. Perhaps. After you, Captain.




How did she manage to do that?! Without telling any of us too! Does family count for nothing?


Shut up, you two. How could you not notice a thing? How could you miss all of the hints as to what she was planning?! And how could you lose to her?! Have I taught you nothing?! Where did I go wrong to make you so useless?