8. My Stepmother’s Magic Spell
“M-Mother… a dress this magnificent… for me?”
“It’s alright, Sheryl. Just for today, I shall grant you a magic spell. A spell that will make anyone who lays eyes on you think you are stunning. This dress is merely a prop for that purpose, as are these accessories.”
When the dress for tonight’s ball was brought into my room, I was utterly astounded.
Currently, dresses with full, voluminous skirts are in fashion. The preferred style is one that cinches the waist, enhances the bust, and features a dramatically wide skirt.
But the dress Okaasama had chosen, while sharing the same flattering design for the bust, was a slender, empire-line gown. The fabric was draped in a way that hinted at a mermaid silhouette, yet it was elegant, never revealing too much of the body’s lines. A slit in the hem, befitting my youth, revealed an abundance of white silk frills.
Perhaps it was the lustrous silk that kept it from looking heavy. And above all, it was an ice-blue dress, the same color as my eyes. The jewelry was just as beautiful, featuring large, deep blue gemstones set in intricate silverwork.
I felt that every single piece was ill-suited for me. And yet, Okaasama never lies to me. If she said she would grant me a magic spell, then it must be true.
At the hands of the maids, my skin was polished in the bath. I was fitted with the light undergarments for the dress, my corset was tightened, and my hair was dried and combed. My gray hair, which I had carefully grown out, shimmered like silver thread after the fragrant oil was applied.
Dressed in a gown that felt so wrong for me, I sat before my vanity. The same unattractive girl was reflected there. Thanks to the dress, I felt I might be a little more presentable, but I was certain that people’s eyes would be drawn to the dress, only to be filled with disappointment when they saw my face.
From there, it was Okaasama’s work.
Next to my own anxious face in the mirror, the face of my stepmother, still beautiful even at thirty, appeared. She dismissed all the maids from the room and spoke.
“I will now cast the spell. A spell that will not break until you return home tonight. You are to go and find a wonderful man there. If you fail, you will marry the suitor I have arranged for you… This is a one-time spell. If it doesn’t work—if you cannot find someone tonight who will protect you for the rest of your life—then you will obey me. I will never let you attend a ball alone again… It’s alright, Sheryl. With my magic, for this one night, you will be more beautiful than anyone in the kingdom. Trust me, and close your eyes.”
Her words carried a heavy weight, and with the trust I had built with her over the years held close to my heart, I closed my eyes.
A variety of puffs and brushes danced across my face. It tickled, but never before had so much work been done on my face. I could feel my hair being beautifully braided and styled into an elegant updo.
I was curious about the result, but I had to be patient until Okaasama said it was alright.
The first time I met her, my stepmother was truly beautiful. And ever since, she has always, always been a beautiful person. And this beautiful person, who had relentlessly told me I was unattractive, had just promised that with her magic, for this one night, I would be more beautiful than anyone in the kingdom… yes, even more beautiful than her.
“Alright, Sheryl. You may open your eyes.”
“…!”
Reflected in the mirror was someone I didn’t recognize, a person who bore a striking resemblance to my real mother, back when she was alive.
I didn’t think my eyes were this large, and my complexion was so clear. My hairstyle was flawless, without a single stray strand, and my lips, while glossy, were a delicate pink that complemented my pale features.
I looked like a completely different person. At this rate, would even Bianca and the others recognize me? I knew they would be at the ball tonight, but my face was just too different.
It truly was magic. First, a spell to make me look frumpy. Now, a spell to make me as beautiful as a stranger. My stepmother’s makeup was worthy of being called magic.
“I’m sure the maids and the coachman will be shocked. Everyone will praise you, telling you how beautiful you are. Yes… under this spell, you are truly beautiful. Sheryl, you are beautiful.”
“M-Mother…”
I never imagined a day would come when Okaasama would call me beautiful.
After she fastened the necklace and earrings as a final touch, Okaasama said, “Off you go,” and ushered me into the hallway. It seemed she wasn’t planning to see me off at the main entrance today.
“I’m leaving now… Thank you, Mother.”
I smiled and thanked her, and the door clicked shut behind me.
Waiting for me were all the servants of the household.
“You look absolutely beautiful, my lady!”
“The men won’t be able to leave you alone! A true peerless beauty!”
“Hush! Do not speak so crudely! Still, she truly looks like a goddess!”
Never before had the servants praised me so lavishly.
I was showered with compliments all the way to the entrance hall. There, I looked up and my eyes met with my father’s, who was standing on the second-floor landing.
He was staring at me, his face a mask of astonishment, but he said nothing.
What is not said is not to be asked about. So I would not blame him, nor would I expect anything from him.
Instead of saying, “I’m leaving,” I gave a lady’s formal curtsy and headed for the carriage.