51st Dawn - Schemes Unfolding

I didn't return to the studio that afternoon.

It started raining cats and dogs the moment I stepped out of the coffee shop. Not wanting to have my sketches ruined, I made a dash straight to the inn since it's nearer than the studio. By the time I got there, I'm already soaking wet. Fortunately, I was still able to save my drawings.

As I tuck myself into bed, body heavy from all that exhausting events, I ponder Alexander's words.

I never think of it that way before. I already know that I'm queer in the eyes of many, but I don't feel that hopeless since people like Lewis and Madeline are around. They understand me the way I am, and I'm already satisfied with that. But then, that obnoxious jerk had to slap the fact that I'm just a freak by nature on my face. He doesn't even know the full story.

"And he just left me all alone in the rain! What a gentleman!" I bolted out sarcastically.

My only fault here is that I got too absorbed by my judgement again. First, I thought he's demented for chasing after me back then. Second, I realized how alike we were. Now, it turned out that we're completely clashing in terms of outlook and personality.

"Is it that big of a deal that I simply don't envision a revolution or something? That's his calling, not mine!"

Then again, I'm in no place to judge any more than this. I also know that he said all those things because he noticed something about me that I didn't. He probably has a more sensible motive than simply calling me weird.

Immersed in my burrowing thoughts, I eventually find myself drifting into slumber.

On the next day, I plan to tell Baron Pierre about the incident with my portfolio. I can't just tolerate this kind of treatment any longer. My sketches are now all creased and dirty because of that. I now have an evidence about their bullying either, so I'm not letting them get away anymore even if Alessandra tries to back them up again.

But then, the moment I enter the studio, something ludicrous instantly happens.

"Well, why don't you try it on, Miss Lillian? My daughter did pay for it and all," Baron Pierre enthused with a magnanimous smile, showing me a mannequin with the apprenticeship uniform right after I entered his office.

All apprenticeship uniforms in Freya include a teal green top and a black bottom. The only difference in every department is the color of the brooch on the left chest that shows which course the wearer is taking. Designer apprentices have a red brooch. However, not even the uniform's exquisiteness can distract me from how much I want to gag at this situation.

It just turns out that Alessandra bought me a uniform since I couldn't afford to buy a set yet. According to the Baron, she did it out of 'good will'. Learning this already gives me the idea that she got ahead of me and tried to clear any suspicion that she's part of the stunt they pulled yesterday. Then again, I don't really have any evidence that she's indeed involved, except for that satin incident which I think she already took care of. I need to talk with Tristan later and ask him to testify for me.

Sighing, I just put on the uniform and set my plan to bust them out aside for now.

These three-inched green stilettos sure are deadly, though.

As soon as I wear them, I remember that I'm not used to high heels. For the rest of the morning, I try my best not to stumble or appear wobbly. Walking has become arduous, especially on the carpet flooring of the training room. The other apprentices would also glance my way, sniggering in secret whenever I pass by. I tried to cast off the suspicion that Alessandra also plotted this since she doesn't really know that this is one of my weaknesses.

When break time came, I hide in a stockroom to take off the heels for a while. I can't endure wearing them any longer. My ankles are already red and a bit swollen.

"Ugh! Heels are tools for discrimination! What about women who're not used to it? You can't just force them to wear such perilous footwear! Have some delicacy!" I bolted out to no one in particular.

That's until I hear someone burst into laughter from the doorway. I turn to find Tristan guffawing at my face. Embarrassed, I can feel blood crawls up to my face as I realize that he heard my outburst. He then saunters inside and flops on the chair beside me, still chortling.

"You're against heels, huh?" he quipped teasingly.

"So what if I am?" I retorted, lifting an eyebrow.

"You're the first woman I've ever met who does, then."

"Huh?"

At this, Tristan only smirks at me meaningfully, eyes grinning with mischief. He seems to have switched into his playboy mode again. Not wanting to entertain any flirtatious advances he's scheming, I just beat him to it and shoot a question right away. I ask why he's there while he answers that he's been looking for me. He then reveals that he learned what happened to my portfolio yesterday.

"Yeah, they really went overboard this time..." I grumbled with a downcast gaze.

"You're planning to tell on them?" he questioned to which I simply nodded.

"I really feel bad for you, Lillian, but I suggest you don't do it yet. I've caught wind that someone named Victoria was planning to file a complaint after you threatened her yesterday. Alessandra was actually the one who ordered to have your portfolio thrown away, so she's probably thinking to support her or something... Anyway, things are really getting messed up here..."

Flummoxed, I just gawk at Tristan. The feeling of heavy indignation starts to make my stomach churn. I can't believe they're all ganging up on me. Considering that they're nobles, they have the upper hand when it comes to power and manipulation of public opinion. Also, the other apprentices are the only ones who witnessed the portfolio incident yesterday, so I bet they're all going to side with Victoria. Now that I think about it, they're planning to irk me to this extent all along.

"You know all these, Tristan. Can you testify for me?" I asked, which only made him slump and evade my gaze.

"I'm sorry, Lillian. For the scenes where I'm present, I can testify. However, most of what I told you are from private means and sources. I might get caught as an information broker if I tell them..."

My eyes then widened a little as I learned that his job is indeed shady all along.