Chapter 22: Deceit (Part 1)

After that, every time Cinderella came to the grave to pray or talk, the dove would poke its head out of the nest, as if listening to her.

Once, Maria arranged a difficult task for her, and said that she would not be able to eat until she finished it. Cinderella couldn't bear it anymore, so she ran to the grave and cried, hoping someone could help her. Then the dove that had built its nest in the hazel tree flew down and circled, attracting a large flock of birds towards her home.

When Cinderella returned home anxiously, she was surprised to find that the work had been done.

From then on, Cinderella knew that her mother's ghost must be protecting her, because when Mrs. Green passed away, she said she would protect her under the Nine Springs.

Cinderella believed that the hazel tree growing on the grave was the incarnation of her mother, and the dove nesting in the tree was her mother's messenger.

Cinderella suffered from severe psychological trauma and had no chance to talk about it with others, so she talked to Paine and Old Tom for a long time. There were several repetitions and inversions in the story.

As an excellent listener, Paine was not impatient. He sorted out the outline of the above events from Cinderella's rambling narration, which was basically consistent with the Brothers Grimm's version of the Cinderella story.

But a strange thought suddenly flashed through Paine's mind. Since the development of the previous stories was basically the same, how come there were mandrills and characters from "The King's New Clothes" appearing in this village?

Pan felt that he had vaguely grasped something, but he couldn't figure it out for a while.

"But Pigeon has never spoken to me before, and this time he actually spoke. I think this must be because my mother knew my difficulties and protected me! I want to visit Mother Hazel and Pigeon again later."

Cinderella said slightly innocently.

"Can't--"

Old Tom quickly stopped him. He didn't want Cinderella to go back and fulfill her wish. If the hazel tree and the pigeon were so effective, wouldn't it be true that he turned into a pigeon to deceive Cinderella?

It's just that his reaction was a little too intense, which made Cinderella feel very strange.

"Ahem, that's it. I think what Old Tom means is that your mother must have stayed in this world because of her strong love for you. The dove is her messenger and may be a part of her. Although not I know what price it costs to let the pigeon speak, but I think it must be not small. The pigeon flew away directly after talking to you instead of bringing you to us in person, which means that she must have a good rest, I I don’t think we should disturb her for the time being, our first goal is to help you buy a set of things that are enough for the dance.”

"Yes, yes, that's what it means."

Old Tom laughed sarcastically.

"So that's it. You're right. I can go to my mother later to fulfill my wish."

Cinderella was fooled and gave up her previous idea. Thanks to Cinderella's trust in "Mother Hazel" and the pigeon, Cinderella did not doubt the identity of the two people in front of her.

"Cinderella, there is a saying in my hometown that auspicious people have their own destiny. Although your previous life was not good, I believe this dance will be a turning point in your life."

Paine took out the jewelry and crystal dancing shoes he had "bought" before and placed them in front of Cinderella.

"Try these on first to see if they fit?"