On my way back home I find myself smiling happily, even tho it was a a day full of negative emotions I still feel... Good?
It's as if I managed to make peace with someone after a misunderstanding. As if something I've been postponing for ages, finally came to an end.
Surely the good deeds of The Duke helped in relieving my sour mood, even if he made me question so many things... He offering me help was enough to make me content for a whole week. Someone as good an Noble as him helping trash like me feels like an act of forgiveness from God.
I look down to the ground while walking, smiling and grabbing onto the fabric of my clothes happily. Uncaring for anything else going on right now
-Woah hey, look where you're going... Haha- a pair of hands gran my shoulders and stops me from bumping into them, it's Giacomo's voice! I look at him and smile -What are you all giggling about, uh?- he smirks upon noticing my expression
I rise an hand to cover a laugh escaping my lips -My apologies, I was simply in a good mood-
-And why is that?- he rises an eyebrow, kind of dumbfounded by my reply -You're awfully serene today- he says that almost questioning himself if that was possible to being with.
-It's nothing particular... I just managed to go somewhere I've been wanting to since a while-
-Ok...- he sounds wary but then shrugs it off -Anyway, are you busy this evening? I was heading to a party, nothing too fancy. I just need a pretext to meet with a girl- he smirks charmingly -It's already past 18, what do you mean by "his evening"?-
He laughs -I mean now-
-Now?!- I yell but he's already grabbing my forearm and dragging me down the road -Wait!!! I'm not wearing anything appropriate...!- I worry looking at my everyday clothes with dusry patches from my trip to the cemetery.
-You'll be fine- he says -But I have no makeup on for a party, nor a wig either!- he scoffs -I told you it's not a fancy occasion, just some dancing and food. Well actually... I think they asked to wear a mask since the carnival is drawing near, they want to get into the mood! Let's stop by somewhere and buy one- he exults
-What?! You gotta be joking, you can't show up to a party with an uninvited guest... Especially NOT me!- I try to protest but he won't budge and just shove me onto a gondola -Let's go!-.
...
We reach the house and I try to fix my messed clothes before tying the mask to my face -Nobody will recognize you, since you seem you're so worried about my already terrible reputation- he comments -Nobody will believe that it's you under such normal and boring clothes-
-Thank you, I guess?- I say and we both burst out laughing before entering the door.
Once inside, hundred of eyes turn in my direction but for once they aren't looking at me but at the man beside me... The music comes to an halt for a few seconds before starting again.
I pass completely unwatched, I walk in front of those gazes and still remains unnoticed, ujudged... A feeling I have not the grace to know of, having to sell myself as the most ridiculous out there just to kiss those people's shoes and earn a coin.
A feeling I didn't knew was so good, I can breathe and not care about my comportment for once... Just enjoy the party as everyone else does.
Taking advantage of everyone's disinterest in me, I sneak away and head to one side of the hall... I lean against a wall and look around, I realize that I don't even know where I am... The house is extremely big so it probably belongs to those Nobles very high up in the society, the kind of people whom I can't even approach.
As I am lost looking at all the different painting and chandeliers, a man approaches me -Good evening...- says the man with a black mask that covers his whole face, his appearance is tidy and neat... Maybe even too much for a Venetian party
-Good evening to you too, Sir- I reciprocate and take a step to walk away but then stop... For once that I can simply chat with another person with no ulterior motive, why shouldn't I? -I was wondering, who's mansion is this?-
-You attend a ball and don't even know who's the one welcoming in their house?- his sentence could sounds as a mockery but somehow his tone shows genuine wonder -It is a General's Villa from the Kingdom of Savoia, he had the naive idea of hosting a party for his Lord to feel the Carnival atmosphere- he says lightly pissed -In fact, he just wants to live a mundane life that wouldn't be otherwise allowed in his home... Well, that's what I heard at least-
I tilt my head -Uh really?! So you think that graceful Duke is here?- I ask immediately interested and looking around
-Yes he definitely is around- he breathes heavily -But most importantly, why are you even here if you don't know that much?-
I sile awkwardly -Oh well... I got dragged here against my will by a friend- I point to one side -It's all his fault, Casanova wouldn't even let me protest and threw me into a gondola-
He sighs -Guess we're both here against their will then, anyway... Listen to my advice and stay away from that man-
-Uh? Why?- I ask but he doesn't give me a clear reply -Just trust me- he says moving away but stops for a second -By the way, you've got some dust on your knees... Be careful or the other Nobles might say you were kneeling on the ground all afternoon and disrespect you- and then he disappears in the crowd
-Wait... How do you...?! Ah, he's gone- I sigh and head for the buffet, when I can eat I should make the most of it!
And without further worries I sneak to the long tables full of food, it might not be something "fancy" as Giacomo said... But you can definitely see the difference between these parties and the ones I normally managed to attend.
The food is more elegant and exotic, there's a whole trail with small chocolate sweet treats called Gianduiotti... Those should be from the Kingdom of Savoia if I recall correctly, there are also many French dishes and desserts such as Aligot.
I look at those dancing dresses in the ballroom while I enjoy my dinner, feeling completely out of place... Wondering if I will ever be part of that world like I was supposed to.