Prologue - King Cinderella: Two Hearts Entwined in Sin

Translator's Note:

Hello, I hope you've all been doing well. I decided to pick up this novel, and I'm very excited about this.

Here you go, and I wish you a good read.

As I said before, if you wish to read ahead, you can head over to my Patreon to get early access to all the translated chapters.

In the library, heavy with the scent of paper and ink, I gently wrapped my hand around my mother's fingers, as brittle as twigs.

 

I truly wanted to hold her tightly—but I was afraid. Afraid that if I used even a little strength, I might break her.

 

Looking back, I think that, deep in my child's heart, I had already sensed my mother's impending death—and understood that it marked the end of our happy days.

 

"My sweet little Erald… my angel… Half of this soul will go to the side of God. But the other half will remain with you. I'll become the roof of this home to shield you from the rain, the walls to guard you from the wind… I'll dwell in every single book on these shelves. And when you set out to journey through the worlds within those pages—I'll go with you."

 

"Mother… please… don't leave me behind."

 

I tried so hard not to cry. I really did. But my voice trembled of its own accord, and the tears spilled freely.

 

My father, a merchant by profession, had apparently been galloping home upon hearing news of her critical condition.

 

The household staff stood silently at the entrance to the library, every one of them offering up heartfelt prayers.

 

Until just recently, my mother had been staying in the mistress's chambers. But when she grew too weak, a plain bed—no canopy, no decorations—was placed here in the library for her to use.

 

She loved books. I thought that was why she had moved—to be closer to the stories even as she rested. But I had been naïve. When she chose the library, she had already known her time was short.

 

"Mother… you don't have to protect me… Just stay with me, that's all I want! Don't give even half of your soul to God! I'll protect you instead… I'll grow up quickly, I promise!"

 

"I'm sorry… Please forgive me… But I'll be watching over you, with joy in my heart, as you grow into a fine young man in this estate. And if ever… if ever the world becomes too heavy to bear, open a book. Within its pages, you'll find new worlds… and wonderful companions. You are never, ever alone."

 

"Mother! Wait—Mother!!"

 

"I love you, my darling boy."

 

Her voice, wrung from the depths of her soul, answered me one last time. And then, with a surprising strength, she squeezed my hand.

 

I watched as all color drained from her already pale face.

 

I remember clearly the thought that passed through my mind: She looks just like the sun, being swallowed by the horizon.

 

I truly believed that the world would end that night—and that dawn would never come again.

 

 

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