Chapter 100: The Carnival Masquerade: I
When Franz regained consciousness, he saw Albert downing a glass of water, his face pale and drawn. The Count stood nearby, already back in his elaborate carnival costume. Franz glanced mechanically toward the town square. Everything had changed. The scaffold, the executioners, the condemned prisoners, all had vanished. Only the crowd remained, buzzing with excitement and energy.
A church bell rang out joyfully, the kind that only rang for the most important occasions. The carnival had officially begun.
"What... what just happened?" Franz asked the Count, still disoriented.
"Nothing at all," the Count replied calmly. "As you can see, the carnival has started. Hurry up and get dressed."
Franz shook his head. "That horrible scene just disappeared like a dream."
"It was just a nightmare that disturbed you," the Count said smoothly.
"But what about the prisoner? The one who was supposed to be executed?"
"Him? He’s still asleep while you’ve awakened. Who knows which of you is more fortunate?"
"And Peppino? What happened to him?"
The Count’s lips curved into a slight smile. "Peppino is a clever young man. Unlike most people who crave attention, he was thrilled that everyone was focused on his companion instead. He used that distraction to slip away into the crowd without even thanking the priests who escorted him. People really are ungrateful and selfish creatures." He gestured toward Albert. "But enough of that, get dressed. As you can see, your friend is already setting the example."
Albert was pulling silk pants over his black trousers and polished boots.
"So, Albert," Franz said, "are you really in the mood to party after what we just saw? Be honest."
Albert shrugged. "Honestly? Not really. But I’m glad I witnessed it. Now I understand what the Count meant, once you get used to seeing something like that, it becomes the only thing that can truly move you."
"Don’t forget," the Count interjected, "the scaffold is the only place where you can truly study human character. Death tears away the mask people wear throughout their lives, revealing their true face. You have to admit, that Andrea fellow wasn’t very handsome when his mask came off, hideous scoundrel! Now come on, gentlemen, get dressed."
Franz realized it would be ridiculous not to follow his companions’ lead. He put on his costume and fastened his mask, though it barely matched the paleness of his actual face.
Once they were ready, they headed downstairs. Their carriage waited at the door, loaded with candy and flower bouquets. They joined the line of vehicles flowing through the streets.
The transformation was almost impossible to comprehend. Instead of the grim spectacle of death, the plaza now overflowed with joyous celebration. Masked revelers poured from every doorway and window. Carriages packed with clowns, jesters, and costumed characters streamed from every street and corner. People screamed, fought playfully, gestured wildly, and threw flour-filled eggs, confetti, and flower bouquets at friends and strangers alike. No one took offense, everyone just laughed.
Franz and Albert felt like men trying to drown their sorrows in wine. As they drank deeper into the festivities, a thick veil seemed to fall between the past and present. They could still see faint images of what they’d witnessed, but gradually the general madness infected them, and they felt compelled to join the chaos.
A handful of confetti from a nearby carriage showered them with dust and stung their exposed skin like a hundred pinpricks. This provoked them to join the battle, and soon they were hurling handfuls of candy and confetti with all their strength and skill.
The conflict had begun in earnest. The memory of what they’d seen half an hour ago gradually faded from their minds, replaced by the dazzling spectacle before them.
As for the Count, he never showed the slightest sign of being affected by anything. Imagine a magnificent boulevard lined end-to-end with towering buildings, their balconies draped with carpets and windows decorated with flags. Three hundred thousand spectators filled those balconies, locals and foreigners from every corner of the world, an assembly of aristocrats, the wealthy, and the brilliant. Beautiful women, caught up in the excitement, leaned over balconies and showered down confetti, which was returned with bouquets. The air grew dark with falling confetti and flying flowers.
In the streets below, the lively crowd wore the most fantastic costumes. Giant cabbages walked solemnly about. Buffalo heads bellowed from men’s shoulders. Dogs walked on their hind legs. Amid all this chaos, a mask would suddenly lift to reveal a lovely face, one you’d want to follow but were separated from by crowds of costumed revelers. This was the carnival in all its glory.
At the second turn, the Count stopped the carriage and asked permission to withdraw, leaving the vehicle at their disposal. Franz looked up. They were opposite a grand palace. At the center window, which was hung with white fabric marked with a red cross, stood a figure in a blue costume. Franz’s imagination easily pictured the beautiful woman he’d glimpsed before.
"Gentlemen," the Count said, stepping out of the carriage, "when you tire of being participants and want to become spectators instead, remember you have seats at my windows. In the meantime, feel free to use my driver, my carriage, and my servants however you wish."
Franz thanked the Count for his thoughtfulness. Albert, meanwhile, was busy throwing bouquets at a passing carriage full of women dressed as peasants.
Unfortunately, the line of carriages moved on again. While Albert descended toward one plaza, the other carriage climbed toward a different part of the city.
"Oh, Franz!" Albert exclaimed. "Did you see that?"
"See what?"
"That carriage full of women in peasant costumes!"
"No."
"Well, I’m convinced they’re all gorgeous."
Franz laughed. "Too bad you were wearing a mask, Albert. That was an opportunity to make up for past disappointments."
Albert replied with a half-laugh, half-serious tone. "Don’t worry. I hope this carnival won’t pass without providing some compensation."
Despite Albert’s hopes, the day passed without incident except for a few more encounters with the carriage of peasant-costumed women. During one encounter, whether by accident or design, Albert’s mask fell off. He immediately stood and threw the rest of his bouquets into their carriage.
Apparently one of the charming women noticed his gallant gesture. As the carriage passed, she threw him a bunch of violets. Albert caught it, and since Franz had no reason to believe it was meant for him, he let Albert keep it. Albert pinned it to his jacket, and their carriage continued triumphantly.
"Well," Franz said to him, "looks like your adventure is beginning."
"Laugh all you want, I really think so. I’m not giving up this bouquet."
Franz chuckled. "Keep it then, as a token of gratitude!"
The jest soon seemed to become serious. When Albert and Franz encountered the carriage again, the woman who’d thrown the violets clapped her hands when she saw them displayed on Albert’s jacket.
"Bravo!" Franz said. "Things are going wonderfully. Should I leave you alone? Maybe you’d prefer some privacy?"
"No," Albert replied. "I won’t be fooled by some obvious trap like meeting under the clock at a masked ball. If this beautiful peasant wants to take things further, we’ll find her tomorrow, or rather, she’ll find us. Then she’ll give me some sign, and I’ll know what to do."
Franz grinned. "You’re as wise as an ancient philosopher and as cautious as a legendary hero. Your mysterious lady will need to be very skilled or powerful to turn you into a fool."