115 - Pieces of the Broken Glass Slipper
Shattered Glass Slipper Shards 115
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However, that was short-lived, as Roena and I were moved to another hall by a maid of the Imperial Palace. It was a place prepared for young men and women who had not yet debuted into society or were around twenty years old.
“Actually, it hasn’t been long since we started separating like this.”
The maid explained in a low voice as she guided us. She spoke without being asked, perhaps following instructions to soothe the young ladies who might be anxious about being separated from their parents.
According to her, it was customary to enjoy the ball with one's parents, but a few years ago, an old nobleman, drunk, touched a young lady of about 11 years old, and since then, they had been separated.
The parents of the young lady who suffered an unexpected tragedy strongly petitioned to protect their young children from beast-like men.
The Emperor accepted their request and soon announced a rule that young ladies and young masters who had not debuted into society could not be at the ball with adults.
“So, only the young ladies are moved separately like this.”
I should be glad that I can escape the unpleasant gazes directed at me, thanks to this. It's better to deal with young ladies than to rack my brains among seasoned old men.
Especially, it was very good that I didn't have to face the Empress. At least for tonight, I didn't have to worry about her.
Many young ladies and young masters were present in the moved location. Among them, Princess Dieunzel was the most noticeable. She stood confidently with her followers around her like a queen, as if she were the main character of this banquet.
“Sis, you’ll be with me, right?”
When I couldn't take my eyes off Princess Dieunzel, Roena grabbed my hand with a noticeably anxious expression. She must have thought I would walk straight to the princess, as she squeezed my hand tightly.
“Mother told you to take good care of me. So, you have to be with me.”
Well, your words and expression don't match. The fact that you're looking at me with a tearful face is quite telling. So, I couldn't understand who was supposed to take care of whom.
I swallowed the rising sigh and shook her hand back and forth, expressing my desire for her to let go.
But Roena was stubborn. She strongly wrapped her other hand around my hand, which was clasped with hers. And she opened her mouth and said pleadingly.
“More than anything, I want to show my friends that you are my sister. I want to tell them that I have a sister. Sis, I need you.”
In fact, considering the eyes of others, it was right to stay by Roena's side. Even for the sake of the setting of good-natured stepsisters.
For me, who doesn't have a 'side' to speak of yet, there's nothing more fatal than a rumor that my relationship with my stepsister is awkward. Because I am still at a minimal level in terms of reputation.
Therefore, if it hadn't been for Lady Roshan, who approached me, I would have been helplessly held by Roena and treated as a mere extra throughout the ball.
“Excuse me, Young Lady. Your sister has a prior engagement with me.”
Lady Roshan smiled at me with a nod. She, who was exuding an even more delicate and frail charm today, was emphasizing her femininity with a tightly cinched dress line.
In particular, the slight lace added to the chest area created a precarious boundary that seemed to reveal itself, adding a strange feeling in contrast to her exposed neck.
Above all, the highlight was the long veil draped over her long braided hair and finished with a ribbon.
The veil, which swayed cutely, barely touching near the shoulder blades, created an elegant atmosphere along with the delicately crafted flower decorations. She seemed to know what her charm was.
Roena looked flustered at Lady Roshan's words.
“You said you had a prior engagement with Sissae? But Sissae didn't say anything like that…”
I quickly interrupted her and replied, 'Lady Roshan is right.' And I didn't miss the moment when Roena's grip loosened and lightly shook her off.
It was Lady Roshan who pulled me away. She gently asked for understanding with her unique elegant voice and took my hand.
“I’m sorry to separate the sisters. But a promise is a promise.”
In fact, I didn't remember making a promise, but it was enough that I could escape from Roena. And if I said we separated for the above reasons, there would be no reason to find fault.
Above all, I was very interested in Lady Roshan's natural act of lying.
Therefore, although it was close to an impulse, I was able to agree to her words without hesitation.
“So, I will take your sister with me.”
Lady Roshan's words were closer to an order than asking for consent. But because she was asking politely with courtesy, I couldn't say no. Roena looked at me for a moment, then reluctantly opened her mouth and answered 'Yes.'
Lady Roshan nodded once as if thankful and took me to a corner of the hall. She dissuaded her followers from approaching her, saying that she wanted to be alone with me. People were looking at me with Lady Roshan as if it were very strange.
“I thought you looked troubled. So, I ended up committing a discourtesy. I’m sorry if you felt bad. I should have asked for your understanding in advance.”
Was it that obvious on my face? I thought I was managing it well usually?
When I was speechless for a moment out of embarrassment, she smiled slightly and said.
“No one else would have noticed. So, don’t worry.”
“May I ask why you thought so? No, I’m curious about the reason you thought so. It’s not like that at all.”
“Oh my, don’t be so wary. I just guessed because I’ve seen similar cases before. I could also infer it from the Young Lady’s appearance of obediently following me. But the important thing is not that.”
Lücet Roshan was intentionally changing the subject. And she narrowed her eyes as if telling something secret and lowered her voice.
“Look at the people around us. Everyone is eager to talk to the Young Lady. What do you think they want to talk to you about?”
I answered with a bitter smile.
“It must be about Sir Ayres.”
“That’s right. I rescued the Young Lady from those people. So, you should know you’re lucky. No one will dare to approach you when you’re with me. Except for Princess Dieunzel.”
Lücet de Roshan said. In her voice, pride in herself was dazzlingly melted.
“Above all, the opportunity to be alone with me is rare.”
At Lady Roshan's words, which she added as if joking, I couldn't help but laugh out loud. Her attitude, which was so full of confidence that it was almost arrogant, didn't seem so bad.
The unpleasant feeling of being caught in my emotions was also melting away like snow. Even though I had to be wary of the dark heart towards Roena. It was truly a strange thing.
“You’ve helped me twice already. How should I repay you?”
“I didn’t do it expecting a reward. Please consider it a favor. By the way, look over there. His Highness the Crown Prince is entering.”
No sooner had Lücet Roshan finished speaking than the entire hall stirred. It was because of the Crown Prince, who entered with his attendants. Already, many women were screaming and walking around him.
The Crown Prince began to look around with a very indifferent expression. His face, with one eyebrow slightly raised, was full of boredom. It seemed quite annoying that people were screaming around him just by turning his head.
After a while, he swept his hair back with one hand and said, 'Well, it seems like everyone is doing well on their own. There was no need to come.'
It was quite rude and out of place for the Crown Prince of the Empire to act like that, but his beautiful appearance turned even that into a great charm.
What more is there to say when there was even a young lady who fainted after making eye contact with the Crown Prince.
“The Young Lady doesn’t seem to be very impressed with His Highness’s face. Is it because of Sir Ayres?”
Lady Roshan asked. Her eyes sparkled with interest. I gave an ambiguous smile and did not answer. I didn't want to give any unnecessary room. Instead, I attempted a small counterattack by returning the question.
“Lady Roshan is also very calm. May I ask why?”
“Do people get excited about their relatives? That’s all. And just admiring him for his appearance, well, His Highness is spreading too many scandals.”
I did not deny or refute her words. As Lady Roshan said, the Crown Prince was too dangerous a man to give everything to, deceived by his splendid appearance. When it comes to innocent cruelty mixed with indifference, he would be unmatched by anyone in the world.
“Oh my, you’re the first Young Lady I’ve seen who agrees with me. Usually, they passionately defend His Highness the Crown Prince.”
Lücet Roshan said to me with wide eyes. She seemed genuinely surprised.
“Yes, you’re lucky. There’s no Young Lady who agrees with you like this.”
I lightly joked. Just like she did earlier. Then Lady Roshan covered her lips with her palm and made a suppressed laugh. She didn't seem upset at all, even though I was imitating her words.
“But Bischwartz Young Lady, do you know that?”
After a while, the Young Lady, who had been silently laughing for a long time, suddenly said to me. Her face was full of mischievous playfulness that could be seen in a young girl.
“Yes?”
“His Highness is looking over here right now.”
I reflexively turned my head. And as Lady Roshan said, I made eye contact with the Crown Prince, who was looking at us. Perhaps because I had practiced a lot, his gaze, which passed by in a fleeting moment, did not give me as much fear as before. But since I was still breathless, I hurriedly lowered my head.
“Oh my, now he’s coming towards us.”
Lücet Roshan muttered as if amazed. I swallowed hard and tried to calm my pounding heart.
“Bischwartz Young Lady.”
The Crown Prince, who approached me not long after, suddenly bowed and greeted me. He acted as if Lücet Roshan, who was standing next to me, was not even visible.
People were greatly surprised and stirred when the Crown Prince greeted me. They couldn't help but be shocked that he was speaking politely to the rumored 'Young Lady' and not Roena Bischwartz.
Even though I am the daughter of a Count's family, I, whose birth is not ordinary, did not yet deserve this kind of treatment. If I were to be punished for not greeting him first, that would be one thing, but I was not of a class to mingle with such greetings.
But he was giving me the same greeting as he would to a lady, and even reaching out his hand and asking me to dance, it was strange not to be startled.
“Would you give me the honor of dancing with you?”
Most of the women in the hall looked at me enviously. Some gnashed their teeth and glared at me, while others whispered to the person next to them with a disappointed expression.
I, the person in question, was wondering about his intentions and trembling in fear.
