Translator: Nox

2 - Pieces of the Broken Glass Slipper

Shattered Glass Slipper Shards, Episode 2

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Chapter 1: Returning Again

I opened my eyes to the pouring sunlight. The canopy bed's curtains fluttered, blurring my vision.

I licked my slightly dry, parched lips with my tongue and stretched. Then, I sat up, leaned back against the bed, and stared blankly ahead. The silk pajamas clinging softly to my skin and the plush feel of the pillow behind me finally made me realize this was reality.

This morning was a stark contrast to the days before, when I couldn't sleep properly due to excitement about my first-ever room.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Before I could even react, the door opened and someone entered.

It was 'Marie,' designated as my personal maid. This woman, with freckles scattered across her cheeks, didn't even greet me as our eyes met. She simply bustled over to the window and pulled back the curtains.

The 'Marie' of the past was the same. She was always haughty and aloof. Throughout her service to me, her mistress, she never offered a single warm word.

Nor did she fulfill her duties by taking diligent care of me. She acted as if she were barely present, giving the impression that she was doing so reluctantly.

In fact, the reason I was so heavily compared to Roena was due to her improper conduct in not serving me properly. She had practically left me to my own devices until I formally learned how to live as a noble lady. Despite being a maid assigned to help me.

However, due to my ignorance, I hadn't felt the injustice of it. How could I, living in a noble mansion for the first time, possibly perceive such a difference?

Instead, I thought, 'This is how ladies of noble families live,' and condoned their arrogant behavior. Though now, I see right through their true intentions.

I called out to Marie in a quiet voice.

"Did you say your name was Marie?"

She turned her head and looked at me.

"Yes, Young Lady."

Her voice, mumbled with a protruding lip, was incredibly stiff. The dissatisfaction and contempt in her eyes were so blatant they almost made me laugh. It was astonishing that the me from before my return hadn't noticed such impurity. Such vivid emotions, yet I missed them.

"You look unwell."

At my words, Marie tilted her head as if puzzled.

"What? No, I'm not sick?"

"You seem to be having a lot of trouble with your throat."

"No. Not at all."

"Is that so?"

I smiled faintly and beckoned Marie with my hand. Then, as she approached me with a bewildered expression, I grabbed her head and brought her face close.

"I thought perhaps you couldn't greet me because your throat hurt. But looking at you now, you seem perfectly fine. Yes, you should bow your head lower like this."

"Ah, Young Lady, it hurts. Please let go."

"I will. But next time, when you enter, greet me properly first. Understand? Now, hurry and go fetch the washbasin water."

At my command, Marie jumped up and practically ran outside to bring the washbasin water. Perhaps she had decided to play a trick on me today, as the water in the brass basin she brought was cold. There were also no flower petals scattered on top, as there should have been.

So, I flipped the brass basin over, facing the floor.

Splash.

Marie stared at me with a look of disbelief. Her eyes conveyed that she didn't know what she had done wrong.

"Young Lady?"

"Bring it again."

Marie, who had been staring at the floor in bewilderment, went outside again at my urging. But the water in the brass basin she brought back was the same as before. So, I flipped it over towards the floor once more. And I said to Marie in a gentle tone,

"You'll have to bring it again."

"Young Lady, if you are angry about something, please tell me. Why are you doing this?"

"You know that very well, don't you?"

The Marie of the past had prepared washbasin water unsuitable for a noble lady and a dress that didn't match the occasion, playing a trick on me. This was on the very first breakfast I was to have after becoming a member of the Count's family, a very important day.

I still remember it vividly. My adoptive father's expression when he saw me enter the dining room. He had contorted his face in a frightening grimace and coughed awkwardly, as if he had seen something he shouldn't have.

Startled by that, I stood frozen in fear.

And what about my mother, who lowered her head in shame? Roena's innocent question, "Was it difficult to get dressed, Bai Mi?" was the highlight.

No wonder so many people had burst into laughter as they watched me head to the dining hall.

At the time, I didn't even realize it was mockery and smiled brightly, thinking it was a welcome for the new young lady. I had the absurd delusion that people were so kind.

Regardless, was it from this day? That the household staff began comparing me and Roena. It wasn't difficult for them to call me an idiot young lady who couldn't even dress herself properly, to deny and despise me.

So, it wouldn't have been hard for them to call me the daughter of a whore who threw herself at my adoptive father relying only on her body. They must have resented that an ignorant person who knew nothing of etiquette was acting as the eldest daughter simply because she was a year older.

But what would happen if I appeared dressed properly, unlike before?

"Oh dear. I'll be late for breakfast at this rate. Then, who should I blame for this responsibility? And what will Father say when he learns of this situation? So, prepare yourself properly. This is your last chance. Do you understand what I mean?"

Marie nodded with a pale face and began to move quickly. The threat of reporting everything to my adoptive father seemed to have worked.

Before long, Marie, having prepared properly, spoke politely, glancing at me.

"Young Lady, I will bring the washbasin water."

A proper morning, unlike what the Sissae of the past had experienced, was beginning.

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After being adorned with Marie's help, I felt the eyes of the maids whispering as I came out.

To ensure they couldn't find any fault, I slightly lifted my chin and walked as haughtily as possible. The etiquette of noble families had long been mastered in my previous life.

While not as elegant or beautiful as Roena, I wasn't so disheveled as to be openly criticized. Therefore, they wouldn't find a single flaw in my walk.

"This way, please."

The head attendant, who had come to escort me at my adoptive father's command, spoke in a polite tone. Perhaps because he worked closely with him, he was far more polite than others. This behavior must have stemmed from my adoptive father's devoted attitude towards my mother.

As I followed his guidance towards the large hall where the dining room was located, I happened to encounter a knight. A man with light silver hair and striking blue eyes that seemed to emanate the color of fresh greenery.

I knew him. Though he didn't know me yet. Oh, my heart is pounding. I raised my hand and pressed it firmly against my chest, which was beating wildly as if I had met my master.

Foolish Sissae, haven't you come to your senses yet?

The attendant, who had stopped walking, looked at me curiously as I stared at the knight.

"Is there a problem?"

I shook my head. Then, I gave a short bow towards the knight and passed him by with an indifferent stride. The cool gaze, devoid of any emotion, briefly flickered with interest before subsiding again.

Perhaps he was curious about my presence, seeing me for the first time. Because there was another woman in the mansion besides Roena.

But that thought was fleeting; he would forget my existence as if nothing had happened. Because his gaze was directed towards 'Roena.'

Yes, let me be honest. I, the me of my past life, loved that knight.

Lustewin Halberd.

The Knight of Clear Hearing, more noble than anyone else. A foolish man, despite his splendid appearance, who was so rigid that he only looked at one person, him. To the point of self-destruction in an unrequited, terrible love.

But now, it is merely an emotion from the past. Knowing that I couldn't reach him no matter how hard I tried, there was no need to cling to him any longer. So, I passed him by easily. Or rather, I tried to.

As we neared the dining room, the attendant guiding me announced my arrival loudly. Simultaneously, a large door adorned with beautiful patterns opened, revealing a spacious area decorated with dazzling furniture and jewels.

Inside sat my adoptive father, my mother, and Roena. As soon as I saw my mother, I smiled brightly and ran over to kiss her lovely cheek.

"Did you sleep well?"

My mother kissed my cheek back and smiled.

"Did you sleep well, my lovely lark?"

At her whisper, I lowered my head shyly.

After exchanging pleasantries warmly with my mother, I turned my gaze to my adoptive father. His lips, stiff with tension, trembled slightly from spasms.

His rigidly straight back, as if he intended to show some courtesy to his adopted daughter, was as imposing as his large frame.

In the past, I had been overwhelmed by the aura emanating from his large body, unable to even greet him properly and trembling behind my mother.

Setting aside the frown caused by my improper attire, I hadn't even realized he was tense because of me. I had simply mistaken his cold, closed lips and eyes to mean he was a 'frightening person.'

So, when my adoptive father finally managed a smile, unable to bear the awkward atmosphere, I had let out an unladylike shriek. So foolishly.

With the most elegant gesture I could manage, I greeted him and smiled brightly.

"Did you sleep well, Father?"

At the word "Father," I saw him flinch, but I ran over to him as if nothing had happened and kissed his rough cheek with my beard.

Roena, who was praised as an angel for her affectionate tone and gentle actions in the past, why shouldn't I be the same?

"Yes. Did you sleep well too? Was there anything uncomfortable?"

"Not at all. It was very comfortable."

My adoptive father smiled faintly, as if finally relieved. I then lifted the hem of my dress again, gave a light bow, and returned to my seat. Pretending not to see Roena, who was eagerly awaiting her turn to greet me.

With the attendant's help, I sat down and then, as if just noticing Roena's somewhat dejected expression, spoke in a calm voice.

"So..."

"It's Roena, Sister."

"Sister? What a stiff way to address me..."

I narrowed my eyes and smiled brightly.

"Call me Sissae."

At the same time, I swallowed the rest of my words that had risen to my throat.

Because I had no intention of becoming your sister, even if I were to die. Wouldn't it be better to call me by my name, as if we were strangers?

"Sissae? How could I possibly dare to call you by your name, Sister?"

"No. I don't want to live with you using stiff terms like 'Sister' or 'younger sister.' It feels too distant. Above all, we're only a year apart."

Roena's fair cheeks flushed red. With a face full of emotion—even tears welling up at the corners of her eyes—she said to me,

"Alright. I will do that."

A smile bloomed on everyone's lips at this heartwarming scene. Even my mother watched us, her eyes sparkling.

As if excited by the joy of gaining an adoptive father and a sister-like friend, I covered my cheeks with my hands.