202 - Pieces of the Broken Glass Slipper
Shattered Glass Slipper Shards 202
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In my previous life, Sir Halberd was truly loyal to Roena. With his gentle nature, he was kind to everyone, but he was especially so in front of Roena.
Indeed, if she asked, he would have entered a blazing fire without hesitation. Their bond was so deep that others could hardly fathom it.
Even though Sir Halberd's attitude toward me has subtly changed in the present, the reason I kept doubting and rejecting his kindness was because of this.
Also, I didn't feel anything special when people referred to Sir Halberd as Roena's knight. I had experienced it so intensely in the past, so what's new now?
Therefore, the current situation was a bit embarrassing, but not enough to feel sadness or frustration. However, I couldn't help but feel bitter. Even though Roena was far below the level she used to be, I wondered if her charm still worked on Sir Halberd.
But it was inevitable because Roena spent more time in the mansion than I did, so she had plenty of time to meet Sir Halberd freely whenever she wanted.
Before Margo's incident, she had the full support of the Order of Knights, so going in and out of the training grounds wouldn't have been a problem.
Especially considering the sympathy that poured out to her after her adoptive father's death, it was natural for the same bond as before to form. So, the current situation could naturally arise.
But what if that leads to her siding with the Empress?
As I was thinking about various things due to the sudden anxiety, I suddenly felt that my appearance was quite ridiculous. Rather than being jealous of Roena being held in Sir Halberd's arms, I was surprisingly indifferent to the disadvantages of her having him.
Just a few months ago, I couldn't sleep because of the Floral Crown Sir Halberd gave me, and I smiled at the storybook he left behind.
Sweet memories and heart-fluttering experiences that I had secretly hidden away were now faded into monochrome and labeled as the past. I now recognized Sir Halberd as a piece on a board.
Perhaps that's why. I hesitated, unable to take a step easily. I was wondering whether to scold Roena's behavior and drag her into the mansion, or whether to quietly retreat since the situation called for it.
Seeing Sir Halberd gently comforting her, it didn't seem right for me to step in and say anything, but if I went back to my room as if I hadn't seen anything, I was bothered by Pulcher. Neither was a desirable solution.
Just then, as if sensing my presence, Sir Halberd turned his head towards me. And when he met my eyes, his face, dimly revealed under the faint moonlight, was distorted with embarrassment. The hand patting Roena's back remained frozen in the air.
A moment later, he flinched as if burned and slightly pushed Roena away, stepping back at the same time.
Roena was bewildered by the sudden push, then found me and sobbed softly. Her tear-stained cheeks were pathetically glistening.
"Sis..."
Roena barely called my name as if she was reluctantly opening her mouth. Her eyes were shaking greatly with anxiety.
Normally, I would have greeted her casually as if nothing was wrong. And I would have been a little more kind here and given her advice to be careful not to be seen by others.
But seeing the two of them so embarrassed, I couldn't open my mouth carelessly. After all, what right did I have to say anything about their secret meeting?
Above all, watching their actions silently was no different from being rude. So, I decided to pass by quietly.
I was curious if Sir Halberd had completely fallen for Roena, but I thought it would be better to meet him alone later. He would also be very uncomfortable revealing his true feelings in front of Roena.
As I quietly bowed and passed them, I heard hurried footsteps from behind. Judging from the sound of Roena calling Sir Halberd's name in succession, it seemed that he was the one following me.
Soon after, my hand was grabbed and my body was turned strongly. Sir Halberd was holding me with an expression I had never seen before.
"It's not like that."
The words he blurted out abruptly were just as strange. Instead of asking what wasn't like that, I looked down at the hand holding me.
It was tightly held in his large hand, but strangely, I couldn't feel anything. It was just cumbersome, like being caught on a tree.
So, I couldn't understand why he was saying it so desperately and turning me around. No, I didn't want to.
"Please don't misunderstand."
Sir Halberd didn't let go even though I was openly looking at my grabbed wrist. Rather, he was acting strangely as if he would continue to do so if I didn't answer his words. So, I opened my mouth and spoke. The voice that flowed out was as calm as a tranquil lake.
"If it's a misunderstanding about Roena's behavior, I don't have any at all. I think there must have been a reason."
"That's not what I'm talking about."
A voice that seemed to suppress something leaked from his mouth. His deeply sunken eyes were darkly blurred with a dark color. It was not because of the darkness surrounding the surroundings, but because of himself.
Was he unhappy with my answer?
So, this time, I praised his gentlemanliness and emphasized that there would be no questioning about this matter.
"Yes, I know that your noble morality is as unchanging as the shining stars in the sky. There was nothing to misunderstand from the beginning. So, don't worry. Roena will also be able to sleep comfortably tonight. Because I didn't see anything."
"......"
"So, would you please let go of this hand, Sir Halberd?"
But he still didn't let go of my hand. He was just standing there, looking at me in silence. As if he could be like that forever.
My face was stinging from the strange gaze that I couldn't understand. My wrist was becoming painful, not just uncomfortable. So, I put strength into my hand and twisted it sideways.
But the hand of a well-trained knight was like a tree with deep roots in the ground, and there was no sign of escape. It was impossible to know where such strength came from in his slender fingers.
"...You've returned to your place and now you seem indifferent. I'm always the only one who's restless like this, so I don't know what to do."
"Sir Halberd?"
"I'm not trying to make excuses for my morality, nor am I trying to defend Miss Roena. I was just anxious. To the point where it's hard to dare to reveal my true feelings. That's why I'm committing the rudeness of not letting go of your hand."
He poured out words at a rapid pace, then sighed for a moment before continuing. It was a sound that made my ears perk up.
"Pulcher has offered me the position of Imperial Knight through Miss Roena. He said he would like me to become the commander when the Order of Knights is reorganized soon."
According to his words, Roena suddenly came and made this offer, and when he didn't answer, she suddenly cried, saying that she couldn't bear it if even Sir Halberd left. She was very anxious.
So, was that why the scene from earlier was staged?
I sighed and nodded as if I understood. My head ached at their actions of circumventing in this way because I had rejected the Grand Duke's offer. It was fortunate that Roena's actions were contrary to the Empress's intentions.
"So, what are you going to do?"
Sir Halberd's expression darkened at my question. As if he was hurt by my words.
Why on earth?
The current me is still a novice who hasn't been involved in family affairs for long, so I'm overwhelmed just by handling the backlog of accounting work.
I was barely learning by splitting my sleeping time, let alone grasping the reality of the Order of Knights or even handling other tasks.
Therefore, I was not sure that Sir Halberd could not leave Bischwartz. I don't know how a knight tied to a family makes a contract and swears an oath. Therefore, there was no other way than to ask directly like this.
In fact, he and his father have been protecting the family for generations, but according to the imperial law that the eldest son inherits the title, Sir Halberd is generally just a knight under Lord Schilfise.
A knight from a family that is not so active in politics. And this was a fact that would not change even if he married.
He might become the head of the knights when Lord Schilfise retires later, which was a humble position compared to his widespread reputation in the empire.
Therefore, Pulcher's offer was very tempting. I would have been drawn to it if I were him. Becoming the commander of the Imperial Order of Knights means not only getting rid of the status of a common knight but also receiving at least the title of baron.
Of course, the commander of the Order of Knights representing the Imperial Palace cannot be a common knight of insignificant status.
The problem was the Empress's words that the Imperial Order of Knights would be reorganized soon, and considering that Sir Ayres was the vice-commander of the Order of Knights, it was a big deal.
The fact that the word reorganization came out of her mouth meant that they were involved in this matter, and Pulcher, who was working with the Grand Duke, could not leave the Crown Prince's sword, the Knight of Ice, alone.
Perhaps they would demote him under various pretexts, or they would leave Sir Halberd, who had been caught by the offer of a position, as his superior and try to wield him as they pleased. To bring the tip of the sword to the Crown Prince's chin.
Does the Crown Prince know this? If so, how will he solve this problem? More than that, what is the Emperor thinking when he allows this to happen?
No, will the reorganization of the Order of Knights really take place? The situation is very chaotic due to rumors of war.
"Do you remember what I told you before, Miss?"
Sir Halberd lowered his face to the back of my hand he was holding and muttered. I don't know what it was an expression of respect for, but his attitude of kissing my hand was very reverent.
I was surprised by the unexpected contact, but I had no choice but to forget to breathe at the sound that followed.
"I said I was your knight. And this is still true now. So, please tell me. You can give me an order, or you can say it because you can't resist my plea."
"......What?"
"Tell me to reject the offer."
It was clearly the sound I had been hoping for. It would have been even better if he had added that he would not only reject it but also follow my will.
But this sound didn't come out easily. I was thinking of him as a useful piece, but when I actually tried to treat him like that, it hurt as if thorns had grown on my tongue.
It was a heart that had faded due to Sir Aires. So, there was no need to hesitate any longer. But strangely, it still remained as a painful wound in one corner of my heart, making me hesitate.
The precious heart that I had cherished in my previous life became a strong shield to protect him. From the wicked heart that was trying to use him.
"What am I to say to reject the offer? However, I, I..."
I sighed and slowly continued.
"I'm just curious about your intentions."
"My thoughts, you mean?"
"Yes, I think I need to find the answer to who your true master is now."
His blue eyes shone coldly in the moonlight. Roena, with a pale blue expression, was visible behind him, having approached at some point.
Her dry eyes were trembling faintly as if she couldn't believe the current situation. It was the despair that could only be seen in someone who had been robbed of their own. So, I didn't hesitate any longer and spoke each word with strength.
"What's certain is that I need Sir Halberd. But I have no intention of ignoring your will because of this feeling. Yes, I'm saying that I will follow your choice now."
