24 - Pieces of the Broken Glass Slipper
Shattered Glass Slipper Shards Episode 24
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Since I began receiving instruction from Madame de Lavalier, the demeanor of the Bishvarts Family's maids began to subtly change.
The attitude of the group centered around Margo became particularly amusing. Perhaps they had expected me to be disgraced by Madame de Lavalier, as they seemed flustered by my spending most of the day with her.
According to Marie, who was observing their sentiments, Margo was very disappointed with Madame de Lavalier's attitude in accepting me, and was angry that I had made a debut of sorts through this exhibition hall.
“Because of that, the glares directed at me are so intense I can barely stand it. What should I do?”
Marie, who was cautiously observing my reaction, made her small complaint. I gently stroked her shoulder and said, taking a small gold ring from my jewelry box and placing it in her hand.
“There won't be many maids in this mansion who are favored by Margo. Gather the children who are in the same position as you, those who are outside her gaze. Do you understand what I mean? Since you have a common enemy, it won't be difficult to become friends.”
Margo, being human, would naturally favor only those who perfectly suited her tastes. Naturally, she would share the choice cuts of meat only with those children, and would not even spare a glance for others.
In truth, why would someone in her position need to be kind, caring about the eyes of others? Especially with Roena backing her, there would be no reason to do so.
These were the people I needed. The lambs who had not received Margo's favor. Hyenas, their fangs sharpened by hunger. I desperately needed these lowly beasts, ravenously pouncing towards the meat.
If it were me now, I could hold their hands anytime. This was all because of Lavalliere. It was all possible simply because she was teaching me.
The benefits I gained from being with Madame de Lavalier were beyond imagination. Not only was my standing within the Bishvarts Family steadily being established, but socialites who had connections with Madame de Lavalier were also showing interest in me.
In particular, there was no greater achievement than the fact that those with influence in aristocratic society were seeing me as ‘Cishe de Bishwaltz’.
At least, these people would surely see me as Cishe of the Bishvarts Family, not as my mother’s daughter.
In the past, it was quite difficult for me to form friendships with aristocrats. There were no people more sensitive to rumors than those in high society, and unfortunately, they already held prejudices against me before I had even made my debut.
A foolish girl of humble origins. A woman utterly useless except for those who approached her to mock her. I was the subject of all their jeers.
The story of the angelically kind and beautiful younger sister and the uselessly flamboyant, ugly older sister was enough to pique everyone's interest. As was the sight of them burning with animosity towards her.
But what about now? Despite having no acquaintances in the aristocratic world due to my humble status, haven't I received an invitation asking if I would attend the falconry?
Written in elegant script on the outside of the letter was undoubtedly ‘Cishe de Bishwaltz’, my name.
I touched the part where my name was written with trembling fingers. The memory of how I had grudgingly pestered Roena to let me tag along to the falconry, though I hadn't been invited, resurfaced, and I almost let out a laugh.
I opened the drawer and put the letter inside. Then, I asked Marie, who was standing behind me, in a gentle tone.
“Marie, where are the falcons kept by the mansion?”
Roena did not like falconry. Nevertheless, she accepted every invitation because her friends liked to go to the hunting grounds with the young lords.
After all, all they did at the hunting grounds was go into the tents set up by the sweating servants and chat, so what fun could they find there? It would be a miracle if they didn't scream in surprise at the insects buzzing around them.
Occasionally, there were young ladies who would offer words of encouragement to a young lord they fancied or bravely let fly a falcon, but this was extremely rare.
The only ones who enjoyed themselves at the hunting grounds were the young lords who participated in falconry with the help of servants.
Despite this, many young ladies—most of whom had not yet debuted into society—attended the falconry because of the participants, who boasted a splendid lineup. It was even called a ‘miniature high society’.
Especially after the rumor spread that a duke's daughter frequently participated in falconry, participation in it increased. Because of this, there were whispers that invitations were sent out selectively based on status.
Roena was a regular guest whenever falconry was held. It was due to her own reputation, as well as the fact that many young ladies wanted to see Lustewin Halberd, known as the sword of the Bishvarts Family.
For many ladies, there was no greater source of pride than having a knight escorting them. After all, what more charming story could there be than the setting where the lady of a coveted, magnificent knight was oneself?
Lustewin Halberd was such a man. He was a perfect gentleman, possessing outstanding skill that earned him the title Knight of Clear Hearing, and a beautiful appearance that could stir women's hearts.
He had a polite and courteous demeanor, a serious personality and character, and was no less learned. He was truly a knight among knights, possessing both literary and martial prowess.
Such a man would protect them in a forest where predators might emerge, taking charge of their escort. What could be more heart-pounding than this?
Therefore, when the past Roena no longer accepted invitations to the hunting grounds, many young ladies complained of their disappointment at not being able to see him.
My adoptive father was very pleased that I had been invited to the hunting grounds. Therefore, I did not heed Madame de Lavalier's advice, which disapproved of this outing. Instead, he made thorough preparations so that I could enjoy myself at the hunting grounds.
My own horse, the currently fashionable riding attire, a personal knight, and a couple of maids to accompany me—everything was the same as Roena's.
However, her knight was Lustewin Halberd.
