Ch#247
**Shards of the Broken Glass Shoe**
**Chapter 247**
My mother only managed to regain consciousness half a day after fainting. As soon as she opened her eyes, she was startled, but upon finding me sitting beside her, she let out a sigh of relief.
She crawled toward me, clinging to me as she began to weep again. Her voice, pouring out like a groan, was filled only with the words, "Let’s go back."
Thus, despite Lady Roshan’s dissuasion to rest more for my mother’s sake, I immediately headed to the mansion.
Perhaps because Lady Roshan had looked after it so meticulously, the Bischwaldz mansion was remarkably intact—to the point where it was difficult to use the phrase "shattered to pieces."
Aside from the sword marks on the stairs, the replaced doors, and the bloodstains on the stone walls that hadn't been fully erased, everything was the same.
When several maids, including Marie and Seril, returned and rolled up their sleeves to start working, the previous incident felt almost like a dream. I could only feel pity for those who had met a sudden, tragic death.
I spoke to Mullang, the head maid, who had sustained a long scar on her cheek from that day, telling her she had worked hard. Upon seeing my condition, she burst into tears but said she was glad I was safe.
Marie, Seril, and the others also practically wailed at my feet. The surviving maids and servants held onto each other and cried. Everyone vented their emotions, sobbing until the floor was damp with tears.
They were expressing relief with me as their focal point. Somewhere along the line, I had become such a figure to the people of the mansion.
So, while I felt pity, I was also happy. While anger flared at the destruction of what was mine, a strange affection welled up, leaving me with a complex feeling. Thus, even though they held onto my skirts and wouldn't let go, I stood there quietly.
The incident that had scarred everyone had barely reached its end, but the heart of the one carrying those scars was just beginning, and the path ahead felt daunting. There was a mountain of work to do.
Quite a few people had died that day. Among them was my Grand Duke—my guardian. This poor man was said to have been killed by the sword of an intruder while working late.
The person who had become the head maid's recommendation for butler was the same. Most of the people who were supposed to help me work had met a violent end.
While every death was lamentable, the absence of a guardian was the most regrettable. Although most of the mansion's affairs were already conducted through my hands, the truth was that I still needed him because I had to remain hidden from public view.
There was no better shield than him... It was truly a shame. It was even more so because it was certain I would never meet such a guardian again.
Still, what had to be done had to be done, so I first granted compensation to the families of the deceased so they could hold funerals, and I began to fill the financial losses by assessing the extent of the property damage.
The building was fine, but there were countless places to repair here and there, making it chaotic. Not only did I have to appoint a new butler, but I also had to find manpower to work at the mansion again.
It was also a task to refuse invitations from people who were curious about how I, who was rumored to have gone missing, had returned so gathered.
They were all curious about what I had been doing during that time and to what level the Crown Prince's punishment for the family would end.
Understandably so, for although the war had ended and many troops led by Knight Halverd had returned, they had no choice but to shrink back when it was revealed that the one who had made the final raid on the Crown Prince was Knight Sylphice.
Active debates were already continuing within the nobility regarding this. They presented their arguments with seemingly noble reasons, but since the end of it was flattery toward the Crown Prince, tedious arguments continued every day.
What was certain was that public opinion was rapidly rising that a storm of blood would soon blow. Voices were echoing everywhere in the streets that it wouldn't be long before the guillotine was drenched in the noble blood of aristocrats.
In the midst of that, rumors were heard that the funeral for the late Emperor would soon be held. People let out sighs of relief and praised the Crown Prince's filial piety. When rumors spread that a ball celebrating the victory of the war and an awards ceremony would be held after the funeral, they were greatly heartened. It was no different from saying he wouldn't see blood immediately.
The coronation was after the ball. This meant that dealing with the traitors would happen after welcoming the new Emperor. This was because disposing of them as the Crown Prince was different from disposing of them from the position of the Emperor.
*I will wield the power given to me with certainty.* I felt as if I could hear the Crown Prince's thoughts.
So, I made up my mind to meet the Crown Prince before the ball was held. I had to make everything certain while Roena was being investigated in connection with Pulkeor’s affairs.
As I had declared to Lady Roshan, I could no longer imagine handing over House Bischwaldz even to my younger brother, Lian. If he were physically whole, it might be different, but I didn't want to push the child into a useless position and make him suffer. There was no need to hand down the sense of shame I had tasted before.
Besides, Madam de Lavallière had already visited us once and driven a nail into my mother's heart. Since the house had been shattered once and even the child who could be called the sole heir had ended up limping, her heart couldn't possibly be at peace.
This elegant and beautiful woman maintained her unique atmosphere despite being hounded by rumors that Roena was under investigation. Rather, with her finely made-up face, she put forth accusations full of malice, turning all the blame onto us.
"They say if the beginning is bad, the end is as well; since we brought in the wrong person, these unfortunate events keep happening. Tsk, tsk. But what can be done? One cannot blame the discernment of the deceased. I only deeply feel the responsibility for not being able to stop the Count's remarriage. Since the sole heir has been flawed, how can I face my dead brother? Now that things have come to this, I must at least get Roena back safely. Only then can the lineage of House Bischwaldz be maintained."
In her attitude, warning in a low voice that she must pour all her strength into rescuing Roena, there was a faint wariness toward me.
It meant that since Valerian, who had ended up limping, had become flawed, she could not afford to lose Roena as well—even though she was confined under suspicion of being involved in the rebellion.
No matter how much she was known as the 'Lady of Ladies' and a woman admired by all, she couldn't help but be dulled before her own bloodline.
When I gave a reluctant answer out of absurdity, she frowned as if even that displeased her.
This was also why Madam de Lavallière did not volunteer to become my guardian. It was from the thought that she would become a sturdy support in preparation for when Roena was released—along with her maternal family.
Indeed, it was certain that even the relatives of House Bischwaldz wouldn't dare open their mouths if the Madam stepped forward. I couldn't even manage a snort at that tearful affection.
Regardless, sympathy for Roena was slowly flowing within the social circles. It mainly arose from people who were close to House Lavallière.
Those who usually harbored feelings of admiration for Roena also accepted their words and defended her fervently. They said there was no way Roena, who had an angelic and generous nature, would dare commit such a horrific act.
The words that she was merely a victim who had been used by the Empress tickled everyone's ears.
Of course, even if they spoke like this, everything would be decided by the Crown Prince's judgment. No matter how much we chattered among ourselves, if he didn't want it, we had no choice but to follow quietly.
Was he not the one who already held the throat of the noble faction—the Empress's side had the strongest influence there—due to the rebellion? If he ascended to the throne of the Emperor like this, there was a high possibility he would become a monarch with even stronger power than the late Emperor.
Already, there were plenty of people flattering him here and there to look good in his eyes. Therefore, while public opinion was overflowing, those who bravely stepped forward to save her were rare.
The Crown Prince I had seen so far was not one to stand by and watch those who had harmed him. His direct confrontation with the Empress was proof of that.
An ordinary person might have pinned the blame only on the Grand Duke, swayed by maternal affection, but the Crown Prince, upon returning to the Capital, was remorseless. He immediately distributed the Grand Duke's sketches to begin a pursuit and simultaneously confined the Empress to the palace.
He imprisoned all the maids Pulkeor had used like her own limbs and provided only a new few, enough not to feel discomfort, forcing her to lead a life no different from a prison.
Even if people around him whispered that he was cold-hearted, he didn't blink an eye. Most of the Kieran family, which could be called his maternal side, had already been dragged away and were confined in cold prison cells.
Therefore, no matter how strong the sympathy grew, it could not lead to pressure on the Crown Prince. They only kept stoking the fire and watching his reaction.
This was also why Madam de Lavallière kept meeting me, who maintained a close relationship with the Crown Prince, to bring up talk about Roena.
Every time she did, I feigned ignorance, turned my gaze, and let the words slide. I soothed the Madam, who was fuming, by making the excuse that it was a priority to build a firmer foundation before Roena returned.
When I shrank back as if I were merely an acting head and that all of the Madam's words were correct, she finally wore a gentle smile.
"Your deceased stepfather would be very proud to see you like this. Indeed. Shouldn't you protect Roena? Yes, blood must come first. Of course. Still, I am relieved that you are behaving well. I won't have to interfere with you anymore. I didn't expect wisdom or sagacity, but I hoped you would at least know your place, and I am truly glad."
It was a great relief that the Madam could not fathom my inner thoughts. If she knew I was trembling with anxiety that the Crown Prince might release Roena on a whim, she wouldn't be able to say such things.
Thinking of how she had become the Crown Princess before, it wasn't a groundless delusion. There was no law saying the destiny that made the Crown Prince the winner wouldn't touch that as well.
So, I kept all my senses sharp and watched the Imperial Palace. I signed a contract with Jack, who had found me again, and had him gather all information related to Roena.
Simultaneously, I spread hero stories about Rade Relshin through the streets. By framing him as a true hero, I made it so the Crown Prince could not ignore me. People were excited by the story of a fallen noble who became the savior of the Crown Prince's life and praised his bravery.
Before I knew it, plays featuring Rade Relshin as the protagonist were being popularly performed in the streets.
Time flowed relentlessly, and the atmosphere of the Capital, which had been nothing but chaotic, stabilized considerably. Previously, the faces of people walking the streets were filled with anxiety, but now there were even merchants raising their voices to attract customers.
House Bischwaldz had also recovered to some extent, though not to its previous prosperity, and the scent of people living there began to return. While Roena's room remained empty, my mother was bedridden, and Lian's foot was heavily wrapped in bandages, we were gradually making up for the financial losses.
The Crown Prince was so incredibly busy until just before the funeral that even Lady Roshan found it difficult to see his face.
Knight Aires also spent repeated nights in the palace, reorganizing the Imperial knights and troops.
Only his hair, which he had sent neatly wrapped in a gift box—until then I had forgotten about the hair he had given me—revived the previous fond emotions.
I sent snacks through a maid as a return gift, but only the words that she couldn't enter because the palace's guard was so strict returned.
Afterward, Knight Aires sent a letter saying he was sorry, but through this work, I could feel once again how fiercely the Imperial Palace was moving.
Lusette Roshan moved as restlessly as they did. She ran diligently through the social circles and began to weed out all those who had been close to Pulkeor.
With Lady Roshan at the lead, tea times and gatherings were held little by little, and as all sorts of insults and checks against opponents occurred frequently, women fell at her feet and watched her reaction.
At this time, even the daughter of Duke Dibenzel was no match for Lady Roshan, who had the Crown Prince at her back.
From Irene de Debonzel's perspective, it must have been a very pride-damaging thing. It wasn't only House Rosan that had suppressed the rebellion, yet all the credit had gone solely to Lusette Roshan's side.
So, she politely requested that I attend a tea time she was hosting. She stoked emotions by mentioning the memories of our previous bond at the hunting grounds. I gladly accepted her invitation.
The Duke's mansion, which I visited after a long time, was no different from before. The members I had seen then were also the same. No, if anything, new faces had increased, but almost nothing had changed.
Lady Sorin, who had reminded me of Roena, and her best friend Lady Beolin, were also the same. It felt as if only I had changed.
I received the hospitality of Irene de Debonzel and sat by her side. Considering the past, it was a treatment far too honorable.
The daughter of the Duke was kind to me throughout. Not only did she personally hand me refreshments, but she also tried harder than anyone to listen to my words.
It was surprising that the girl who used to sit like a queen on high, scattering impartial affection, was suddenly acting like this.
It was especially so seeing her flaunt affection as if we had never been distant. Was the pressure she felt from Lady Roshan that great?
"We used to be closer before. I even said I wanted to be like an older sister to you. Do you remember? It’s truly lamentable how things have become like this. That must all be due to my lack of virtue."
At the daughter's words, Lady Sorin snorted and replied.
"That’s all because of Lady Roshan. Lady Bischwaldz just has a soft heart and was being toyed with by her. Since Knight Aires is her lover, she had no choice. Poor Lady Bischwaldz. How hard must it have been to be by that fierce woman's side? If it were me, I would have fled to this side long ago. Look at how she’s behaving now. She’s acting arrogantly as if she’s become the Empress herself. She really has no shame."
Lady Sorin, whom I saw after a long time, was still thoughtless. Her time seemed to have stopped on that day she had secretly visited my bedroom.
Seeing her stubbornly say what she wanted to say even though Lady Beolin was horrified and signaling her, it was clear. Her unfiltered, raw language was far from what could be considered noble behavior.
But no one despised such a lady or scolded her for not knowing manners. Since she was saying the words they couldn't say, they had no choice.
Some even hid their faces with fans and laughed lowly as if it were refreshing. The daughter of the Duke said "Lady" as if she were troubled, but it was merely a formal dissuasion.
"No, really. Is there anyone who doesn't know she stayed stubbornly by the Crown Prince's side aiming for the position of Empress? Even though her beauty, family, and wisdom are all inferior to the daughter of Duke Dibenzel, she is truly shameless beyond belief. I wonder if she ever learned the word 'shame' when she was young; her face is so thick. I’m thinking of sending her the vocabulary book I used to use as a gift."
Irene de Debonzel did not deny Lady Sorin's words. She only drank tea while wearing a faint smile. Whether that was agreement or due to embarrassment, there was no way to know.
However, what was certain was that she was casting her gaze toward the position of Empress. Otherwise, there was no way the title 'Empress' would be mentioned so naturally.
For me, it was a very interesting situation. Since Pulkeor had fallen, there was no reason to narrow my vision by clinging only to the Crown Prince or Lady Roshan, and since the daughter of Duke Dibenzel was not only making contact on her own but even revealing her inner thoughts, how could I not be glad? Seeing everyone hiding their faces with fans and slowly revealing their inner thoughts was like watching a comedy.
"Everyone's views cannot be the same. But I won't deny that such signs were visible from before. Lady Roshan must realize now that her actions are making her look pathetic."
"Even Pulkeor, who is currently confined in the palace, reigned but did not dominate. That was the natural custom. But Lady Roshan seems to want to suppress us under her feet."
"I wonder why His Highness is just letting it be?"
At someone's question, the daughter of the Duke put down her teacup and answered in a calm voice.
"He seems to want to organize the inside and outside clearly. Pulkeor's power within the social circle was quite great. But this kind of forced suppression always invites everyone's backlash. I know Lady Roshan to be a very clever person, so I don't know why she’s making such an unreasonable move. Lady Sise, do you happen to know anything?"
I wore a soft smile and shook my head.
"It’s been a long time since I’ve met Lady Roshan as well. So there is nothing I know."
"Oh, then you probably don't even know that you’ve come here. If she finds out later, she’ll be quite disappointed."
"Well, I am a person far too lacking to satisfy all of Lady Roshan's requirements. I only feel regretful."
At my reply, the daughter's eyes flashed with a cunning light. She was not missing the opening I had intentionally provided.
"Wouldn't Knight Aires be troubled in the middle? I have never seen a knight as kind and deep-thinking as him. The friendship between Lady Roshan and the Knight of Ice is already well-established within the Empire."
"Oh my, then I must shrink back even more and hide the fact that I attended today's gathering. So Lady, please forgive my rudeness."
"Is it indeed Lady Roshan who concerns you? I understand. Since she did what I couldn't, how could it be otherwise? I only lament that our bond did not grow deeper."
"Good heavens, Lady, do not say such unfortunate things. You’ve misunderstood my words. I only expressed concern that Knight Aires might be told he betrayed friendship because of me."
When I offered an indirect reply that I was not following Lady Roshan and that Knight Aires could easily betray something like friendship for me, she laughed softly. Her deeply curved eyes burning with ambition showed that my words had pleased her quite a bit.
"Dear me, I cannot help but offer words of comfort. Well, what would be good?"
I answered in a calm tone, as if whispering.
"I am merely content with being a Bischwaldz."
Irene de Debonzel countered, "Then we must meet in the study soon." Only then did I realize that the ambition regarding the Empress was not something she alone dreamed of. Duke Dibenzel himself was planning for it.
I didn't know why he would push his lovely daughter into the hell known as the Crown Prince, but that was their business and nothing for me to concern myself with. I only needed to take my own profit.
So, I nodded slightly and gave a bright smile.
"It is an honor."
Never before had the taste of tea felt as sweet as honey as it did today.
