Ch#252
**Shards of the Broken Glass Shoe**
In the noble world, I, Sise de Bischwaltz, stand in a very interesting position.
Should I be called an issue-maker, or simply someone who happens to stand at the center of rumors?
A girl who would have been weeded out long ago in a jungle-like social circle if not for her unusual background was on everyone's tongue like a seasonal delicacy. Even if, in the end, it was rarely in a positive light.
To them, I was nothing more than a lowly existence, far removed from any sense of reverence.
Respect was reserved only for those with noble blood; a lineage mixed with common blood that had lost its pride was no different from a commoner.
Thus, the ridicule and admiration given to me were only a hair's breadth apart. Had someone like Lady Roshan not been by my side, I would have been buried within the social circle long ago.
A girl who became a young lady of a count's house by luck thanks to her mother. A girl who led House Bischwaldz in place of the deceased Count. A girl who stood beside the Crown Prince, favored by Lady Roshan. A girl who stole the heart of Michael Aires.
The Sise de Bischwaltz reflected in people's eyes existed in a world surrounded entirely by the halo of others.
This made me appear to others as an exceptionally lucky person. Therefore, ordinary nobles did not even bother to recognize my value or dare to try. They were filled with prejudice.
However, the words spat out by Rade Relshin were enough to remind everyone of my value once again. It was a jackpot-like opportunity as well. A marriage with the eldest daughter of a count's house—it was no different from a declaration that he would become the Count of Bischwaltz.
Suddenly, the silence broke, and people moved simultaneously as if by agreement. The women fanned themselves rapidly to show their excitement, and the men stroked their beards, openly displaying a mixture of interest, dissatisfaction, contempt, and shock.
All these emotions were poured toward me, disguised as Rade Relshin, with stares so intense it felt as if my body would be pierced.
Understandably so, for while the Crown Prince had offered his benefactor a reward close to a one-time use, he had chosen a method to grasp profit, power, honor, and wealth all at once.
As if his previous modesty had been a lie for this moment, he dared to let his greedy tongue wag, revealing his ambition overtly.
Even if fallen, he was the scion of a noble house—moreover, a hero who had saved the person who would soon ascend to the throne of Emperor—so his wish was somewhat plausible.
It was no wonder people around were whispering with a snort, "His Highness was indeed as stingy as a miser."
Until now, the Crown Prince had devalued the merits of the noble faction under the pretext of checking their power. For one who would become the monarch of the Empire, it was an incredibly petty and base reward. For the "pigs" who wanted to profit dozens of times more than the effort they put in, this discrimination was an infuriating situation.
However, they could not easily express their dissatisfaction. They were blocked by the invincible shield of the rebellion. Until the heads of those involved fell, this was the absolute line, the law itself. It was a supreme weapon that not even a creator god would dare touch.
But I was different. No standard applied to me. Rather, I—no, Rade Relshin—was one who had to remain as a precedent to prove the Crown Prince's generosity and mercy.
Otherwise, the criteria for the previous awarding of merits would be shaken. From the perspective of the Crown Prince, who had to catch two birds—checking power and ensuring loyalty—with one stone, it was a very troublesome situation.
Above all, was I not the one he had brought in and personally made his attendant? Although my existence was being denied before everyone's eyes right now, the fact that the Crown Prince was the origin of everything could not be denied.
This was exactly why those who knew Rade Relshin was a woman remained silent. Unless they intended to damage their master's reputation, it was better to simply stand still for now.
However, someone, feeling resentful, shouted out as if protesting. It was unpleasant to see a fallen young master try to become a count by catching a woman well.
"Are you not being too greedy? A barony should be enough, but where do you dare! You have no shame, absolutely none!"
At that, Duke Dibenzel glared and retorted.
"Where do I dare?! Do you consider His Highness's life so light that it cannot be compared to the title of a fallen house? Moreover, what is the problem with reviving a fallen count's house? Do you wish to say the ability of the one I sponsor is insignificant?!"
At his defense, the ballroom fell quiet again. Perhaps intimidated by the blatant favoritism, the back-talk toward me significantly decreased. People retreated, avoiding my gaze.
The noble faction, led by Duke Dibenzel, thrust their heads forward toward the seat of honor as if in challenge. Their faces were filled with triumph, as if they were quite looking forward to how the Crown Prince would handle his own mistake.
If he did not grant a reward of this magnitude, there would be no one to be loyal to him in the future, so only a forced choice remained.
*Now, what will you do? Say something.*
I also looked at the Crown Prince with a smile. Having never seen him wear such an expression in either my previous or current life, this moment was utterly ecstatic.
A thrilling joy, intoxicated by victory, wrapped around my body. It was even more so as I watched Lady Roshan, who stood beside him unable to say a word.
Ironically, this entire situation was provided by the Crown Prince. Had he not tried to trample my wish using the reward as a pretext, everything would have gone according to his will.
But he tried to satisfy his greed until the end, and that returned to choke him. Rade Relshin, who had been nothing more than a human lucky charm, had become a sword aimed at him. So, could there be a more interesting situation in the world?
After a moment, the Crown Prince finally opened his mouth to speak. His voice was quite cold, as if harboring irritation. Anyone could tell that the Crown Prince's mood was currently at a low point.
"As the Duke says, since you saved me, could I not give you just one woman? But is that not an altogether unexpected request? I do not know what you believe in to step forward so boldly. Thus, I am very displeased."
"I believe in Your Highness. Did you not previously promise to grant me any reward?"
"I? I have no idea what you are talking about."
"You even put your seal on a paper containing the promise and gave it to this humble servant. To think you do not remember it."
The paper I was referring to was the one the late Emperor had promised, containing the content that he would give House Bischwaldz to me.
If I revealed this, the nobles would immediately rise in protest, and as a way to quiet their dissatisfaction, he would have no choice but to grant Rade Relshin's request—after all, is it not better than a woman becoming a countess?—so it was a threat to go along with it gracefully since things had turned out this way.
At that, the Crown Prince let out a short exclamation as if it were absurd. His deeply furrowed brow was tinged with rage. Understandably so, for when had he ever received a threat like this?
Moreover, from me, whom he thought was a puppet in his hand. Since it was like being bitten by a dog he thought he had tamed, he couldn't help but be angry.
"Do you dare doubt my memory?"
"How could that be? I only hope you grant me the grace to read the contents Your Highness promised."
As I made a gesture as if to pull something from my chest, the Crown Prince's brow narrowed even further.
The murmuring of the people around was also growing. Because although the Crown Prince kept trying to deny my words, it was I who showed actions closer to the truth, so they thought he was lying again.
"Has that young master done something to displease His Highness? Why does he keep acting that way? He is the benefactor who saved his life."
"No, even I would be displeased if someone suddenly asked for a count's title. I don't know where he came from, but he dares to try and swallow House Bischwaldz by using the name of a house that's already ruined? He has no conscience."
"But he is the hero who saved the person who will become Emperor. Shouldn't he receive at least that much?"
"Even Knight Aires is staying quiet, so what... House Rosan received too much benefit. And a man from an insignificant house no one has heard of suddenly becoming a count and entering politics... it's deeply unpleasant, isn't it?"
Ignoring their words, I turned my gaze to look at Roena. Her face, turned pale as she clutched the Madam's hand, was like that of a child whose toy was about to be taken away.
Well, she likely couldn't believe it. It must be so, since a man who suddenly appeared had declared he would take House Bischwaldz.
Not without reason, for by now, Madam de Lavallière or Roena's maternal family should have rightfully spat out their opposition toward me. Although it was a house that had almost reached ruin without a focal point, was it not a count's house? It was not a position to be talked about so carelessly.
But they were quiet. When House Bischwaldz was mentioned as the price for the Crown Prince's life, the house had already left their hands. If they spoke out of turn here, they might suffer a great disaster instead.
Moreover, since a situation could arise where Roena might be mentioned as a partner for Rade Relshin instead of me, they had no choice but to watch quietly. They couldn't give Roena, the true bloodline of House Bischwaldz, to a man with an insignificant name like Relshin. For them, who had no proper political power, this was the best they could do.
The Madam whispered something into Roena's ear. Was she comforting her? But Roena kept shaking her head, her face distorted as if she were about to burst into tears. Her eyes, filled with a mixture of disappointment and resentment, turned toward me. She was furious with me.
*You're holding out better than I thought. I expected you to wail and faint...*
Suppressing a smirk, I turned my head back to the Crown Prince. It was just as he was about to open his mouth.
"Yes, it seems I remember it now. No, I remember it quite clearly. So you do not need to pull out the paper and read it."
The Crown Prince's eyes flashed with a cunning light as he surveyed everyone. His face was already beginning to regain its composure.
"I shall not deny that your request is a matter that can be granted. However, even on humanitarian grounds, should we not first ask for Knight Aires' opinion? To respect him, who is my friend and my sword."
The Crown Prince shifted the decision to the Knight of Ice, sliding away from it. It was a cowardly act.
He was committing this act because he knew that Knight Aires was devoted to me. Indeed, who would simply hand over their lover to another man? Unless one were mad, it would never happen.
People began to imagine with curious expressions how Michael Aires would suppress Rade Relshin. Some women said they were already excited to see what kind of elegant declaration of war he would make to the young master who didn't know his place.
*So, it ends up like this.*
I met Knight Aires' gaze. My mouth went dry with anxiety and apology.
Thinking of the memory when he said he would become Michael Bischwaltz rather than Michael Aires made it even more so.
Even if he said his will was mine, he wouldn't have expected a situation like this, so he must have been hurt. Even more so because he knew I would turn away from him to have House Bischwaldz.
Our gazes entangled in the air. As if he were intentionally managing his expression to reassure me, Knight Aires' face was only peaceful. In his eyes, there was no such thing as the sorrow or anger of a man about to have his lover taken away. He was merely calm.
*Why? Ah...!*
I barely managed to swallow the exclamation that threatened to burst out. Because I felt I knew what he was thinking, I got goosebumps.
*You, right now for me... I mean for me, Michael Aires, you...!*
Soon, the Knight of Ice opened his mouth, and words that shocked everyone flowed out.
"A monarch's promise is supreme and must be kept. Therefore, Your Highness, please do as he wishes. Lady Bischwaldz will also understand my decision."
In an instant, the hall buzzed loudly. People blinked their eyes wide and gaped as if they had misheard. From here and there, voices of "What did we just hear?" followed in succession.
The one who showed the greatest reaction was, of course, the Crown Prince. He shouted Knight Aires' name loudly, expressing his rage. Who could have predicted that Michael Aires would give up Sise de Bischwaltz? It was a case of being betrayed by someone he trusted.
"Michael Aires! How could you!"
"Though it is an excessive reward, I believe such treatment must be given. I believe it must be done to spread Your Highness's generosity and mercy far and wide. Therefore, though my heart feels as if it is breaking, I shall endure it."
At the loyalty of giving up even his lover for the Crown Prince's reputation, people lost their words and let out hollow laughs.
Was the talk that the Knight of Ice had melted a lie? Is his heart indeed ice? Is he saying he will support the next Emperor even while throwing away his pride as a man?
"I didn't see Knight Aires that way, but he was quite a cruel man."
"With this, his reputation will drop significantly. Who would want to be his lover after seeing such behavior?"
From here and there, criticisms that Michael Aires was also nothing more than a man filled with ambition were flowing. There were many comments that they had expected a heated exchange but were disappointed by such a one-sided acceptance.
Some prattled that it was better for everyone that he become the Count of Bischwaltz and engage in commerce rather than a new noble backed by a Duke appearing like a comet in the political world.
What was certain was that Michael Aires' honor had been dragged into the mire.
There were also gazes mixed with sympathy for Sise de Bischwaltz. Words flowed that she was pitiful, having to marry a distant relative youth regardless of her own will. There were also stories that she would be deeply hurt, having been abandoned by her lover.
However, no one raised their voice for me to protest that it was an unfair decision. Because in the noble world, a noblewoman was originally meant for such purposes. Now, I was no different from Rade Relshin's woman.
"Knight Aires has made a very great decision. As expected of Your Highness's sword. Your Highness, Knight Aires has made a great sacrifice for you; now you must make a resolute decision. He is a hero. A brave man who protected the future of the Empire. Please award him grandly and make him an example."
Duke Dibenzel did not miss this moment and shouted loudly as if to drive in a nail. Laughing heartily and looking around, he was truly like a weathered old fox.
As he opened the way, other nobles followed, bowing their heads and saying that Rade Relshin should be made the Count of House Bischwaldz.
Of course, the Crown Prince could have exerted his authority here and forced another title.
But since he had dragged the matter out even to the point of asking for Knight Aires' opinion, it was not good even for his own reputation to say something else now.
Since Rade Relshin had directly wanted Sise, mentioning Roena was also an inappropriate method in the current situation.
It was only natural for a hollow laugh to escape at his uncharacteristic self-defeat. The Crown Prince glared with a cold gaze at Knight Aires, who had betrayed his will, and then finally opened his mouth.
The voice flowing deep, like a wounded beast growling, was as chilling as the darkness.
"Knight Aires' loyalty is enough to bring tears to one's eyes. Since things have come to this, I have no choice but to accept. Young master Relshin, your wish shall be fulfilled. It is a natural reward for saving my life. I must congratulate the birth of a new Count."
It was a defeat for the Crown Prince and Lady Roshan.
I bowed my head to express my gratitude. And I smiled brightly at Lady Roshan, who was looking at me with a face turned pale as a sheet. I moved my lips to ask soundlessly:
*'You said you wished for my happiness, right? Am I still Lusette's friend?'*
Lusette Roshan did not answer. She stared at me for a long time, then helplessly bowed her head. Her appearance was no different from a dog with its tail between its legs.
At that moment, Duke Dibenzel laughed loudly and lightly tapped my shoulder. Other nobles who followed him gathered around me, saying congratulations and requesting a handshake. Some even said it was a natural reward and suggested meeting often in the social circle from now on.
I replied to them with a modest expression.
"I am grateful for your words, but as my health is not good, it will be difficult for me to be active often. Likely, it will be overwhelming just to pull the house together."
I was saying that although I received the Duke's sponsorship, I would not be deeply involved in politics, so they should not worry. At that, the faces of the Crown Prince's faction nobles brightened.
Since they did not want me, cross-dressed as I was, to disturb the order of the Empire, they were quite relieved by my current answer.
A Count in name only—what a sweet phrase. Some even went so far as to praise me indirectly, saying I knew my place well.
I looked again at Roena, who stood among the people surrounding me, looking as if she were about to faint.
She was trembling, despairing at the sight of her dream, which had been so large just a moment ago, shattered in an instant.
Madam de Lavallière, who stood beside her, bit her lip in resentment, then opened her eyes wide at someone's whisper. She turned her head with difficulty, as if moving a rusted body, and looked at me.
*Ah, it seems you've only just heard that I am Sise?*
I gave a kind smile toward the Madam. And I moved my lips to provoke her soundlessly.
Since the truth everyone knew had only now become known to her, how could I not be glad? Officially, Rade Relshin had become the Count of Bischwaltz, but the one who truly held that house was Sise de Bischwaltz.
Previously, when the old tigress had visited the Count's mansion, a snake had bitten her leg. Very secretly.
Perhaps that poison was finally taking effect now, as the Madam slid backward. People screamed while calling her name, and Roena finally burst into a sorrowful wail.
Everyone was bewildered by the hall that had suddenly become noisy.
I said to the worried people as if it were a joke, "It seems the Madam's health is not good."
It was a perfect awarding of merits.
***
After some time, Duke Dibenzel took me to a secluded spot under the pretext of a cigar. The appearance of passionately introducing me to other nobles with a face full of trust had vanished, and he was in a very subdued state.
"Is the talk that you won't enter politics true?"
I replied in a casual tone to the Duke's words, which were filled with disappointment.
"Rade Bischwaltz is enough. It was originally a house engaged in commerce anyway."
"Are you anxious that your identity might be discovered? Do not worry. With me here, who would dare to persecute you?"
In politics, the beginning is everything. One must lay the foundation well when they have strength for the future to be comfortable. The reason the Crown Prince was trying so hard to suppress the noble faction now was for this very reason.
From Duke Dibenzel's perspective, he was desperate for even one more person. Since the strength of the nobles had decreased due to the rebellion, it was a struggle just to block the Crown Prince. And there was no more useful card than me, who had feet in both the noble and Crown Prince's factions.
I shook my head at his words.
"If it is His Highness the Crown Prince, he can. Have you not already seen it? His intent."
The Crown Prince was a cruel and ruthless man. There was a high possibility he would not forget today and would retaliate.
Since his pride had been greatly damaged because of me, how could it be otherwise? Perhaps even because of Knight Aires, he would try to put shackles on my feet.
Therefore, it was better to stay out of sight using illness as an excuse. I had finally become equal, so there was no reason to be caught again.
"Moreover, have you not seen? Whose side Knight Aires took. So I must avoid it even more. Sise de Bischwaltz has become a card they cannot throw away just because of Knight Aires."
"Then what do you intend to do?"
"I must go about in my original form."
"Do you mean you will help me by my daughter's side?"
I nodded at his words and replied.
"Rade Bischwaltz will become the most frail and least present Count in the history of the Empire. He will feel guilt for separating his cousin Sise from her lover and will try to do whatever his sister says. Before long, talk will arise that 'Rade Relshin is Sise de Bischwaltz's puppet'."
"And within a few years, she will become a widow."
"After Your Grace has achieved what you want."
Duke Dibenzel then laughed heartily as if satisfied. He stroked his beard as if impressed, then reached out and requested a handshake.
He was still treating me as Rade Relshin. That point was truly respectable.
"I feel sorry for unintentionally trampling on Knight Aires' pure heart. But it is truly impressive. How were you able to melt the heart of the Knight of Ice?"
"Well, the answer to that will be shown by Rade Relshin in the future."
"It's a shame my daughter couldn't see and learn from this. By the way, when is the Lady Bischwaldz, who is to be your wife, arriving?"
"Would it not be after the young master Relshin, who is in poor health, disappears?"
At my reply, Duke Dibenzel laughed aloud. He expressed his friendliness by lightly tapping my shoulder and said he looked forward to working with me. I bowed my head and muttered, "And I as well."