Ch#263
Fragment of the Broken Glass Slipper Side Story 1 Episode 8
Of course, Cisse's action was not a fearless provocation. It was an attitude possible only because no one knew the Emperor's pride as well as she did.
As Cisse said, if both the Emperor and Sir Ailes gave her gifts, the topic would undoubtedly center on her lover. It was a calculated remark to exploit that.
A hardcore egoist like the Emperor would never endure such humiliation—of his carefully prepared gift being overshadowed.
And her prediction hit the mark perfectly, creating the miracle of the Emperor stepping back.
"No, I can't pour cold water on Sir Ailes's hard-earned courage to prepare a gift. I'll send it separately to House Bischwaltz later."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
People blinked in stunned silence at how easily it ended. Amid the sea of bewilderment, only Sir Ailes moved freely.
Regardless of others' expressions, he knelt immediately and kissed the back of Cisse's hand.
"Hoping you become the fairest flower of society, I wish to present the gift I've prepared to you, Cisse."
At Sir Ailes's gesture, his attendant appeared as if waiting, carrying a tray with several boxes. Whether knowing what he'd prepared or not, all held their breath, ready to receive the perfect artwork in his hands.
They gasped in admiration when the boxes opened to reveal a necklace, bracelet, and earrings.
The alexandrite, near golden-brown, boasted perfect form under the artisan's delicate touch. The women shot envious glances at jewels fit for imperial possession.
And when Sir Ailes personally fitted the earrings in her ears, clasped the necklace and bracelet, they let out sighs near moans, heads bowed. Witnessing the scene made them feel like mere foils for Cisse de Bischwaltz, stirring self-loathing.
The great Emperor felt the same. He stared at Ailes and Cisse with coldly burning eyes, clenching his fist hard. Despite nails digging deep into his palm, drawing blood, he focused on suppressing his rage.
"If my tongue were but a little smoother, I would praise my lady you with the most beautiful words and joyfully sing of today's delight. Lacking that skill, I offer these crude items instead—please accept them graciously."
The attendant's list still held more names. People destined for the greeting grave. Thus, dragging this out was a nuisance to all.
But envy twisted their bodies briefly before they swallowed rising resentment, wondering when Michael Ailes would show such a side again, waiting for Cisse's reaction.
No sane person would refuse, but her bold stance before the Emperor moments ago was so shocking it sparked hopes for a twist.
Regrettably, Cisse de Bischwaltz nodded shyly, and the two clasped hands intimately, retreating into their own world heedless of stares.
The noblewomen, gazes dripping honey till the floor pooled, sighed unwittingly at Sir Ailes escorting Cisse to a dim hall corner with such affection.
How they missed Michael Aires's cold demeanor toward all.
That was likely everyone's deepest wish now.
Thus, no one noticed Lysette Rosan gazing at the Emperor with eyes mixed pity and sorrow. Nor the blood trickling from his palm.
***
"Is it alright for us to slip away like this?"
Cisse de Bischwaltz asked Michael puzzledly. Recalling past memories, she felt deeply flustered by the current situation. In her previous life's debutante, she'd been stuck in a hall corner, unable to leave.
Thus, she felt uneasy at Sir Ailes naturally leading her to the palace garden.
Just leaving might have been fine, but had she provoked the Emperor, unsettling him?
'What if he uses it as an excuse? Should I have stayed quiet?'
She bit her lip unwittingly, worrying. But anyone would have stepped up then. Otherwise, Sir Ailes would have clashed with the Emperor. Cisse didn't want him opposing the Emperor for her anymore.
She could escape with excuses, but as Knight Commander, Sir Ailes was bound to face him inevitably. Better a less dangerous situation.
"Weren't you scared earlier yourself?"
Swallowing "Facing that dog-like Emperor," Michael forced a smile, observing Cisse's expression. His lady had wisely provoked the Emperor's pride, smoothly resolving it.
Praiseworthy, yet bittersweet as she'd protected him—like he'd protected her.
'When have I ever needed someone's help like this?'
He felt happy yet fearful that this petite, lovely woman had stepped up for him. If the Emperor had crushed his pride to pressure her, disaster might have struck.
"You'll protect me, right?"
Cisse gazed at him with clear eyes, uttering the unexpected. Her voice held no tremor.
"So I protected you, Sir Ailes—Mel."
Michael Aires clutched his chest as emotion surged. Indescribable感动 made his body tremble. Pure感動.
How had a relationship where she'd said "use me" evolved this way?
No past hurts, yet joy swelled that she now gave for him.
Since rising as a famed swordsman, no one had said they'd protect him. He'd protected, never received aid.
Michael Aires suppressed the urge to embrace and kiss her fiercely, clinging to reason. Sating desire seeing her anxious would make him no better than scum.
"But did I trouble you instead, Mel?"
"Why think that? Not at all."
"But Mel, you know how persistent he is."
Well aware of that bastard's persistence, Michael smiled forcibly. He reassured her. Tormented so long, she showed near-phobia at the Emperor's name.
'Yet she bravely stepped up for me? Despite fear. Purely for me!'
How could she be so lovable? Love usually faded in months, yet his deepened. Michael found his sweetly ripening emotions startling, frightening.
One-sided courtship barely accepted? His love shone brilliantly yet darkly dual.
Even now, pity for her trembling fragility stirred the impulse to embrace selfishly. Cursing his baseness, he gently wrapped her shoulders.
"But Cisse, know he can't treat me rashly. So worry not."
"If only. Mel, don't dismiss my concern as groundless. Women read emotions more keenly sometimes. Especially since you hurt his pride deeply over me. Of course, declaring it before all."
"Even when I'll always protect my lady you, as ever?"
"That's why I'm more worried."
Her eyes locked on Michael Aires. Realizing himself filled them, ecstasy swept him. Who else could earn such gaze from Cisse? Only him. Not the Emperor, not Rosan—Michael Aires alone.
Thus, the Ice Knight quelled rising excitement, breathlessly continuing.
"Cisse, you can't imagine my thoughts. I want my lady you to live peacefully. Waking buried in beautiful flowers, sipping favorite tea, reading then sweet naps. Meals by the chef, light walks, jewel shopping, evenings at opera or theater."
"But I'm here. No one will craft that life for me. Too late."
"If I could, would you follow?"
Cisse stared at Michael Aires. Desperate yearning in his face seemed eerily mad. Answering yes, he'd enact it now.
She'd live his wished peaceful, sheltered life.
But what meaning in passivity? Cisse shook her head firmly.
"...House Bischwaltz is my all. Like Rade Vishwaldz seized everything on victory day. Isn't my will your will, Mel? Still true?"
"Yes, forever."
"Then tell your kind Ice Knight? I'll gently refuse. He's generous gentleman enough to understand."
She smiled softly. This tender Ice Knight seemed unaware he'd briefly revealed his true nature. Else he couldn't grin so foolishly.
Michael Aires was utterly smitten with Cisse de Bischwaltz. Undeniable truth—he'd blindly follow any choice.
Before her, no logic or reason existed. If she wished, he'd become fool, idiot, blind, mute anytime.
"Yes. I'll convey it."
Thus, he yielded his will meekly. Purely for Cisse de Bischwaltz.
"Thank you. But Mel, I sent letter-thanks for flowers. How to repay necklace, bracelet, earrings?"
Rumors swirled Michael prepared gifts for her, but none detailed to Cisse. Duchess Rosan controlled info for her friend.
Thus, she knew nothing till the day. Not waking amid roses, nor public jewels.
Nor hair-matching gems. Without eyes, she'd have showered his face with kisses.
Alexandrite—beyond even lavish past Cisse's reach. For hair-color gems, cheap amber at best; such art unthinkable.
Yet he crafted the fairest necklace, draping her neck. Proof of her worth, boldly declaring to watching nobles.
Thus, joy. Happiness. Not for jewel price, but Michael—valuing her highest—loved her.
Knowing his courage for today thrilled more. Mere thanks, letters insufficient for his care.
Thus, this moment, she'd grant any wish.
"Then dance the debutante first dance with me."
Ball hall doors, windows flung wide; music faintly reached outside. As it began, Michael extended hand under moonlight, beaming. The beautiful Ice Knight shone brilliantly in dark.
"Satisfied?"
Cisse whispered playfully, taking his hand. Worry gone, her face held the smile that first charmed Michael Aires.
"Tempting my greed?"
"Then what will you do?"
Michael thought Cisse finally looked her age, girlish. Thus? Her steps light, innocent in his lead—utterly lovable.
"May I lean on that greed and bare honest heart?"
"As much as you like."
"Aren't you overindulging me?"
Cisse replied innocently.
"Because it's you, Mel."
Ah. Michael stifled a groan, impulsively kissing her cheek. Cisse's eyes widened in surprise, but now he felt no rogue. Utterly natural.
"Then you'll accept anything?"
"...Go gently so I don't scare. Please, Sir Ailes."
He burst laughing. Shameless, but before her, no dignity held.
Fragment of the Broken Glass Slipper
Novel by Yeolmae
Author: Yeolmae
Publisher: Kwon Tae-wan, Woo Cheon-je
eBook Publication Date: 2017-12-22
Production: CL Production
Address: 1108-ho, 41 Digital-ro 31-gil, Guro-gu, Seoul
This book is published as an eBook by KWBOOKS under contract with the copyright holder.
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