Ch#279
Fragment of the Broken Glass Slipper Side Story 3 Episode 8
"Aunt, please don't misunderstand me. It was all for Roena's sake."
Madam scowled deeply, as if it were absurd. She lifted her chin arrogantly, as if challenging her to make excuses.
"Have you forgotten that Roena once followed Pulker? Sir Halberd voluntarily became an Imperial Palace knight, but that alone wouldn't appease His Majesty. So I temporarily evacuated her. It was unavoidable to protect the family and her."
After the rebellion, the Empress's family had crumbled disastrously. Those who followed her scattered, vanishing from high society. Even those with the briefest ties had to flee the Capital without proper excuses.
"So you kept her at the villa indefinitely?"
"If she retreats citing illness, she'll garner sympathy rather than finger-pointing."
Madam pressed her lips tight. Cisse had struck at an unexpected angle, leaving her speechless.
As she said, it was hard to fault confining Roena to the villa out of necessity to protect her.
Instead, retrieving Roena had put her in danger.
'How cunning...'
Lavalliere lifted her teacup to hide her twisted lips. She sipped the cold tea and steadied her breathing calmly.
Rationally, sending Roena back to the countryside villa made sense.
The problem was Madam's emotions couldn't ignore Roena withering at the peak of her youth.
"Roena's guilt is certainly not light. But how could an ignorant child refuse Pulker's orders? You should have appealed that."
"Oh, Aunt. Don't you know why His Majesty made me marry Radel Relshin? Rather than making the hero who saved his life Count Bischwaltz, it was silent pressure to rationally dispose of the family's sinner."
Cisse calmly spat out the lie.
"You know it too—that Radel Relshin is a phantom. Why else would I marry a shadow? I couldn't leave House Bischwaltz in ruins."
Continuously invoking the family's survival in a grave tone, even Lavalliere couldn't help but waver.
Cisse was emphasizing her sacrifice for the family now. It was similar to when she claimed to have taken a sword for Roena's sake before. She knew exactly where Madam was weak.
"At least because I have ties with Duchess Rosan, His Majesty made this proposal."
"Why didn't you tell me beforehand..."
To Madam's question, Cisse replied softly in a poignant voice. Her slumped shoulders were clearly intentional, yet to Lavalliere's eyes, they seemed merely overwhelmed by sorrow.
"Because I could bear it alone. Then everyone could be at ease. Besides, it's not something to boast about. I wanted to tell Roena, but she was so emotional then, it only bred misunderstandings. I tried to resolve it later, but it wasn't easy."
Madam hesitated, unsure how to respond. Her eyes had already softened.
"Child..."
"Truthfully, I'm afraid. I don't even know if I'm doing well. Ah, if only Roena hadn't been close to Pulker. Then we could have managed the family together. There wouldn't have been conflicts with others, of course. It's just regrettable."
At Cisse's words, Madam finally sighed.
Cisse had pinpointed what everyone overlooked: as long as the current Emperor reigned, Roena would forever bear the stigma of Pulker.
Of what use were the family or high society then?
"So you're saying you want Roena sent back? His Majesty won't even care that she's returned to the Capital."
"But people are different. Roena is such a beautiful and charming woman. Who would leave her alone? Rumors will spread quickly. Then His Majesty will know too."
"I must see His Majesty."
Madam said.
Cisse nearly twisted her lips but barely held back. This old leopard was ultimately refusing to let Roena go.
Has her mind deteriorated after that severe illness?
Cisse wanted to grab the old woman's neck and threaten her right then, but she forced an innocent smile and blinked widely.
"I failed. My heart is still heavy. I truly hope His Majesty is moved by Aunt's beautiful intentions."
"As long as she's not from House Bischwaltz."
"Pardon?"
"I'm saying I'll lighten your burden. If House Lavalliere takes on Roena's sins, His Majesty will see it differently."
"You mean..."
Madam de Lavalier finally revealed her purpose in bringing Roena to Cisse. Though it ended up as consolation contrary to her initial intent, the conversation had proceeded as planned.
"My late brother would understand. No need to ask your opinion. Who would oppose when you care for Roena so much?"
This was tantamount to Madam completely withdrawing from House Bischwaltz. It was the victory from Cisse's lies. Yet the joy faded because Roena would take Lavalliere's name.
Cisse smiled gently at Madam. She wanted to thwart the old she-leopard's plans immediately, but now was not the time.
Instead, she thought she must hurry home and write to Duchess Rosan.
"Of course. But until Aunt meets His Majesty, we must keep Roena's return to the Capital utmost secret. That way, there'll be no mishaps."
"Indeed."
"Then it's best if Roena stays here."
The more Cisse spoke, the brighter Madam's face grew. She nodded vigorously with a pleased gaze.
"Yes, so please wrap up the villa matter properly."
"Yes, don't worry."
"I entrust it to you."
"Rather, I'm the one grateful. For stepping in personally for Roena—truly thankful. I earnestly hope His Majesty shows mercy. And that Roena clears her misunderstandings about me."
"Don't worry about that. I'll talk to Roena."
"Sorry for the trouble."
"No. I'm the one sorry for not recognizing your efforts."
Lavalliere's face, now free of misunderstanding, was exceedingly benevolent. A closer look might reveal flaws, but her poor health prevented such scrutiny. Thus, she saw Cisse off with a kind demeanor.
Cisse kissed Madam's cheek affectionately before boarding the carriage. She waved with a bright smile until the carriage was well past the main gate, then dropped the facade and spoke to her accompanying maid Seril.
"As soon as we arrive home, go out and fetch Jack."
"Yes."
Finishing her words, Cisse fell silent with a cold expression. Inside, she was seething. Of all people, why Roena? She had hoped she'd just rot away in that dilapidated villa.
Thanks to this, she had perfectly deceived Madam, but wrong was wrong.
Cisse chewed her lips and swallowed her anxiety.
In the past, Lavalliere had helped Roena attend a ball with the Crown Prince despite everything.
And now, with all futures twisted, she was trying to drag Roena back into high society just like before.
"Ha, think I'll sit idly by?"
With House Bischwaltz under her control, Roena was no match for her now.
Yet life never flowed as planned. Unexpected hurdles were her reality.
Fragment of the Broken Glass Slipper
Novel by Yeolmae
Author: Yeolmae
Publisher: Kwon Tae-wan, Woo Cheon-je
eBook Publication Date: 2024-05-07
Production: CL Production
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