Ch#280
Fragment of the Broken Glass Slipper Side Story 3 Episode 9
Cisse struck the carriage wall twice with her palm to hasten its speed. Soon, with the coachman's shout, the carriage sped even faster toward House Bischwaltz. The horses' neighs clung fiercely to her ears.
Upon returning to the mansion, Cisse rushed straight to the study without even changing clothes and pulled out stationery. She then swiftly penned a letter to Duchess Rosan.
The main content was her uncertainty about what to do since Madam had taken Roena and intended to pass her family name to her. She added a hint of anxiety that if Roena were forgiven, dissatisfied voices would arise here and there, and she feared the fallout might target House Bischwaltz.
Of course, as this was the first letter since the count's funeral, she worded it carefully with subtle twists. She knew Duchess Rosan would surely take it to the Emperor.
After laboring over the letter for hours, Cisse handed it to the newly arrived Jack and added one more commission.
"I once heard that Madam de Lavalier was training several candidates as heirs to represent her house. Investigate them for me. Can you handle it as quickly as possible?"
Jack grinned at Cisse's words and replied,
"Of course. Your matters are always my top priority."
"You've worked hard."
"Yes."
If the Emperor accepted Roena, she could simply pit the heirs against each other.
After all, those who had competed fiercely to catch Madam's eye would not step aside quietly. Their families would not stay silent either. She would do the same in their position.
"Even in the cleanest room, brushing it up stirs dust. It's just a matter of delaying the time until they unite."
Cisse sighed and sat down. With everything nearly complete, wasting time on Roena felt regrettable. Thus, she hoped the Emperor would make a wise choice.
A few days later, Jack's investigation report arrived. And the next day, a letter from Duchess Rosan came.
『Now is the time for His Majesty to show the virtue of forgiveness toward the other party as well. Lady Roena de Bischwaltz would make a fine example. It could even be seen as respect for Rade Vishwaldz.』
Cisse crumpled the letter harshly with an expressionless face.
Three days later, word spread through high society that Roena de Bischwaltz had returned to the capital. It was like tossing a stone into a serene lakeside.
***
Cisse shed her black dress for the first time in ages. With the maid's help, she styled her hair up, pinned it with jewels, donned a bright dress, and applied delicate makeup.
It was her first foray into society in a long while. She might receive pity, but she could not tolerate mockery. A widow had her own dignity.
Cisse gazed at her reflection in the mirror and let out a satisfied smile. She had heard Roena would attend today's social gathering. Duchess Rosan had informed her.
Recalling the glare Roena had given her at the funeral, Cisse clenched and unclenched her fists lightly.
"Shall we give it a try?"
Her low murmur carried a resolute tone.
Society's attendees gaped at the countess who had emerged from long seclusion.
They had heard she was wasting away in mourning for her husband, yet her face, seen after so long, remained vibrant. No trace of puffy, tear-swollen eyes marred her radiant complexion.
The countess greeted those welcoming her, then turned directly toward Roena. She took her hand and spoke in an affectionate voice.
"Roena, my dear. How could you go ahead without me? Your consideration for me never fails to impress."
The people chatting with Roena widened their eyes in shock at Cisse's appearance. Cisse gave them a light greeting before pulling Roena slightly closer to her side.
"Cisse…"
Roena twisted her wrist slightly to free her captured hand, her face somewhat stiff. But Cisse's grip was stronger. Unable to budge, Roena lowered her gaze and fell silent.
Word had already spread in society that Roena would take the Lavalliere name. Thus, they watched Cisse's arrival with keen interest, realizing the countess had shed her black dress for Roena's sake.
"Shall we talk?"
Cisse whispered softly. Roena retorted, "I have nothing to say."
Cisse ignored her response and yanked her arm painfully.
Of course, to others, it merely looked like Cisse urging Roena along.
"Don't, Cisse. I don't want to talk to you."
"Is that so?"
Suddenly, Cisse spoke to Roena with teary eyes. Her voice was slightly louder, enough to reach nearby ears.
"Dear, I need your comfort. Please, won't you?"
All eyes turned to Roena. She felt like an animal in a cage, her cheeks flushing red.
Her aunt had told her Cisse had sacrificed for their sake and urged her to clear the misunderstanding, but Roena could no longer trust her stepsister.
In Roena's view, Cisse was truly cunning and wicked. She lied with a honeyed tongue and ruined others' lives without a care.
Her greed was the serpent itself. Roena despised Cisse for disregarding family misfortune for her own desires.
Look at her now—applying pressure the moment her hand wasn't obeyed.
And this woman claimed sacrifice for the family and herself?
Roena wanted to scream hypocrite at Cisse.
But no one knew her true nature. Only she did.
Frustrated, Roena bit the tender flesh inside her mouth. Dragged by Cisse's hand, she headed to a corner.
She steeled herself, vowing not to waver no matter what Cisse said.
"Are you well?"
Cisse spoke first.
"Not bad."
Roena replied calmly. Cisse then reached out and caressed her cheek. It was a repulsive touch.
She wanted to slap it away hard enough to make a sound, but she feared the eyes on them.
Cisse was pretending to be the caring sister inquiring after her health for their sake.
"That's a relief."
Cisse added with a smile.
"I was afraid you'd threaten to jump from the terrace again."
Roena's face paled instantly. Her eyes shook ceaselessly like a skiff in a storm—a face knowing shame.
"Oh my. Won't you smile a bit more kindly? This isn't how you treat your lifesaver. You're making me sad."
"…Cisse, what are you trying to say?"
"It's been so long since I've seen my little sister—wanting to be with you, is that wrong?"
If Roena were just a bit braver, she might have sneered as if hearing nonsense.
But her utmost rebellion was merely catching Cisse's words.
"It's not been that long. We saw each other at the funeral…"
Her trailing voice lacked strength, hesitant.
The fiery spirit from before had vanished; she kept glancing at Cisse's face.
Cisse wore a clear smile, but her cold, sunken eyes did not. If glares could curse, it would be like this.
"Right, we did meet then. You were so cold, all sorts of ugly rumors spread. I thought it was because you weren't well and brushed it off with a smile. Tell me—when did you start receiving letters from Aunt?"
"Why do you care?"
"You're abandoning me."
It was a sweet whisper. The old Roena might have wavered and answered immediately.
If she hadn't realized Cisse didn't love her. She would have lived blindly, surrounded by lies and deception.
Roena thought: I won't fall for it anymore.
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
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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