Ch#282
Fragment of the Broken Glass Slipper Side Story 3 Episode 11
『How about shortening the planned time, even for Mel's sake? We can't completely avoid His Majesty's eyes, but I can provide some help. So, accept Lady Roena's adoption graciously. It's not good to let personal feelings show so openly, Cisse.』
Cisse stamping the seal without hesitation was tantamount to accepting Duchess Rosan's proposal in her letter. She had incited Roena's heart to buy time, but with an offer to help expedite matters, she seized the opportunity.
Thus, the adoption—earnestly requested by Madam de Lavalier, approved by the Emperor, and accepted by Cisse de Bischwaltz—was processed far more swiftly than society anticipated. And Roena de Bischwaltz became Roena de Lavalliere.
***
Once Lysette Rosan resolved to act decisively, everything stabilized in an instant. Until then, they had taken circuitous routes to avoid the Emperor's gaze, but now, without that hindrance, matters proceeded smoothly.
Documents that had seemed to require at least three months were completed in less than a week, causing the fly-like relatives to peel away one by one.
With each document finalized in Cisse's hands, one went to prison, another was murdered over unpaid gambling debts, and yet another died in an absurd accident.
The family of the noble who sold his title scattering to the winds was relatively fortunate.
Of course, those who met calamity were the ones who had clung to Roena in attempts to manipulate House Bischwaltz.
The incidents went unmentioned in society because they involved nameless rural nobles. Even if someone grew suspicious and investigated, the information had already been manipulated by Jack, ensuring no fruitful results.
Moreover, with Duchess Rosan using her influence to bury the matters, not a speck of dust could arise.
Cisse's ability to handle it all so swiftly and boldly stemmed entirely from Rosan's words. Otherwise, she would have taken more time to conclude neatly.
‘These events will never reach His Majesty's ears. A friend doesn't seize a friend's weaknesses.’
And, astonishingly, Rosan remained silent to the Emperor about the fates of House Bischwaltz's collaterals. It was her first betrayal of him.
Thanks to this, Cisse's preparations of counter-evidence for potential contingencies became laughably unnecessary.
“At least I've never kept secrets from His Majesty. Though he has from me. Well, it's inevitable. Anyway, this is the first apple I've bitten and discarded. If you toss it carelessly, it might sprout somewhere. So be cautious.”
Having visited Cisse to deliver her honest intentions and a warning, she thought inwardly, ‘Now I can keep my promise to Mel too.’
The countess, who had not worn black since visiting Roena, still found meeting Michael Aires elusive.
Cisse shook her head at Rosan's words and asked back.
“His Majesty gains far more from this. So I doubt he'd concern himself with such trifles, don't you think?”
Duchess Rosan furrowed her brow in embarrassment. A sigh-mingled response escaped her lips.
“Cisse, please, that's not what I meant.”
“Duchess Rosan—no, Luse. Help means extending a hand even when His Majesty knows. Considering the inconveniences I've endured, I believe demanding such consideration is justified. Am I being too rude?”
“……Just this once, and never again?”
“Considering the trust we've built.”
“Fine, let's do it that way. We'll have much to do ahead.”
Cisse smiled faintly at Rosan's words and replied,
“You have time to read a fairy tale.”
“A fairy tale?”
“Yes. A very fantastical story featuring a fairy.”
Years ago, her foolish younger sister had tried to expose the truth she knew through writing.
It was fortunate the maid sent to the villa was Mlange; otherwise, Cisse might not have learned of Roena's cute mischief in time.
Of course, she later had Mlange retrieve the completed manuscript, but since Roena had sent copied letters to others beforehand, she couldn't prevent it from circulating on the streets a few times.
The silver lining was that Roena had written the fairy tale in the noble style.
Filled with metaphors, similes, and aristocratic rhetoric despite its simple plot, the story was exceedingly difficult for common folk to grasp.
Those unacquainted with society couldn't comprehend what the protagonist's dialogues implied.
Thus, the tale faded into oblivion swiftly, and the distributed papers were mostly torn or collected by street beggars for kindling.
Lately, Cisse had been revising the text to suit street children's level.
Arina was perfect for the task, delighting daily in the story enhanced by her own imaginations, proudly showing it off to Cisse.
‘She casts magic to dress her. Since it must be someone kind and gentle who wields magic, how about a fairy godmother? The carriage is made by magic too. Like turning bread stuffed with hot cream into a carriage, or making one from ridiculous vegetables. Everything passing by transforms like magic. But is it okay to change the name like this? Cinderella…… People might get angry, saying it mocks the hero. It's not just making it funny; you've turned him into a woman. What if His Majesty flies into a rage?’
Arina's imagination was delightfully charming. Her skill in breathing life into Roena's tale was no ordinary talent.
Having discovered this unexpected gift, Cisse dismissed Arina's worries and resolved to properly teach her.
‘Nothing bad will happen to you. Once they learn the original author, everyone will hush it up. So don't worry.’
She soothed Arina as if it were trivial, but in truth, it was a grave matter. Mocking the earl titled by the Emperor by feminizing him, and ending with marriage to the Crown Prince—insulting the imperial family itself. It would invite not only public outrage but the Emperor's fury.
Yet she persisted with Arina because she had faith. As the Emperor who orchestrated the hero's downfall and death, he wouldn't simply take displeasure; rather, he would surely manipulate the tale to shape public opinion to his taste.
Most crucially, it hinged on the original author being Roena.
Roena, now Lavalliere by the Emperor's decree, and the sisters scattered by political machinations—the fact that Madam requested it first omitted—the story held ample intrigue for all.
If revealed that Roena wrote it amid this, more would question, ‘Why go this far?’
They might even believe it stemmed from resentment, leading to rash acts.
Above all, Rade Vishwaldz must be utterly ruined for a smooth meeting with Sir Ailes.
It had been nearly three months without seeing him. Now, it was time to reward his patience.
Thus, she urged Arina to complete the tale, intending to distribute it through Jack.
“It ends with House Bischwaltz, right?”
Lysette Rosan asked. Cisse nodded.
“It's fortunate Cisse is free of greed.”
Cisse smiled instead of replying. Swallowing a whole house with a single fallen snake, yet calling that lack of greed…….
If she knew all this was done to fully become ‘Cisse de Bischwaltz,’ she wouldn't call her free of greed so easily.
“I'm glad things are wrapping up. I visited just in case, and now I feel relieved.”
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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