Ch#289
Fragment of the Broken Glass Slipper Side Story 4 Episode 3
Not a noble lady competing with other women to become empress. Her abilities far surpassed those fools who had seized titles simply by being firstborn sons.
Come to think of it, there had been talk among society ladies about Duchess Rosan before.
They said that if she failed to become even consort to the emperor, let alone empress, she would lead a most unfortunate life.
A vibrant and ambitious woman like Duchess Rosan could never be content with a life of embroidery in her husband's shadow.
Though they loved gossip and prattling about new jewelry, they weren't entirely lacking in insight.
Many were even sharper in political calculations than their husbands. Such judgment and action were essential to survive in high society.
"Tell me anytime if you want to fish. I'm always ready."
With those words, she picked up the fishing rod carelessly tossed on the ground and strode boldly toward the pond. It was astonishing how she had hidden such bold movements in everyday life.
Leaning against the tree, I opened the page I had bookmarked. The sound of wind slicing through mingled with a low exclamation of admiration from Duchess Rosan piercing my ears.
The book had just reached the scene where the male and female protagonists encountered each other. Fixing my gaze on the sentences, I naturally reached into the basket the maid had prepared. The egg sandwich wrapped sweetly around my mouth.
It was a peaceful time.
***
After arriving at the villa, Duchess Rosan spent most days—save for three or four—fishing and hunting.
Her claim of fishing since childhood was no lie; she skillfully reeled in fish. Though she lost the larger ones due to their strength, she caught most without much trouble and proudly showed them off to me.
She subtly urged me to join her several times until I finally couldn't resist and took the rod she offered.
Delighted by my change, she explained everything in detail. When I grew bored and lost a fish to distraction, she watched seriously and showered me with nagging advice.
One day in the hunting grounds, as I chased prey and tripped, she clutched her stomach and burst into roaring laughter.
Of course, it wasn't mockery. She was simply thrilled that I was acting like her.
It made sense, as we had grown distant since the rebellion. After I began openly associating with Duchess Debenzel, our interactions were no more than anyone else's.
Yet changes began once she started defying the Emperor's orders.
For some reason, she seemed to want to show me her true self without reservation.
I didn't think it was a bad thing. I was merely curious why now.
But Duchess Rosan didn't answer my questions. She merely shot arrows at fleeing deer with even greater fervor.
Though the deer escaped and she failed to catch it, her skill was decent enough.
"Don't you dare tell Mel. He'd tease me for sure."
In the late afternoon, the duchess wiped sweat from her forehead roughly with the back of her hand and spoke to me. Several hunted rabbits dangled from her horse.
"And be careful not to lose the ring on your finger."
I pouted slightly at her words. It felt unfair, as if I'd become careless.
We had switched suddenly from fishing to hunting, leaving no time to grab gloves. Who could have known Duchess Rosan was so capricious?
The ring Lysette Rosan mentioned was the second one from Sir Ailes.
The first had been a debutante gift of congratulations, while this one he had given simply because he wanted me to have it.
Mel had spoken in as casual a tone as possible when giving it. He acted as if it were nothing special.
But I quickly realized it held special meaning.
Rumors had spread through society that he had bought a ring to propose around that time.
Unfortunately, my husband Count Bischwaltz was still alive then, so his wish went unfulfilled. Thus, I feigned ignorance and accepted the ring from Mel with a composed expression.
If I were him, I might have exploded in betrayal-fueled anger. Perhaps even said I couldn't endure it anymore. Nothing is as grueling as endless waiting.
Yet this dear man swallowed his sorrow and disappointment for my sake, striving to appear nonchalant.
Ah, no one who hasn't felt his trembling hands when slipping the new ring on me would understand, even if explained. Nor the fervent admiration from his lips that embarrassed me so.
Thus, this ring on my finger now was the epitome of shyness.
So I tried several times a day to forget I was wearing it.
Today too, had the duchess not mentioned it, I would have played oblivious.
"I'm trying."
"Yes, so starting tomorrow, wear gloves without fail. Got it?"
She spoke worriedly, like an older sister tending to a younger one. Though unnecessary meddling, not wanting to sour her mood, I nodded.
It had already been a week at House Rosan's villa. In between, I reviewed documents sent from the mansion and spent time fishing and hunting with her.
I was surprised anew that I hadn't suffered headaches from papers here. Moreover, Roena hadn't crossed my mind at all.
No letters came from Jack, suggesting nothing unusual in the Capital.
I thought inwardly how fortunate. If this long-lost peace were shattered because of it, I'd be quite upset.
Afterward, Duchess Rosan and I rampaged like children, sweeping through the villa grounds.
One day, walking barefoot on the grass, we were suddenly drenched by pouring rain and burst into laughter. Our sodden, pitiful states were quite comical.
She dashed over like a storm and completely disarmed me. I couldn't resist her frank embrace with her whole body.
A pure childhood neither past Cisse nor current me had experienced. Seeing a glimpse through Arina and now tasting it like this filled me with joy and excitement.
Perhaps that's why. Though my demeanor grew messier by the day, I felt no regret or anxiety. Rather, I wished this time would last forever.
Around then, I even magnanimously thought I'd forgive it if this were the Emperor's scheme. Each day was utterly perfect.
That rainy day, Duchess Rosan and I bathed in warm water, drank hot soup prepared by the chef, toured paintings on the walls under her guidance, and headed to the music room to hear her play the piano.
She greeted with exaggerated flair, strutting like a stage performer—quite comical. Yet for the first time in a while, she resembled high society's noble lady.
Simply sitting at the piano in modest attire conjured the Lysette Rosan I knew. Truly wondrous.
Rain sounds seeped through the slightly open window. Her piece was refreshing and lively like falling rain. Though musically ignorant and unable to identify it, it suited reading a book.
After finishing, Duchess Rosan sat across from me. She ordered a maid to fetch warmed liquor, saying her chills demanded it.
She must have caught a cold from the rain. Her voice sounded a bit off.
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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