58 - Pieces of the Broken Glass Slipper
Shattered Glass Slipper Shards, Chapter 58
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To do so, I needed to quietly re-examine the letter in a space of my own. I said, looking at everyone, especially Irene, who were watching me with curious expressions.
“Excuse me, but may I return to my room first?”
“Of course.”
“Thank you for your consideration, Your Ladyship.”
I rose from my seat and quickly left the garden. I needed to calm my excitement, but my heart was pounding uncontrollably. It was probably the fastest pace I had ever walked in my life.
It took less than a few minutes to pass through the drawing-room and return to my room.
I stopped Blan from entering the room. I had him wait in his own bedroom until I called for him. Blan’s bedroom was merely a small side room next to mine, but it was structured in a way that offered surprising peace of mind once the thick wooden door was closed, creating a sense of separation.
Blan nodded with a short reply and soon closed the door, disappearing into the adjacent room. Only after confirming the wooden door was shut properly could I take out the letter from my sleeve.
To my beloved Sissae.
Are you having a pleasant time? Though it has only been a few days, this mother feels terribly lonely without you. Come back soon and show me your lovely face.
My child, a letter has arrived from the Imperial Palace. I don’t know what it’s about, so I haven’t opened it yet. I heard it was from Madame de Chateauroux; isn’t she the Emperor’s favorite? I don’t know how she knows of you, but I truly hope it is for a good reason.
Your loving mother.
Beatrice Theodore had told me before. That Madame de Chateauroux would soon invite someone with the Emperor’s approval.
If his words were true, the letter from Chateauroux would be an invitation. This meant the furniture I had recommended had perfectly suited her taste.
In the desolate social circles, what could be more delightful than meeting someone who satisfies my aesthetic sense? And how much more welcome would it be if that person were a young lady with potential for future growth?
Madame de Chateauroux is a greedy courtesan, but she is not a foolish woman. She was shrewder than anyone when it came to her own desires and knew how to thoroughly protect her own well-being.
One could see this just by how she maintained her position as the Emperor’s favorite while appeasing the capricious Emperor. And by how the nobles, who had rallied around her, grew in power and influence.
Of course, inviting a young lady who had not yet debuted into society, especially a girl of humble origins, carried significant risks. However, Madame de Chateauroux seemed willing to bear them.
Just as she had reached out to me, who was once unremarkable, she was doing so again.
Could this finally be the beginning of what I could call ‘connections’? Of course, the premise is that I must win Madame de Chateauroux’s favor.
Considering the favor she had shown me in the past, I wasn’t without confidence. No, I had to make it so. Somehow.
The next morning, the Dibenzel estate was bustling with departing young ladies. I told them I had enjoyed myself and offered small farewells.
Unlike at first, their expressions were much more gracious as they received my greetings. Lady Sorin held my hand and acted like a child, insisting I promise to visit her estate next time.
I reluctantly nodded and finally managed to break away from her. Meanwhile, my luggage was steadily piled into the carriage, completing the preparations for departure.
“I hope our closeness has deepened through this occasion. All my feelings for Lady Sissae are sincere.”
“How could I doubt that? Thank you sincerely for your hospitality thus far.”
Irene left a small kiss on my cheek. I responded by lightly embracing her. Seeing this, Lady Sorin whined that she wanted a kiss too, but it was barely pacified by the intervention of Baron Veolin’s daughter.
As I climbed into the carriage, the door closed. With the coachman’s powerful shout of “Giddy up,” the carriage began to move. Irene and the Dibenzel estate slowly receded. Only after the carriage passed through the gate did I finally lean my back against the seat.
