Translator: Nox

9 - Pieces of the Broken Glass Slipper

Shattered Glass Slipper Shards Episode 9

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Even now, but before returning, Roena did not know the word 'doubt'. The world reflected in her eyes was always just and beautiful, like something out of a fairy tale.

Ironically, Roena had no idea that quarrels could arise not only from disagreements but also from jealousy or envy. Nor did she know the destructive power they possessed when linked to inferiority.

Therefore, Roena could not even imagine that I possessed 'malice' that she herself could not dare to harbor. Because she interprets everything to her own liking and laughs it off. So, such a pathetic ploy would never work.

Ah. I blinked my teary eyes a couple of times, suppressing a sigh that threatened to escape.

I felt ashamed of my own immaturity. The problem was that, unlike in the past, I had gotten carried away like a fledgling, drunk on the joy of being able to confront her on a more equal footing in the present.

The dynamic of the hardworking person versus the complacent genius should have been established through subtle groundwork from the foundation up before being deployed, to have any chance of working. Instead, unable to control my impatience, I made the mistake of revealing my true intentions first.

My cheeks were burning red with shame. My insides felt suffocating from the rising heat, making me angry. Of course, in their eyes, I would appear as Sissae, unable to control my emotions due to my love for Roena.

In any case, I needed to become more secretive and cunning, like a night cat, and adopt a more intelligent demeanor. I had to act utterly nonchalant, so that others could not easily guess my intentions.

Thus, I had an obligation to be more cautious until I had blinded, deafened, and silenced everyone in the ducal mansion.

So, let me become as cold as ice and as sharp as a sword. Let me sharpen my eyes wisely like an owl, and act cunningly like a snake. I will hold back, and hold back again, until I can finally laugh out loud in front of her distorted face. Until then, I can continue to play the role of the innocent 'Sissae,' who envies the kind older sister, Roena, as much as needed.

From then on, I stopped attacking her indirectly. Instead, I faithfully played the role of an innocent older sister, eager to emulate Roena. I ignored the rising disgust and the goosebumps prickling my arms, forcing a smile that felt like a twitch at the corner of my lips.

Mother seemed to be smiling brightly, happy at our interactions. Despite her efforts to hide it, a corner of her heart must have worried that Roena and I would fall into discord.

Mother was overjoyed when I took Roena's hand and even teared up. At the same time, she tried to display the demeanor of the mistress of the Bishvarts Family and 'Mother.' Her efforts were so conspicuous that it was almost pathetic. So, I laughed heartily at her uninspired jokes, trying to lift her spirits.

As time passed and conversation dwindled, Roena, with a reluctant and regretful expression, rose from her seat.

"The literature teacher will be here soon. That's why I'm leaving first. Um, can I visit often? That is to say..."

Roena hesitated before finally uttering the word 'Mother.' Mother seemed deeply moved, abandoning all pretense of composure, and sprang up from her seat, rushing towards Roena. She embraced her, comforting her, and tears streamed down her face.

"Oh, of course, my dear. Come visit anytime. Thank you so much for calling me Mother."

I felt like I would burst into laughter at this ridiculous scene, but I held it in and stood up to join their embrace. I spread my arms wide as if to tear them apart, embracing them and pretending to sob along. Then, glancing at the maids, I saw them struggling with strange emotions, perhaps touched, and at a loss.

After all, who would have thought that Mother, who had seduced the adoptive father to become the mistress of the mansion, would be so meek and gentle? Or that she would orchestrate such a farce, cloaked in the name of 'family,' so quickly.

Of course, Margo and her cronies would not be easily fooled, but it was important to spread good 'rumors' first, so it couldn't be helped. Therefore, I had no choice but to participate in this ridiculous game, however bothersome.

Roena finally stopped crying when tears had half-covered her face, and pulled away from Mother's embrace. She showed kindness by wiping Mother's tears before her own, moving her once more.

Her subsequent words, "I'm so happy that Mother is my Mother," nearly made me collapse.

Mother was overjoyed by those pathetic words. She was so delighted that she showered Roena's face with kisses.

I felt a pang of bitterness at the sight and lowered my head. It was good that Mother maintained her kind disposition, unlike in the past, but the fact that it led to a closeness with Roena made me feel strange.

At the same time, I felt a sense of unease. Mother would surely notice my underhanded schemes and my mockery disguised as foolishness. She would undoubtedly scold me sternly and worry about me. Before her transformation, she was a person of unparalleled justice.

So, I was already afraid. What would I do if she became my 'wall'?

Roena, with her reddened nose and a most comical appearance, radiated an aura of 'I am happy' all over her body. Unaware of the maids trying to stifle their laughter at her, she beamed like a child. Her face was as pure and beautiful as a dew-kissed flower, eliciting soft gasps from everyone.

"Then I'll see you at dinner. I wish time would pass quickly."

Mother escorted Roena to the door. I was so unaccustomed to Mother's behavior that I couldn't move from my spot. I felt unpleasant, as if Mother had been stolen from me by Roena. I knew it was a childish tantrum, but it was how I truly felt.

After seeing Roena off, Mother invited me for a walk in the garden. I ran to her and linked arms, answering her invitation. Mother smiled softly and stroked my hair. Ironically, I found myself feeling relieved by this single gesture.

The garden of the ducal mansion was incredibly beautiful. The trees and plants, meticulously tended by the gardener, were astonishingly lush and vibrant. The chirping of unseen birds was a delight to my ears. The rustle of my dress against the grass sounded like music.

Everything was quiet and peaceful, lulling me into a sense of serene contemplation. Even the malice that had been consuming my body seemed to hold its breath and cower at this moment.

"I will be much busier from now on. Perhaps our time for walks like this will decrease."

Mother began to speak.

"For the next few days, with the help of the butler and the head maid, I will be inspecting the bakery, brewery, and meat storage. I need to review the household accounts coming in from the country estates. I also need to understand household expenses and how to pay the staff's salaries, and charity donations must be included in the budget, so I will be quite busy for a while. You will likely be busy too."

"Yes. I'll need more than ten bodies to learn instruments and singing, literature, history, etiquette, dancing, and so on. I'll even learn how to fly a falcon."

"A falcon?"

"It's a hobby that's currently popular among young ladies."

In the past, it had become a trend among noble ladies to accompany the young lords to their hunting grounds and fly falcons. One might wonder how those who were busy preserving their own elegance managed such fierce hunting birds, but it seemed to have been quite enjoyable, enough to warrant the risk, as it lasted for a considerable time.

However, at that time, I was too preoccupied with defeating Roena to pay attention to it. This was further amplified by the embarrassing experience of being dragged along to a hunting ground by her just once.

Roena also didn't particularly enjoy hunting, but she had visited hunting grounds a few times for social interaction.

My current interest in falconry is not because I find birds of prey fascinating like other young ladies, nor is it for keeping them as a hobby. It is because most of the young ladies and lords who gather at hunting grounds grow up to become the future leaders of the empire. The Crown Prince himself has participated several times and mingled with them, so there is no need to elaborate further.

What I need now are new 'encounters' that will support me and allow me to attack Roena. The social circles Roena participates in are too solid for me to infiltrate and dismantle.

Most importantly, the groups she meets consist solely of her followers. Therefore, they are of no benefit to me.

Mother looked quite puzzled by my sudden mention of 'falcons,' but she soon nodded, giving her tacit approval.

She was, in fact, more concerned about something else. Seeing the maids walking a little distance away, Mother lowered her voice and whispered to me.

"Sissae, do you dislike Roena?"

"Why do you think so? We were just fine a moment ago."

"Oh, perhaps this mother is being too sensitive, but it's just that you seem to be constantly bristling at Roena. Of course, I apologize if I'm mistaken."

"How could that be? Not at all. It's just that I'm not used to it. I haven't been able to shake off the habit of playing freely in the marketplace with other children, so my words have come out a bit too honestly. I apologize if I caused you worry. I will be more careful from now on."

Mother spoke to me with a sigh. Her neck seemed a little stiff, perhaps from tension.

"I appreciate you thinking that way, but somehow, you seem very different."

"Isn't that a good thing?"

"It is, but... In any case, promise me. Promise that you will continue to get along well with Roena."

"Of course."

I answered without hesitation. It was a promise that would not be kept, but I uttered it nonchalantly. I love Mother, but I feel no guilt in lying to her. After all, I know she will be happy because of me. Therefore, I have no shame towards myself.

Mother gave my cheek a light kiss, as if finding me commendable.

Afterward, we changed the subject and enjoyed our walk, engaging in casual chatter.

I barely managed to endure Mother's uninspired jokes and played along, but as we neared the room, I casually asked if she had received the 'key' that managed the ducal mansion's household.

Mother looked perplexed and said she hadn't received it yet. To her, I said in a casual tone, as if it were nothing.

"If Roena truly considers you her mother, she will give you the key. That's what I think."

Truly, I am a born wicked woman. But I hoped that, even in this way, Mother would harbor a little suspicion and wariness towards Roena.

I would prevent confrontation fueled by hatred, as in the past, but it was unnecessary for them to become excessively close. She is my mother, not Roena's mother.

In any case, ownership of the 'key,' symbolizing the mistress of the house, is a very delicate matter. The longer it takes for her to receive it, the more disappointed Mother will become in Roena.

Roena, too, will struggle with the fear of losing something unknown, leading her to treat Mother awkwardly. At this point, it would be good if Margo whispered things to her. No, it is something I eagerly await. The more that old fox acts, the more options I will have. So, with a half-stern face, I kissed Mother's cheek, which was rolling her eyes anxiously, with affection.

"See you at dinner. I need to rest for a bit."

I genuinely love my mother. I cherish her fragile heart. That is why I do not want her to become a shield protecting Roena. Otherwise, I would be very sad. Therefore, is this kind of scheme not acceptable?