Chapter 27

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Translator: Harry Potta
Chapter: 4
Chapter Title: A Test of Grace
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Of course, the man was pitiful and certainly deserved sympathy. He was simply a man of profound misfortune before the goddess of fate. Therefore, if I were to show mercy and forgive him, he could have a drink this evening and say, ‘Today was truly unlucky, but thanks to the merciful young lady, I was spared. What a relief.’

It was also an opportunity to prove before everyone how magnanimous I was, how much compassion I possessed to forgive others.

But I did not want to forgive him, this pitiful man. Considering the potential injuries Sir Halberd might have sustained, no punishment would feel sufficient.

So what did magnanimity or mercy matter!

The problem was this situation, where I had to act as rationally as possible despite my boiling rage, all while the other young ladies watched.

Unfortunately, I had a duty to gently display the noble and generous disposition of the Vischwartz family, and to prove myself the very product of the education Lady de La Vallière so desired.

In other words, I needed to magnificently kick aside the expectations of the hyenas waiting with bated breath to see me flounder, unable to overcome the limits of my birth.

But I dare say, the dignity and respect, the honor and admiration that came with status were as ephemeral as sand scattered by the wind in the face of sorrow and anger.

Therefore, my small measure of pity and my dignity as a noble would also be utterly annihilated amidst the jeers of the hyenas surrounding this place.

Perhaps, in the distant future, I might look back and deeply reproach myself, calling this the most foolish moment of my life. But in this instant, I felt neither fear nor sadness at the condemnation that would pour from others’ lips. On the contrary, I was in such a surprisingly cold state that I found myself unnerving.

My lingering feelings for Sir Halberd were not some small fragment, but a wound carved so deeply into my heart that it could never be removed.

I pushed away Marie’s hand, which was supporting me, and bravely took a step forward. It was to bestow upon this poor man, who was bowing his head low in anticipation of a lenient punishment, the emotion of despair.

But someone else reached the man before I did. She approached him and spoke affectionately, showcasing her own vivid sympathy and commendable goodwill to all.

“Of course. Cisse is, well, yes, she’s not yet accustomed to such situations, so it seems she doesn’t know what to do. But she will surely forgive you.”

At Roena’s words, all the young ladies looked at me. Their faces were filled with ridicule.

“I suppose ‘how to forgive’ wasn’t a subject in Lady Vischwartz’s education?”

At someone’s taunt, a peal of laughter erupted. Roena, her face flushed red, spoke as if making an excuse.

“Do not insult Cisse. She is merely finding it difficult. That is why I am helping her. Is that something worthy of your laughter? No one may mock Cisse’s courage and mercy.”

I was sick of her attitude, which, under the pretense of helping, only served to publicly display my supposed aristocratic flaws and shortcomings as a noble lady.

The words Roena had uttered should have come from Sir Halberd, not her. Who did she think she was to dare speak of forgiveness!

Of course, had I acted, I might have been met with even greater ridicule. The action I had just resolved to take was not at all noble—a vulgar and petty revenge that would have betrayed my origins.

But it was my will. It was a decision I had made, ready to bear the consequences myself. So much so that I would have gladly accepted any disadvantage that came my way. In short, it was a completely different situation from Roena’s, who had rashly stepped in, judging things as she saw fit.

Ah, I have never seen anyone, past or present, with such a remarkable talent for destroying another person through a guise of consideration as Roena. It would be better to call it a detestable goodwill, laced with affectation.

“Does Lady Vischwartz think so as well?”

Princess Irene asked me. Among the group, she was the most rational and knew how to wisely assess and control a situation. That was a true blessing for me.

I expressed my gratitude for her consideration and opened my mouth to speak.

“Thank you, Princess Divinzel, for asking my opinion. First, I would like to thank Roena. The goodwill she has shown is genuine. So thank you for your help, Roena. But it was something I could have handled on my own. Of course, as Roena said, it is true that I did nothing, paralyzed by shock and fear. Who, after all, could overcome the terror of standing before a charging horse? But when I think of the dazzling courage and true chivalry Sir Halberd displayed, I cannot simply tremble in fear. That is why I can politely request that this man’s punishment be left to his mistress. If her ladyship respects me, and the House of Vischwartz, then everything will proceed as it should.”

Princess Irene said.

“It shall be as you wish.”

I answered her kindness with a quiet bow of my head. At my response, Roena looked at the servant with a very pale face, but she did not go to the trouble of refuting me or fighting for him to the end.

Her mercy was shallower than a stream, enough only to wet the tips of one’s toes. How fleeting it was. And for that reason, I was finally able to feel a deep sympathy for the servant who had been tormented by the false hope Roena had given him.

Sir Rustein Halberd was treated by a physician another servant had summoned. He followed the physician’s instructions, moving his arm and turning his head, performing various movements.

But his gaze was fixed on me, and we could not help but continuously meet eyes. I found it so burdensome that I excused myself, feigning dizziness, and left the spot.

Marie, while worrying about me, was also busy packing our things. Princess Irene had said it would be better for me to return to the residence and rest.

By the time the horse we were to ride was ready, everything for our return to the mansion was prepared.

I had Marie go and see if Roena was ready. Not long after Marie left, Princess Irene came to find me. Strangely, she was a little kinder than when I had first seen her.

“I am sorry that you had to experience such an unpleasant incident on your first visit to the hunting grounds. I wish to offer my condolences.”

“Thank you.”

I did not know why she was suddenly showing me such favor, but as she continued to speak, I quickly understood.

“To be honest, I was moved by your courage in overcoming fear, your wisdom in accurately assessing the situation, and your attitude, more noble than anyone’s. This is sincere. I was taught from a young age how beautiful and noble the elegance and responsibility that come with one’s station are. But my surroundings were filled with people who were not befitting of nobility, and I couldn’t help but be greatly disappointed and angered by it. But you, my lady, are different. I could find no fault in you. On the contrary, you showed me the very image I had longed to see. You are a truly gentle and sincere person. May I call you Cisse?”

“I would be honored, Princess Irene.”

As if satisfied with my answer, Princess Irene spoke in an even softer voice, almost a whisper.

“As I said before, I truly hope that you, Cisse, will not waver. So do not lose the same elegance you just displayed. Then I, too, shall not change. I will write to you when you return. I would be very pleased if you, Cisse, would send a reply.”