Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

I hurriedly bowed my head.

“I am terribly sorry! I was extremely rude this time. It should have been me coming to you, yet you went through the trouble of coming here.”

“It’s alright. Mio told you to stay here, didn’t she?”

“Y-Yes, but... um, what about Father?”

“He went home. He said we don't have to return the betrothal gifts and asked that they be offered at Anastasia’s grave, so I immediately agreed.”

The count said it casually.

...What should I do? Should I say, "Thank you, it will surely comfort my sister’s spirit"? But that would be a lie. The treasures have already been sold off and used for the Shadelan Family.

We should apologize to the count for that. For Anastasia’s sake as well.

But I hesitate to rub salt into the count’s wounds...

—Hm? Father has left!?

I tried to rush out in a panic.

The count blocked the door.

“You don’t need to chase him. I have something I want to ask you.”

“W-What is it?”

“Marie... were you abused by your family?”

“Eh!?”

Startled, I froze and stopped breathing.

Abused... abused?

It felt like a punch to my stomach. The word was so intense that I was left breathless and dizzy.

What does abuse even mean?

Indeed, I think I was a child who was not spoiled much.

But that’s because I truly wasn’t lovable.

Father and Mother repeatedly told me to be humble and self-aware, and denied my hobbies — all for my own good. They disciplined me so I could be cherished...

“That’s not true.”

I answered with conviction.

“My father is a thoughtful man. There were things that a young me couldn’t understand and strict orders I had to follow, but I believe that was necessary as the head of a noble family. I don’t know how Lord Granado sees it, but—”

“It’s Cyrus.”

“...Eh?”

His sudden interjection stopped my speech. The count repeated with the same expression as before.

“Cyrus, that’s my name. I don’t like being called ‘Count.’ Since I call the Shadelan baron’s daughter ‘Marie,’ I want you to call me by my first name.”

“...Understood, Lord Cyrus.”

Though I obeyed as told, Cyrus frowned for some reason.

...What could it be? I don’t understand why he’s displeased. Just as rumored, he’s a difficult man...

“Um, why did you ask that?”

“Then why were you wearing such a plain dress that day?”

He asked a question but then asked another in return. It was a question I found difficult to answer, and I was at a loss for words.

Lord Cyrus didn’t wait forever.

“Is that really your taste? I don’t know the customs of the Shadelan Territory, but in the royal capital, such clothes are typically worn by widows or nuns. It’s a color that rejects men. Are you planning to become a nun?”

“...No...”

“Then, are you simply a man-hater?”

“...........No...”

I don’t think that’s the case.

But it’s true I can’t quite grasp it.

I haven’t lived completely without men, but they were all infatuated with Anastasia. In the overwhelming radiance of my sister, I was left in the shadows.

I liked romance novels and wasn’t uninterested in the opposite sex. But I never had real expectations. I’d never desired anything, so I didn’t know if I liked or disliked men.

“...So, you willingly chose to play second fiddle to your sister?”

“...........”

“Are you dissatisfied with life in the Shadelan Family?”

“...............”

“If you keep silent, I won’t know.”

...It’s not the life I wanted. But I don’t expect to escape from it either.

I don’t know how to answer.

I hate this. This time is unbearably painful. I want to run away. I was left speechless by his rapid-fire questions.

Ah... I feel like crying...

“...I... am not lovable...”

That was the only answer I could squeeze out.

Lord Cyrus muttered, “I see,” and seemed satisfied. After a moment of silence, he loudly called Mio.

“Yes, master, what is it?”

“Take Marie away.”

I stiffened for a moment, then immediately relaxed. ...There’s nothing to be surprised about. From the start, I knew I would be sent away.