Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

“Impressive. Would you say it rivals the Royal Kingdom Library?”

“I think it still falls short in terms of volume. But there are many entertainment books brought in from foreign lands—books you won’t find in the Royal Kingdom Library.”

“I see. A bookshelf unique to Granado Castle, once a border outpost and now home to many foreigners.”

“You flatter me.”

Marie Shadelan sat at the table beside Brother Richard, deep in conversation.

Why was I so captivated just watching them talk?

We were in a massive library tucked away in a corner of Granado Castle. Sometimes an attendant with free time would organize the bookshelves, but right now, it was just the three of us.

I sat across from them, resting my cheek on my hand, gazing absentmindedly.

Ah... the way she looked down at the book in her hands, her intellectual amber eyes framed by long lashes. Her straight, high nose and perfectly placed lips. When standing, she was taller than Richard, but seated, her head was half a head shorter. Not just the lack of heels but her long legs and small skull made the difference. Richard wasn’t exactly short-legged either. Ah... ah...

“Lord Richmond, do you enjoy reading as well?”

At the question, my brother flinched slightly.

“Ah... well. Sometimes I read about architecture... I suppose.”

“If you’re interested in architectural techniques, the shelf over there holds illustrated records of pre-war royal palaces and ancient castles in the central continent. I think Lord Richmond would find them fascinating.”

Marie’s words made Richard show a surprised expression for the umpteenth time today.

“Have you read all the books here!?”

“No, not all of them. I try to grasp their contents to create indexes—but once I start reading, I can’t stop because they’re so interesting.”

Marie chuckled bashfully, and Richard again stood there with his mouth open in disbelief.

“...Interesting? Foreign, ancient castles...?”

“Yes, you can feel the climate and culture of those countries through the books, which is very enjoyable. If you like, I can bring you some of my recommendations. Lady Layla, do you have any favorite authors?”

Suddenly asked, I blurted out a strange “Eek!” Hastily shaking my head, Richard smirked with half-closed eyes.

“You should take this chance to read more books too.”

“Th-That’s none of your business! I do attend lessons during study time properly. Though I’m a bit behind with assignments.”

“‘A bit’? Mrs. Robert said half the answers on your homework were written in a maid’s handwriting.”

Ugh. I stammered and looked away. A tinkling giggle followed. Marie covered her mouth and smiled gracefully. Blushing, I looked up, and Marie smiled warmly.

“Lady Layla, it seems you’re not too fond of reading. I always thought your features resembled Lord Richmond’s quite well.”

“Ehh? Our faces don’t look anything alike!”

“Fufu, it’s your eyebrows when you’re angry. Fufu, sorry.”

Despite my firm protest, Marie just smiled. When she laughed, her eyebrows drooped and her eyes narrowed, her irises shifting black like a girl’s. Her gentle expression made me smile involuntarily.

Guided by Marie, Richard walked over to the shelves looking relaxed. What kind of magic was this? The brother who never even smiled was now wearing one.

...Or rather, wasn’t the atmosphere... nice?

Though they didn’t exactly look like a perfect match, my brother seemed to think well of her... It was the first time I’d ever seen him smile next to a woman.

“You’re amazing, Lord Richmond. Not only architecture but history, geography—you’ve read it all. You truly are a book lover.”

Praised by Marie, Richard’s face twitched as if not knowing how to react.

Shaking slightly all over, he muttered quietly.

“I-I don’t really like books that much. I just tried to memorize stuff for studying...”

“Oh? But you said you liked it earlier.”

“Ah, no, not really. It’s just work... well, not exactly work, but I don’t have any other skills...”