Published: July 29, 2025
A scent like roses wafted from my body.
“Please, Lady Marie, this way.”
I was led by Mio down a long, long corridor.
At my feet were beautiful shoes, adorned with several transparent jewels, almost as if made of glass.
Unaccustomed to high heels, I nearly stumbled many times. Each time, Mio supported me. Somehow, I managed to reach our destination.
The center of the Ivory Castle was sealed by pitch-black doors.
Mio opened the door.
“Please, come inside.”
Inside was a party hall.
This must be the largest hall in the castle. It was incredibly spacious, a place where a hundred people could dance wildly.
On the polished stone floor stretched a straight scarlet red carpet from the door. People lined up along it—probably the castle’s servants. They all stood with their feet together, bowing slightly as they awaited my entrance.
“Please… proceed forward.”
Slowly, slowly.
As I walked, I glanced around.
The side walls were completely covered with mirrors.
I gazed absentmindedly.
…Who is this?
…In the mirror was a woman I didn’t know.
She was tall.
Her softly flowing scarlet hair spread out gently, reaching just above her waist but voluminous with strong curls, like a grand blooming flower.
Her slender jaw framed proudly, as if in full bloom.
Her features were refined. Her sun-kissed skin was smoothed with a slightly darker foundation. Her full lips were painted a sweet cherry-pink.
Her almond-shaped eyes had sharp makeup that conveyed intelligence.
She wore a vivid red mermaid flare dress that emphasized her height, further enhanced by heels, showing off her long legs. Golden threads twisted into vine patterns decorated her waist, accentuating her slender curves.
I stared at this ‘her’ absentmindedly.
—Beautiful.
…Who is she?
“Lady Marie. Please come to Master.”
Mio urged me forward. I walked on still dazed.
Halfway into the hall, on the carpet, stood the count.
There was nothing unusual—he just stood normally. Feeling somewhat intimidated, I stepped forward as Mio directed.
I came close enough to see the color of his eyes, bowed, then lifted my head.
He was expressionless. Silent.
Count Kyros Granado was tall. Even I, tall as a man and wearing heels, had to look up. His green eyes pierced me. Was he glaring? No, there was no hostility in that gaze. Rather, it was warmly melting.
He spoke.
“—Marie…”
“…Lord Cyrus?”
I called out, but he didn’t reply. Without breaking eye contact, he held his jaw and trembled. I didn’t understand.
…What’s wrong? Is he angry? Or perhaps exasperated?
Maybe thinking, “After I went through the trouble of bathing her, why such filthy red hair?”
Or, “After lending her a fine dress, she’s still an ugly girl.”
That must be what he thought. I lowered my head and bit my lip secretly. I felt unbearably sorry. After all, I am—
Just as tears began to fall, Lord Cyrus raised his voice.
“Ryuu-Ryuu! Ryuu-Ryuu, come here!”
Ryuu-Ryuu?
From a nearby pillar came a light voice, “Yes, yes!” A woman peeked out.
She was very beautiful. With deep-set features and exotic makeup that suited her well. Her tanned skin and green eyes framed by long lashes.
“No need to shout so loud, I’m close enough to hear.”
The ageless beauty snorted, smiling as she looked at Lord Cyrus and me. Her gaze stopped on me.
“Hmm, so that’s it. Cyrus—you’re surprisingly a man who likes beauty, huh?”
“Man who likes beauty?”
I was puzzled by the strange phrase.
Lord Cyrus frowned at her teasing.
“Ryuu-Ryuu, stop fooling around and look properly.”
“But you already made your decision, didn’t you?”
“…This is a formal ceremony. I want it done properly. Please, Mother.”
Mother?
I remembered Lord Cyrus was a half-blood, and his mother was a pureblood from the Eastern Republic. So this Ryuu-Ryuu must be his mother.
The green-eyed woman looked at me steadily from the front. Her gaze was strong.
I looked away.
“…No. Not enough.”
“…Mother.”
“Overwhelmingly lacking in confidence. The future duchess must walk with pride, strong and dignified—at least by the wedding day.”