Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

Two episodes updated on the same day, this is the latter part.

Please be careful not to read this before the previous part.

“The bride and groom, both step forward.”

The priest raised his voice to compete with the grand hymn.

The bride replied, “Yes,” and took a step forward. Surprisingly, her steps were light and dignified.

…Huh? Was Princess Claudette always this composed?

When I saw her a few days ago, she was more like someone who hid behind her mother, too shy to even meet others' eyes...

I hadn’t really noticed before since it was just a glance, but for a twelve-year-old girl, her limbs are quite long and her waist is firmly slender.

She’s more mature than I expected. And maybe taller too?

Her delicate bare shoulders and the lips peeking from under the veil looked unexpectedly alluring.

Ah, I see. It’s probably because, like me, she has given up on everything and accepted it…

The closed chapel was surrounded by the Crown Prince’s royal guards and knights. Even if she tried to escape, what would happen then? We don’t know any way of life other than being tools of politics. I’m fine with that, but this girl, this innocent girl—at least her…

“Ruifeng Sandalqia. Remove the bride’s veil and call her name.”

The priest urged me on. I nodded, touched the white veil with my fingers… timed it with the rising music, and whispered.

“Princess, the vow kiss that comes next is just a gentle gesture… I won’t become your true husband.”

“Eh!?”

The bride lifted her face. Holding the edge of the veil, I lowered my voice even more.

“According to Flaria’s Law, a couple becomes ‘true spouses’ after the first night under the watchful eyes of the judges, right?”

“Y-yes…”

“You’re still young, so you can be excused from the marriage chamber because of your youth. Then, after five years… when you turn seventeen and reach the marriageable age, I will run away. If we don’t become ‘true spouses,’ this marriage will be null and void. You will have plenty of opportunities to remarry. Please become the wife of a better man than me, hopefully someone you truly fall in love with.”

“…Um…”

“Sorry.”

Probably because I spoke quietly and quickly, the princess looked up at me with her mouth half-open, stunned.

I intended to accept this marriage in exchange for the release of Cyrus and the others. My eldest brother is difficult but extremely calculating. If I set conditions, the wish will surely be granted.

And five years—that’s enough time for this country to change.

The agricultural techniques inherited from the great nation of Flaria, along with the industries of the granado trading company, will generate enough revenue to support the treasury. Then there will be no need to buy outdated weapons. Without relying on Mylene’s mercy, I may be able to return to the kingdom.

Besides, after five years I’ll be twenty-eight, well past Mylene’s prime interest. Even without anything happening with Claudette, there was a high chance I’d be thrown out of the castle.

…Honestly, I wanted to decline without hurting the girl through this temporary marriage or ceremony. Maybe I should have just given up and fully embraced the role of the villain.

But… it’s impossible now. This strength of feeling, unbefitting of my weak position, was overwhelming.

I said sorry once more.

“I just absolutely don’t want to marry someone I don’t love.”

The hymn’s volume dropped. The priest gave me a look urging me to hurry. I nodded and lifted the princess’s veil again.

A slender chin, plump adorable cheeks, and a small nose came into view. Her lips, painted with rouge, were pressed into a tight line. She muttered something troubled, playing with her tongue inside her cheek.

Then she sighed.

“…Ah. Damn it. What should I do now? The plan’s ruined.”

“—!?”

Startled, she jumped back. The veil slipped down to her chin again, but she brushed it up herself as if swatting a mosquito.

Her eyes, a deep blue like a summer sky, were both lovely and dignified. She was indeed small—a fragile figure easily mistaken for a girl—but actually twenty years old.