Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

――So, for some reason, I ended up being kicked out.

But I’m not one to obediently follow orders so easily.

“I'm off!”

Right after stepping out of the hospital room, I pressed myself against the door, straining to listen.

…What kind of conversation could Norman and Lord Ruifeng possibly be having?

They already know each other. From what I can tell, they’re not exactly enemies. But it’s likely that Norman, as a craftsman favored by the royal family, might be holding back out of respect toward Lord Ruifeng.

…The day before the ceremony… when I told him about my marriage to Lord Ruifeng, Norman didn’t say a word. He just murmured, “I see,” and accepted both my receiving the count title and becoming his adopted daughter without objection.

He isn’t one to talk much in general, but that day he was unusually silent. Even now, his true intentions remain a mystery.

…What if Norman dislikes Lord Ruifeng? What if he’s strongly against this marriage? I doubt Norman would ever say something like “If you’re going to marry that guy, get out of the workshop,” but maybe he’s uncomfortable with Lord Ruifeng entering the workshop.

To lessen the chance of that, I brought along a ton of Norman’s favorite things today and brought Lord Ruifeng with me…

Grandpa Norman… why did you kick me out just to have a private conversation with him?!

“Today, the weather is lovely, isn’t it?”

Norman’s first words were a light small talk. Lord Ruifeng, used to socializing, responded gently and softly.

“Yes, it’s quite warm for this season. I hope Norman’s eye heals quickly. Did you know? This hospital is built right in the middle of a flower garden. The cosmos flowers are truly beautiful.”

…but I could tell. Lord Ruifeng was extremely nervous. He kept a cheerful smile on his face but was probably sweating heavily down his back.

They chatted peacefully on the surface for a while.

Would it end without any problems?

Just when I thought I had heard enough eavesdropping, Norman muttered in a low voice.

“Are you currently living apart?”

Lord Ruifeng hesitated a moment, then answered.

“Yes. Eventually, we’ll live together... probably in the royal palace. Anastasia has work to do, and I have duties in the knights order. For now, we’ll live separately for a while.”

“Just married and already living apart?”

“That way of putting it makes it sound like we’re unhappy, but it can’t be helped.”

“I see…”

Norman sighed deeply for some reason.

“In your position, you could have had her quit immediately and bring her into the royal palace. I am grateful for your highness’s kindness.”

“No, that’s not it.”

Lord Ruifeng immediately replied firmly.

“Sure, living apart is lonely, but regarding her work, it’s actually my wish. If she said she wanted to enter the royal palace out of restraint, I would oppose it.”

“Your wish…?”

“I didn’t fall in love with her because I was patient or tolerant, but because I loved the her who is passionately pursuing what she wants to do.”

—I couldn’t see Norman’s expression through the door, but I guessed it was the same as mine.

Ah, that’s right. I almost forgot.

When I first met him in the social scene, he showed no particular interest in me.

He probably just didn’t find ‘me’ to be his type. I felt the same. But as we talked more and I got to know his true self, I grew fond of him. He looked at the craftsman’s work—not with disdain like ordinary nobles, but with genuine delight. He said he respected me, not just thought I was cute. He didn’t envy my freedom, but cheered me on. I came to like him.

Norman let out a small chuckle.

“I am not her real parent. That’s why, before I grow old and die, there are things I must leave to her. So she can live on her own without relying on a man she doesn’t love—passing down the craftsman’s skills…”

Lord Ruifeng said nothing and silently listened.

“The prince in fairy tales is impressed by his hardworking daughter and falls for her. But after winning her over, he brings her into the palace, dresses her up, and never lets her hold a broom again.