Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

We climbed further up the rocky mountain from Tender's Inn, reaching a height where we could overlook the beach.

From there, the distinctive terrain of Luhab Island became clear.

Walking along the cliffside, I murmured, "The beach is surrounded by rocky mountains all around. It’s like half of a colosseum..."

Indeed, Luhab Island was mostly made up of rocky mountains. Rather than mountains, they were more like huge hills—not very high in elevation, but the only flat land was the beach.

The island's size was probably smaller than the Chadelan Territory. The population was about the same, but because there were fewer farms and fields, the houses were densely packed and bustling.

"In recent years, a lot of tourists have started coming here. From Sphain and nearby countries, it’s just the right kind of luxurious resort," Isaac, who was leading the way, explained.

During the age of exploration—before the war, when ocean-going shipbuilding technology advanced dramatically—humanity roamed freely across the vast seas.

Especially the Sphain Empire, which was the first to build battleships equipped with huge cannons, occupied nearby offshore islands one after another without fear of local pirates.

Eventually, the hundred and fifty years' war ended, and to pursue true world peace, the colonial system was forbidden. Sphain was forced to liberate most of the islands it had occupied. Luhab, by resolution of an international conference, became territory of the Dirts Kingdom.

However, after being occupied for thirty years, Sphain’s culture had taken root all over the island.

"This white and beautiful townscape is also modeled after the Sphain imperial capital, isn’t it?" I asked.

Isaac looked surprised at my words.

"Yes! Amazing, you know that well! Lady Marie, you’re so knowledgeable!"

"I only know from textbooks. I didn’t expect it to be so refined. I thought it would be only in language and cuisine."

"Many descendants of Sphain people live here, after all," Lord Cyrus, walking behind us, added.

"Before the war, the Sphain people developed the island to make it comfortable for themselves while defending it. The plants and building materials are the same as in the imperial capital."

"Speaking of Sphain building materials... are these white walls plaster?"

Lord Cyrus smiled happily.

"Yes, the limestone used as raw material is mined in these nearby seas. The roof dye is also made from Luhab’s ore."

I see. That explains why they didn’t need to transport materials and why the reproduction is so accurate. As Lord Cyrus continued teaching me some geography, Isaac suddenly started hopping up and down.

"Lady Marie and Lord Cyrus, you really know a lot! I’m so happy you know so much about Luhab!"

Ah, that phrase sounded familiar. Remembering the gatekeeper with sun-kissed hair, I couldn’t help but laugh.

"But I know some wonderful things about the island that aren’t in textbooks. Today, I’ll take you all there. We’re almost there—fight on!"

More than his encouraging words, I felt energized by Isaac himself. Lord Cyrus and I exchanged amused glances and chuckled.

Then I looked back.

"Just a bit further now. Are you not tired, ms. Kaede?"

No reply.

Mr. Angelo bowed his head apologetically to me. We five had been climbing this rocky mountain for several hours since leaving the hotel, all at this pace.

—No, maybe we’re starting to go downhill a bit?

"We can see it! That’s Luhab’s other sandy beach, Popcorn Beach!" Isaac pointed ahead.

Looking that way, I could indeed see the blue sea and white sandy beach below. It was on the opposite side of the rocky mountain from the beach where we arrived by boat.

I shaded my eyes with my hand and stared at the distant scenery.

"...Popcorn Beach? It looks just like the beach where we landed yesterday... except maybe the sand is a bit whiter?"

"Hehe, you’ll understand once we get down there. Come on, we’ll head down the mountain now," Isaac said cheerfully as he went ahead.

Growing a bit impatient, I glanced at Lord Cyrus, who was also smiling mischievously. It seemed the two of them planned to surprise me... meaning both of them considered it something worth being surprised by.