Published: July 29, 2025
In the kingdom, even nobles kept their dinners simple. Lunch was the most lavish meal of the day, while dinner was a time dedicated to resting the body—that was the custom.
It seemed the same applied in the count’s household. The three dishes—rye bread, bouillon soup, and pork cutlet topped with white sauce—were no different from those of the Shadelan Family. Only the number of dishes varied. Of course, the quality of ingredients and taste were incomparable.
Lord Cyrus didn’t speak until everything was placed on the tea table. I silently waited for the serving.
I took a bite of the food.
“Delicious…”
I muttered without thinking. Then Lord Cyrus spoke.
“This isn’t an arranged marriage.”
His fork stopped moving.
“...What do you mean?”
“I originally proposed to you. To you, with the red hair I met that night in the courtyard. The letter to Anastasia… had no meaning at all. It was just a mix-up with the name.”
“...I’m honored.”
“You don’t believe me, do you?”
His green eyes fixed intently on me. I gave a bitter smile.
“You don’t have to worry about my feelings. Lord Cyrus, you are a kind person.”
“You really don’t believe me, do you?”
Lord Cyrus sighed in exasperation.
There was really no need to worry. It was an arranged marriage as planned. As a noble’s child—I had never indulged in anything luxurious, but—I had been prepared for this for a long time. Lord Cyrus must be the same, if not more so; he must bear that responsibility far more than I do.
After marrying me, he would probably take concubines soon. I might not bear children and perhaps be made to work even harder than the Shadelan Family, wearing those tattered work clothes.
I thought that would be fine. It would just be no different from before.
The meal ended in silence.
Lord Cyrus was still silent.
He didn’t touch the tea after the meal and quietly faced me.
“…Um, do you have any instructions?”
I asked. He said,
“I like you, Marie.”
…….
That was the most incomprehensible thing I had ever heard.
Nothing entered my head.
He waited for my reply for a while, then stood up.
“Understood. In any case, the engagement is official. From now on, you will live in this castle.”
“...Yes, understood.”
“The engagement ceremony will be in three months. Unlike a solemn wedding, it will be a festive banquet inviting relatives from both families. We will prepare the attire, so you don’t have to worry about anything.”
“Understood. I will do my best to ensure the count’s household is not embarrassed in front of the guests.”
“...Until then, relax and enjoy living here. If you come to like this house—”
“Ah, wait!”
I hurriedly stopped him. He shook his shoulders startled and turned around.
“Y-Yes? What is it?”
“Please, let me go home once.”
“To the Shadelan Family? That’s fine, but why?”
“Before coming here, Father strongly told me to return immediately once I was no longer needed.”
Lord Cyrus frowned.
“...What do you mean by ‘no longer needed’?”
“My father didn’t think the engagement would actually happen. So I was supposed to comfort the count for just one night, then be cast out once the family connection was made.”
“Haahhh?”
That earth-shaking sound was Mio’s voice.
“This was a completely unexpected development. I don’t know what Father thinks. For now, I need to go home once and seek his instructions…”
Lord Cyrus fell silent. His lips trembled for a moment.
But in the end, he said nothing and left the room.
Mio followed him but returned immediately.
“Excuse me, Lady Marie, but you are prohibited from returning to your family home.”
“Huh? W-Why?”
“That’s Master’s order. Even if the Shadelan couple visits, meeting them must be with Master’s permission and with either Master or me accompanying you.”
Mio’s words were stern.
I became speechless and looked down.
Only then did Mio frown and ask sincerely, puzzled.
“Why do you believe you are ugly?”
“—Why? Because... my Father, my Mother, and my elder sister... The truth is, my tattered hair, nails, and work clothes—the mirror…”