Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

Pulling myself together, I greeted the two of them.

“Nice to meet you, my name is Marie Shadelan. Lord Ryuu-Ryuu has been very kind to me.”

“Ms. Marie! What a cute name. I’m Granny Bell. Nice to meet you.”

Granny Bell grabbed my hand again and shook it enthusiastically, giving me a warm welcome. But her husband just stood silently. Instead, Lord Cyrus introduced them.

“These two are my grandparents, Ryuu-Ryuu’s parents. The husband’s name is Kemal, and the wife’s name is Liu Belle. Both are Ipsandros people, and Kemal is a school teacher.”

“Oh…”

I couldn’t help but let out a sound of surprise. A teacher… That makes sense. But considering he’s Lady Ryuu-Ryuu’s father, it was an unexpected occupation. Since she loved singing and dancing from a young age, I assumed one or both of her parents worked in something related to music.

Upon Lord Cyrus’s introduction, Mr. Kemal furrowed his brows in displeasure.

“How old do you think I am? I retired from teaching long ago.”

“Didn’t you say you still gather your former students and teach them various things?”

“That’s not work; it’s volunteering—or rather, a pastime in old age. I just respond because they rely on me.”

He said this in a grumpy tone and turned away.

Granny Bell was bright and sociable, but Mr. Kemal seemed a bit stern. Despite his age, his back was straight, and he had a clear low voice. His high nose and sharp eyebrows didn’t resemble Lady Ryuu-Ryuu much. Or rather, did he look like Lord Cyrus?

Thinking that made me feel more familiar. I would love to hear stories about Lady Ryuu-Ryuu’s childhood.

I was also deeply interested in the education in Ipsandros. I had met a few Ipsandros people within the Dilz Kingdom, but without exception, they were wealthy enough to travel overseas. Born as children of the affluent, they received higher education and crossed the seas. I wondered what schools for ordinary… poorer citizens looked like.

I wanted to ask a lot! If possible, I wanted to tour their school buildings and even visit their libraries!

I stepped forward to speak, but Mr. Kemal avoided eye contact and turned his back.

“Cyrus, the preparations at the venue are done. Let’s head there right away. Get in.”

…Huh? Did I just get ignored?

Mr. Kemal quickly climbed into the carriage we had just gotten off, followed by Lord Cyrus. Of course, I also tried to get in quickly, but the door slammed shut right before me.

…What?

The window opened immediately, and Lord Cyrus’s face popped out.

“S-sorry, I didn’t explain well enough! I didn’t mean to offend you, I swear I’m not being mean!”

He spoke quickly, leaving me unable to respond. While he talked, the horses were whipped, and the carriage started moving.

“In Ips’s weddings, the bride and groom spend the day apart until the ceremony, basically forbidden to speak. To be more precise, men and women are separated—Hey grandpa, stop the carriage—Ahhh!?”

As he spoke, the horses were whipped again, and the carriage pulled away. Lord Cyrus’s voice and his black hair hanging out of the window faded into the distance.

No way!? Why? I was left behind!?

Just as I was about to rush forward in panic, Granny Bell grabbed my shoulder and stopped me. She wore a cheerful smile.

“Don’t worry, they won’t leave you behind. You’ll go with me in this carriage.”

“B-but why?”

“Why? Isn’t it different in your country?”

I fell silent, unable to answer.

Because we’re about to attend the wedding. Yet we’re being moved in separate carriages and won’t see each other again until the ceremony.

I recalled the twists and turns leading up to this day, the days of misunderstandings. I thought we could finally become a peaceful couple, but now we’re being torn apart again…!?

My blood ran cold. Suddenly, Granny Bell hugged me tightly.

“Oh, you dear child, don’t look so lonely. It’s okay; we’re going to the same place. We just have different rooms to stay in.”

“Oh… I see. But why?”