Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

The music was definitely being played outside the harem, in the garden.

I have no formal education in music.

Though I had rigorous training in singing and dancing under Lady Ryuu-Ryuu, it seems I was simply not born with any musical talent. Sometimes I would spectacularly miss a note, and I couldn’t really tell the skill level of others’ performances.

Still, I enjoyed listening to music. Especially celebratory songs—they were bright, upbeat, and somehow exciting. The music drifting from afar had that same feel.

“…Now that I think about it, the groom’s attendants are supposed to perform during tomorrow’s ceremony. Maybe they’re practicing now.”

As I approached the garden, the sound grew louder and I soon saw the band. Six men in formal attire were playing instruments in a circle, without a conductor.

“—Ah, finally the sound is in sync. That was good,” an older man said cheerfully, strumming his strings joyfully.

“With this, the bride and groom probably won’t stumble during the actual performance. Okay, let’s start from the beginning and run through it once more.”

Without a conductor, they casually began together on a count of “Ready, go!”

It was an unfamiliar piece typical of Ips music, but clearly meant for the wedding. The elegant melody and gentle rhythm felt soothing.

The instruments they held might be unique to Ips as well. Their bodies looked like halved pears, so I assumed they were a type of lute, but the necks were unusually long. Perhaps it was just something I wasn’t familiar with, and they might be common even in the West…

I wanted to watch just a little longer, but not disturb them. So, I decided to quietly listen from the shadows.

The moment I peeked my face halfway out from behind cover, I couldn't help but let out a scream.

Hearing my voice, the band stopped playing and turned to look my way. Sure enough, among the six performers, I recognized a middle-aged man — my father!

“F-Father!?”

He looked extremely annoyed at my accusation, showing a very tired expression. Without answering, he put down his instrument and tried to leave. An older man stopped him.

“What’s wrong, Gregor? Giving up? Don’t worry, you have talent. You’re just one step away from mastering the Saz!”

Though the words were in Ips language, my father seemed to understand the gist. He snorted and sat back down. The attendants also picked up their instruments again and prepared to start on “Ready, go!” I hurriedly interrupted.

“Wait, wait, what’s going on here? Why is Father practicing music with the groom’s attendants!?”

“…Nothing special. I was just invited because they were short a member.”

He said it with a displeased tone, but that was no excuse. I pressed on, questioning him.

I really couldn’t understand. We had brought Father along on this voyage to protect him from those who might interfere with our marriage, ensuring the ceremony would proceed smoothly. His only role was to sign the marriage certificate.

Since Father hated studying and couldn’t be relied upon to give speeches in Ips language or host guests, moving him about risked trouble. We provided a lavish room and meals so he could comfortably rest until the day. Yet here he was causing such a fuss!

“I told you to stay in your room! You can’t cause trouble for the attendants!”

I scolded him strictly. Father frowned deeply and yelled back.

“—Stay still? How can I? Sitting in an empty room doing nothing, not talking to anyone for a whole week!”

His loud outburst made my eardrums tingle. Clearly, he was genuinely frustrated. He shoved his instrument at the man next to him and stepped toward me. I instinctively recoiled.

“Uh, um…”

“What do you think I was doing while you were busy preparing for the ceremony? Sleeping! Sleeping all the time! What kind of ‘no inconvenience’ life is that? The room was decorated with fancy patterns on the walls and ceiling but had nothing but a bed and table. The only freedom was to move my pillow, and my only companion all day was a bedraggled cat—who mostly just slept!”