Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

Dirts Kingdom, several days traveling north from the southernmost port town.

The canal waters were clear and gentle. The scenery from the carriage was soft green fields dotted with vivid flowers.

Yet occasionally, at the edge of some flower patches, I could see snow fences piled up, and I whispered softly,

"…Spring in Dilz really is colder than Ipsandros. There, the snow had already melted away before winter even ended."

"In exchange, summer was unbearably hot," said Lord Cyrus sitting beside me.

There was a faint trace of joy in his voice. Dilz was his homeland too, and after a long time—a full year and a half—this was his homecoming. It was only natural he'd be uplifted.

The carriage moved at a modest pace, just a little faster than walking. We leisurely savored the long-missed scenery.

Soon… in the distance, the white stone walls appeared. The castle that once stood as a fortress guarding the border of Dilz during the war, now the residence of the duke granado’s son, count Cyrus. At first glance, it looked imposing, even intimidating, but to us, it was a comforting home—simply nostalgic and joyful.

As the carriage stopped before the castle gate, a gatekeeper hurried over to greet us with great enthusiasm. The young man with bright wheat-colored hair seemed to have grown slightly taller since a year and a half ago.

Seeing that familiar face made me want to leap out immediately, but Lord Cyrus stopped me. He probably intended to support my hand from the ground, telling me to wait a moment as he would get out first. I nodded obediently and watched him step out of the carriage.

Suddenly, a loud cheer erupted.

Apparently not just the gatekeeper, but a large group of attendants had gathered at the gate.

Through the open door, over my tall husband's shoulder, I saw the smiling bath attendant, the somewhat bashful gardener, the plump cook hopping excitedly, and the elderly butler straightening his posture and bowing. Dangling from his arm was the maid apprentice with a bun hairstyle, much grown since my memory.

All of them were familiar faces, so dear to me. Amid the lively noise, one voice stood out distinctly—never loud, yet clear as a ringing bell.

"Welcome home, master."

"Ah, I’m back," Lord Cyrus nodded.

"Did you gather all the staff yourself, Mio?"

"Yes. When master arrived at the port town, you sent a swift message by courier. All the attendants prepared to welcome you."

Her voice was calm, but occasionally softened with a gentle care.

"…Preparations to ease your fatigue are fully ready. Shall we begin by washing away the travel grime in the bath? For food, warm light refreshments are available. If you prefer rest first, the rooms have already been warmed. Please relax as you wish—"

She stopped mid-sentence, then murmured with a puzzled tone like talking to herself.

"Oh, master, you cut your hair."

"Ah…" He touched the nape of his neck and nodded. His bare neck still felt a little unfamiliar, so he placed his hand over it as if to warm it.

"I can’t say I like the hairstyle anymore. The moment I'm found, they grab at it."

"Grab?"

"Apparently, with the length and thickness, it instinctively invites grabbing. Every time I hold the baby, they pull it hard like this."

The conversation continued, but I couldn’t hold back any longer. Ignoring my husband’s wait, I flipped my skirt and jumped out of the carriage. Into the embrace of familiar faces, cherished friends I had longed to see.

"Mio! I’m home!"

"Lady Marie!"

"Here, take this!"

"Huh?"

Mio reflexively caught what I suddenly pushed into her hands, then cried out, "Whoa!" Even the ever-calm maid was visibly startled. She stared intently at the tiny human—a girl still soft as down feathers cradled in her arms.

"O-oh… an infant…"

She muttered vaguely. Lord Cyrus and I exchanged glances and burst out laughing.

"Sorry to surprise you. But after Lord Cyrus, you’re the one I wanted to hold her most."

"…Uh… so this is… I see, your…"

Mio was still stunned. It was very rare to see her so shaken.