Published: July 29, 2025
At the table lined with twenty chairs, there stood a strange two-tiered pot. Facing it were the two recently engaged individuals.
That was all there was in the space. Time passed without either of them knowing how to start a conversation. They had to say something—anything—but the words just wouldn’t come out, overwhelmed by anxiety.
There was no topic to speak of.
Even when told to talk about something they liked, nothing came to mind.
…Something fun about him. Something he liked. Could I, so naïve about the world, manage to entertain him?
My head spun with these swirling thoughts. Then, a low voice quietly reached my ears.
“Sorry about that. I intended to make things pleasant, but I ended up making you feel uneasy.”
It was calm but mixed with a bitter tone.
Was he talking about Toppo? I shook my head.
“No, Mio told me to choose freely and leave what I didn’t want. Everything was delicious, and I couldn’t decide—it’s my own gluttony’s fault.”
“…Mio also mentioned the dresses. Is there something else that’s troubling you?”
“N-No, nothing of the sort. Everything is wonderful, luxurious, and more than I deserve.”
“…Then is there anything you’re lacking? Tell me anything. I’m often away from the castle and don’t understand what a woman needs.”
“Not at all. More than enough…”
“What about Hanna and Ilza?”
At the mention of their names, my shoulders twitched briefly, but I still shook my head.
“—They take good care of me. I believe they used to work at the royal palace…”
“Ah, I hired them for Marie. I had connections at the palace. Among the maids, I asked for those who are loyal…kind and humble. Since you’re about to become a count’s wife, or at least part of the baron’s family, you deserve the same proper treatment as my sister.”
“…Yes, that’s how they’ve been treating me…”
Deserve—that word hit home. I understood clearly then.
Those two really were treating me accordingly. The noble head of a proud royal family receives that kind of treatment. I get what’s suitable for me.
A noble title in name only, from a poor, old country family. Among them, the defective, unwanted daughter.
A borrowed wife, dressed up in finery received through an arranged marriage. Those two saw through that. Despite being tattered, I called myself a baron’s daughter and leaned on the count’s kindness, putting on the air of a resident of this castle… they were telling me I didn’t belong. Ah—that’s exactly right.
As I looked down, Lord Cyrus sighed with a bitter smile.
“Marie, your ‘habit of enduring pain’ is serious.”
“Huh?”
“No one comes to a stranger’s home and doesn’t endure something. Everyone has likes and dislikes, naturally.”
“…But everyone has truly treated me well…”
“Just because they treat you well doesn’t mean you have to be happy about it.”
Feeling a strong sense of discomfort, I raised my face.
In front of me, green gemstones sparkled. Lord Cyrus’s eyes narrowed slightly and blinked.
“It’s what they call well-meaning but annoying. It happens even among loving families. There’s a limit to how much you can anticipate and take care of. If it’s unpleasant for you, you have to tell me.”
“…But… I’d be sad if I tried to be pleased and it wasn’t liked…”
“That’s true. But what’s sadder is that you made the other person sad… Marie.”
I felt it even though he didn’t say it aloud. His gaze told me so, and my heart ached.
“I’m sorry…”
Outside my lowered gaze, I sensed him sigh.
“Why do I make you apologize? Is my face really that scary?”
“Ehh!?”
Surprised, I involuntarily looked up. His expression wasn’t what I imagined. His brows drooped, and he looked truly troubled. Not scary at all—more like a scolded child looking at me anxiously.
The contrast with his handsome face was almost comical. I nearly smiled but hastily covered my mouth.
“I-I'm not scared! Sorry, I just say sorry like a habit—oh, sorry again. It’s not that, please don’t mind.”