Published: August 15, 2025
The sound of heels echoed sharply against the hard stone floor as I dashed through Granado Castle. The glass-like beautiful shoes fit my feet perfectly. Even after running a bit, they didn’t slip off or fall. But since they weren’t made for running, I couldn’t sprint at full speed. Still, I ran with all my might, though gradually my heels and toes began to ache. I didn’t care and kept running.
If I missed this chance, it would be another whole year before I got another. It was far too precious to waste.
Because today—this day—was the only day when lying was allowed, even if it was a lie—it was too amusing. Such a fun event, and it would be a shame for only me to enjoy it.
When Mio tricked me and revealed it was all a lie, I was happy. Maybe it was the tension and release—I was so nervous, then when I relaxed, it was so funny I laughed until I held my stomach.
Frühlingsschwatz was a fun day.
I wanted him to experience this too. Before the bell stopped ringing, I had to say at least one word...!
Granado Castle’s main gate came into view. The noon bell rang—only three more tolls!
A black iron carriage was parked in front of the gate.
Cyrus Granado, lord of Granado Castle, was tall. His long legs, matching his height, stepped from the carriage to the ground. Before both feet could touch down, I somehow managed to catch up. Almost like a body slam, I threw myself into his arms and shouted.
“Lord Cyrus! I, I—”
“Marie? Welcome ho—”
Clang...
Lord Cyrus’s words were drowned out by the bell. Ah! The noon bell was about to finish ringing...!
“Lord Cyrus—I, I... your—”
Just as I spoke those words, the bell stopped.
...It was noon!
I couldn’t lie anymore. But I couldn’t stop the words halfway.
“—I love you!!”
I simply spoke the truth without any deception.
Lord Cyrus stood frozen for a moment. His emerald eyes went wide as he muttered weakly.
“...Huh? ...Yes?”
The sudden confession of love seemed to surprise Lord Cyrus even more than an outlandish lie.
He blinked around, looking bewildered.
Just then, the gatekeeper Thomas, who was right in front of the gate, caught his gaze. Thomas shrugged at Lord Cyrus’s look.
“Today, Lady Marie seems to be playing some kind of mysterious game. I got tricked too a moment ago.”
“A mysterious game?”
“Lying to deceive someone. I don’t really understand it, but isn’t that a noble pastime from Dilz?”
Hearing these words from Thomas, a commoner from Luhab Island, Lord Cyrus tilted his head.
...Huh?
I hurriedly looked up at Lord Cyrus.
“Ah... um, it’s Frühlingsschwatz. Once a year, a day when it’s okay to lie.”
“...Frühlingsschwatz?”
Huh? What?
W-why? Lord Cyrus doesn’t know about Frühlingsschwatz!?
“I don’t know what it means, but lying... so you mean the 'I love you' just now was a lie...?”
“N-no, that’s not true! That was real! We were only supposed to lie until noon, but it turned noon just before I could finish—so I had no choice—”
Then—
Clang, clang, clang...
From afar—outside the castle—the bell rang again. Ah... huh? Why is the noon bell ringing once more...?
Lord Cyrus placed a hand lightly on my shoulder, who was standing there dumbfounded.
“That bell just now wasn’t the church bell, but the Granado Castle bell to announce my arrival to the servants. You must have heard it many times before.”
“Ah—ah! I see...!”
Indeed, for a moment I thought it sounded different from the usual. But in my panic, I jumped to the wrong conclusion. I accidentally spoke the truth during the morning.
“I’m sorry, Lord Cyrus, but it’s not like you have to lie just because it’s Frühlingsschwatz, right? Like I said earlier, my love for you is true.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t doubt that. But what exactly have we been talking about all this time?”
“Um, do you really not know? I heard Frühlingsschwatz is a common tradition in the Royal Capital of Dilz... I understand Thomas came from abroad, but for Lord Cyrus not to know...”
As I spoke, I recalled Wolfgang’s subtle reaction too.