Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

Carriages moved across the twilight plain.

Slowly, heading beyond the southern mountains toward the border with Dilz.

The second carriage from the front—the knights order war chariot driven by Lord Ruifeng—had a sturdy outer lock on it. Inside the carriage was his older brother, restrained hand and foot.

Yan was in the fourth carriage, the one driven by Mr. Hadwell.

They would be taken to the Imperial Capital of Oracle and handed over to the authorities.

...And then they would be judged by the laws of Oracle. Even the prince of Dilz, no differently.

Along the way, they stopped the carriages once for a meal break.

Since they were still locked inside the carriages, it wasn't like we could relax completely, but while we gathered around the campfire, we managed a little small talk.

"...So this will make it public that Lionel was expelled from the royal family."

Lord Cyrus muttered it like an aside. His gaze remained fixed on the campfire, but his words were directed at Lord Ruifeng.

"Are you all right with that?"

After Lord Cyrus asked once,

"That's probably for the best."

Lord Ruifeng answered that way, just once.

Mr. Hadwell kept apologizing and thanking us over and over.

He seemed so determined to get everything across no matter how long it took, mixing halting Dirts language with Oracle language in writing.

"This time, you took care of everything for me. Thanks to you, I was able to save my family."

Mr. Hadwell's wife and child were quickly released with the help of the duke of dutchman. After an emotional family reunion, their health was still a concern, so they were taken to a medical facility on the island.

They would not be able to return home together until after several weeks of hospitalization.

Even so, Mr. Hadwell's expression was bright.

"You are my family's lifesavers. How am I ever supposed to repay this kindness..."

"It's nothing to worry about. If anything, we dragged you into our own private conflict. At best, you could say we were comrades in arms."

When Lord Cyrus said that, Mr. Hadwell chuckled softly.

"As expected, you are a remarkable man, sir Cyrus Granado. The people standing behind you prove that."

With that, he pointed behind Lord Cyrus.

There stood me, Mio, Thomas, Lord Ruifeng, and Mr. Angelo.

Mr. Hadwell was taller than even Lord Cyrus, so he could probably see everyone there at a glance.

"...I'm not as much of a merchant as you are, but after all my years in business, I've learned something. Management is about choosing what you believe in. It's necessary to determine what has value, what future prospects it has, and what kind of people you associate with—you are surrounded by good companions."

"I'm not exactly his companion. If anything, Cyrus-kun and I are eternal rivals."

Lord Ruifeng said that, but no one really commented on it. After all, where in the world do you find a rival who comes all the way to rescue you?

"I am without a doubt sir Cyrus's companion. At this point, I'd even say we're close enough to be best friends."

"No, wait, that's absolutely wrong. To me, you Mizuhos are a far greater threat than even Lionel."

"Um, Mr. Angelo, I'm afraid I already have someone reserved for the best friend position..."

"I mean, Cyrus-kun, I've been thinking this the whole time, but who is this guy? That fake-looking smile is weirdly déjà vu, or maybe just so suspicious it's seriously disgusting."

"Hmm, that would be jealousy toward one's own kind, wouldn't it?"

"Not even close!"

Lord Cyrus denied it with the loudest voice he had ever used, with all his might.

On the opposite side were Mio and Thomas.

...I'd heard that Mio had once been injured by Mr. Angelo. She must have some feelings about that, so what would she say...? I strained to listen in on their conversation.

"It's the usual scene, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is."

They said that in warm, gentle tones.

With his usual easygoing expression, Thomas held bread over the campfire to warm it. Once it was ready, he tore off a piece and put it in his mouth.

"Somehow, the 'Granado Castle' I know might not really be about the building itself. If master is there, and lady marie, and Lady Mio... and all the other friendly people gathered around, then it feels like home."