Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

――How on earth can I protect Marie?

Holding that letter urging Marie to return home… which was tantamount to a threat, I couldn’t think of anything else.

Using the power of the Granado Family would be easy. This is a fortress; even a cavalry squadron could be repelled just by holding the castle. It would be possible to live here comfortably for life without ever stepping outside.

But would Marie be happy that way?

I deeply reflected on the fact that piling up luxuries only made her feel uncomfortable. Since then, she’s gradually interacted with the castle residents, and I think I’ve seen her smile more.

Still, it’s ultimately someone else’s home.

Even if I think it’s crap, to Marie it’s her real home and irreplaceable family. She hasn’t yet gotten used to this castle, so I can’t take away that support.

But I can’t just let her go easily. I have to do something about that couple… To do that, I need to understand why they oppress their daughter. No, more than anything, this castle has to become a paradise where Marie feels more at ease than at her real home…

—Damn it. If only I could pretend I never saw this letter, how much easier it would be…!

Marie’s room is at the west end of the second floor. It had been a month and a half since I last visited.

For some reason, the door was open. Peeking inside—my mother was scolding my wife.

“Marie, no. It’s not just about lowering your head recklessly. Sit straight, keep your spine upright!”

Her stern coaching voice was relentless. Marie obediently followed the instructions.

“Yes! H-how’s this?”

“Lower a bit more—okay, but you forgot to smile.”

“Ah, y-yes.”

“A curtsy is all about the feeling. It’s a greeting that shows respect, welcome, and kindness. Without that feeling, no matter how perfectly you imitate it, it means nothing.”

“Yes!”

The door was probably open for ventilation. The room was quite cool. Yet sweat appeared on Marie’s forehead. Her breath was shallow, and her cheeks flushed.

I felt the blood drain from my face.

“Ryuu-Ryuu! What are you doing!?”

“Ah, Lord Cyrus! Welcome home!”

…Marie herself greeted me with a cheerful smile, and I stumbled forward.

…Huh?

“Ah, the husband’s home. Welcome back!”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Cecilie and Wolfgang were there too, both smiling. Ceri seemed to have been imitating Marie and was drenched in sweat, having fallen on her butt.

Ryuu-Ryuu wiped her own sweat and exhaled.

“Cyrus, you came at just the right time. Help me practice with her.”

“Practice… practice for what?”

“Marie’s greeting when meeting nobles and royals.”

“Ha!?”

This time, I raised my voice loudly.

—I told you she doesn’t need to do that! At the engagement ceremony, we’ll handle the rounds. Marie has never been in high society before. She’s never performed greetings meant for upper nobility.

“That’s exactly what we’re practicing now. Everyone’s first time is a first.”

My mother’s reply wasn’t an answer at all. She put her arm around Marie’s shoulder, who was smiling just the same.

“It’s okay, Marie’s got talent. She doesn’t waver at all—strong lower body, huh?”

“I used to chop firewood every day at home.”

“Ah, that explains the waist… wonderful. I only learned after having kids, and I was all awkward and kept toppling over.”

“This uses different muscles from just holding the skirt hem, right?”

“Exactly. If your posture slips even a bit, it looks really bad. Whoever thought of this must have a bad personality.”

“Haha, but I really like curtsies. Because you keep eye contact, you don’t lose familiarity…”

…W-what?

Is this… could it be that they’re actually getting along?

Ryuu-Ryuu is too frank for better or worse, but as a duchess, she still has pride.

The day she introduced Marie and got her approved, she warned me firmly.

By the engagement ceremony, Marie should be “properly” prepared.

That was an order from the ducal family. I refused. It was too early; Marie’s immaturity isn’t her fault, and she’s intimidated by this castle. I will take the forefront at the engagement. I’ll handle the count’s household duties too. Marie should just dress beautifully and live happily, sweetly, and peacefully.