Published: July 28, 2025
The city school was originally not meant for the children of nobles. Moreover, it was common for girls to hire a female tutor. Our family couldn’t afford that, and I, being ugly, would never appear in society. Rather than having noble education, being able to read, write, and do arithmetic was more useful to the family... so I was allowed to attend.
It was very embarrassing. I was strictly told not to tell anyone that I went to school, much less that I enjoyed studying as a hobby.
I did something wrong. Today was Anastasia’s debut party... If anyone found out I had such an embarrassing younger sister, it could ruin my sister’s reputation.
“—What is it, young lady? Please continue your story.”
“...Please forget it, sir. Excuse me.”
“Wait!”
My arm was grabbed.
It was a large hand. I raised my gaze from that hand.
And I looked at the man’s face.
He was surprisingly tall. Taller than me, who was as tall as a man, by a head.
Earlier I was only distracted by his foreign features... but looking again, he had a very handsome face. His beauty was sharp, yet his eyes drooped sweetly as he looked straight at me.
...What a wonderful person.
Did this man also come to propose to Anastasia? Even someone like him... my sister is amazing. Truly amazing. Compared to that, there’s me.
I already knew that, and self-mockery was nothing new. Yet, for some reason, today my heart ached. I gasped at the tight pain, and tears fell from my eyes.
The man gasped.
“...What’s wrong, young lady? What are these tears for?”
“It’s nothing... I’m sorry...”
“Did I offend you somehow? If it’s because I first mistook you for a servant, I’ll apologize as many times as you want. You should be angry, not crying.”
“You are not at fault. No baron’s daughter would expect to see someone in such a shabby state. Especially on a day like this party.”
“...Why are you dressed like this? Is the Chadelan family so poor that they can’t even afford to have a dress made for their daughter?”
“I’m just not pretty. That’s all.”
Saying it out loud made me feel somewhat amused. I wiped my tears and put on a gentle lady’s smile.
“Please don’t mind me. I enjoyed talking with you tonight.”
I bowed and was about to leave, but again my arm was grabbed. With frighteningly large hands and strength, the man pulled me close.
So close that I could feel his breath, he stared intently at my face,
“You are beautiful.”
He said briefly in Ips language.
I shoved him away. Gaining distance, I spoke quickly and hurriedly.
“Tonight’s star is in the salon. Please enjoy yourselves together!”
As I ran away, I heard the sound of shoes trying to chase me for a moment behind me. I paid no mind and ran. I jumped to the door right after entering the mansion and escaped inside. My private room — a room once made for servants. I crouched in the narrow, poorly lit room, stifled my voice, and cried.
I was unbearably sad.
About a month after that terrible birthday, one day—
When I entered the floor, the family was in an uproar.
“Yay, yay! Well done, Anastasia!”
Beside my father, mother was saying similar things. Anastasia, in the middle, looked confused as she stared at a letter.
“...But I don’t remember this person. Surely he left without even greeting me...”
“No, no, matters of love are not built by time spent. He liked you the moment he set eyes on you. There’s nothing strange. You have that much charm.”
“...But...”
Then, my father finally noticed me. In an unusually good mood, he spread his arms wide.
“Marie! Anastasia’s marriage has been decided. Look at this!”
He thrust a parchment toward me, which had a simple sentence.
“Lady Anastasia, eldest daughter of the Baron Chadelan family. We would like to warmly welcome your beautiful self into the Granado family. As soon as possible, as the wife of Cyrus Granado.”
“This is a big deal! A brilliant marriage! We invited her expecting rejection, but I never thought it would truly be accepted. We’ll quickly train Anastasia in bride lessons and send her to the royal capital next month. Marie, write notifications to relatives and neighboring nobles. Emphasize well that the partner is the Count Granado.”