Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

Today, two chapters are uploaded in a row.

This is the second chapter.

Waking up in a warm bed, eating delicious food, and wearing a dazzling dress.

As the day begins like this, I no longer have any doubts.

When I first came to this castle, it felt strange that it wasn’t a dream.

Every night, as I fell asleep, I thought that by tomorrow the magic would surely break, and I would find myself dressed in tattered clothes, realizing it had all been a dream.

Count Kyros Granado often whispered to me that this was not an arranged marriage. He said he was happy that I came to this castle.

At first, those words didn’t even register in my mind.

But now, little by little, I’m starting to believe them.

That I’m beautiful, that I’m liked… maybe it’s not just flattery. When I look into those shining green eyes, I find myself almost believing it.

No, even if it’s flattery, that’s fine. It means he treated me well and welcomed me. I’m allowed to be here.

With each morning that comes, I understood this. And I was honestly happy.

…But still.

“The eldest daughter of the Baron Chadelan family, Anastasia-sama. We would very much like to welcome such a beautiful lady to the Granado Family. As soon as possible, as the wife of Count Kyros Granado.”

He was the one who wrote that letter. I was the one who wrote back saying “please.” Anastasia accepted it, and was put into that carriage.

The place where I am standing now — this was Anastasia’s place.

No matter how much I become accustomed to this castle, no matter how welcomed I am, that doesn’t change.

Anastasia’s body was never found.

Even so, there’s no way she could be alive. Given the circumstances, survival was impossible, and above all, if she were alive, it would be her here, not me.

If you somehow come back to life by a miracle of God… if you are living somewhere out there… please come back. I will give everything back to you.

This is truly a comfortable and wonderful home.

I will be fine. Because I have come to terms with it.

—Life in this castle has been fun, and I had no worries. Because I was prepared.

If Anastasia comes back alive, I will quietly leave this place.

Hey, Anastasia.

Where is your soul now?

I hope you come soon. I can still pass the baton with a smile now.

If it’s any later, I will surely end up crying.

Knock, knock—the sound of the door being knocked.

I wiped the corner of my eyes.

“Marie, may I come in?”

“Lord Cyrus? P-please do!”

When I answered, the door immediately opened. Standing there was a tall, handsome man—the lord of this castle and my... sister’s former fiancé.

He had been away on business for a long time, but finally managed to take a holiday. Last night he seemed to have had a good rest. His complexion was good, and he looked lively somehow.

I smiled and bowed, asking the purpose of his visit. Lord Cyrus said in a cheerful voice,

“While Mio is away, starting today, I’ll be your maid, Marie. Nice to meet you.”

…Huh?

Unable to understand what he was saying, I looked up at my master with a blank expression.