Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

Notice: In the previous chapter, the description of the gemstone prepared by Ruifeng was changed from a 68-carat Pink Diamond to a small Red Diamond. The story itself remains unchanged.

The diamond was left temporarily at the jeweler’s shop and would later be sent to a jewelry craftsman for processing.

Having finished their errands, we lingered for a while, enjoying conversation. The two close friends met often for work, but due to the presence of other nobles and the royal family, they rarely had the chance to chat casually.

There were topics unique to high-ranking nobles, but more than half were everyday stories or funny anecdotes from school days.

“Listen, Marie-chan, Cyrus-kun just can’t seem to stop wetting the bed,” one said.

“Why spread baseless rumors right in front of the person? Speaking of which, wasn’t Ruifeng the one who deliberately slept naked, overslept, and then hurried off to school like that?”

“That was intentional. After being kicked out, he left the dorm without worry and ate churrasco at the market.”

“And then he was locked in the detention room all day the next day. Some people never learn.”

Their stories were so delightful that I wanted to listen forever. I had been laughing the whole time—at least I thought I was—when suddenly Lord Cyrus furrowed his brows.

“Marie, are you tired? We’ve been out quite a while already. Let’s head back to the castle soon.”

“...I’m fine,” I said, but apparently I really did look exhausted. Lord Cyrus took my hand and said his farewells to Lord Ruifeng.

However, Lord Ruifeng followed behind us.

“I’ve parked my carriage at the back entrance. It’s one that can pass through the market, so I’ll escort you to the boarding house.”

Grateful for the offer, we waited by the shop for the carriage to come around—then I almost collapsed to my knees at what appeared.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Now, get in.”

The carriage Lord Ruifeng brought around was a massive four-wheeled coach. Its black steel was studded with spikes all over, making it look incredibly heavy and sturdy. Not only the coachman but even the four horses wore armor, and the body was emblazoned with the emblem of the Dirts Kingdom Army knights order.

“Th-this is the kingdom knights order’s war chariot!?”

“Well, I’m the knight commander. I only have things like this,” Lord Ruifeng said cheerfully.

Passersby all stopped, whispering from a distance things like, “Wow, what’s that giant thing?” and “Scary… is there going to be another war?” No one dared approach.

Ah, so that’s what he meant by “can pass through the market”… I had been foolish to imagine a small two-wheeled carriage.

Lord Ruifeng led us into the cabin and took his place on the driver’s seat. Relaxing with his legs crossed beside the armored coachman, he replied to Lord Cyrus’s question about why he didn’t come inside, “It’s better for the view out here.” He’s such a free spirit.

The spacious cabin could probably seat about eight. We sat on opposite bench seats facing each other.

“Well, it’s fine. Marie would probably be more careful if Ruifeng was around.”

“No... that’s not the case.”

I shook my head. Though it was meant to show my fondness for Lord Ruifeng, Lord Cyrus frowned.

“You’re more nervous when it’s just the two of us, huh?”

“W-well... I’m fine, I’m sorry…”

Unable to say otherwise, I just apologized, and Lord Cyrus seemed to take it as confirmation. He leaned against the window, putting some distance between us.

“Your language has slipped back too,” he said softly.

The coachman gave a command, and the carriage began to move. Since it was through a market with pedestrians, the speed was extremely slow. I lowered my gaze, unable to lift my face... but I knew I couldn’t stay like this. I must speak properly and forced myself to speak.

“Um—about the gemstone earlier. Thank you very much.”

“…Ah.”

Lord Cyrus nodded brusquely.

“It’s very precious and expensive, isn’t it…”