Published: July 28, 2025
I didn’t understand what was going on. But in any case, I was granted permission to enter the castle.
Father quickly regained his good mood and strode proudly through the garden. He was once again speaking loudly to the maid walking ahead of us.
“Well, well, what a commotion, but at least we can breathe easy now. I’m not that angry, really. My best outfit got a bit dirty, but it’s no big deal—I can just wash it.”
“Lady Marie, is your dress dirty? We can prepare a new one for you here.”
“Oh, no, it’s fine... The dust just came off with a little brushing. I’ve also brought a change of clothes, just in case...”
“I am a baron. If a servant makes a minor mistake, making a huge fuss isn’t fitting of a true noble. Previously, one of my maids spilled water from a vase, but I only docked her pay for two years. Although I have to admit, being subdued like that was a first.”
“Sorry for the introduction. My name is Mio. I’m just a maid, but I’ve served this ducal family since I was very young, and now I serve as the head lady-in-waiting here at the Count Granado Castle. I take care of Lord Cyrus, including his personal protection.”
“Protection? That’s amazing. So that’s why Mio-sama is so strong.”
“Please, just call me Mio. Feel free to speak casually.”
“Mio, huh? That’s actually a pretty cute name. Ha ha ha.”
“Um... well, if I don’t, will Mio be scolded by her master?”
When I asked, Mio’s usual stern expression softened into a small smile. So she does smile...
“That won’t happen. I just thought it might make Lady Marie more comfortable.”
“I-I see. Um... in that case, I’d feel more at ease if you spoke with some polite language. Would that be all right?”
“Very well. You are a kind person. And quite intelligent as well...”
“Anastasia was even cuter, though!”
Father’s voice was loud and intrusive at times, but Mio completely ignored him. I felt free to do the same and didn’t mind it.
Something about Mio was mysterious. Her face was almost expressionless, and her tone was formal, yet she gave off a warm, gentle aura.
Was it her plump, soft-looking cheeks? Or perhaps her round, pure eyes?
As I stared at Mio closely, I suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu.
“Oh? I feel like I’ve met Mio before...”
“Ah. It’s natural you don’t remember. It was pitch dark back then.”
She smiled as she said that. My déjà vu turned into certainty.
This person was—yes, that night—beside that person—
After passing through a long, long corridor, we finally arrived at the central hall of Count Granado Castle.
As soon as the doors opened, a man’s angry shout pierced the air.
“Don’t mess around! Send them away!”
I froze.
He was shouting at the gatekeeper.
His brown skin was flushed, and his black hair stood on end from his fury.
“B-but, Lord Cyrus, Mio-sama insists it’s important that you meet her.”
“What nonsense! If I say I don’t want to see her, then I don’t want to see her. Marie? I caught a glimpse of her once; she’s utterly unremarkable. Not my type at all!”
“But, um... she was plain and a bit dull, but she seemed kind—”
“I proposed to Anastasia. I want no one else! Send Marie Chadelan away!”
“L-Lord Cyrus...”
Caught between the head lady-in-waiting and the lord of the castle, the gatekeeper looked utterly distressed. Poor thing. I’m sorry. It’s my fault.
The count buried his face in his hands, looking down.
“Anastasia... why did you have to die? If only you had been taken away that night, this wouldn’t have happened...”
Now he was writhing in anguish...
“You’re all right, Lady Marie. Please, come inside.”
Even though Mio urged me forward, my feet felt rooted to the spot. Even my father didn’t have the courage to jump into this tense atmosphere. Reluctantly, only Mio went in and spoke to the lord.
After a whisper from the maid, the count furrowed his brow. I heard him say, “What?!” in surprise.
Then, for the first time, he looked in our direction.