Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

Thump――with a heartbeat so strong, my sternum ached. I clutched my chest and groaned.

—Three months ago, a craftsman’s apprentice who had fallen?

The two men discussing the topic didn’t seem to think much of it. Lord Cyrus sipped his tea and responded with a casual “Hmph.”

“An abandoned child... though the economy has improved lately, so those cases have decreased. If found outside the royal capital, then likely a child from a rural village. Regional disparity remains a challenge in the kingdom’s politics, Prince Ruifeng.”

“If you’re talking about that, Count Kyros Granado, it’s your responsibility. The eastern part of the royal capital is the Duke Granado’s territory, and the Artisan District falls under the jurisdiction of the Granado Trading Company, doesn’t it?”

“I can’t oversee everything. Norman needs to submit an orphan adoption report... Speaking of which, Ruifeng, you’re going to deliver the ring to Norman, right? Then even now, I could go there directly—”

As Lord Cyrus was about to stand, I grabbed his arm and stopped him.

“Don’t go—”

My voice was louder than I expected. Both Lord Cyrus and Lord Ruifeng turned toward me, startled.

“Marie? What’s wrong?”

I thought about the reason after being asked. It was a reflex to grab him... but why? I didn’t know. I just didn’t want to let him go.

“Lord Cyrus is... a busy man. There are only two weeks left until the engagement ceremony. I think... it’s better to leave the ring delivery to Lord Ruifeng.”

“I’m not free either, you know.”

Still, Lord Ruifeng put the ring back in its case and began preparing to leave.

“Well, the Artisan District is on the way to the knights order’s fortress, so you can leave it to me. I’ll talk to Norman about the orphan adoption report.”

“...Ah, thanks.”

“You’re welcome, my friend. Besides, the knights order is also responsible for the kingdom’s security. If I say it’s a patrol, I can move around as needed.”

“Thank you very much, Lord Ruifeng.”

I stood up faster than anyone else and opened the door to see Lord Ruifeng off. He frowned—apparently sensing something odd in my attitude. I became frightened.

Lord Cyrus’s hand covered my tense shoulder. Pulling me close protectively, he looked into my eyes and whispered,

“Marie, it’s okay.”

“Wha... what do you mean...?”

I really didn’t understand and asked again. Holding me, Lord Cyrus inquired,

“Ruifeng, have you met that apprentice?”

Lord Ruifeng nodded.

“Not exactly met, but I caught a glimpse. When I was talking with Norman, the apprentice was working nearby.”

“...What kind of child was it?”

Thump――this time, my heart jumped with clear pain.

“What kind of child? Unfriendly and cheeky, but seemed attached to Norman. He made coffee, but it was awful.”

“Name, age, and gender?”

Thump, thump――shaking in Lord Cyrus’s arms, I waited for Lord Ruifeng’s answer.

I was scared.

I wanted to cover my ears.

Lord Ruifeng answered with a casual shrug.

“Name’s Arthur. I think he said he was thirteen. Of course, a boy.”

A strange sound reached my ears—what was it? It was my own breathing. I felt weak and almost knelt down, but Lord Cyrus supported me.

He smiled softly at my state.

“Anastasia is a beautiful twenty-year-old, right?”

“...Y-yes...”

“After Anastasia went missing, I had wanted posters put up all over the royal capital. Norman must have seen them too.”

“Ah... y-yes, that’s right...”

“Also, the Artisan District is a male-dominated area. A sheltered baron’s daughter wouldn’t work there, and she’d stand out terribly just by being around. There’s no way I wouldn’t have heard about it.”

His gentle explanations gave strength back to my legs. I exhaled deeply, straightened my posture, and smiled.

“Ah ha—h, haha, I’m sorry. It was just a coincidence in timing, but I couldn’t help being surprised, maybe thinking it could be her. Haha—”

“Eh? You thought that kid might be your sister?”