Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

About three months ago, when I arrived at Granado Castle, I had almost no luggage.

Just a small bag and a little money for the road. The clothes I wore and my change of clothes—I asked for them back, but they were never returned.

“I’m very sorry. We thought you wouldn’t have another chance to wear them, so we disposed of them. Please take these clothes with you instead.”

What was handed to me was a collection of dazzling dresses. I refused with all my might and ended up keeping only what I was wearing at the time.

A dress made here at the castle, tailored for me, and the glass slippers made to fit my feet.

My hair, my skin... all polished here, just as I was... I bowed my head to Lord Cyrus.

“Thank you for everything.”

“...Ah.”

He murmured and lowered his gaze.

Still bowing, I continued to apologize.

“I’m terribly sorry. As for the expenses during my stay here and the compensation for breaking off the engagement, I will surely pay it back with my whole life—”

“That’s not necessary.”

He cut me off and spoke.

“This engagement was made without asking your wishes in the first place. I never forced you; I said you could break it off anytime. So there’s nothing you need to worry about.”

“...But the engagement ceremony is just around the corner... and there will be guests...”

“That kind of thing happens more often than you’d think. Leave the follow-up to me.”

“...Understood. Thank you very much. I appreciate it.”

I straightened my posture, but still couldn’t raise my lowered face.

Mio stepped forward.

“I will serve as your coachman. Let’s head to the carriage, Lady Marie.”

I nodded and started walking.

Following Mio, we walked down the corridor. There were gas lamps here and there, and Mio’s lantern too, but it was unusually dark. I moved slowly, holding onto the wall so I wouldn’t fall.

I gently traced the uneven stone walls with my fingers.

Just before the corner, Lord Cyrus whispered behind me.

“It’s already midnight. Wouldn’t it be better to leave tomorrow instead?”

I didn’t turn around.

“I’m sorry... I thought the sooner the better...”

“You should get a good night's sleep before traveling. Otherwise, you might get motion sickness.”

“Motion sickness in a carriage?”

I almost laughed unintentionally, covering my mouth as I answered.

“I’m fine. I’ve never gotten sick before, and I plan to sleep during the ride.”

“But... the coachman and the horses get sleepy too.”

“Master, both I and the horses are accustomed to nighttime duties. That won’t be a problem.”

Mio said, and Lord Cyrus remained silent but kept following behind.

Turning the corner, we entered a long hallway stretching straight ahead. I stumbled on nothing in particular but caught myself by touching the wall.

“I... must get married someday.”

Lord Cyrus whispered again, so softly it sounded like talking to himself.

“Not for the continuation of the Granado Family, but because there are the trading company and the servants whose lives depend on it. I can’t just end it with my generation. There’s the option of adopting an heir, but legally, I still need a rightful wife.”

What did he mean by this?

Is he saying that after I leave, he’ll take another woman and I shouldn’t resent it? Or that it’s okay to leave without worry? Or could it be... that he’d be troubled if I left?

I wanted to confirm the intention of his words and respond—but when I looked back, he was holding his head.

“Sorry, forget what I just said.”

I decided not to press him further. Then I stumbled again.

Granado Castle was large. As we continued down the long hallway, Lord Cyrus spoke to me two or three times.

“The Granado Trading Company conducts overseas trade. But lately, merchants from over there have been bringing more goods to the royal capital, so I hardly need to go abroad myself.”

“I see.”

“And recently, we stationed staff there permanently. Education and task handover are complete. When you first arrived, you were out a lot because of that. So from now on, I’ll never let you feel lonely.”