Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

This has become quite a serious matter.

“Um… Lord Cyrus…”

“Hm?” Lord Cyrus tilted his head lightly.

“C-could you please let me into your room for now?”

He looked momentarily puzzled but opened the door to his room. The two of us stepped inside together.

Standing there, I fidgeted, trying to gather my words but failing to do so.

No, there was no need to gather my words— I just needed to repeat what I said earlier. I knew that, but no sound came out. After he prompted me several times, I finally found my voice.

“Um… w-why did you chase after me?”

Ah, no! That’s not what I meant to say... but it’s fine. Lord Cyrus chased after me to stop me… I think. If that’s the case, he’ll surely say something sweet, and then I can agree with “Me too,” and that’s that. No need to repeat the confession I made earlier. Good.

I breathed a sigh of relief. Instead of pulling me close, Lord Cyrus did not embrace me.

“Ah. I have something to tell you—about ‘Arthur.’”

Huh? I was dumbfounded by those unexpected words. He spoke in a low, groaning voice, explaining carefully.

“If you leave here, maybe it’s better not to say anything. But still, I must tell you—he ran away.”

“Ran away? My elder sister!?”

I couldn’t help but blurt out loudly. Lord Cyrus looked troubled.

“I’m half-doubtful that Arthur is Anastasia. After all, he disappeared before we met. According to Norman, it seems he hated nobles from the start because he was sold off. Though Norman brought him here, it seems seeing Granado Castle made him run away again.”

“I-I see. So Anastasia’s survival remains uncertain…”

I was overcome by chills again. My trembling fingers were grasped by Lord Cyrus. His large, warm hand enveloped mine, melting away my fear.

Though his hand was gentle, his voice was firm.

“Marie, listen. Arthur is not Anastasia. Even if Anastasia escaped danger, disguised as a man, and was in the Artisan District, that person would be Arthur, not Anastasia.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Unlike blind Norman, Arthur can read. He can see wanted posters all over the royal capital and could visit the Shadelan Family or Granado Castle on foot. If Anastasia wanted that…”

“…But that’s… my elder sister doesn’t know about you…”

“Don’t underestimate your elder sister.”

His hand holding mine was gentle.

I stared intently at his fingers.

“Marie. Anastasia is an adult. As you well know, a strong-willed woman would choose her own life path, no matter how others see it. There are many people living in that town. Assuming she would choose the countess’s status over being an artisan is insulting to them—and denies your elder sister.”

“…Deny my sister…”

“People can choose how to live. I want you to understand that.”

Each word was spoken strongly. I chewed on every single word.

Yes… that’s true. I know well that the servants in this castle all work with purpose and joy. I have always liked learning about various cultures, customs, and ways of life. I admired lifestyles different from my own. Yet, I forgot all that and tried to impose what I liked on my sister…

“…Yes. I understand well. Thank you…”

When I nodded, he sighed with relief and smiled, glad I understood.

He released my hand quietly, and instead, pinched a lock of my hair.

“Just as Anastasia didn’t choose the castle, I’m not necessarily going to fall for her. Some men prefer red copper over gold.”

If I had heard those words three months ago, I wouldn’t have believed them. Actually, even when he had said them, I couldn’t understand.

Now, I can understand easily. Because I also like his bewitching, feared gaze.

Lord Cyrus’s fingers pinching my hair — even without touching anywhere else, his body warmth reached me. …I wish he’d stroke my cheek like this…

“I-I also…”

My heart pounding, I closed my eyes…

“Marie… you should live freely. Marriage with me isn’t the only happiness.”

—Huh?

“Even if you’re born into a noble family, there are other ways to live. If you want, I can even prepare another name for you. Even if it’s not Granado… I will definitely protect you. You can rest assured of that.”